But as this state was then engaged both in Egypt and
Egina, the Corinthians imagined they would not be able to give any
assistance, and therefore invaded the territories of Megara.
Egina, the Corinthians imagined they would not be able to give any
assistance, and therefore invaded the territories of Megara.
Demosthenes - Leland - Orations
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? OLYNTHIAC THE SECOND.
I am by no means affected in the same mannei,
Athenians, when I review the state of our affairs, and
when I attend to those speakers who have now
declared their sentiments. They insist that we
should punish Philip : but our affairs, situated as they
now appear, warn us to guard against the dangers
with which we ourselves are threatened. Thus far,
therefore, I must differ from these speakers, that I
apprehend they have not proposed the proper object
of your attention. There was a time, indeed, I know
it well, when the state could have possessed her own
dominions in security, and sent out her armies to
inflict chastisement on Philip. I myself have seen
that time when we enjoyed such power. But now,
I am persuaded, we should confine ourselves to the
protection of our allies. When this is once effected;
then we may consider the punishment his outrages
have merited. But, till the first great point be well
secured, it is weakness to debate about our more
'emote concernments.
And now, Athenians, if ever we stood in need of
mature deliberation and counsel, the present juncture
calls loudly for them. To point out the course to be
pursued on this emergency I do not think the greatest
difficulty: but I am in doubt in what manner to pro
pose my sentiments; for all that I have observed, and
all that I have heard, convince me that most of youi
misfortunes have proceeded from a want of inclina
tion to pursue the necessary measures, not from igno
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 73
ranee of them. Let me entreat you, that, if I now
speak with an unusual holdness, you may bear it,
considering only whether I speak truth, and with a
sincere intention to advance your future interests;
for you now see, that by some orators, who study but
to gain your favour, our affairs have been reduced to
the extremity of distress.
I think it necessary, in the first place, to recall
some late transactions to your thoughts. --You may
remember, Athenians, that about three or four years
since you received advice that Philip was in Thrace,
and had laid siege to the fortress of Heraea. It was
then the month of November. 1 Great commotions
and debates arose: it was resolved to send out
forty galleys; that all citizens under the age of five-
and-forty2 should themselves embark: and that sixty
talents should be raised. Thus it was agreed:
that year passed away; then came in the months
July,3 August, September. In this last month, with
great difficulty, when the mysteries had first been
celebrated, you sent out Charidemus,4 with just ten
vessels, unmanned, and five talents of silver. For
when reports came of the sickness and the death of
1 Of November. ]--The reducing the Attic months to the Julian has
occasioned some dispute among the learned. As I thought it best to
make use of Roman names in the translation, I have followed the
reduction of Scaliger.
2 Under the age of five-and forty, &c. ]--This expresses their zeal, and
their apprehensions of the danger; for by the laws of Athens a citizen
was exempted from military service at the age of forty, except on some
very urgent occasion.
3 July, &c. ]--That is, the first months of the next year; for the reader
is to observe, that the Attic year commenced on that new moon whose
full moon immediately succeeded the summer solstice.
* Charidemus. ]--That is, the worst of all your generals; a foreigner,
a soldier of fortune, who had sometimes fought against you, sometimes
betrayed your cause, and who, on many occasions, had proved himself
unworthy of the confidence you reposed in him. --Monsieur Tourreil
translates this passage thus: "Ce fut en ce dernier mois qu'immediate.
ment apres la celebration des mysteres, vous depechates d'ici Chari-
deme," &c. Here there are two unfortunate words, which express haste
and expedition : whereas the description in the original labours on in the
slowest and heaviest manner possible. Every single word marks out the
tediousness or the meanness of their armament. --
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? 74 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
Philip (both-of these were affirmed), you laid aside
your intended armament, imagining that at such a
juncture there was no need -of succours. And yet
this was the very critical moment; for, had they
been despatched with the same alacrity with which
they were granted, Philip would not have then
escaped, to become that formidable enemy he now
appears.
But what was then done cannot be amended.
Now, we have the opportunity of another war: that
war I mean which hath induced me to bring these
transactions into view, that you may not once more
fall into the same errors. How then shall we im-
prove this opportunity 1 This is the only question.
For, if you are not resolved to assist with all the
force you can command, you are really serving under
Philip; you are fighting on his side. The Olynthians
are a people whose power was thought considerable.
Thus were the circumstances of affairs: Philip could
not confide in them: they looked with equal sus-
picion on Philip. We and they then entered into mu-
tual engagements of peace and alliance. This was a
grievous embarrassment to Philip, that we should
nave a powerful state confederated with us, spies on
the incidents of his fortune. It was agreed that we
should by all means engage this people in a war wi:h
him. And now, what we all so earnestly desired is
effected: the manner is of no moment. What then
remains for us, Athenians, but to send immediate and
effectual succours, I cannot see : for besides the dis-
grace that must attend us, if any of our interests are
supinely disregarded, I have no small apprehensions
of the consequence (the Thebans1 affected as they
are towards us, and the Phocians exhausted of their
1 The Thebans, &c. ]--They had a mortal hatred to the Athenians, as
they had favoured Lacedsemon after the battles of Leuctra and Maminea,
and had lately taken part with the Phocians against them in the sacred
war. [And even before these times, at the conclusion of the Pelopon-
neaian war, the Thebans strenuously contended for the utter extirpation
of Athens. \-Tourreil.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 75
treasures), if Philip be left at full liberty to lead his
armies into these territories, when his present enter-
prises are accomplished. If any one among you can
be so far immersed in indolence as to suffer this, he
must choose to be witness of the misery of his own
country rather than to hear of that which strangers
suffer, and to seek assistance for himself when it is
now in his power to grant assistance to others.
That this must be the consequence if we do not
exert ourselves on the present occasion, there can
scarcely remain the least doubt among us.
But as to the necessity of sending succours: this,
it may be said, we are agreed in; this is our resolu-
tion. But how shall we be enabled 1 that is the point
to be explained. --Be not surprised, Athenians, if my
sentiments on this occasion seem repugnant to the
general sense of this assembly. Appoint magistrates
for1 the inspection of your laws: not in order to
enact any new law; you have already a sufficient
number; but to repeal those whose ill effects you
now experience. I mean the laws relating to the
theatrical funds2 (thus openly I declare it), and some
1 Magistrates for, Ac. )--In the original voiwdtras. So were thoflt-
citizens called who were intrusted by the people with the regulation of
their '. aws. They were chosen by lot, to the number of 1001, that their
votes might not be equal. Every citizen, at certain times, and in certain
assemblies, had usually a right to complain of any law. The president
of the assembly proposed the complaint to the people: five advocates
were allowed to plead in defence of the law; and after hearing them,
the people r^rred the affair to the uomothetae. --Tourreil.
