headlong anxiety to transform the democracy into the Four Hundred,
and, in fact, for a time held the first place in that body. But
presently, detecting the formation of rival power to the oligarchs,
round he shifted; and we find him next a ringleader of the popular
party in assailing them. It must be admitted, he has well earned his
nickname 'Buskin.'[9] Yes, Theramenes! clever you may be, but the man
who deserves to live should not show his cleverness in leading on his
associates into trouble, and when some obstacle presents itself, at
once veer round; but like a pilot on shipboard, he ought then to
redouble his efforts, until the wind is fair. Else, how in the name of
wonderment are those mariners to reach the haven where they would be,
if at the first contrary wind or tide they turn about and sail in the
opposite direction? Death and destruction are concomitants of
constitutional changes and revolution, no doubt; but you are such an
impersonation of change, that, as you twist and turn and double, you
deal destruction on all sides. At one swoop you are the ruin of a
thousand oligarchs at the hands of the people, and at another of a
thousand democrats at the hands of the better classes. Why, sirs, this
is the man to whom the orders were given by the generals, in the sea-
fight off Lesbos, to pick up the crews of the disabled vessels; and
who, neglecting to obey orders, turned round and accused the generals;
and to save himself murdered them! What, I ask you, of a man who so
openly studied the art of self-seeking, deaf alike to the pleas of
honour and to the claims of friendship? Would not leniency towards
such a creature be misplaced? Can it be our duty at all to spare him?
Ought we not rather, when we know the doublings of his nature, to
guard against them, lest we enable him presently to practise on
ourselves? The case is clear. We therefore hereby cite this man before
you, as a conspirator and traitor against yourselves and us. The
reasonableness of our conduct, one further reflection may make clear.