History of the Peloponnesian War

"It is but just, Athenians, that those who without any previous obligation, either of great benefit or alliance, come to their neighbours, as we now do, to beg their assistance, should convince them in the first place, [*]( This is perhaps the most convenient way of rendering the phrase μάλιστα μέν, when used, as it so often is, to draw attention to what appears the best thing of all, with εἰ δέ μή following for the second best, and answering to εἰ δυνατόν, sometimes expressed, but much more generally implied, in the former part of the alternative. Latin writers translate them by maxime quidem and sin minus. ) if possible, that they ask what is even expedient but if not that, at any rate what is not injurious; and in the second place, that they will also retain a lasting sense of the favour: and if they establish none of these points clearly, they should not be angry if they do not succeed.

Bat the Corcyraeans have sent us with a conviction that, together with their request for alliance, they will show that these points may be relied on by you.

Now the same policy has happened [*]( The participle ὄν is understood here, just as ὄντων is, I. 120. 7. See Jelf Gr. Gr, 694. obs. 1.) to prove inconsistent in your eyes, with regard to our request, and inexpedient, with regard to our own interest at the present time.

For having never yet in time past voluntarily become the allies of any party, we are now come to beg this of others; and at the same time we have, owing to it, been left destitute with regard to the present war with the Corinthians; and what before seemed our prudence, viz. not to join in the peril of our neighbour's views by being in alliance with others, has turned out now to be evident folly and weakness.

In the late sea-fight, indeed, by ourselves and single-handed we repulsed the Corinthians. But since they have set out against us with a larger force from the Peloponnese and the rest of Greece, and we see ourselves unable to escape by our own power alone; and at the same time our peril is great, if we are subjugated by them; we must beg assistance both from you and every one else : and it is pardonable, if we venture on a course contrary to our former non-interference, [which was practised,] not from any evil intention, but rather from an error of judgment.