Timoleon

For it would seem that not only our action must be noble and just, but the conviction also from which our action springs must be abiding and unchangeable,

in order that we may be satisfied with what we are about to do, and that mere weakness may not make us dejected over actions which have once been accomplished, when the fair vision of the Good fades away; just as gluttons who devour cloying viands with the keenest appetite are very soon sated and then disgusted with them.

For repentance makes even the noble action base; whereas the choice which springs from a wise and understanding calculation does not change, even though its results are unsuccessful.

For this reason Phocion the Athenian,[*](See the Phocion, xxiii. 4.) after having opposed the activities of Leosthenes, when Leosthenes was thought to be successful and the Athenians were seen sacrificing and exulting over the victory,[*](Won by the allied Greeks under Leosthenes over Antipater of Macedonia, in 323 B.C. The victory was soon followed by the defeat of the Greeks at Crannon.) said he could have wished that the achievement were his own, but was glad that he counselled as he did.