The Greek orators

The Greek Orators is by J. F. Dobson, M. A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, professor of Greek in the University of Bristol. The preface says the object of the book is to provide a reasonably short account of the works of the Orators and to give a general idea of the style of each. The preface says that the object could be best attained, not by applying methods of scientific analysis, but by giving numerous quotations from the speeches.

The text says that Timarchus was certainly condemned and disfranchised, and that Aeschines himself was acquitted a few years later on a political charge. The text says Aeschines might well feel a legitimate pride at the high position to which he had climbed from a comparatively humble starting-point, but that to reiterate the reasons for this pride is a display of vanity. The text quotes an analogy in which the gymnastic trainer teaches pupils first to perform the separate movements, then to combine them, and names three essentials requisite for success, natural aptitude, proper teaching, and long practice.