ignation, however, Agesilaus
protested. (24) If mischief had been wrought to Lacedaemon by this deed,
it was just that the doer of it should be punished; but, if good, it was
a time-honoured custom to allow full scope for impromptu acts of this
character. "The sole point you have to look to," he urged, "is whether
what has been done is good or evil." After this, however, Leontiades
presented himself to the assembly (25) and addressed the members as
follows: "Sirs, Lacedaemonians, the hostile attitude of Thebes towards
you, before the occurrence of late events, was a topic constantly on
your lips, since time upon time your eyes were called upon to witness
her friendly bearing to your foes in contrast with her hatred of your
friends. Can it be denied that Thebes refused to take part with you in
the campaign against your direst enemy, the democracy in Piraeus; and
balanced that lukewarmness by on onslaught on the Phocians, whose
sole crime was cordiality to yourselves? (26) Nor is that all. In full
knowledge that you were likely to be engaged in war with Olynthus, she
proceeded at once to make an alliance with that city. So that up to the
last moment you were in constant expectation of hearing that the whole
of Boeotia was laid at the feet of Thebes. With the late incidents all
is changed. You need fear Thebes no longer. One brief despatch (27) in
cipher will suffice to procure a dutiful subservience to your every wish
in that quarter, provided only you will take as kindly an interest in us
as we in you."

(24) See "Ages." vii.

(25) "Select Committee." See "Hell." II. iv. 38; and below, VI. iii.
3.

(26) See above, "Hell." III. v. 4.

(27) Lit. "scytale."

This appeal told upon the meeting, and the Lacedaemonians (28) resolved
formally, now that the citadel had been taken, to keep it, and to put
Ismenias on his trial. In consequence of this resolution a body of
commissioners (29) was despatched, three Lacedaemonians and one for each
of the allied states, great and small alike. The court of inquiry thus
constituted, the sittings commenced, and an indictment was preferred
against Ismenias. He was accused of playing into the hands of the
barbarian; of seeking amity with the Persians to the detriment of
Hellas; of accepting sums of money as bribes from the king; and,
finally, of being, along with Androcleidas, the prime cause of the whole
intestine trouble to which Hellas was a prey. Each of these charges was
m