r own interests or their country's
laws are in question, are the worthiest men alive; of their conduct
towards others much might be said, but no clearer idea of it could be
given than by shortly saying that of all the men we know they are most
conspicuous in considering what is agreeable honourable, and what is
expedient just. Such a way of thinking does not promise much for the
safety which you now unreasonably count upon.

Melians. But it is for this very reason that we now trust to their
respect for expediency to prevent them from betraying the Melians, their
colonists, and thereby losing the confidence of their friends in Hellas
and helping their enemies.

Athenians. Then you do not adopt the view that expediency goes with
security, while justice and honour cannot be followed without danger;
and danger the Lacedaemonians generally court as little as possible.

Melians. But we believe that they would be more likely to face even
danger for our sake, and with more confidence than for others, as our
nearness to Peloponnese makes it easier for them to act, and our common
blood ensures our fidelity.

Athenians. Yes, but what an intending ally trusts to is not the goodwill
of those who ask his aid, but a decided superiority of power for action;
and the Lacedaemonians look to this even more than others. At least,
such is their distrust of their home resources that it is only with
numerous allies that they attack a neighbour; now is it likely that
while we are masters of the sea they will cross over to an island?

Melians. But they would have others to send. The Cretan Sea is a wide
one, and it is more difficult for those who command it to intercept
others, than for those who wish to elude them to do so safely. And
should the Lacedaemonians miscarry in this, they would fall upon your
land, and upon those left of your allies whom Brasidas did not reach;
and instead of places which are not yours, you will have to fight for
your own country and your own confederacy.

Athenians. Some diversion of the kind you speak of you may one day
experience, only to learn, as others have done, that the Athenians never
once yet withdrew from a siege for fear of any. But we are struck by
the fact that, after saying you would consult for the safety of your
country, in all this discussion you have mentioned nothing which men
might trust in and think to be saved by. Your strongest arguments depend
upon hope and the future, and your actual r