History of the Peloponnesian War

but are taught to think that our neighbours' plans, [*]( I have followed the punctuation and interpretation of Göller and Arnold in their last edition; though not with a perfect conviction of its correctness, as I doubt whether the τε has any place before παραπλησίους και taken in this sense. But see Göller's note.—According to Haack and Poppo it would be, that our neighbours' plans are very similar to our own, and that the chances of war, etc.) and the chances which befall in war, are very similar as things not admitting of nice distinction in language. But we always provide in deed against our adversaries with the expectation of their planning well and must not rest our hopes on the probability of their blundering, but on the belief our own taking cautious forethought. Again, we should not think that one man differs much from another, but that he is the best who is educated in the most necessary things.

These practices then, which our fathers bequeathed to us, and which we have always retained with benefit, let us not give up, nor determine hurriedly, in the short space of a day, about many lives, and riches, and states, and honours, but let us do it calmly; as we may do more than others, on account of our power.

And send to the Athenians respecting Potidaea, and send respecting those things in which the allies say they are injured; especially as they are ready to submit to judicial decision; and against the party which offers that, it is not right to proceed as against a guilty one. But prepare for war at the same time. For in this you, will determine both what is best, and what is most formidable to your adversaries.