the matter, the field to which we invite you is destined
to prove far richer in blessings to your own state of Athens than to
ours, Thebes."

With these words the speaker ended. Among the Athenians, speaker after
speaker spoke in favour of the proposition, (21) and finally a unanimous
resolution was passed voting assistance to the Thebans. Thrasybulus, in
an answer communicating the resolution, pointed out with pride that in
spite of the unfortified condition of Piraeus, Athens would not shrink
from repaying her former debt of gratitude to Thebes with interest.
"You," he added, "refused to join in a campaign against us; we are
prepared to fight your battles with you against the enemy, if he attacks
you." Thus the Thebans returned home and made preparations to defend
themselves, whilst the Athenians made ready to assist them.

(21) For the alliance between Boeotia and Athens, B.C. 395, see
Kohler, "C. I. A." ii. 6; Hicks, op. cit. 65; Lys. "pro Man." S.
13; Jebb, "Att. Or." i. p. 247; and the two speeches of the same
orator Lysias against Alcibiades (son of the famous Alcibiades),
on a Charge of Desertion ("Or." xiv.), and on a Charge of Failure
to Serve ("Or." xv.)--Jebb, op. cit. i. p. 256 foll.

And now the Lacedaemonians no longer hesitated. Pausanias the
king advanced into Boeotia with the home army and the whole of the
Peloponnesian contingents, saving only the Corinthians, who declined
to serve. Lysander, at the head of the army supplied by Phocis and
Orchomenus and the other strong places in those parts, had already
reached Haliartus, in front of Pausanias. Being arrived, he refused to
sit down quietly and await the arrival of the army from Lacedaemon, but
at once marched with what troops he had against the walls of Haliartus;
and in the first instance he tried to persuade the citizens to detach
themselves from Thebes and to assume autonomy, but the intention was
cut short by certain Thebans within the fortress. Whereupon Lysander
attacked the place. The Thebans were made aware, (22) and hurried to the
rescue with heavy infantry and cavalry. Then, whether it was that the
army of relief fell upon Lysander unawares, or that with clear knowledge
of his approach he preferred to await the enemy, with intent to crush
him, is uncertain. This only is clear: a battle was fought beside the
walls, and a trophy still exists to mark the victory of the townsfolk
before the gates of Haliartus. Lysander wa