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For because they were persuaded by him to covet the sovereignty of the sea, they lost even their leadership on land; so that if one were to assert that they became subject to the dominion of their present illsFor this play of words— ἀρχή“beginning,” ἀρχή“dominion” — cf. Isoc. 4.119, Isoc. 3.28, Isoc. 8.101. when they attempted to seize the dominion of the sea, he could not be convicted of falsehood. Alcibiades, however, after having caused these great calamities, was restored to his city, having won a great reputation, though not, indeed, enjoying the commendation of all.At length Alcibiades fell out with Athens’ enemies, and began to intrigue in her favor; and so effectively did he work that his services were recognized at home and he was welcomed back to take again a leading part in the life of Athens, 408 B.C. There appears to have been no open opposition to his return. The many who distrusted him probably thought him less dangerous at home than in exile.
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The career of Conon,See Isoc. 4.142 ff. not many years later, is a counterpart to that of Alcibiades. After his defeat in the naval engagement in the Hellespont,The battle of Aegospotami. for which not he but his fellow commanders were responsible, he was too chagrined to return home; instead he sailed to Cyprus, where he spent some time attending to his private interests.See Isoc. 9.52 ff. But learning that Agesilaus had crossed over into Asia with a large forceSee 86, 87, and Isoc. Letter 9.13-14. and was ravaging the country, he was so dauntless of spirit
