Archidamus

Is it not shameful, finally, that other cities have endured the last extremities of siege to preserve our empire,[*](For example, Thespiae. See Xen. Hell. 6.3. For other examples see Paus. 9.14, and Dio. Sic. 15.57 and 69.) while we ourselves see no reason why we should bear even slight hardships to prevent our being forced to do anything contrary to our just rights, but are to be seen even at this moment feeding teams of ravenous horses,[*](Horses were kept for racing, and were regarded as an expensive luxury.) although, like men reduced to the direst extremities and in want of their daily bread, we sue for peace in this fashion?