[45]
All this breeds distrust and resentment. For
we are bound, Athenians, to share equitably with one another the privileges of
citizenship, the wealthy feeling secure to lead their own lives and haunted by
no fears on that account, but in the face of dangers making over their property
to the commonwealth for its defence; while the rest must realize that
State-property is common property, duly receiving their share of it, but
recognizing that private wealth belongs to the possessor. In this way a small
state grows great, and a great one is kept great. This may pass for a verbal
statement of the duties of each class; for the legal performance of those duties
some organization is necessary.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by J. H. Vince, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1930.
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