[54]
Nay more, Leochares has in the affidavit
sworn to facts actually older than himself. For how could a person who was not
yet a member of the house of Archiades when this suit for the inheritance was
instituted, know anything about these matters? Moreover, if he had sworn it of
himself alone, there would have been some sense in his action; he would have
written what was false, but nevertheless his statement would have concerned one
of an age to know. But as it is, he has written that the aforesaid Archiades had
lawfully born sons, meaning, of course, his own father and the one made such by
the original adoption, not taking cognizance of the fact that they had returned
to their original family. It follows, then, of necessity that he has sworn to
events older than himself, and not to things which have happened in his own day.
Are you, then, to credit one who has dared a thing like that, as though he were
speaking the truth?
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