2 The theatrical funds. ]--The Athenians, as well as the other Greeks,
were ever passionately fond of the entertainments of the theatre. Dis-
putes for places soon became remarkably inconvenient, and called for a
regulation. The magistrates therefore ordered that a small price should
he paid for places to reimburse the builders of the theatre, which as yet
knew not that magnificence which riches and luxury afterward intro-
duced. This purchasing of places began to be complained of by the
poorer citizens; and therefore Pericles, out of a pretended zeal for their
interest, proposed that a sum of money (which had been deposited in the
treasury after the war of Egina, when they had made a thirty yeara
peace with Lacedremon, and was intended as a public resource in cas
? f any invasion of Attica) should be distributed among the citizens, t
defray the expense of their entertainments in time of peace only. Th
proposal and the restriction were both agreed to: but as all Indulgence
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? 76
ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
about the soldiery. 1 By the first, the soldiers' pay
goes as theatrical expenses to the useless and inac-
tive ; the others screen those from justice who de-
cline the service of the field; and thus damp the
ardour of those disposed to serve us. When you
have repealed these, and rendered it consistent with
safety to advise you justly, then seek for some per-
son to propose that decree which2 you all are sensi-
ble the common good requires. But, until this be
done, expect not that any man will urge your true
interest, when, for urging your true interest, you
repay him with destruction. You will never find
such zeal; especially since the consequence can be
only this : he who offers his opinion, and moves for
your concurrence, suffers some unmerited calamity;
but your affairs are not in the" least advanced; nay,
this additional inconvenience must arise, that for the
future it will appear more dangerous to advise you
than even at present. And the authors of these laws
should also be the authors of their repeal: for it is not
just that the public favour should be bestowed on
them who, in framing these laws, have greatly in-
of this kind degenerate, sooner or later, into licentiousness, the people
began to consider this distribution as their unalienable property ; and,
the very year of the Olynthiac orations, Eubulus, a popular leader of a
party opposite to Demosthenes, prevailed to have a law passed, which
forbade any man, on pain of death, to make a motion, or proposal of a
decree, for restoring what was now called the theatrical funds to the
military, or any other public service. This is the law which Demos-
thenes here attacks.
l About the soldiery. ]--The laws of Solon exacted personal service
from every citizen, with the utmost rigour. Those which the orator
complains of must have been made when the state began to be corrupted.
3 That decree which, Ace]--A decree for the alienation of the theat-
rical funds. While Eubulus's law was in force such a decree cou'd not i
be proposed. The usefulness and necessity of it, however, the orator
ventures to insinuate; for the penalty was not understood as extending
to a man's barely declaring his sentiments, provided he did not make the
motion in form. In the latter part of this oration he seems to propose
another method of avoiding the ill consequences of the law of Eubulus;
and that is, that the theatrical distributions should be still continued ;
but that all those who were in public offices, and who usually received
their several salaries and appointments, should now serve the state
without fee or reward. The name only of these distributions would
have then remained.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 77
jured the community; and that the odium should fall
on him whose freedom and sincerity are of importan
service to us all. Until these regulations be made
you are not to think any man so great that he may
violate these laws with impunity; or so devoid of
reason as to plunge himself into open and foreseen
destruction
And be not ignorant of this, Athenians, that a
decree is of no significance unless attended with reso-
lution and alacrity to execute it: for, were decrees
if themselves sufficient to engage you to perform
your duty,--could they even execute the things which
they enact,--so many would not have been made to
so little, or rather to no good purpose ; nor would
the insolence of Philip have had so long a date : for,
if decrees can punish, he hath long since felt all their
fury. But they have no such power: for though
proposing and resolving be first in order; yet, in force
and efficacy, action is superior. Let this then be
your principal concern; the others you cannot want:
for you have men among you capable of advising,
and you are of all people most acute in apprehending.
Now, let your interest direct you, and it will be in
your power to be as remarkable for acting. What
season, indeed, what opportunity do you wait for
more favourable than the present? or when will you
exert your vigour, if not now, my countrymen ?
Hath not this man seized all those places that were
ours ? Should he become master of this country
too,1 must we not sink into the lowest state of infa-
my ? Are not they whom we have promised to assist
whenever they are engaged in war now attacked
themselves ? Is he not our enemy ? is he not in
possession of our dominions? is he not a barba-
rian ? 2 is he not every base thing words can express ?
1 Of this country too, &c. ]--That is, the country of Chalcis, where Philip
took two-and-thirty cities before he laid siege to Olymhus. --Tourreil.
8 A barbarian ? }--This was the term of reproach which the Greeks
applied to all other nations: nor were the Macedonians excepted. In
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? 78 , ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
If we are insensible to all this, if we almost aid hia
designs, Heavens! can we then ask to whom the
consequences are owing ? Yes, I know full well we
never will impute them to ourselves. Just as in the
dangers of the field, not one of those who fly will ac-
cuse himself; he will rather blame the general, or his
fellow-soldiers: yet every single man1 that fled was
accessary to the defeat: he who blames others might
have maintained his own post; and, had every man
maintained his, success must have ensued. Thus
then, in the present case, is there a man whose coun-
sel seems liable to objection 1 let the next rise, and
not inveigh against him, but declare his own opinion.
Doth another offer some more salutary counsel 1 pur-
sue it, in the name of Heaven! " But then it is not
pleasing," This is not the fault of the speaker, unless
in that he hath2 neglected to express his affection in
the time of Xerxes, Alexander, king of Macedon, could not be admitted
into the Olympic games until he had proved bis descent to be originally
from Argos : and when be came over from the Persian camp, to give the
Greeks notice of the motions of Mardonius, he justified his perfidy by
his ancient descent from Greece ; which he needed not to have had re-
course to if Macedon had not been theu considered as a part of the bar-
barian world. --Tourreil.
1 Yet every single man, &c. J--The orator did not foresee that, in ten
years after, he himself would be guilty of this very crime ; be branded
with a name of infamy, for casting away his shield at the battle of Chav
ronea, and have nothing to oppose to the reproaches of his enemies but a
weak and trifling pleasantry. --TourreiL
2 Unless in that he hath, &c. ]--This passage, which is translated
pretty exactly from the original, seems, at first view, to have something
of a forced and unnatural air. Indeed, it is not possible for us to perceive
fully and clearly the strength and propriety of every part of these orations.
To this it would be requisite to know the temper and disposition of the
hearers, at that particular time when each of them was delivered; an
also to have before us every thing said by other speakers in the debat
In many places we find very plain allusions to the speeches of other
orators; and it is not unreasonable to think, that there are other more
obscure ones which escape our observation. If we suppose, for instance,
that, in the present debate, before Demosthenes rose some other speaker
had nmused the people with flattering hopes, with professions of zeal
and affection, with passionate exclamations, and prayers to the gods for
such and such instances of public success; while at the same time he
neglected to point out such measures as were fit to be pursued, or per
haps recommended pernicious measures:--on such a supposition, I say,
this passage, considered as an indirect reproof of such a speaker, will
perhaps appear to have sufficient force and propriety.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 79
p. jyers and wishes. To pray is easy, Athenians,
and in one petition may be collected as many in-
stances of good fortune as we please. To determine
justly, when affairs are to be considered, is not so
easy. But what is most useful should ever be pre-
ferred to that which is agreeable, where both cannot
be obtained.
