Source edition
Hyperides. Minor Attic Orators, Vol. 2. Burtt, J. O., editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1954 (printing).
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a courtroom oration delivered in defense of Lycophron, an Athenian citizen accused of inducing a newlywed bride to commit infidelity. In the speech, the defense exposes the absurdity of the charges brought by the prosecutors Ariston and Lycurgus, arguing that such solicitation would be impossible given the public nature of the wedding ceremony and the presence of witnesses. Furthermore, the speaker fiercely criticizes Ariston for bypassing standard legal procedures and abusing the impeachment process (eisangelia) to slander the defendant without risking any penalty. In the latter half, the defense highlights the contradictions in the prosecution's claims and appeals to Lycophron's past public services and personal integrity. Finally, to overcome his disadvantage as a private citizen, the defendant secures the jury's permission to call supporting advocates (synegoroi) to the podium to plead for his acquittal.