Adultery, Justice, and Athenian Law: A True Story

Adultery, Justice, and Athenian Law

Anyway, I was told in detail everything that happened. When he left, I replied, "Beware, lest you learn this at all. Or, is void anything we agreed? I ask that I show it all in flagrant [delict]; because I do not need words, but show me clear that the fact, if it is." She pledged. So it took four or five days after this conversation, as I will show overwhelming evidence.

But first I will relate what happened the last day. Sostratus is a relative and my friend. I found him after sunset, when coming from the field. Since I knew that if I arrived at that time I would not find any of his relatives at home, I invited him to dinner with me. We arrived at my house and went upstairs to dine. When he was fine, he retired, and I went to sleep.

And then Eratosthenes, citizens, came, and the maid woke me up right away and told me that he was inside. Then I told her to deal with the door, and I went down in silence and went out. I went to so-and-so. Some were found in their house, and I heard that others were not in the city. I brought the greatest number of those who were present and I set off.

We took torches from the nearest store and entered, as the door was open, thanks to the slave. When we pushed the door of the bedroom, the first of us to enter saw him still lying next to my woman; the last saw him standing naked on the bed.

I, citizens, threw a punch, knocked him down, twisted his arms back, and tied him up. I asked him why he outraged me by entering my own house. He admitted that he wronged me and asked me, pleading, not to kill him, but to ask for money.

I said, "It is not I who kills you, but the law of Athens that you infringed. You have put it underneath your pleasures and have preferred to commit an enormous crime against my wife and kids, rather than submit to the laws and live decently."

In this way, citizens, he received exactly what the laws prescribe for those who commit such acts. He was not forced to enter from the street or had taken refuge by the hearth, as they say. For how could he have done so if he fell instantly wounded in the bedroom, if I twisted his arms back, if so many men were inside that he could not escape them, not taking iron or a stick or anything to defend themselves from those who came?

Citizens, I think you also know that those who do not act justly do not recognize what their true enemies say. On the contrary, they are the ones who, with their lies and by such procedures, excite the ire of listeners against those who act justly. Well, read the law first.

He admitted that he wronged me and asked me, pleading, not to kill him, but to ask for money. I said, "It is not I who kills you, but the law of Athens that you infringed. You have put it underneath your pleasures, and have preferred to commit an enormous crime against my wife and kids, rather than submit to the laws and live decently."

In this way, citizens, he received exactly what the laws prescribe for those who commit such acts. He was not forced to enter from the street or had taken refuge on the hearth, as they say.