Those who malign me are making unwarranted accusations. They do not charge me with plotting, for their villainy is bound by no oath. But the jury’s judgement is governed by an oath. An unjust trial differs from an unjust punishment only in name. They think that they will plunge me below the surface. It is not right that the saving of a man in danger should provide fuel for the malicious charges of those who have abandoned all principle, nor that an accusation based on stories should be held stronger than a defence grounded on facts. Greece has lost an eye in the destruction of the Thebans’ city.