But if there be a man who will leave us the theat-
rical funds, and propose other subsidies for thtf ser-
vice of the war, are we not rather to attend to him 1
I grant it, Athenians, if that man can be found. But
I should account it wonderful, if it ever did, if it ever
can happen to any man on earth, that while he lav-
ishes his present possessions on unnecessary occa-
sions, some future funds should be procured to supply
his real necessities. But such proposals find a pow-
erful advocate in the breast of every hearer. So
that nothing is so easy as to deceive one's self; for
what we wish, that we readily believe: but such
expectations are oftentimes inconsistent with our
affairs. On this occasion, therefore, let your affairs
direct you; then will you be enabled to take the field;
then you will have your full pay. And men whose
judgments are well directed, and whose souls are
great, could not support the infamy which must
attend them, if obliged to desert any of the operations
of a war from the want of money: they could not,
after snatching up their arms, and marching against
the Corinthians' and Megareans,2 suffer Philip to
1 The Corinthians. ]--This alludes to an expedition that the Athenians
had made about an age before. Some time after the Persian war, when
the Greeks began to quarrel among themselves, Corinth and Megara had
some dispute about their boundaries. The better to support their quarrel,
the Megareans quitted the Lacedaemonians, and entered into an alliance
with At'aens.
But as this state was then engaged both in Egypt and
Egina, the Corinthians imagined they would not be able to give any
assistance, and therefore invaded the territories of Megara. But the
Athenians came immediately to the assistance of their allies, although
they were obliged to commit the defence of their city to their old men
and boys ; and the Corinthians were repulsed. --Tourreil.
2 The Megareans. ]--This war happened twelve years after that men-
tioned in the precedinc note. The Megareane, after having put nn Atbo
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? 80 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
enslave the states of Greece, through the want of
provisions for their forces. I say not this wantonly,
to raise the resentment of some among you. No; I
am not so unhappily perverse, as to study to be hated,
when no good purpose can be answered by it; but it
is my opinion, that every honest speaker should prefer
the interest of the state to the favour of his hearers.
This (I am assured, and perhaps you need not be
informed) was the principle which actuated the pub-
lic conduct of those of our ancestors who spoke
in this assembly (men whom the present set of ora-
tors are ever ready to applaud, but whose example
they by no means imitate): such were Aristides,
Nicias, the former Demosthenes, and Pericles. But
since we have had speakers who, before their public
appearance, ask you--What do you desire ? what
shall I propose ? how can 1 oblige you? the interest
of our country hath been sacrificed to momentary
pleasure and popular favour. Thus have we been
distressed; thus have these men risen to greatness,
and you sunk into disgrace.
And here let me entreat your attention to a sum-
mary account of the conduct of your ancestors, and
of your own. I shall mention but a few things, and
these well known: for, if you would pursue the way
to happiness, you need not look abroad for leaders;
our own countrymen point it out. These, our ances-
tors, therefore, whom the orators never courted,
never treated with that indulgence with which you
are flattered, held the sovereignty of Greece, with
general consent, five-and-forty years;1 deposited
nian garrison to the sword tbat was stationed in their territory, joined
with Lacedasmon, and even with Corinth, their mortal enemy, against
whom th" Athenians had espoused their quarrel. This state, incensed
at the ingratitude of their revolt, determined to reduce them to reason.
They issued out a mandate, directing the Megareans to abstain from
cultivating a piece of ground consecrated to Ceres and Proserpine ; and,
on their refusing to comply, published an edict to exclude them from all
commerce in Attica, and bound their generals by an oath to invade their
territories once every year. --Tourreil.
t Five-and-forty years. ]--In Wolfius's edition it is sixty-five. But thia
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION.
81
above ten thousand talents in our public treasury;
kept the king of this country in that subjection which
a barbarian owes to Greeks; erected monuments
of many and illustrious actions, which they them-
selves achieved by land and sea; in a word, are the
only persons who have transmitted to posterity such
glory as is superior to envy. Thus great do they
appear in the affairs of Greece. Let us now view
them within the city, both in their public and pri-
vate conduct. And, first, the edifices which their
administrations have given us, their decorations of
our temples, and the offerings deposited by them, are
so numerous and so magnificent that all the efforts
of posterity cannot exceed them. Then, in private
life, so exemplary was their moderation, their ad-
herence to the ancient manners so scrupulously
exact, that, if any of you ever discovered the house
of Aristides, or Miltiades, or any of the illustrious
men of those times, he must know that it was not
distinguished by the least extraordinary splendour:
for they did not so conduct the public business as to
aggrandize themselves ; their sole great object was
to exalt the state : and thus, by their faithful attach-
ment to Greece, by their piety to the gods, and by
that equality which they maintained among them-
selves, they were raised (and no wonder) to the sum-
mit of prosperity.
Such was the state of Athens at that time, when
the men I have mentioned were in power. But what
is your condition under these indulgent ministers
reading is found hi otTier copies, and is confirmed by the parallel passage in
theorationon regulating the commonwealth. The orator computes from
the death of Pausanias, when the supreme command was given to the
Athenians, to the beginning of the Peloponnesian war. Add to this the
27 years of that war, during which time the Athenians maintained their
power, though not with consent, and the whole will be 72 years com-
plete, and part of the 73d year. Agreeably to this last calculation,
Demosthenes says, ir. the third Philippic, that the Athenians commanded
in Greece 73 years. These two accounts are thus easily reconciled by
distinguishing the times of the voluntary and the involuntary obedienca
of the Greeks. --Tourrtil.
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? 82 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
vho now direct us ? Is it the same, or nearly the
ame? --Other things I shall pass over, though I
might expatiate on them. Let it only be observed,
that we are now, as you all see, left without com-
petitors; the Lacedaemonians lost;1 the Thebans
engaged2 at home; and not one of all the other states
of consequence sufficient to dispute the sovereignty
with us. Yet at a time when we might have enjoyed
our own dominions in security, and been the umpires
in all disputes abroad, our territories have been
wrested from us; we have expended above one
thousand five hundred talents to no purpose; the
allies3 which we gained in war have been lost in time
of peace: and to this degree of power have we raised
an enemy against ourselves. (For let the man stand
forth who can show whence Philip hath derived his
greatness, if not from us. )
'Well! if these affairs have but an untavourable
aspect, yet those within the city are much more
flourishing than ever. " Where are the proofs of
this 1 The walls which have been whitened ? the
ways we have repaired ? the supplies of water 1 and
such trifles. Turn your eyes to the men of whose
administrations these are the fruits ; some of whom,
from the lowest state of poverty, have arisen sud-
denly to affluence; some from meanness to renown:
others have made their own private houses much
more magnificent than the public edifices. Just as
the state hath fallen their private fortunes have been
raised.
And what cause can we assign for this 1 How is it
t The Lacedemonians lost. ]--The battles of Leuctra and Man tinea
had entirely destroyed their power. --Tourreil.
2 Engaged, &c. ]--In the Phocian war.
3 The allies, &c. ]--Ulpian and Wolflus understand this of the peace
by which the Athenians consented that the people of Chios, Rhodes, and
Byzantium, and other revolters, should all continue free. But it seems
more natural to apply it to some prior events ; as the taking of Pydna
and Potidaea, and other cities of Thrace, that were then subject to Athens,
and which Philip made himself master of, after he had concluded a peace
with the Athenians, in the second year of his reign. --Tourreil.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION.
