85.
These are principles which our fathers have handed down to us, and we maintain to
our1 lasting benefit; we must not lose sight of them, and when many lives and much
wealth, many cities and a great name are at stake, we must not be hasty, or make up our
minds in a few short hours; we must take time.
We can afford to wait, when others cannot, because we are strong.
[2]
And now, send to the Athenians and remonstrate with them about Potidaea first,
and also
about the other wrongs of which your allies complain. They say that they are willing to have the matter tried;
and against one who offers to
submit to justice you must not proceed as against a criminal until his cause has been
heard.
In the meantime prepare for war.
This decision will be the best for yourselves and the most formidable to your
enemies.
[3]
Thus spoke Archidamus.
Last of all, Sthenelaidas, at that time one of the Ephors, came forward and addressed
the Lacedaemonians as follows:—
1 We can afford to wait, and should try arbitraion first.
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