History of the Peloponnesian War

Even if we were in the wrong, it had been honourable for them to have yielded to our humour; but disgraceful for us to have done violence to their moderation: but through pride, and power of wealth, they have both acted wrongly towards us in many other things, and with regard to Epidamnus, which belonged to us, when it was ill-treated they did not claim it; but when we went to its assistance, they took it by force, and keep it.

"And they say, forsooth, that they were before willing to have it judicially decided : but with regard to this, it is not the man who proposes it with superiority, [*]( A secondary meaning of προκαλεῖσθαι, very common when it is not followed by an accusative of the person with ἐς See II. 72. 3, 5; 73. 1; 74. 1, 2.) and in safety, that should be considered to say any thing; but that man, who puts alike his actions and words on the same footing, [*]( i. e. who does not say one thing and do another. Poppo takes ἴσον in the sense of 'equity:' eum, qui factis pariter atque oratione aequitatem retinet. ) before he enters on the struggle.

But as for these men, it was not before they besieged the place, but when they thought that we should not put up with it, that they also advanced the specious plea of a judicial decision. And they are come hither, not only having themselves done wrong there, but now requesting you also to join them, not in alliance, but in injury; and to receive them, when they are at variance with us. But then ought they to have applied to you, when they were most secure;