History of the Peloponnesian War

"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.

"And as for the slowness and dilatoriness which they most blame in us, be not ashamed of them. For by hurrying [to begin the war] you would be the more slow in finishing it because you took it in hand when unprepared:

and at the same time we always enjoy a city that is free and most glorious; and it is a wise moderation that can best constitute this. For owing to it we alone do not grow insolent in success, and yield less than others to misfortunes. We are not excited by the pleasure afforded by those who with praise stimulate us to dangers contrary to our conviction; and if any one provoke us with accusation, we are not the more prevailed on through being thus annoyed.

We are both warlike and wise through our orderly temper: warlike, because shame partakes very largely of moderation, and courage of shame; and wise, because we are brought up with too little learning to despise the laws, and with too severe a self-control to disobey them; and are not over-clever in useless things, so that while in word we might ably find fault with our enemies' resources, we should not go against them so well in deed; [*]( Or, should not so well follow up our words with deeds. —The following infinitive νομίζειν depends upon παιδευόμενοι understood again.)