83
that our affairs were once so flourishing, and now in
such disorder ? Because, formerly, the people dared
to take up arms themselves; were themselves mas-
ters of those in employment; disposers themselves
of all emoluments; so that every citizen thought
himself happy to derive honours and authority, and
all advantages whatever, from the people. But now,
on the contrary, favours are all dispensed, affairs all
transacted by the ministers: while you, quite ener-
vated, robbed of your riches, your allies, stand in the
mean rank of servants and assistants ; happy if these
men grant you the theatrical appointments, and send
you scraps of the public meal:1 and, what is of all
most sordid, you hold yourselves obliged to them for
that which is your own: while they confine you
within these walls, lead you on gently to their pur-
poses, and sooth and tame you to obedience. Nor
is it possible, that they who are engaged in low and
grovelling pursuits can entertain great and generous
sentiments. No ! Such as their employments are,
so must , their dispositions prove. --And now I call
Heaven to witness, that it will not surprise me if I
suffer more by mentioning this your condition than
they who have involved you in it! Freedom of
speech you do not allow on all occasions; and that
you have now admitted it excites my wonder.
But if you will at length be prevailed on to change
your conduct; if you will take the field, and act
worthy of Athenians; if these redundant sums which
you receive at home be applied to the advancement
of your affairs abroad; perhaps, my countrymen,
perhaps some instance of consummate good fortune
nay attend you, and you may become so happy as
o despise those pittances, which are like the morsels
nat a physician allows his patient: for these do not
1 Of the public meal. 1--Demetrius Phalereus records a saying of De-
nudes, in ridicule of the custom of distributing victuals to the people
u The state," said he, " is now become a feeble old woman, that sits at
hone in her slippers, and sups up her ptisan. "
Vol. I. --G .
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? 84 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
restore his vigour, but just keep him from dying1. So,
your distributions cannot serve any valuable purpose,
but are just sufficient to divert your attention from
all other things, and thus increase the indolence of
every one among you.
But I shall be asked, What then? Is it youi
opinion that these sums should pay our army ? And
besides this, that the state should be regulated in
such a manner, that every one may have his share
of public business, and approve himself a useful
citizen, on what occasion soever his aid may be
required. Is if in his power to live in peace ? He
will live here with greater dignity, while these sup-
plies prevent him from being tempted by indigence
to any thing dishonourable. Is he called forth by an
emergency like the present? Let him discharge
that sacred duty which he owes to his country, by
applying these sums to his support in the field. Is
there a man among you past the age of service ? Let
bim, by inspecting and conducting the public busi-
ness, regularly merit his share of the distributions
which he now receives, without any duty enjoined,
or any return made to the community. And thus,
with scarcely any alteration, either of abolishing or
innovating, all irregularities are removed, and the
state completely settled, by appointing one general
regulation, which shall entitle our citizens'to receive,
and at the same time oblige them to take arms, to
administer justice, to act in all cases as their time
of life and our affairs require. But it never hath,
nor could it have been moved by me, that the rewards
of the diligent and active should be bestowed on the
useless citizen; or that you should sit here, supine,
languid, and irresolute, listening to the exploits of
some general's foreign troops (for thus it is at
present). Not that I would reflect on him who
serves you, in any instance. But you yourselves,
Athenians, should perform those services for which
you heap honours on others, and not recede from
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 85
that illustrious rank of virtue, the price of all the
glorious toils of your ancestors, and by them be-
queathed to you.
Thus have 1 laid before you the chief points in
which I think you interested. It is your part to em-
brace that opinion which the welfare of the state in
general, and that of every single member, recom-
mends to your acceptance
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? THE THIRD OLYNTHIAC ORATION:
PRONOUNCED IN THE SAME YEAR.
INTRODUCTION.
The preceding oration had no farther effect on the Athenians, than f
prevail on them to send orders to Charidemus, who commanded for them
at the Hellespont, to make an attempt to relieve Olynthus. He accord-
ingly led some forces into Chalcis, which, in conjunction with the forces
of Olynthus, ravaged Pallene, a peninsula of Macedon, towards Thrace,
and Bottia, a country on the confines of Chalcis, which, among other
towns, contained Pella, the capital of Macedon.
. But these attempts could not divert Philip from his resolution of
reducing Olynthus, which he had now publicly avowed. The Olynthlans,
therefore, found it necessary to have once more recourse to Athens;
and to request, that they would send troops, composed of citizens, ani-
mated with a sincere ardour for their interest, their own glory, and the
common cause.
Demosthenes, in the following oration, insists on the importance of
saving Olynthus; alarms his hearers with the apprehension of a war,
which actually threatened Attica, and even the capital; urges (he neces-
sity of personal service; and returns to his charge of the misapplication
of the public money, but in such a manner as showeth that his former
"emonstrances had not the desired effect.
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? OLYNTHIAC THE THIRD.
1 am persuaded. Athenians, that you would account
it less valuable to possess the greatest riches,1 that<
to have the true interest of the state on this emer-
gency clearly laid before you. It is your part, there-
fore, readily and cheerfully to attend to all who are
disposed to offer their opinions: for your regards
need not be confined to those whose counsels are the
effect of premeditation :2 it is your good fortune to
have men among you who can at once suggest many
points of moment. From opinions, therefore, of
every kind, you may easily choose that most con-
ducive to your interest.
And now, Athenians, the present juncture calls
upon us; we almost hear its voice, declaring loudly
that you yourselves must engage in these affairs, if
you have the least attention to your own security.
You entertain I know not what sentiments on this
occasion. My opinion is, that the reinforcements
should be instantly decreed; that they should be
raised with all possible expedition ; that so our suc-
t The greatest riches. ]--Ulpian fir. ds out a particular propriety in this
exordium. He observes, that, as the orator intends to recommend to
them to give up their theatrical appointments, he prepares them for it by
this observation; and while he is endeavouring to persuade them to a
just disregard of money, appears as if he only spoke their sentiments.
2 Premeditation. ]--M. . Tourreil admires the greatness of mind of
Demosthenes, who, though he gloried in the pains and labour his orations
cost him, was yet superior to that low and malignant passion which
oftentimes prompts us to decry those taients which we do not possess.
I suspect, however, that this nassage was occasioned by some particular
circumstance in the debate. Perhaps some speaker, who opposed Demos-
thenes, might have urged his opinion somewhat dogmatically, as the
result of mature reflection and deliberation.
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? 86 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
cours may be sent from this city, and all former in -
conveniences be avoided; and that you should send
ambassadors to notify these things, and to secure
our interests by their presence. For as he is a man
of consummate policy, complete in the art of turning
every incident to his own advantage, there is the
utmost reason to fear, that partly by concessions,
where they may be seasonable, partly by menaces
(and his menaces may1 be believed), and partly by
rendering us and our absence suspected, he may tear
from us something of the last importance, and force
it into his own service.
Those very circumstances, however, which con-
tribute to the power of Philip are happily the most
favourable to us: for that uncontrolled command,
with which he governs all transactions public and
secret; his entire direction of his army, as their
leader, their sovereign, and their treasurer; and his
diligence, in giving life to every part of it by his
presence; these things greatly contribute to carrying
on a war with expedition and success, but are power-
ful obstacles to that accommodation which he would
gladly make with the Olynthians. For the Olyn-
thians see plainly that they do not now fight for glory,
or for part of their territory, but to defend their state
from dissolution and slavery. They know how he
rewarded those traitors of Amphipolis who made
him master of that city, and those of Pydna who
opened their gates to him. In a word, free states, I
think, must ever look with suspicion on an absolute
monarchy; but a neighbouring monarchy must double
their apprehensions.
Convinced of what hath now been offered, and
possessed with every other just and worthy senti-
ment, you must be resolved, Athenians, you must
exert your spirit; you must apply to the war now, if
ever; your fortunes, your persons, your whole
I His menaces may, &c. ]--Although his pr&miees could by no means
be relied ou.
