On the Chersonese (16-20)

Because, you say, the wretched creatures are infatuated and stupid beyond measure. Quite so, but still we are bound to preserve them in the interests of Athens. And then again we are not certain of another thing, that he will not attack the Chersonese. Indeed, if we may judge from the letter which he sent you, he means to take vengeance on the settlers there.

If, therefore, our present force is still in being, it will be able both to save the Chersonese and to make raids upon Philip’s territory. But if it is once disbanded, what shall we do if he marches against the Chersonese? Bring Diopithes to trial, you say. And how will that help matters? Well, then, we will set out from Athens ourselves. But suppose the winds will not let us? But surely Philip will not attack.

And who will go bail for that? Do you not observe and consider, men of Athens, what season[*] of the year is upon us—the season at which certain people think it their duty to keep the Hellespont clear of you and hand it over to Philip? What if he quits Thrace and never approaches the Chersonese or Byzantium—for you must take that also into your reckoning—but turns up at Chalcis and Megara, just as he did at Oreus not long ago? Will it be better to make our stand here and let the war spread to Attica, or to contrive some employment for him away yonder? I prefer the latter.

Therefore, knowing and weighing these facts, it is the duty of all of you, not surely to try to disparage and break up the force that Diopithes is doing his best to provide for the state, but to provide an additional force yourselves and to keep him well supplied with funds and in every way to give him your loyal co-operation.

For suppose someone should ask Philip, Tell me, which would you prefer? That the troops now serving with Diopithes, whatever their character may be—for I am not discussing that—should prosper and win credit at Athens and grow in numbers with the co-operation of the government, or that a few accusers and detractors should cause them to be broken up and destroyed? I think he would choose the latter. And what Philip would pray the gods to vouchsafe him, are some of us here trying to compass? And do you still ask how our interests are sacrificed everywhere?