History of the Peloponnesian War

"And they say, forsooth, that they were before willing to have it judicially decided : but with regard to this, it is not the man who proposes it with superiority, [*]( A secondary meaning of προκαλεῖσθαι, very common when it is not followed by an accusative of the person with ἐς See II. 72. 3, 5; 73. 1; 74. 1, 2.) and in safety, that should be considered to say any thing; but that man, who puts alike his actions and words on the same footing, [*]( i. e. who does not say one thing and do another. Poppo takes ἴσον in the sense of 'equity:' eum, qui factis pariter atque oratione aequitatem retinet. ) before he enters on the struggle.

But as for these men, it was not before they besieged the place, but when they thought that we should not put up with it, that they also advanced the specious plea of a judicial decision. And they are come hither, not only having themselves done wrong there, but now requesting you also to join them, not in alliance, but in injury; and to receive them, when they are at variance with us. But then ought they to have applied to you, when they were most secure;

and not at a time when we have been injured, and they are in peril; nor at a time when you, though you did not share their power then, will now give them a share of your aid; and though you stood aloof from their misdeeds, will incur equal blame from us; but they ought long ago to have communicated their power to you, and so to have the results also in common. [As, [*]( These words, which are wanting in the text of most of the best MSS., have been omitted by Bekker, and enclosed in brackets by Göller. Dr. Bloomfield defends them, except the single word μόνων, which he gives up as unintelligible. —Arnold.) however, you have had no share only in the accusations brought against them, so you should not participate in the consequences of their actions.]

"That we ourselves, then, come with accusations on proper grounds, and that these are violent and rapacious, has been proved: and that you could not with justice receive them, you must now learn.

For if it is said in the treaty, that any of the states not registered in it may go to whichever side it please, the agreement was not meant for those who go to the detriment of others; but to any one who, without withdrawing himself from another, is in need of protection; and who will not cause war instead of peace to those who receive him, ([as they will not do [*]( There is a confusion in the expression, and the words εἰ σωφρονοῦσι have really nothing to do with the sentence as it is actually expressed, which is suggested as it were parenthetically to the writer's mind, but which he did not set down in words: if written at length it would run thus; The benefit of the treaty was intended for such only as should not involve those who received them in war, (as, if you are wise, you will take care that these men do not involve you. )—Arnold.) ] if they are wise;) which would now be your case, if not persuaded by us.