[8]
If indeed Athens can remain at peace and if the choice rests with
us— to take that point first—I personally feel that we are
bound to do so; and if anyone says that we can, I call upon him to move a
resolution and to do something and to play us no tricks; but if there is another
person concerned, with sword in hand and a mighty force at his back, who imposes
on you with the name of peace but himself indulges in acts of war, what is left
but to defend ourselves? If you choose to follow his example and profess that
you are at peace, I raise no objection.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by J. H. Vince, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1930.
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