Histories

If Histiaeus the tyrant of Miletus [27.3,37.5] (Perseus) Miletus had consented to the opinion of the other tyrants instead of opposing it, the power of Iran [53,32] (nation), AsiaPersia would have perished. Yet it is dreadful even in the telling, that one man should hold in his hand all the king's fortunes.

So do not plan to run the risk of any such danger when there is no need for it. Listen to me instead: for now dismiss this assembly; consider the matter by yourself and, whenever you so please, declare what seems best to you.

A well-laid plan is always to my mind most profitable; even if it is thwarted later, the plan was no less good, and it is only chance that has baffled the design; but if fortune favor one who has planned poorly, then he has gotten only a prize of chance, and his plan was no less bad.