62.
'They say that when the Barbarian invaded Hellas they were the only Boeotians who did
not1 join the Persian; and this is their great glory, and our great reproach.
[2]
But we say that if they did not side with the Persians, it was only because the
Athenians did not; and on the same principle, they alone of all the Boeotians afterwards
sided with the Athenians when the liberties of Hellas were attacked by them.
[3]
But, consider how different were the circumstances in which we and they acted.
In those days our state was not governed by an oligarchy which granted equal justice to
all, nor yet by a democracy; the power was in the hands of a small cabal, than which
nothing is more opposed to law or to true political order, or more nearly resembles a
tyranny.
[4]
The rulers of the state, hoping to strengthen their private interest if the Persian
won, kept the people down and brought him in.
The city at large, when she acted thus, was not her own mistress; and she cannot be
fairly blamed for an error which she committed when she had no constitution.
[5]
After the Persian departed and she obtained a constitution, you may see how we fought
against the Athenians when they became aggressive and endeavoured to
subjugate us as well as the rest of Hellas.
Owing to our divisions they actually conquered the greater part of the country; but we
defeated them at Coronea, and liberated Boeotia2; and at this moment we are zealously co-operating in the liberation of Hellas,
providing cavalry and munitions of war more largely than any of the allies.
Thus much in answer to the charge respecting our Persian tendencies.
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