History of the Peloponnesian War

’Peloponnesians and allies, our fathers indeed made many expeditions both within the Peloponnese and outside it, and the elder among ourselves are not inexperienced in wars. Nevertheless, we have never yet set out with a larger preparation than this; but we are now marching against a most powerful city, and we ourselves are campaigning in the greatest numbers and of the finest quality.

​It is therefore right that we should show ourselves neither inferior to our fathers nor wanting to our own reputation. For all Hellas is excited by this movement and is paying close attention, wishing us success in our designs because of their hatred for the Athenians.

​Therefore, even if some of us think that we are invading in great numbers and that there is great security against our enemies coming out to meet us in battle, we must not on this account march with any less care in our preparations, but rather the leader and the soldier of each city must always expect, for his own part, to come into some danger.

​For the events of war are uncertain, and for the most part attacks are made suddenly and in anger; and often a smaller force, being in fear, has better defended itself against a superior number, because the latter, through contempt, became unprepared.

​One must always campaign in enemy territory with a bold spirit in mind, but prepared with fear in action; for in this way they would be most courageous in attacking the enemy and most secure against being attacked.

​And we are marching against a city that is by no means powerless to defend itself, but is excellently prepared in every way, so that we must fully expect them to go to battle, even if they have not already set out now while we are not yet there, but rather when they see us in their land ravaging and destroying their property.

​For anger falls upon all men when they see with their own eyes, in the immediate moment, themselves suffering something unaccustomed; and those who use reasoning least are most impelled into action by passion.

​And it is likely that the Athenians will do this even more than others, since they claim to rule over others and are more accustomed to invading and ravaging the land of their neighbors than to seeing their own being ravaged.

​Since then we are campaigning against so great a city, and shall bring the greatest glory to our ancestors and to ourselves in either direction according to the issue, follow wherever anyone may lead you, making order and vigilance your highest concern, and receiving orders promptly; for this is the finest and safest thing, that a great multitude should be seen using a single order.’