To Philip (51-55)

Now as to the Argives, you will see that in some respects they are no better off than the Lacedaemonians, while in others their condition is worse; for they have been in a state of war with their neighbors[*] from the day they founded their city, just as have the Lacedaemonians; but there is this difference, that the neighbors of the Lacedaemonians are weaker than they, while those of the Argives are stronger—a condition which all would admit to be the greatest of misfortunes. And so unsuccessful are they in their warfare that hardly a year passes that they are not compelled to witness their own territory being ravaged and laid waste.[*]

But what is most deplorable of all is that, during the intervals when their enemies cease from harrying them, they themselves put to death the most eminent and wealthy of their citizens;[*] and they have more pleasure in doing this than any other people have in slaying their foes. The cause of their living in such disorder is none other than the state of war; and if you can put a stop to this, you will not only deliver them from these evils but you will cause them to adopt a better policy with respect to their other interests as well.

And as for the condition of the Thebans, surely you have not failed to note that also. They won a splendid victory[*] and covered themselves with glory, but because they did not make good use of their success they are now in no better case than those who have suffered defeat and failure. For no sooner had they triumphed over their foes than, neglecting everything else, they began to annoy the cities of the Peloponnese;[*] they made bold to reduce Thessaly to subjection;[*] they threatened their neighbors, the Megarians;[*] they robbed our city of a portion of its territory;[*] they ravaged Euboea;[*] they sent men-of-war to Byzantium,[*] as if they purposed to rule both land and sea;

and, finally, they began war upon the Phocians,[*] expecting that in a short time they would conquer their cities, occupy all the surrounding territory, and prevail over all the treasures at Delphi[*] by the outlay of their own funds. But none of these hopes has been realized; instead of seizing the cities of the Phocians they have lost cities of their own;[*] and now when they invade the enemy’s territory they inflict less damage upon them than they suffer when they are retreating to their own country;

for while they are in Phocian territory they succeed in killing a few hireling[*] soldiers who are better off dead than alive, but when they retreat they lose of their own citizens those who are most esteemed and most ready to die for their fatherland. And so completely have their fortunes shifted, that whereas they once hoped that all Hellas would be subject to them, now they rest upon you[*] the hopes of their own deliverance. Therefore I think that the Thebans also will do with alacrity whatever you command or advise.