THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS
our thoughts from the rights of Greece, from all foreign interests, to a defensive war, in these very territories; whose approach must be severely felt by every one of us; and that very day gave birth to it; for had we not been then deceived, the state could have nothing to apprehend. His naval power could not have been great enough to attempt Attica by sea; nor could he have passed by land through Thermopylæ and Phocis. But he must have either confined himself within the bounds of justice and lived in a due observance of his treaty, or have instantly been involved in a war equal to that which obliged him to sue for peace.
Thus much may be sufficient to recall past actions to your view. May all the gods forbid that the event should confirm my suspicions! for I by no means desire that any man should meet even the deserved punishment of his crimes, when the whole community is in danger of being involved in his destruction.
It were to be wished, Athenians, that they who speak in public would never suffer hatred or affection to influence their counsels: but, in
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- ↑ Delivered in Athens about 342 B.C., or two vears later than the Second Philippic. Translated by Thomas Leland.
Chersonesus is the Greek word for a peninsula. In this oration
