[42]
For we shall find that as a result of dictating to others they lost repute with the Hellenes, while by defending themselves against insolent invaders they won fame among all mankind. Now if I were to recount the wars of old which they fought against the Amazons or the Thracians or the Peloponnesians1 who under the leadership of Eurystheus invaded Attica, no doubt I should be thought to speak on matters ancient and remote from the present situation; but in their war against the Persians,2 who does not know from what hardships they arose to great good-fortune?
1 See Isoc. 4.56 and 70.
2 See Isoc. 4.71-98.