History of the Peloponnesian War

For they believed that in any event the war with the Peloponnesians would have to be faced, and they did not wish to give up Corcyra, which had so large a fleet, to the Corinthians, but hoped to wear them out upon one another as much as possible, in order that the Corinthians as well as other naval powers[*](Referring especially to those mentioned Thuc. 1.27.2.) might be found weaker in case they had to go to war with them.

Besides, the island seemed to them admirably situated for a coasting voyage to Italy and Sicily.[*](cf. Thuc. 1.36.2.)

With these motives the Athenians received the Corcyraeans into alliance and sent to their aid, soon after the departure of the Corinthians,

ten ships commanded by Lacedaemonius son of Cimon, Diotimus son of Strombichus, and Proteas son of Epicles.

Orders were given to these not to engage with the Corinthians, unless they should sail against Corcyra and attempt to land there, or to some place belonging to the Corcyraeans; but in that case they were to thwart them if possible. The object of these orders was to avoid breaking the treaty.