History of the Peloponnesian War

"At the same time we consider that we, if any, have a right to administer rebuke to our neighbours; especially as the differences [between you and them] are great; of which you do not seem to us to have any perception, nor to have ever yet considered with what kind of people you will have to struggle in the Athenians, and how very, nay, how entirely different from yourselves.

They, for instance, are innovating, and quick to plan and accomplish by action what they have designed; while you are disposed to keep what you have, and form no new design, and by action not even to carry out what is necessary.

Again, they are bold even beyond their power, and adventurous beyond their judgment, and sanguine in dangers; while your character is to undertake things beneath your power, and not to trust even the sure grounds of your judgement, and to think that you will never escape from your dangers. Moreover, they are unhesitating, in opposition to you who are dilatory;

and fond of going from home, in opposition to you who are most fond of staying at home: for they think that by their absence they may acquire something; whereas you think that by attempting [more] you would do harm to what you have.

When they conquer their enemies, they carry out their advantage to the utmost; and when conquered, they fall back the least.

Further, they use their bodies as least belonging to them, for the good of their country; [*]( For this use ofἀλλότριος compare Homer, Odyss. 20. 346. mnhsth=rsi de\ Palla/s )Aqh/nha)sbesto\n ge/lw w)=rse. . . . oi( de\ gnaqmoi=si geloi/wn a)llotri/oisin: and Horace's imitation of it, Sat. 2. 3. 72. Cum rapies in jus malis ridentem alienis.) but their mind, as being most peculiarly their own, for achieving something on her account.