ism of
these and their like have made her, men whose fame, unlike that of most
Hellenes, will be found to be only commensurate with their deserts. And
if a test of worth be wanted, it is to be found in their closing scene,
and this not only in cases in which it set the final seal upon their
merit, but also in those in which it gave the first intimation of their
having any. For there is justice in the claim that steadfastness in
his country's battles should be as a cloak to cover a man's other
imperfections; since the good action has blotted out the bad, and his
merit as a citizen more than outweighed his demerits as an individual.
But none of these allowed either wealth with its prospect of future
enjoyment to unnerve his spirit, or poverty with its hope of a day of
freedom and riches to tempt him to shrink from danger. No, holding that
vengeance upon their enemies was more to be desired than any personal
blessings, and reckoning this to be the most glorious of hazards, they
joyfully determined to accept the risk, to make sure of their vengeance,
and to let their wishes wait; and while committing to hope the
uncertainty of final success, in the business before them they thought
fit to act boldly and trust in themselves. Thus choosing to die
resisting, rather than to live submitting, they fled only from
dishonour, but met danger face to face, and after one brief moment,
while at the summit of their fortune, escaped, not from their fear, but
from their glory.

"So died these men as became Athenians. You, their survivors, must
determine to have as unfaltering a resolution in the field, though you
may pray that it may have a happier issue. And not contented with ideas
derived only from words of the advantages which are bound up with the
defence of your country, though these would furnish a valuable text to
a speaker even before an audience so alive to them as the present, you
must yourselves realize the power of Athens, and feed your eyes upon her
from day to day, till love of her fills your hearts; and then, when
all her greatness shall break upon you, you must reflect that it was by
courage, sense of duty, and a keen feeling of honour in action that
men were enabled to win all this, and that no personal failure in an
enterprise could make them consent to deprive their country of their
valour, but they laid it at her feet as the most glorious contribution
that they could offer. For this offering of their lives made in comm