Stop reading. This Aristonoê, men of the jury, is the daughter of Philostratus and mother of Phaenippus. He declares that a debt is owing to her for her marriage portion, but of this the laws make him the owner. After the death of her husband a woman might return to the house of her κύριος (nearest male relative), or, if there were children, she might live with them in her husband’s house. In this case the marriage portion became the property of her son. In return he was bound to give his mother maintenance, but the portion could not be counted a lien upon his property. His statement is therefore false, and he does not make a just declaration. For why is it that I, Phaenippus, while my mother—who brought with her a marriage portion—is living and dwelling in my house, do not declare the marriage portion as a debt due to her, and thus try to lead the jurymen astray, but permit her to share in all that I have, alike whether it shall prove to be the estate of Phaenippus or my own? Because the laws so command, my good Sir. But all that you do is contrary to the laws. (To the clerk.) Read on. The Declaration You hear, men of the jury. He declares that he owes upon the land to Pamphilus and Pheidoleus of Rhamnus Rhamnus was a deme of the tribe Aeantis. jointly a talent, and to Aeantides of Phlyus Phlyus was a deme of the tribe Cecropis. four thousand drachmae, and to Aristomenes of Anagyrus Anagyrus was a deme of the tribe Erectheïs. fourteen minae. Why, then, Phaenippus, when I asked you in the presence of witnesses whether you owed anything on your farm, and bade you show me the pillar of mortgage, if one were set up anywhere upon it, and and adjured you not to have any fictitious creditors to be brought to light later on to my prejudice—why, pray, did you not reveal any of these debts then? And why, when you have been a month late in giving me your declaration, though the law bids that it be given within three days, have creditors and debts for more than three talents now come on the scene?