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? OLYNTHIAC THE SECOND.
I am by no means affected in the same mannei,
Athenians, when I review the state of our affairs, and
when I attend to those speakers who have now
declared their sentiments. They insist that we
should punish Philip : but our affairs, situated as they
now appear, warn us to guard against the dangers
with which we ourselves are threatened. Thus far,
therefore, I must differ from these speakers, that I
apprehend they have not proposed the proper object
of your attention. There was a time, indeed, I know
it well, when the state could have possessed her own
dominions in security, and sent out her armies to
inflict chastisement on Philip. I myself have seen
that time when we enjoyed such power. But now,
I am persuaded, we should confine ourselves to the
protection of our allies. When this is once effected;
then we may consider the punishment his outrages
have merited. But, till the first great point be well
secured, it is weakness to debate about our more
'emote concernments.
And now, Athenians, if ever we stood in need of
mature deliberation and counsel, the present juncture
calls loudly for them. To point out the course to be
pursued on this emergency I do not think the greatest
difficulty: but I am in doubt in what manner to pro
pose my sentiments; for all that I have observed, and
all that I have heard, convince me that most of youi
misfortunes have proceeded from a want of inclina
tion to pursue the necessary measures, not from igno
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 73
ranee of them. Let me entreat you, that, if I now
speak with an unusual holdness, you may bear it,
considering only whether I speak truth, and with a
sincere intention to advance your future interests;
for you now see, that by some orators, who study but
to gain your favour, our affairs have been reduced to
the extremity of distress.
I think it necessary, in the first place, to recall
some late transactions to your thoughts. --You may
remember, Athenians, that about three or four years
since you received advice that Philip was in Thrace,
and had laid siege to the fortress of Heraea. It was
then the month of November. 1 Great commotions
and debates arose: it was resolved to send out
forty galleys; that all citizens under the age of five-
and-forty2 should themselves embark: and that sixty
talents should be raised. Thus it was agreed:
that year passed away; then came in the months
July,3 August, September. In this last month, with
great difficulty, when the mysteries had first been
celebrated, you sent out Charidemus,4 with just ten
vessels, unmanned, and five talents of silver. For
when reports came of the sickness and the death of
1 Of November. ]--The reducing the Attic months to the Julian has
occasioned some dispute among the learned. As I thought it best to
make use of Roman names in the translation, I have followed the
reduction of Scaliger.
2 Under the age of five-and forty, &c. ]--This expresses their zeal, and
their apprehensions of the danger; for by the laws of Athens a citizen
was exempted from military service at the age of forty, except on some
very urgent occasion.
3 July, &c. ]--That is, the first months of the next year; for the reader
is to observe, that the Attic year commenced on that new moon whose
full moon immediately succeeded the summer solstice.
* Charidemus. ]--That is, the worst of all your generals; a foreigner,
a soldier of fortune, who had sometimes fought against you, sometimes
betrayed your cause, and who, on many occasions, had proved himself
unworthy of the confidence you reposed in him. --Monsieur Tourreil
translates this passage thus: "Ce fut en ce dernier mois qu'immediate.
ment apres la celebration des mysteres, vous depechates d'ici Chari-
deme," &c. Here there are two unfortunate words, which express haste
and expedition : whereas the description in the original labours on in the
slowest and heaviest manner possible. Every single word marks out the
tediousness or the meanness of their armament. --
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? 74 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
Philip (both-of these were affirmed), you laid aside
your intended armament, imagining that at such a
juncture there was no need -of succours. And yet
this was the very critical moment; for, had they
been despatched with the same alacrity with which
they were granted, Philip would not have then
escaped, to become that formidable enemy he now
appears.
But what was then done cannot be amended.
Now, we have the opportunity of another war: that
war I mean which hath induced me to bring these
transactions into view, that you may not once more
fall into the same errors. How then shall we im-
prove this opportunity 1 This is the only question.
For, if you are not resolved to assist with all the
force you can command, you are really serving under
Philip; you are fighting on his side. The Olynthians
are a people whose power was thought considerable.
Thus were the circumstances of affairs: Philip could
not confide in them: they looked with equal sus-
picion on Philip. We and they then entered into mu-
tual engagements of peace and alliance. This was a
grievous embarrassment to Philip, that we should
nave a powerful state confederated with us, spies on
the incidents of his fortune. It was agreed that we
should by all means engage this people in a war wi:h
him. And now, what we all so earnestly desired is
effected: the manner is of no moment. What then
remains for us, Athenians, but to send immediate and
effectual succours, I cannot see : for besides the dis-
grace that must attend us, if any of our interests are
supinely disregarded, I have no small apprehensions
of the consequence (the Thebans1 affected as they
are towards us, and the Phocians exhausted of their
1 The Thebans, &c. ]--They had a mortal hatred to the Athenians, as
they had favoured Lacedsemon after the battles of Leuctra and Maminea,
and had lately taken part with the Phocians against them in the sacred
war. [And even before these times, at the conclusion of the Pelopon-
neaian war, the Thebans strenuously contended for the utter extirpation
of Athens. \-Tourreil.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 75
treasures), if Philip be left at full liberty to lead his
armies into these territories, when his present enter-
prises are accomplished. If any one among you can
be so far immersed in indolence as to suffer this, he
must choose to be witness of the misery of his own
country rather than to hear of that which strangers
suffer, and to seek assistance for himself when it is
now in his power to grant assistance to others.
That this must be the consequence if we do not
exert ourselves on the present occasion, there can
scarcely remain the least doubt among us.
But as to the necessity of sending succours: this,
it may be said, we are agreed in; this is our resolu-
tion. But how shall we be enabled 1 that is the point
to be explained. --Be not surprised, Athenians, if my
sentiments on this occasion seem repugnant to the
general sense of this assembly. Appoint magistrates
for1 the inspection of your laws: not in order to
enact any new law; you have already a sufficient
number; but to repeal those whose ill effects you
now experience. I mean the laws relating to the
theatrical funds2 (thus openly I declare it), and some
1 Magistrates for, Ac. )--In the original voiwdtras. So were thoflt-
citizens called who were intrusted by the people with the regulation of
their '. aws. They were chosen by lot, to the number of 1001, that their
votes might not be equal. Every citizen, at certain times, and in certain
assemblies, had usually a right to complain of any law. The president
of the assembly proposed the complaint to the people: five advocates
were allowed to plead in defence of the law; and after hearing them,
the people r^rred the affair to the uomothetae. --Tourreil.
