Oct 4– From “Demosthenes” from Plutarch’s Lives translated by Dryden and revised by Arthur Hugh Clough

Accurate reproduction of Athenian reactions to Demosthenes

Oct 4– From “Demosthenes” from Plutarch’s Lives translated by Dryden and revised by Arthur Hugh Clough

Summary: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance (also, sick burns)

Commentary: That's really the main thing here. The first half or so is all about how prepared Demosthenes would be, and how careful he was with his words.

 And he would affirm, that it was the more truly popular act to use premeditation, such preparation being a kind of respect to the people; whereas, to slight and take no care how what is said is likely to be received by the audience, shows something of an oligarchical temper, and is the course of one that intends force rather than persuasion. 

And a bunch of insults.

The second half is more standard Plutarch political/history summary.