History of the Peloponnesian War

MEL. “As we think, at any rate, it is expedient (for we are constrained to speak of expediency, since you have in this fashion, ignoring the principle of justice, suggested that we speak of what is advantageous) that you should not rule out the principle of the common good, but that for him who is at the time in peril what is equitable should also be just, and though one has not entirely[*](ἐντὸς τοῦ ἀκριβοῦς, lit. “short of exactness.”) proved his point he should still derive some benefit therefrom. And this is not less for your interest than for our own, inasmuch as you, if you shall ever meet with a reverse, would not only incur the greatest punishment, but would also become a warning example to others.”[*](ie. cruel conduct on your part would justify others in inflicting like punishment upon you should you ever be defeated.)