History of the Peloponnesian War

The Plataean envoys went to Athens, and consulted with the Athenians, and returned with the following message to those in the city:

‘The Athenians say, Plataeans, that they never hitherto, since we became their allies, on any occasion abandoned us to an enemy, nor will they now neglect us, but will help us according to their ability; and they adjure you by the oaths which your fathers swore, to keep the alliance unaltered.’