2 The theatrical funds. ]--The Athenians, as well as the other Greeks,
were ever passionately fond of the entertainments of the theatre. Dis-
putes for places soon became remarkably inconvenient, and called for a
regulation. The magistrates therefore ordered that a small price should
he paid for places to reimburse the builders of the theatre, which as yet
knew not that magnificence which riches and luxury afterward intro-
duced. This purchasing of places began to be complained of by the
poorer citizens; and therefore Pericles, out of a pretended zeal for their
interest, proposed that a sum of money (which had been deposited in the
treasury after the war of Egina, when they had made a thirty yeara
peace with Lacedremon, and was intended as a public resource in cas
? f any invasion of Attica) should be distributed among the citizens, t
defray the expense of their entertainments in time of peace only. Th
proposal and the restriction were both agreed to: but as all Indulgence
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? 76
ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
about the soldiery. 1 By the first, the soldiers' pay
goes as theatrical expenses to the useless and inac-
tive ; the others screen those from justice who de-
cline the service of the field; and thus damp the
ardour of those disposed to serve us. When you
have repealed these, and rendered it consistent with
safety to advise you justly, then seek for some per-
son to propose that decree which2 you all are sensi-
ble the common good requires. But, until this be
done, expect not that any man will urge your true
interest, when, for urging your true interest, you
repay him with destruction. You will never find
such zeal; especially since the consequence can be
only this : he who offers his opinion, and moves for
your concurrence, suffers some unmerited calamity;
but your affairs are not in the" least advanced; nay,
this additional inconvenience must arise, that for the
future it will appear more dangerous to advise you
than even at present. And the authors of these laws
should also be the authors of their repeal: for it is not
just that the public favour should be bestowed on
them who, in framing these laws, have greatly in-
of this kind degenerate, sooner or later, into licentiousness, the people
began to consider this distribution as their unalienable property ; and,
the very year of the Olynthiac orations, Eubulus, a popular leader of a
party opposite to Demosthenes, prevailed to have a law passed, which
forbade any man, on pain of death, to make a motion, or proposal of a
decree, for restoring what was now called the theatrical funds to the
military, or any other public service. This is the law which Demos-
thenes here attacks.
l About the soldiery. ]--The laws of Solon exacted personal service
from every citizen, with the utmost rigour. Those which the orator
complains of must have been made when the state began to be corrupted.
3 That decree which, Ace]--A decree for the alienation of the theat-
rical funds. While Eubulus's law was in force such a decree cou'd not i
be proposed. The usefulness and necessity of it, however, the orator
ventures to insinuate; for the penalty was not understood as extending
to a man's barely declaring his sentiments, provided he did not make the
motion in form. In the latter part of this oration he seems to propose
another method of avoiding the ill consequences of the law of Eubulus;
and that is, that the theatrical distributions should be still continued ;
but that all those who were in public offices, and who usually received
their several salaries and appointments, should now serve the state
without fee or reward. The name only of these distributions would
have then remained.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 77
jured the community; and that the odium should fall
on him whose freedom and sincerity are of importan
service to us all. Until these regulations be made
you are not to think any man so great that he may
violate these laws with impunity; or so devoid of
reason as to plunge himself into open and foreseen
destruction
And be not ignorant of this, Athenians, that a
decree is of no significance unless attended with reso-
lution and alacrity to execute it: for, were decrees
if themselves sufficient to engage you to perform
your duty,--could they even execute the things which
they enact,--so many would not have been made to
so little, or rather to no good purpose ; nor would
the insolence of Philip have had so long a date : for,
if decrees can punish, he hath long since felt all their
fury. But they have no such power: for though
proposing and resolving be first in order; yet, in force
and efficacy, action is superior. Let this then be
your principal concern; the others you cannot want:
for you have men among you capable of advising,
and you are of all people most acute in apprehending.
Now, let your interest direct you, and it will be in
your power to be as remarkable for acting. What
season, indeed, what opportunity do you wait for
more favourable than the present? or when will you
exert your vigour, if not now, my countrymen ?
Hath not this man seized all those places that were
ours ? Should he become master of this country
too,1 must we not sink into the lowest state of infa-
my ? Are not they whom we have promised to assist
whenever they are engaged in war now attacked
themselves ? Is he not our enemy ? is he not in
possession of our dominions? is he not a barba-
rian ? 2 is he not every base thing words can express ?
1 Of this country too, &c. ]--That is, the country of Chalcis, where Philip
took two-and-thirty cities before he laid siege to Olymhus. --Tourreil.
8 A barbarian ? }--This was the term of reproach which the Greeks
applied to all other nations: nor were the Macedonians excepted. In
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? 78 , ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
If we are insensible to all this, if we almost aid hia
designs, Heavens! can we then ask to whom the
consequences are owing ? Yes, I know full well we
never will impute them to ourselves. Just as in the
dangers of the field, not one of those who fly will ac-
cuse himself; he will rather blame the general, or his
fellow-soldiers: yet every single man1 that fled was
accessary to the defeat: he who blames others might
have maintained his own post; and, had every man
maintained his, success must have ensued. Thus
then, in the present case, is there a man whose coun-
sel seems liable to objection 1 let the next rise, and
not inveigh against him, but declare his own opinion.
Doth another offer some more salutary counsel 1 pur-
sue it, in the name of Heaven! " But then it is not
pleasing," This is not the fault of the speaker, unless
in that he hath2 neglected to express his affection in
the time of Xerxes, Alexander, king of Macedon, could not be admitted
into the Olympic games until he had proved bis descent to be originally
from Argos : and when be came over from the Persian camp, to give the
Greeks notice of the motions of Mardonius, he justified his perfidy by
his ancient descent from Greece ; which he needed not to have had re-
course to if Macedon had not been theu considered as a part of the bar-
barian world. --Tourreil.
1 Yet every single man, &c. J--The orator did not foresee that, in ten
years after, he himself would be guilty of this very crime ; be branded
with a name of infamy, for casting away his shield at the battle of Chav
ronea, and have nothing to oppose to the reproaches of his enemies but a
weak and trifling pleasantry. --TourreiL
2 Unless in that he hath, &c. ]--This passage, which is translated
pretty exactly from the original, seems, at first view, to have something
of a forced and unnatural air. Indeed, it is not possible for us to perceive
fully and clearly the strength and propriety of every part of these orations.
To this it would be requisite to know the temper and disposition of the
hearers, at that particular time when each of them was delivered; an
also to have before us every thing said by other speakers in the debat
In many places we find very plain allusions to the speeches of other
orators; and it is not unreasonable to think, that there are other more
obscure ones which escape our observation. If we suppose, for instance,
that, in the present debate, before Demosthenes rose some other speaker
had nmused the people with flattering hopes, with professions of zeal
and affection, with passionate exclamations, and prayers to the gods for
such and such instances of public success; while at the same time he
neglected to point out such measures as were fit to be pursued, or per
haps recommended pernicious measures:--on such a supposition, I say,
this passage, considered as an indirect reproof of such a speaker, will
perhaps appear to have sufficient force and propriety.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 79
p. jyers and wishes. To pray is easy, Athenians,
and in one petition may be collected as many in-
stances of good fortune as we please. To determine
justly, when affairs are to be considered, is not so
easy. But what is most useful should ever be pre-
ferred to that which is agreeable, where both cannot
be obtained.
But if there be a man who will leave us the theat-
rical funds, and propose other subsidies for thtf ser-
vice of the war, are we not rather to attend to him 1
I grant it, Athenians, if that man can be found. But
I should account it wonderful, if it ever did, if it ever
can happen to any man on earth, that while he lav-
ishes his present possessions on unnecessary occa-
sions, some future funds should be procured to supply
his real necessities. But such proposals find a pow-
erful advocate in the breast of every hearer. So
that nothing is so easy as to deceive one's self; for
what we wish, that we readily believe: but such
expectations are oftentimes inconsistent with our
affairs. On this occasion, therefore, let your affairs
direct you; then will you be enabled to take the field;
then you will have your full pay. And men whose
judgments are well directed, and whose souls are
great, could not support the infamy which must
attend them, if obliged to desert any of the operations
of a war from the want of money: they could not,
after snatching up their arms, and marching against
the Corinthians' and Megareans,2 suffer Philip to
1 The Corinthians. ]--This alludes to an expedition that the Athenians
had made about an age before. Some time after the Persian war, when
the Greeks began to quarrel among themselves, Corinth and Megara had
some dispute about their boundaries. The better to support their quarrel,
the Megareans quitted the Lacedaemonians, and entered into an alliance
with At'aens.
