ll be a breach of the treaty
existing between you and Lacedaemon, the answer is that we are a neutral
state, and that one of the express provisions of that treaty is that
it shall be competent for any Hellenic state that is neutral to join
whichever side it pleases. And it is intolerable for Corinth to be
allowed to obtain men for her navy not only from her allies, but also
from the rest of Hellas, no small number being furnished by your own
subjects; while we are to be excluded both from the alliance left open
to us by treaty, and from any assistance that we might get from other
quarters, and you are to be accused of political immorality if you
comply with our request. On the other hand, we shall have much greater
cause to complain of you, if you do not comply with it; if we, who are
in peril and are no enemies of yours, meet with a repulse at your hands,
while Corinth, who is the aggressor and your enemy, not only meets with
no hindrance from you, but is even allowed to draw material for war from
your dependencies. This ought not to be, but you should either forbid
her enlisting men in your dominions, or you should lend us too what help
you may think advisable.

"But your real policy is to afford us avowed countenance and support.
The advantages of this course, as we premised in the beginning of our
speech, are many. We mention one that is perhaps the chief. Could there
be a clearer guarantee of our good faith than is offered by the fact
that the power which is at enmity with you is also at enmity with us,
and that that power is fully able to punish defection? And there is a
wide difference between declining the alliance of an inland and of
a maritime power. For your first endeavour should be to prevent, if
possible, the existence of any naval power except your own; failing
this, to secure the friendship of the strongest that does exist. And if
any of you believe that what we urge is expedient, but fear to act upon
this belief, lest it should lead to a breach of the treaty, you must
remember that on the one hand, whatever your fears, your strength will
be formidable to your antagonists; on the other, whatever the confidence
you derive from refusing to receive us, your weakness will have no
terrors for a strong enemy. You must also remember that your decision
is for Athens no less than Corcyra, and that you are not making the
best provision for her interests, if at a time when you are anxiously
scanning the horizon tha