Kitap 1
140.2
Now the Lacedaemonians were both evidently plotting against us before, and now especially are doing so. For whereas it is expressed in the treaty, that we should give and accept judicial decisions of our differences, and each side [in the mean time] keep what we have; they have neither themselves hitherto asked for such a decision, nor do they accept it when we offer it; but wish our complaints to be settled by war rather than by words; and are now come dictating, and no longer expostulating.
140.3
For they command us to raise the siege of Potidaea, and to leave Aegina independent, and to rescind the decree respecting the Megareans; while these last envoys that have come charge us also to leave the Greeks independent.
140.4
But let none of you think that we should be going to war for a trifle, if we did not rescind the decree respecting the Megareans, which they principally put forward, [saying,] that if it were rescinded, the war would not take place: nor leave in your minds any room for self-accusation hereafter, as though you had gone to war for a trivial thing.
140.5
For this trifle Furnishes you with an opportunity of confirming your resolution, while it tries it. It would confirm their resolution, and secure it against future attempts of the enemy, for the reason given two lines afterwards, ἀπισχυρισάμενοι δὲ σαφὲς ἂν καταστήσαιτε, κ. τ. λ.ἔχει here exactly agrees with Göller's explanation of it quoted in the note to c. 9. 2. Ausam dat alicui rei. —Arnold. involves the whole confirmation, as well as trial, of your purpose. If you yield to these demands, you will soon also be ordered to do something greater, as having in this instance obeyed through fear: but by resolutely refusing you would prove clearly to them that they must treat with you more on an equal footing.
