lly recognise, that from
boyhood they devote themselves to training for a soldier's life. The
keystone of this training is obedience to command, (6) and in this they
hold the same pre-eminence on land which you hold on the sea. Just as
you with your fleets, so they on land can, at a moment's notice, put
the largest army in the field; and with the like consequence, that their
allies, as is only rational, attach themselves to them with undying
courage. (7) Further, God has granted them to enjoy on land a like good
fortune to that vouchsafed to you on sea. Among all the many contests
they have entered into, it is surprising in how few they have failed, in
how many they have been successful. The same unflagging attention which
you pay to maritime affairs is required from them on land, and, as the
facts of history reveal, it is no less indispensable to them. Thus,
although you were at war with them for several years and gained many a
naval victory over them, you never advanced a step nearer to reducing
them. But once worsted on land, in an instant they were confronted with
a danger affecting the very lives of child and wife, and vital to the
interests of the entire state. We may very well understand, then, the
strangeness, not to say monstrosity, in their eyes, of surrendering to
others the military leadership on land, in matters which they have made
their special study for so long and with such eminent success. I end
where I began. I agree absolutely with the preliminary decrees of your
own senate, which I consider the solution most advantageous to both
parties. My prayer (8) is that you may be guided in your deliberations
to that conclusion which is best for each and all of us."

(6) Or, "the spirit of discipline." See "Mem." III. v. 16; IV. iv. 15;
Thuc. ii. 39; "Pol. Lac." viii.

(7) Or, "with unlimited confidence."

(8) See above, "Hell." VI. i. 13, {kai su prattois ta kratista}, "and
so may the best fortune attend you!"--if that reading and
rendering be adopted.

Such were the words of the orator, and the sentiments of his speech were
vehemently applauded by the Athenians no less than by the Lacedaemonians
who were present. Then Cephisodotus (9) stepped forward and addressed
the assembly. He said, "Men of Athens, do you not see how you are being
deluded? Lend me your ears, and I will prove it to you in a moment.
There is no doubt about your leadership by sea: it is already secured.
But suppose the La