History of the Peloponnesian War

The Plataean ambassadors having come to the Athenians and consulted with them, returned with the following message to those in the city:

Men of Plataea, the Athenians say, that never in time past, since we became their allies, have they on any occasion deserted us when injured; nor will they neglect us now, but will succour us to the best of their power. And they charge you by the oaths which your fathers swore, to make no innovation in the terms of the alliance.