But as this state was then engaged both in Egypt and
Egina, the Corinthians imagined they would not be able to give any
assistance, and therefore invaded the territories of Megara. But the
Athenians came immediately to the assistance of their allies, although
they were obliged to commit the defence of their city to their old men
and boys ; and the Corinthians were repulsed. --Tourreil.
2 The Megareans. ]--This war happened twelve years after that men-
tioned in the precedinc note. The Megareane, after having put nn Atbo
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? 80 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
enslave the states of Greece, through the want of
provisions for their forces. I say not this wantonly,
to raise the resentment of some among you. No; I
am not so unhappily perverse, as to study to be hated,
when no good purpose can be answered by it; but it
is my opinion, that every honest speaker should prefer
the interest of the state to the favour of his hearers.
This (I am assured, and perhaps you need not be
informed) was the principle which actuated the pub-
lic conduct of those of our ancestors who spoke
in this assembly (men whom the present set of ora-
tors are ever ready to applaud, but whose example
they by no means imitate): such were Aristides,
Nicias, the former Demosthenes, and Pericles. But
since we have had speakers who, before their public
appearance, ask you--What do you desire ? what
shall I propose ? how can 1 oblige you? the interest
of our country hath been sacrificed to momentary
pleasure and popular favour. Thus have we been
distressed; thus have these men risen to greatness,
and you sunk into disgrace.
And here let me entreat your attention to a sum-
mary account of the conduct of your ancestors, and
of your own. I shall mention but a few things, and
these well known: for, if you would pursue the way
to happiness, you need not look abroad for leaders;
our own countrymen point it out. These, our ances-
tors, therefore, whom the orators never courted,
never treated with that indulgence with which you
are flattered, held the sovereignty of Greece, with
general consent, five-and-forty years;1 deposited
nian garrison to the sword tbat was stationed in their territory, joined
with Lacedasmon, and even with Corinth, their mortal enemy, against
whom th" Athenians had espoused their quarrel. This state, incensed
at the ingratitude of their revolt, determined to reduce them to reason.
They issued out a mandate, directing the Megareans to abstain from
cultivating a piece of ground consecrated to Ceres and Proserpine ; and,
on their refusing to comply, published an edict to exclude them from all
commerce in Attica, and bound their generals by an oath to invade their
territories once every year. --Tourreil.
t Five-and-forty years. ]--In Wolfius's edition it is sixty-five. But thia
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION.
81
above ten thousand talents in our public treasury;
kept the king of this country in that subjection which
a barbarian owes to Greeks; erected monuments
of many and illustrious actions, which they them-
selves achieved by land and sea; in a word, are the
only persons who have transmitted to posterity such
glory as is superior to envy. Thus great do they
appear in the affairs of Greece. Let us now view
them within the city, both in their public and pri-
vate conduct. And, first, the edifices which their
administrations have given us, their decorations of
our temples, and the offerings deposited by them, are
so numerous and so magnificent that all the efforts
of posterity cannot exceed them. Then, in private
life, so exemplary was their moderation, their ad-
herence to the ancient manners so scrupulously
exact, that, if any of you ever discovered the house
of Aristides, or Miltiades, or any of the illustrious
men of those times, he must know that it was not
distinguished by the least extraordinary splendour:
for they did not so conduct the public business as to
aggrandize themselves ; their sole great object was
to exalt the state : and thus, by their faithful attach-
ment to Greece, by their piety to the gods, and by
that equality which they maintained among them-
selves, they were raised (and no wonder) to the sum-
mit of prosperity.
Such was the state of Athens at that time, when
the men I have mentioned were in power. But what
is your condition under these indulgent ministers
reading is found hi otTier copies, and is confirmed by the parallel passage in
theorationon regulating the commonwealth. The orator computes from
the death of Pausanias, when the supreme command was given to the
Athenians, to the beginning of the Peloponnesian war. Add to this the
27 years of that war, during which time the Athenians maintained their
power, though not with consent, and the whole will be 72 years com-
plete, and part of the 73d year. Agreeably to this last calculation,
Demosthenes says, ir. the third Philippic, that the Athenians commanded
in Greece 73 years. These two accounts are thus easily reconciled by
distinguishing the times of the voluntary and the involuntary obedienca
of the Greeks. --Tourrtil.
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? 82 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
vho now direct us ? Is it the same, or nearly the
ame? --Other things I shall pass over, though I
might expatiate on them. Let it only be observed,
that we are now, as you all see, left without com-
petitors; the Lacedaemonians lost;1 the Thebans
engaged2 at home; and not one of all the other states
of consequence sufficient to dispute the sovereignty
with us. Yet at a time when we might have enjoyed
our own dominions in security, and been the umpires
in all disputes abroad, our territories have been
wrested from us; we have expended above one
thousand five hundred talents to no purpose; the
allies3 which we gained in war have been lost in time
of peace: and to this degree of power have we raised
an enemy against ourselves. (For let the man stand
forth who can show whence Philip hath derived his
greatness, if not from us. )
'Well! if these affairs have but an untavourable
aspect, yet those within the city are much more
flourishing than ever. " Where are the proofs of
this 1 The walls which have been whitened ? the
ways we have repaired ? the supplies of water 1 and
such trifles. Turn your eyes to the men of whose
administrations these are the fruits ; some of whom,
from the lowest state of poverty, have arisen sud-
denly to affluence; some from meanness to renown:
others have made their own private houses much
more magnificent than the public edifices. Just as
the state hath fallen their private fortunes have been
raised.
And what cause can we assign for this 1 How is it
t The Lacedemonians lost. ]--The battles of Leuctra and Man tinea
had entirely destroyed their power. --Tourreil.
2 Engaged, &c. ]--In the Phocian war.
3 The allies, &c. ]--Ulpian and Wolflus understand this of the peace
by which the Athenians consented that the people of Chios, Rhodes, and
Byzantium, and other revolters, should all continue free. But it seems
more natural to apply it to some prior events ; as the taking of Pydna
and Potidaea, and other cities of Thrace, that were then subject to Athens,
and which Philip made himself master of, after he had concluded a peace
with the Athenians, in the second year of his reign. --Tourreil.
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION.
83
that our affairs were once so flourishing, and now in
such disorder ? Because, formerly, the people dared
to take up arms themselves; were themselves mas-
ters of those in employment; disposers themselves
of all emoluments; so that every citizen thought
himself happy to derive honours and authority, and
all advantages whatever, from the people. But now,
on the contrary, favours are all dispensed, affairs all
transacted by the ministers: while you, quite ener-
vated, robbed of your riches, your allies, stand in the
mean rank of servants and assistants ; happy if these
men grant you the theatrical appointments, and send
you scraps of the public meal:1 and, what is of all
most sordid, you hold yourselves obliged to them for
that which is your own: while they confine you
within these walls, lead you on gently to their pur-
poses, and sooth and tame you to obedience. Nor
is it possible, that they who are engaged in low and
grovelling pursuits can entertain great and generous
sentiments. No ! Such as their employments are,
so must , their dispositions prove. --And now I call
Heaven to witness, that it will not surprise me if I
suffer more by mentioning this your condition than
they who have involved you in it! Freedom of
speech you do not allow on all occasions; and that
you have now admitted it excites my wonder.
