Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War 1.121

[1] "As for the war, at this time we raise it, both upon injuries done us and upon other sufficient allegations; and when we have repaired our wrongs upon the Athenians, we will also in due time lay it down.

[2] And it is for many reasons probable that we shall have the victory: first, because we exceed them in number;

[3] and next, because when we go to any action intimated, we shall be all of one fashion. And as for a navy, wherein consisteth the strength of the Athenians, we shall provide it both out of everyone's particular wealth and with the money at Delphi and Olympia. For taking this at interest, we shall be able to draw from them their foreign mariners by offer of greater wages. For the forces of the Athenians are rather mercenary than domestic; whereas our own power is less obnoxious to such accidents, consisting more in the persons of men than in money.

[4] And if we overcome them but in one battle by sea, in all probability they are totally vanquished. And if they hold out, we also shall with longer time apply ourselves to naval affairs. And when we shall once have made our skill equal to theirs, we shall surely overmatch them in courage. For the valour that we have by nature, they shall never come unto by teaching; but the experience which they exceed us in, that must we attain unto by industry.

[5] And the money wherewith to bring this to pass, it must be all our parts to contribute. For else it were a hard case that the confederates of the Athenians should not stick to contribute to their own servitude, and we should refuse to lay out our money to be revenged of our enemies and for our own preservation, and that the Athenians take not our money from us and even with that do us mischief.

[1] To apply these rules to ourselves, if we are now kindling war it is under the pressure of injury, and with adequate grounds of complaint; and after we have chastised the Athenians we will in season desist.

[2] We have many reasons to expect success,—first, superiority in numbers and in military experience, and secondly our general and unvarying obedience in the execution of orders. The naval strength

[3] which they possess shall be raised by us from our respective antecedent resources, and from the monies at Olympia and Delphi . A loan from these enables us to seduce their foreign sailors by the offer of higher pay. For the power of Athens is more mercenary than national; while ours will not be exposed to the same risk, as its strength lies more in men than in money.

[4] A single defeat at sea is in all likelihood their ruin: should they hold out, in that case there will be the more time for us to exercise ourselves in naval matters; and as soon as we have arrived at an equality in science, we need scarcely ask whether we shall be their superiors in courage. For the advantages that we have by nature they cannot acquire by education; while their superiority in science must be removed by our practice.

[5] The money required for these objects shall be provided by our contributions: nothing indeed could be more monstrous than the suggestion that, while their allies never tire of contributing for their own servitude, we should refuse to spend for vengeance and self-preservation the treasure which by such refusal we shall forfeit to Athenian rapacity, and see employed for our own ruin.

„Wir aber beginnen den Krieg, weil wir an unsern
siechten gekränkt sind und erhebliche Beschwerden haben, ind wenn erst
die Athener von uns bestraft und zurückgewiesen sind, weiden wir
schon rechtzeitig Frieden machen. Daß aber der Sieg uns znsallen
muß, ist aus vielen Gründen wahrscheinlich; denn für's Erste sind wir
ihnen an Zahl und KrkgSerfahrung überlegen, und dann sind wir
Alle gleicher Weise bereit, den Befehlen zu gehorchen lind auch
eine Flotte, worin die Stärke jener liegt, werden wir nnS leicht
verschaffen, theils aus den Mitteln, welche den Einzelnen unter uns zur
Verfügung stehen, theils ans den Schätzen von Delphi nnd
Olympia. Denn vermittelst einer Anleihe werden wir im Stande sein,
ihnen durch höhere Löhnung ihr fremdes Seevolk abwendig zu
machen, da ja die Athenische Macht mehr aus Söldneru, als ans
Einheimischen besteht. Der unsrigen hingegen könnte dies nicht so leicht
widerfahren, da sie mehr auf unseren eigenen Leuten, als auf Geldmitteln
beruht. Aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach wird Eine Seeschlacht genügen,
sie zu Grunde zu richten. Sollten sie aber doch länger Stand halten,
. nun, so werden wir uns auch um so längere Zeit im Seewesen üben,
und wenn wir es ihnen hierin erst einmal in Geschicklichkeit gleich
gethan haben, so werden wir ihnen durch unsern Muth ganz gewiß
obsiegen. Denn einen Vorzug, der uns angeboren ist, dürsten sich jene
wohl nicht anlernen können; was sie aber an Geschicklichkeit voraus
haben, müssen wir durch Uebung zu erwerben trachten. Die nöthigen
Geldmittel werden wir schon herbeischaffen, oder es wäre doch fürwahr
sehr schlimm, wenn die Athenischen Bundesgenossen, die zur
Befestigung ihrer eigenen Knechtschaft beisteuern, nicht im Rückstand bleiben,
und wir unser Geld schonen wollten, wo es sich um Bestrafung unserer
Feinde und um unsere eigne Rettung handelt, und wo es darauf
ankommt, uns eben dieser Geldmittel nicht berauben zu lassen, damit
man uns mit unserem eigenen Gut nicht wehe thue".

