And we acted thus at crises when, if ever, men are
wont in their efforts against their enemies to forget everything for the
sake of victory, regarding him who assists them then as a friend, even
if thus far he has been a foe, and him who opposes them then as a foe,
even if he has thus far been a friend; indeed they allow their real
interests to suffer from their absorbing preoccupation in the struggle.

"Weigh well these considerations, and let your youth learn what they are
from their elders, and let them determine to do unto us as we have done
unto you. And let them not acknowledge the justice of what we say,
but dispute its wisdom in the contingency of war. Not only is the
straightest path generally speaking the wisest; but the coming of the
war, which the Corcyraeans have used as a bugbear to persuade you to do
wrong, is still uncertain, and it is not worth while to be carried away
by it into gaining the instant and declared enmity of Corinth. It were,
rather, wise to try and counteract the unfavourable impression which
your conduct to Megara has created. For kindness opportunely shown has a
greater power of removing old grievances than the facts of the case
may warrant. And do not be seduced by the prospect of a great naval
alliance. Abstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is
a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the
sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.
It is now our turn to benefit by the principle that we laid down at
Lacedaemon, that every power has a right to punish her own allies.
We now claim to receive the same from you, and protest against your
rewarding us for benefiting you by our vote by injuring us by yours.
On the contrary, return us like for like, remembering that this is
that very crisis in which he who lends aid is most a friend, and he who
opposes is most a foe. And for these Corcyraeans--neither receive them
into alliance in our despite, nor be their abettors in crime. So do, and
you will act as we have a right to expect of you, and at the same time
best consult your own interests."

Such were the words of the Corinthians.

When the Athenians had heard both out, two assemblies were held. In the
first there was a manifest disposition to listen to the representations
of Corinth; in the second, public feeling had changed and an alliance
with Corcyra was decided on, with certain reservations. It was to be a
defensive, no