Page:Thucydides, translated into English Vol 2.djvu/16

8 SPEECH OF DEMOSTHENES [iV open sea, and was rocky and dangerous ; but he thought that the enemy would be attracted thither and would be sure to make a dash at that point because the fortifications were weaker. For the Athenians, not expecting to be defeated at sea, had left the wall just there less strong, while if the enemy could once force a landing, the place would easily be taken. Accordingly, marching down to the very edge of the sea, he there posted his hoplites ; he was determined to keep the enemy off if he could, and in this spirit he addressed his men : — ID ' My companions in danger, let none of you now on the , . eve of battle desire to display his wits his mm not to think too by reckoning up the sum of the penis much before they fight, which surround us; let him rather The chances are in their resolve to meet the enemy without favour. The place is ,• i i inaccessible if they keep ^uch thought, but With a lively hope their ground, bnt if they that he will survive them all. In cases retire very accessible ^.g ^^ ^^,|^^j^ ^j^^j.^ jg j^^ choice, videect. I hey are on . . land, the enemy on reflection IS uselcss, and the sooner water. Let them stand danger comes the better. I am sure ■^JL^cf ^"^ "' "'^ ^'^^' °"^ chances are more than equal if we will only stand firm, and, having so many advantages, do not take fright at the numbers of the enemy and throw them all awa}'. The inaccessibility of the place is one of them ; this, however, will only aid us if we maintain our position ; when we have once retreated, the ground, though difficult in itself, will be easy enough to the enemy, for there will be no one to oppose him. And if we turn and press upon him he will be more obstinate than ever ; for his retreat will be next to im- possible. On ship-board the Pcloponnesians are easily repelled, but once landed they are as good as we are. Of their numbers again we need not be so much afraid ; for, numerous as they are, few only can fight at a time, owing to the difficulty of bringing their ships to shore. We are contending against an army superior indeed in numbers, but they are not our equals in other respects;