To Maximus. (358/359)
This old man Heraclius has suffered many wrongs -- not on account of your administration (the Phocian War came before Demosthenes' career, as they say [meaning the wrongs preceded your tenure]), but at the hands of men who readily strangle anyone they choose. He comes having shortened his labor somewhat through his efforts here, but the final outcome of the whole matter rests on your verdict.
So make the ending a fine one and grant the favor without departing from justice. For it would be absurd if the reputation I gained among the Armenians under Eutherius's governorship -- as one able to help people -- should be ruined under the fine governorship of Maximus.
This old man Heraclius has suffered many wrongs -- not on account of your administration (the Phocian War came before Demosthenes' career, as they say [meaning the wrongs preceded your tenure]), but at the hands of men who readily strangle anyone they choose. He comes having shortened his labor somewhat through his efforts here, but the final outcome of the whole matter rests on your verdict.
So make the ending a fine one and grant the favor without departing from justice. For it would be absurd if the reputation I gained among the Armenians under Eutherius's governorship -- as one able to help people -- should be ruined under the fine governorship of Maximus.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.