Originally, a sophist was a speaker and professor of eloquence in Ancient Greece<hr>
regarded for his culture and mastery of discourse, and against whom, the philosophy was partially developed. Nowadays, a sophist is a "person using<hr>
sophisms, arguments or specious reasoning to deceive or create illusions".<hr>
       Xerxes I was a high Persian king, a member of the Achaemenid dynasty, who ruled<hr>
from 486 to 465. He triggered a war to invade Greece, which he managed to do till Athens, before<hr>
being pushed back.<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                       Second Speech – Mariamne to Herod<hr>
                                     Mariamne, Queen of Judea<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                                                 Context<hr>
       Few would be ignorant that Herod accused and put his wife to death, but not everyone knows<hr>
her plea for defense. Among the two historians who have spoken about her, one<hr>
was detached from her era and the other was her husband's flatterer. Therefore, it is up to us to<hr>
seek the truth between the ignorance of one and the interests of the other. For my part, I confess to<hr>
siding with Mariamne, be it out of pity or reason. Whether it's her beauty that<hr>
dazzles me or her innocence that enlightens me, I cannot believe that a princess from the<hr>
glorious and generous bloodline of the Maccabees tarnished her reputation. I prefer to believe that Herod<hr>
remained Herod, that is, unjust and bloodthirsty. Here then is the defense of this beautiful and unfortunate<hr>
woman, which will have more credibility in her mouth than in mine. Listen to her speak and<hr>
notice, in her pride, the true character and temper of Mariamne.<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                                            Mariamne to Herod<hr>
<hr>
       Today, I speak without fear of death or desire for life. Although I am sure that<hr>
the fame would do me justice after my demise, I defend myself against my<hr>
accusers and enemies. I consider my last day as the first day of my felicity and<hr>
I calmly await the hour of my trial, hoping thereby to destabilize those who<hr>
persecute me. But since my reputation is being attacked as much as my life, it would be cowardly to<hr>
endure the defamation without responding. Innocence and glory are such precious things<hr>
that everything must be done to preserve them. So, allow me, lord, if the granddaughter of Hyrcanus<hr>
may address you thus, to remind you who you are and who I am. By comparing my past actions<hr>
with the charges held against me, you will be able to prepare yourself to accept the truths that<hr>
I am about to reveal to you.<hr>
<hr>
                                                      13<hr>