History of the Peloponnesian War

It is for those who are about to commit the wrong that it is much more proper to deliberate for a long time.

Vote then, Lacedaemonians, for war, as is worthy of Sparta; and neither permit the Athenians to become greater, nor let us betray our allies; but with the help of the gods let us proceed against those who are wronging them.

Having spoken to this effect he himself, as ephor, put the question to the assembly of the Lacedaemonians.