History of the Peloponnesian War

for not only will no one else revolt, but our resources will be added to hers, and we should be treated with greater rigour[*](Especially as regards the tribute which would be exacted.) than those who have long been slaves.

But if you give us your hearty support, you will add to your league a state that has a large navy, a thing of which you still stand most in need, and you will find it easier to overthrow the Athenians by gradually drawing their allies away from them—for every one will be emboldened to come over to your side—and you will free yourselves of the reproach under which you have heretofore laboured, of refusing[*](cf. 1.69.1, 5.) to aid those who revolt from the Athenians. But if you openly play the part of liberators,[*](cf. 2.8.4.) the more certain will be your victory in the war.