Letter 43: When an enemy renders such a verdict about me, then I will consider it worth taking pride in -- since it would mean...
**To Demetrius** (358/359)
When a man who is my enemy passes such judgments about me, then I shall think it right to take pride in them, as having conquered even one who hates me by the force of my words — since I observe that Demosthenes, too, demonstrated that he had chosen the best course by the fact that not even his enemies could misrepresent what he had chosen. But a friend praising a friend is merely an Astydamas praising himself.
As for the things you have written to me, I would not claim to deserve them; yet I take pleasure in having such a friend — not in believing that my oratory is truly as you describe. Of my works, whatever you ask for I shall send, so as not to disappoint you. But otherwise I shall not send them, lest I seem to be praising myself.
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