§8.1Hic etsi crimine Pario est accusatus, tamen alia causa fuit damnationis.
Although he was accused on the charge regarding Paros, yet the cause of his condemnation was different.
namque Athenienses propter Pisistrati tyrannidem, quae paucis annis ante fuerat, nimiam civium suorum potentiam extimescebant.
For the Athenians, on account of the tyranny of Pisistratus, which had existed a few years before, dreaded excessive power in any of their citizens.
§8.2Miltiades, multum in imperiis magistratibusque versatus, non videbatur posse esse privatus, praesertim cum consuetudine ad imperii cupiditatem trahi videretur.
Miltiades, having been much engaged in military commands and magistracies, did not seem able to live as a private citizen, especially as he appeared by habit to be drawn to a desire for ruling.
§8.3nam in Chersoneso omnes illos quos habitarat annos perpetuam obtinuerat dominationem tyrannusque fuerat appellatus, sed iustus.
For in the Chersonese, during all those years that he had lived there, he had held perpetual dominion, and had been called a tyrant, but a just one.
non erat enim vi consecutus, sed suorum voluntate, eamque potestatem bonitate retinebat.
For he had not obtained it by force, but by the consent of his people, and he maintained that power by his goodness.
omnes autem et dicuntur et habentur tyranni, qui potestate sunt perpetua in ea civitate, quae libertate usa est.
Moreover, all are both called and considered tyrants, who hold perpetual power in a state which has enjoyed liberty.
§8.4sed in Miltiade erat cum summa humanitas tum mira communitas, ut nemo tam humilis esset, cui non ad eum aditus pateret; magna auctoritas apud omnes civitates, nobile nomen, laus rei militaris maxima.
But in Miltiades there was not only the greatest humanity but also a wonderful affability, so that no one was so humble that access to him was not open to them; he had great authority among all the states, a noble name, and the highest reputation for military science.
haec populus respiciens maluit illum innoxium plecti quam se diutius esse in timore.
The people, looking to these things, preferred that he, though innocent, should be punished, rather than that they themselves should be any longer in fear.