[56] For it would be the height of absurdity if in a case where my accuser denounces me for writing the kind of speeches which both hurt our city and corrupt our youth I used other speeches in my defense, when I can clear my name of the calumnies which are being heaped upon it by producing before you the very discourses of which he complains. I ask of you, then, for these reasons to bear with me and to lend me your support. But for the benefit of the others on the jury[47] I shall attempt to proceed with my selections, after a further word of explanation to enable them to follow more easily what is said.