64.
‘Be not therefore seduced by this sort of men nor angry with me, together with whom yourselves did decree this war, because the enemy invading you hath done what was likely he would if you obeyed him not.
And as for the sickness, the only thing that exceeded the imagination of all men, it was unlooked for;
and I know you hate me somewhat the more for that, but unjustly, unless when anything falleth out above your expectation fortunate, you will also dedicate unto me that.
[2]
Evils that come from heaven you must bear necessarily, and such as proceed from your enemies, valiantly;
for so it hath been the custom of this city to do heretofore, which custom let it not be your part to reverse.
[3]
Knowing that this city hath a great name amongst all people for not yielding to adversity and for the mighty power it yet hath after the expense of so many lives and so much labour in the war, the memory whereof, though we should now at length miscarry (for all things are made with this law, to decay again), will remain with posterity forever.
How that being Grecians, most of the Grecians were our subjects;
that we have abided the greatest wars against them, both universally and singly, and have inhabited the greatest and wealthiest city.
[4]
Now this he with the quiet life will condemn, the active man will emulate, and they that have not attained to the like will envy.
[5]
But to be hated and to displease is a thing that happeneth for the time to whosoever he be that hath the command of others;
and he does well, that undergoeth hatred for matters of great consequence.
For the hatred lasteth not and is recompensed both with a present splendour and an immortal glory hereafter.
[6]
Seeing then you foresee both what is honourable for the future and not dishonourable for the present procure both the one and the other by your courage now.
Send no more heralds to the Lacedaemonians, nor let them know the evil present does anyway afflict you;
for they whose minds least feel and whose actions most oppose a calamity both among states and private persons are the best.’
The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury. Thucydides. Thomas Hobbes. translator. London. Bohn. 1843.
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