History of the Peloponnesian War

Those men are worthy of commendation who following the natural inclination of man in desiring rule over others are juster than for their own power they need.

And therefore if another had our power, we think it would best make appear our own moderation; and yet our moderation hath undeservedly incurred contempt rather than commendation.

"For though in pleas of covenants with our confederates when, in our own city we have allowed them trial by laws equal both to them and us, the judgment hath been given against us, we have then nevertheless been reputed contentious.

None of them considering that others, who in other places have dominion and are toward their subject states less moderate than we, yet are never upbraided for it.