ravest failings,
want of sense, of courage, or of vigilance. For we do not suppose that
you have taken refuge in that contempt of an enemy which has proved so
fatal in so many instances--a feeling which from the numbers that it has
ruined has come to be called not contemptuous but contemptible.

"There is, however, no advantage in reflections on the past further
than may be of service to the present. For the future we must provide by
maintaining what the present gives us and redoubling our efforts; it is
hereditary to us to win virtue as the fruit of labour, and you must
not change the habit, even though you should have a slight advantage
in wealth and resources; for it is not right that what was won in want
should be lost in plenty; no, we must boldly advance to the war for many
reasons; the god has commanded it and promised to be with us, and the
rest of Hellas will all join in the struggle, part from fear, part from
interest. You will be the first to break a treaty which the god, in
advising us to go to war, judges to be violated already, but rather to
support a treaty that has been outraged: indeed, treaties are broken not
by resistance but by aggression.

"Your position, therefore, from whatever quarter you may view it, will
amply justify you in going to war; and this step we recommend in the
interests of all, bearing in mind that identity of interest is the
surest of bonds, whether between states or individuals. Delay not,
therefore, to assist Potidaea, a Dorian city besieged by Ionians, which
is quite a reversal of the order of things; nor to assert the freedom
of the rest. It is impossible for us to wait any longer when waiting
can only mean immediate disaster for some of us, and, if it comes to be
known that we have conferred but do not venture to protect ourselves,
like disaster in the near future for the rest. Delay not, fellow allies,
but, convinced of the necessity of the crisis and the wisdom of this
counsel, vote for the war, undeterred by its immediate terrors, but
looking beyond to the lasting peace by which it will be succeeded. Out
of war peace gains fresh stability, but to refuse to abandon repose for
war is not so sure a method of avoiding danger. We must believe that
the tyrant city that has been established in Hellas has been established
against all alike, with a programme of universal empire, part fulfilled,
part in contemplation; let us then attack and reduce it, and win
future security for our