History of the Peloponnesian War

Against their superior experience set your superior daring, and against the fear induced by defeat the fact of your having been then unprepared;

remember, too, that you have always the advantage of superior numbers, and of engaging off your own coast, supported by your heavy infantry; and as a rule, numbers and equipment give victory.

At no point, therefore, is defeat likely; and as for our previous mistakes, the very fact of their occurrence will teach us better for the future.

Steersmen and sailors may, therefore, confidently attend to their several duties, none quitting the station assigned to them;