ALCIBIADES
decided opinion then is, that I think a state of no inactive character would most quickly be ruined by a change to inactivity: and that those men live most securely, who regulate their affairs in accordance with their existing habits and institutions, even though they may be of an inferior character, with the least variation.
II
TO THE SPARTANS[1]
(413 B.C.)
And now I beg that I may not be the worse thought of by any among you, because I am now strenuously attacking my country with its bitterest enemies, tho I formerly had a reputation for patriotism; and that my words may not be suspected on the score of an exile's forwardness. For tho I am an exile, as regards the villainy of those who banished me, I am not one, as regards assistance to you, if you will be persuaded by me; and the party hostile to me was, not you, who only hurt your foes, but rather they who compelled their friends to become their foes.
My patriotism, too, I keep not at a time when
- ↑ Delivered in Sparta in 413 B.C. Alcibiades, on being recalled from Sicily to stand trial at Athens, had gone to Sparta, where he prevailed upon its people to assist Syracuse in the war with Athens. Reported by Thucydides. Translated by Henry Dale.
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