rians alike, since to not one of them is what we are doing a
matter of unconcern. If, then, in the presence of these witnesses, the
Lacedaemonians should prove base towards you, no one will ever again
be eager in their cause. But our hope, our expectation should rather be
that they will prove themselves good men and not base; since they beyond
all others would seem persistently to have cherished a high endeavour,
reaching forth after true praise, and holding aloof from ugly deeds.

(41) Lit. "to acquire some good."

(42) Or, "for what," etc.

"But there are further considerations which it were well you should lay
to heart. If danger were ever again to visit Hellas from the barbarian
world outside, in whom would you place your confidence if not in the
Lacedaemonians? Whom would you choose to stand at your right hand in
battle if not these, whose soldiers at Thermopylae to a man preferred to
fall at their posts rather than save their lives by giving the barbarian
free passage into Hellas? Is it not right, then, considering for
what thing's sake they displayed that bravery in your companionship,
considering also the good hope there is that they will prove the like
again--is it not just that you and we should lend them all countenance
and goodwill? Nay, even for us their allies' sake, who are present, it
would be worth your while to manifest this goodwill. Need you be assured
that precisely those who continue faithful to them in their misfortunes
would in like manner be ashamed not to requite you with gratitude?
And if we seem to be but small states, who are willing to share their
dangers with them, lay to heart that there is a speedy cure for this
defect: with the accession of your city the reproach that, in spite of
all our assistance, we are but small cities, will cease to be.

"For my part, men of Athens, I have hitherto on hearsay admired and
envied this great state, whither, I was told, every one who was wronged
or stood in terror of aught needed only to betake himself and he would
obtain assistance. To-day I no longer hear, I am present myself and
see these famous citizens of Lacedaemon here, and by their side their
trustiest friends, who have come to you, and ask you in their day of
need to give them help. I see Thebans also, the same who in days bygone
failed to persuade the Lacedaemonians to reduce you to absolute slavery,
(43) to-day asking you to suffer those who saved you to be destroyed.

(43) See "Hell