History of the Peloponnesian War

"Men of Lacedaemon, both I myself have the experience of many wars, and I see you of the same age with me to have the like, insomuch as you cannot desire this war either through inexperience, as many do, nor yet as apprehending it to be profitable or safe.

And whosoever shall temperately consider the war we now deliberate of will find it to be no small one.