On the Twelve Years (41-45)

The barbarian accepted the statement but did not probe its meaning. For his ears interpreted the message to conform with his own pleasure rather than with the truth. But this was no idle speech, for deeds followed hard upon it.

Force does not enable a man to master even the smallest things. It was inventiveness and system that made him yoke the ox to the plough for the tilling of the land, bridle the horse, set a rider on the elephant, and cross the boundless sea in boats of wood. The engineer and craftsman of all these things is mind, and we must use it as our guide, not always seeking to follow the subtleties of our own plans but rather the natural changes of events. This was the method by which I tamed Alexander, like some fearful beast, with flattering words and made him tractable for the future.

A manly utterance and a frankness worthy of the name Athenian.

I hate the popular leaders because they disturb the people and shatter the peace, the fruit of my administration, with a decree in favour of war.

Our ancestors left Athens and held the sea as a city, and the naval disaster shattered the land army also.