But if you will at length be prevailed on to change
your conduct; if you will take the field, and act
worthy of Athenians; if these redundant sums which
you receive at home be applied to the advancement
of your affairs abroad; perhaps, my countrymen,
perhaps some instance of consummate good fortune
nay attend you, and you may become so happy as
o despise those pittances, which are like the morsels
nat a physician allows his patient: for these do not
1 Of the public meal. 1--Demetrius Phalereus records a saying of De-
nudes, in ridicule of the custom of distributing victuals to the people
u The state," said he, " is now become a feeble old woman, that sits at
hone in her slippers, and sups up her ptisan. "
Vol. I. --G .
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? 84 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
restore his vigour, but just keep him from dying1. So,
your distributions cannot serve any valuable purpose,
but are just sufficient to divert your attention from
all other things, and thus increase the indolence of
every one among you.
But I shall be asked, What then? Is it youi
opinion that these sums should pay our army ? And
besides this, that the state should be regulated in
such a manner, that every one may have his share
of public business, and approve himself a useful
citizen, on what occasion soever his aid may be
required. Is if in his power to live in peace ? He
will live here with greater dignity, while these sup-
plies prevent him from being tempted by indigence
to any thing dishonourable. Is he called forth by an
emergency like the present? Let him discharge
that sacred duty which he owes to his country, by
applying these sums to his support in the field. Is
there a man among you past the age of service ? Let
bim, by inspecting and conducting the public busi-
ness, regularly merit his share of the distributions
which he now receives, without any duty enjoined,
or any return made to the community. And thus,
with scarcely any alteration, either of abolishing or
innovating, all irregularities are removed, and the
state completely settled, by appointing one general
regulation, which shall entitle our citizens'to receive,
and at the same time oblige them to take arms, to
administer justice, to act in all cases as their time
of life and our affairs require. But it never hath,
nor could it have been moved by me, that the rewards
of the diligent and active should be bestowed on the
useless citizen; or that you should sit here, supine,
languid, and irresolute, listening to the exploits of
some general's foreign troops (for thus it is at
present). Not that I would reflect on him who
serves you, in any instance. But you yourselves,
Athenians, should perform those services for which
you heap honours on others, and not recede from
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? SECOND OLYNTHIAC ORATION. 85
that illustrious rank of virtue, the price of all the
glorious toils of your ancestors, and by them be-
queathed to you.
Thus have 1 laid before you the chief points in
which I think you interested. It is your part to em-
brace that opinion which the welfare of the state in
general, and that of every single member, recom-
mends to your acceptance
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? THE THIRD OLYNTHIAC ORATION:
PRONOUNCED IN THE SAME YEAR.
INTRODUCTION.
The preceding oration had no farther effect on the Athenians, than f
prevail on them to send orders to Charidemus, who commanded for them
at the Hellespont, to make an attempt to relieve Olynthus. He accord-
ingly led some forces into Chalcis, which, in conjunction with the forces
of Olynthus, ravaged Pallene, a peninsula of Macedon, towards Thrace,
and Bottia, a country on the confines of Chalcis, which, among other
towns, contained Pella, the capital of Macedon.
. But these attempts could not divert Philip from his resolution of
reducing Olynthus, which he had now publicly avowed. The Olynthlans,
therefore, found it necessary to have once more recourse to Athens;
and to request, that they would send troops, composed of citizens, ani-
mated with a sincere ardour for their interest, their own glory, and the
common cause.
Demosthenes, in the following oration, insists on the importance of
saving Olynthus; alarms his hearers with the apprehension of a war,
which actually threatened Attica, and even the capital; urges (he neces-
sity of personal service; and returns to his charge of the misapplication
of the public money, but in such a manner as showeth that his former
"emonstrances had not the desired effect.
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? OLYNTHIAC THE THIRD.
1 am persuaded. Athenians, that you would account
it less valuable to possess the greatest riches,1 that<
to have the true interest of the state on this emer-
gency clearly laid before you. It is your part, there-
fore, readily and cheerfully to attend to all who are
disposed to offer their opinions: for your regards
need not be confined to those whose counsels are the
effect of premeditation :2 it is your good fortune to
have men among you who can at once suggest many
points of moment. From opinions, therefore, of
every kind, you may easily choose that most con-
ducive to your interest.
And now, Athenians, the present juncture calls
upon us; we almost hear its voice, declaring loudly
that you yourselves must engage in these affairs, if
you have the least attention to your own security.
You entertain I know not what sentiments on this
occasion. My opinion is, that the reinforcements
should be instantly decreed; that they should be
raised with all possible expedition ; that so our suc-
t The greatest riches. ]--Ulpian fir. ds out a particular propriety in this
exordium. He observes, that, as the orator intends to recommend to
them to give up their theatrical appointments, he prepares them for it by
this observation; and while he is endeavouring to persuade them to a
just disregard of money, appears as if he only spoke their sentiments.
2 Premeditation. ]--M. . Tourreil admires the greatness of mind of
Demosthenes, who, though he gloried in the pains and labour his orations
cost him, was yet superior to that low and malignant passion which
oftentimes prompts us to decry those taients which we do not possess.
I suspect, however, that this nassage was occasioned by some particular
circumstance in the debate. Perhaps some speaker, who opposed Demos-
thenes, might have urged his opinion somewhat dogmatically, as the
result of mature reflection and deliberation.
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? 86 ORATIONS OF DEMOSTHENES.
cours may be sent from this city, and all former in -
conveniences be avoided; and that you should send
ambassadors to notify these things, and to secure
our interests by their presence. For as he is a man
of consummate policy, complete in the art of turning
every incident to his own advantage, there is the
utmost reason to fear, that partly by concessions,
where they may be seasonable, partly by menaces
(and his menaces may1 be believed), and partly by
rendering us and our absence suspected, he may tear
from us something of the last importance, and force
it into his own service.
Those very circumstances, however, which con-
tribute to the power of Philip are happily the most
favourable to us: for that uncontrolled command,
with which he governs all transactions public and
secret; his entire direction of his army, as their
leader, their sovereign, and their treasurer; and his
diligence, in giving life to every part of it by his
presence; these things greatly contribute to carrying
on a war with expedition and success, but are power-
ful obstacles to that accommodation which he would
gladly make with the Olynthians. For the Olyn-
thians see plainly that they do not now fight for glory,
or for part of their territory, but to defend their state
from dissolution and slavery. They know how he
rewarded those traitors of Amphipolis who made
him master of that city, and those of Pydna who
opened their gates to him. In a word, free states, I
think, must ever look with suspicion on an absolute
monarchy; but a neighbouring monarchy must double
their apprehensions.
Convinced of what hath now been offered, and
possessed with every other just and worthy senti-
ment, you must be resolved, Athenians, you must
exert your spirit; you must apply to the war now, if
ever; your fortunes, your persons, your whole
I His menaces may, &c. ]--Although his pr&miees could by no means
be relied ou.
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