Against Philocrates

Lysias. Lamb, W.R.M., editor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1930.

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This work is an Athenian court oration directed against Philocrates, who is accused of embezzling and concealing the illicit property of the executed general Ergocles. The speaker addresses the Athenian jurors, asserting that the defendant was an intimate associate of Ergocles and has misappropriated public funds that rightfully belong to the state. Throughout the speech, the prosecutor highlights the suspiciously sudden wealth of Philocrates and their close relationship as clear evidence of complicity. He warns the jury that allowing the defendant to go free would mean abandoning state property and undermining justice. Ultimately, the orator strongly demands a severe penalty for Philocrates to recover the state's assets and uphold the law.