History of the Peloponnesian War

Still, even in our present circumstances, Athenians and allies, must we cherish hope; for some men have, ere now, been preserved even from more dreadful circumstances than these. Nor should you think too meanly of yourselves, or yield too much to your misfortunes and present sufferings, which are beyond your desert.

For my own part, though I am not superior to any of you in strength, (for you see what a state I am in through disease,) and though I consider myself to be second to none, whether in my private life or in other respects, yet now I am exposed to every danger, like the very meanest. And yet I have lived with much [*](νόμιμα.] Compare the use of the cognate participle, ch. 86. 5, τὴν πᾶσαν ἐς ἀρετὴν νενομισμένην ἐπιτήδευσιν.) devotion, as regards the gods, and much justice and freedom from reproach, as regards men. And therefore my hope is still strong for the future;