History of the Peloponnesian War

For in their land consider that you have nothing else but a hostage; and the more so, the better it is cultivated. You should therefore spare it as long as possible, and not, through having reduced them to desperation, find them the more difficult to subdue.

For if we are hurried on by the complaints of our allies, and ravage it while we are unprepared, see that we do not come off in a manner more disgraceful and perplexing to the Peloponnese [than we should wish [*]( Or the comparative may perhaps be used for the positive.) ].

For complaints, both of states and individuals, it is possible to settle: but when all together have, for their own separate interests, undertaken a war, of which it is impossible to know how it will go on, it is not easy to effect a creditable arrangement.

"And let no one think it shows a want of courage for many not at once to advance against one state.

For they too have no fewer allies who pay them tribute; [*]( These words are only applicable to the allies of the Athenians) and war is not so much a thing of arms as of money, by means of which arms are of service; especially in the case of continental against maritime powers.

Let us first then provide ourselves with this, and not be excited beforehand by the speeches of the allies; but as we shall have the greater part of the responsibility for the consequences either way, so also let us quietly take a view of them beforehand.