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[2]
Now I should have sent you the letter merely out of regard for
those services that Lycurgus performed during his lifetime, for which you would all, like
myself, be in justice grateful if you would but do your duty. For Lycurgus, having taken a
post in the financial department of the government1 at the outset of his career and
not being at all accustomed to draft documents pertaining to the general affairs of the
Greeks and their relations with their allies, only when the majority of those who
pretended to be the friends of democracy were deserting you, began to devote himself to
the principles of the popular party,
1 Lycurgus managed the finances of Athens efficiently for twelve years （338-326）, for one legal term of four years as treasurer and for two terms through others. During this period the income of the State was doubled and a large building program was carried through. In politics Lycurgus was associated with Demosthenes. Though he ranked as one of the ten Attic orators, his style was rather forceful than polished. One speech, Against Leocrates, is extant and his Life in Ps. Plut. Vit. 10 Orat., whose author seems to have made extensive use of the decree in his honor, I.G. 2. 456. Cf. also I.G. 2. 333, 1493-1496.
Demosthenes with an English translation by Norman W. DeWitt, Ph.D., and Norman J. DeWitt, Ph.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1949.
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