History of the Peloponnesian War

“We have discussed these matters at length, Lacedaemonians, both for your sakes and our own, in order that you, for your part, may know that you will justly condemn them, and we that we have still more righteously exacted vengeance.

And let not your hearts be softened when you hear them speak of their ancient virtues, if indeed they ever had any; for virtues might well be a succour to the victims of wrong, but should bring a two-fold penalty upon the authors of a shameful deed, because their offence is out of keeping with their character. And let not their lamentation and pitiful wailing avail them, nor their appeals to the sepulchres of your fathers and their own desolate state.

For in answer we too would point out that a far more dreadful fate befell our young men who were butchered by them, of whose fathers some died at Coronea[*](As at 3.62.5, a reminder flattering to the Lacedaemonians.) trying to win Boeotia to your cause, while others, left desolate at home in their old age, with far greater justice make supplication to you to take vengeance upon these men.

Pity is more worthily bestowed upon those who suffer an unseemly fate, but those who, like these Plataeans, deserve their fate afford on the contrary a subject for rejoicing.

As for their present desolation, that also is their own fault; for of their own free will they rejected the better alliance. They acted unlawfully without having received provocation at our hands, but through hatred rather than according to a just judgment, and they could not possibly pay now a penalty equal to their guilt, for they will suffer a lawful sentence; and they are not, as they claim,[*](cf. 3.58.3.) stretching out suppliant hands on the field of battle, but have delivered themselves up to justice under formal agreement.

Vindicate, therefore, Lacedaemonians, the law of the Hellenes which has been transgressed by these men, and render to us who have suffered by their lawlessness a just recompense for the services we have zealously given, and let us not because of their words be thrust aside when we plead before you,[*](Note the mocking quotation of phrases in the speech of the Plataeans, 3.57.3, 4.) but make it plain to the Hellenes by an example that the trials you institute will be of deeds, not words, and that, if the deeds are good, a brief recital of them suffices, but if they are wrong, speeches decked out with phrases are but veils to hide the truth.

Nay, if all leaders, like you in the present instance, should first state the facts briefly for all concerned,[*](Referring to the ἐπερώτημα βπαχὑ of 3.52.4; 3.53.2. Possibly πρὸς τοὺς ξύμπαντας goes with διαγνώμας ποιήσησθε, “and then as a warning to all pass sentence.”) and then pass sentence, there will be less seeking of fair words after foul deeds.”