To Archidamus (41-45)

Now in the case of Sparta I can cite no instance of this kind, for in times past no nation stronger than ourselves ever invaded our territory;[*] but in the case of other states there are many such examples which one might use, and especially is this true of the city of the Athenians.

For we shall find that as a result of dictating to others they lost repute with the Hellenes, while by defending themselves against insolent invaders they won fame among all mankind. Now if I were to recount the wars of old which they fought against the Amazons or the Thracians or the Peloponnesians[*] who under the leadership of Eurystheus invaded Attica, no doubt I should be thought to speak on matters ancient and remote from the present situation; but in their war against the Persians,[*] who does not know from what hardships they arose to great good-fortune?

For they alone of those who dwelt outside of the Peloponnesus, although they saw that the strength of the barbarians was irresistible, did not think it honorable to consider the terms imposed upon them,[*] but straightway chose to see their city ravaged rather than enslaved. Leaving their own country,[*] and adopting Freedom as their fatherland, they shared the dangers of war with us, and wrought such a change in their fortunes that, after being deprived of their own possessions for but a few days, they became for many years masters of the rest of the world.[*]

Athens, however, is not the only instance by which one might show how great are the advantages of daring to resist one’s enemies. There is also the case of the tyrant Dionysius, who, when he was besieged by the Carthaginians, seeing not a glimmer of hope for deliverance, but being hard pressed both by the war and by the disaffection of his citizens, was, for his part, on the point of sailing away, when one of his companions made bold to declare that “royalty is a glorious shroud.”[*]

Ashamed of what he had planned to do, and taking up the war afresh, he destroyed countless hosts of the Carthaginians,[*] strengthened his authority over his subjects, acquired far greater dominion than he had possessed before, ruled with absolute power until his death,[*] and left his son in possession of the same honors and powers as he himself had enjoyed.