History of the Peloponnesian War

For I understand that they contemplate a combined attack, upon our lines with their land forces and with their fleet by sea.

You must none of you be surprised that I say by sea also. They have discovered that the length of the time we have now been in commission has rotted our ships and wasted our crews, and that with the entireness of our crews and the soundness of our ships the pristine efficiency of our navy has departed.