69
At that time, then, we recognized the principle that it is not just for the stronger to rule over the weaker,That is, we recognized it as valid not only in our domestic relations but in our foreign policy. even as now we recognize it in the nature of the polity which has been established amongst ourselves. But that we could not, if we would, attain to this empire by conquest I think I shall quickly prove. For when, with the help of ten thousand talents,A round number. Cf. Isoc. 15.234. In 126 he speaks of 8000. Thucydides (ii.13. 3) states that 9700 talents was the largest amount ever stored on the Acropolis. we were not able to retain it, how can we acquire it in our present state of poverty, especially since we are now addicted, not to the ways of life by which we gained it, but to those by which we lost it?
70
Furthermore, that it is not even for the advantage of the state to accept this empire, if it were offered to us, I think you will learn very quickly from what further I have to say. But first I want to say a word by way of leading up to this point, fearing that, on account of my many strictures, I may give the impression to some of you of having chosen to denounce our city.
71
If I were attempting to discourse in this manner before any others, I should naturally lay myself open to this charge. But now I am addressing myself to you, not with the wish that I may prejudice you in the eyes of others, but with the desire that I may cause you to make an end of such a policy and that Athens and the rest of the Hellenes may form a lasting peace.
72
But those who admonish and those who denounce cannot avoid using similar words, although their purposes are as opposite as they can be.Cf. Isoc. 4.130. You ought not, therefore, to have the same feeling towards all who use the same language but, while abhorring those who revile you to your harm as inimical to the state, you ought to commend those who admonish you for your good and to esteem them as the best of your fellow-citizens,
