History of the Peloponnesian War

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.

And what they have planned but not carried out, they think that in this they lose something already their own; what they have attempted and gained, that in this they have achieved but little in comparison with what they mean to do. Then, if they fail in an attempt at any thing, by forming fresh hopes in its stead, they supply the deficiency: for they are the only people that [*]( More literally, possess in the same degree as they hope for. ) succeed to the full extent of their hope in what they have planned, because they quickly undertake what they have resolved.

And in this way they labour, with toils and dangers, all their life long; and least enjoy what they have, because they are always getting, and think a feast to be nothing else but to gain their ends, and inactive quiet to be no less a calamity than laborious occupation.

So that if any one should sum up their character, by saying, that they are made neither to be quiet themselves, nor let the rest of the world be so, he would speak correctly.

And yet when such is the character of this state that is opposed to you, Lacedaemonians, you go on delaying, and think that peace is not most lasting in the case of those men, who with their resources do what is right, while as regards their feelings, they are known to be determined not to put up with it, if they are injured: but you practise fair dealing on the principle of neither annoying others, nor being hurt yourselves in self-defence.