64.
'You have thus made it plain that, when you alone among the Boeotians refused to join
the Persian1 cause, this was not out of any love for Hellas2, but because the Athenians did
not3;
[2]
and that you wanted to act with them and not with us; and now you claim the benefit of
the virtue which others inspired in you.
But this is not reasonable; having once chosen the Athenians, fight on their side, and
do not at the last moment be saying that the old alliance ought to save you.
[3]
For you have abandoned it, and by the violation of it, instead of striving to prevent,
have aided in the enslavement of the Aeginetans4 and of other members of the alliance.
And you were not, like us, under compulsion, but free, living under your ancient laws.
Moreover, you persisted in refusing that last offer of peace and neutrality which we
made to you before the siege began5.
[4]
Who more thoroughly than you deserve the hatred of the Hellenes? than you who have only
displayed your virtues to their injury?
You have given proof that the merit which you claim for your former actions does not
properly belong to you!
Your true nature and constant desire are now revealed in the light of day; for you have
followed the Athenians in the path of injustice.
[5]
Thus much we have to say as to our involuntary dealings with the Persians, and your
voluntary dealings with the Athenians.
1 When they resisted the Persian it was only because the Athenians resisted him. They have now shown themselves in their true light, and have forfeited all their claim upon Hellas.
2 Or reading ὅτι οὐδ᾽ ᾿αθηναῖοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ, 'but because the Athenians did not and we did.
3 Or reading ὅτι οὐδ᾽ ᾿αθηναῖοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ, 'but because the Athenians did not and we did.
4 B.C. 456.
Thucydides translated into English; with introduction, marginal analysis, notes, and indices. Volume 1. Thucydides. Benjamin Jowett. translator. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1881.
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