CXXI. « Quant à nous, c’est pour repousser une injustice et venger de justes griefs que nous réveillons aujourd’hui la guerre. Les Athéniens châtiés, nous déposerons à temps les armes.

« Nous avons bien des chances de vaincre : d’abord nous avons pour nous le nombre et l’expérience des combats ; ensuite nous avons tous également l’habitude de l’obéissance. Quant à la marine, qui fait leur force, nous en formerons une avec les ressources particulières de chaque ville et les trésors déposés à Delphes et à Olympie ¹ . Au moyen d’un emprunt nous serons en mesure de débaucher, par une solde plus élevée, leurs matelots étrangers ² ; car la puissance athé- nienne est plutôt mercenaire que nationale ; la nôtre, fondée sur nos personnes bien plus que sur nos richesses, a moins à craindre à cet égard. Une seule victoire navale nous les livre vraisemblablement. S’ils résistent, nous aurons plus de temps pour nous exercer à la marine, et, une fois égaux par la science, nous l'emporterons certainement par le courage : car les avantages que nous tenons de la nature, ils ne sauraient les acquérir par l’étude ; et la supériorité que leur donne la science, nous la leur enlèverons par le travail. Il nous faut de l’argent pour ces dépenses ; eh bien ! nous le fournirons : il serait vraiment étrange, quand leurs alliés ne se lassent pas de payer leur asservissement, que nous ne voulussions pas, nous, faire la moindre dépense pour nous venger de nos ennemis, pour assurer en même temps notre propre salut, et empêcher que ces mêmes richesses ne deviennent entre les mains des ra- visseurs l’instrument de notre ruine.

« Quant à nous, c’est parce qu’on nous offense, c’est pour redresser dejustes griefs, qu'aujourd’hui nous tirons l’épée; quand nous nous serons vengés des Athéniens, il sera temps de la remettre au fourreau.

« Plusieurs motifs nous promettent la victoire. Nous avons pour nous le nombre, l’expérience militaire, l’esprit de subordination. Quant à la marine qui fait leur force, nous en formerons une, soit avec nos finances particulières, soit avec les trésors de Delphes et d’Olympie. Au moyen d’un emprunt ¹ , il nous sera facile de débaucher par l’appât d’une solde plus forte leurs matelots étrangers. La puissance des Athéniens est mercenaire bien plus que nationale ; la nôtre, qui repose sur la population plutôt que sur l’argent, est moins exposée à ce danger. Une seule victoire navale suffit, selon toute probabilité, pour les abattre; si leur résistance se prolonge, nous aurons plus de temps pour nous exercer à la marine ; et une fois leurs égaux en science, notis les surpasserons apparemment en valeur ; car l’avantage que nous tenons de la nature, ils ne sauraient l’acquérir par l’instruction. Cette supériorité qu’ils doivent à l’étude, il nous faut par l’exercice la réduire à néant. L’argent nécessaire dans ce but, nous le fournirons; autrement il serait étrange qu’on vît leurs alliés ne pas se lasser de payer pour leur propre asservissement, tandis que nous refuserions de contribuer pour nous venger de nos ennemis, pour nous sauver nous-mêmes, enfin pour éviter d’être dépouillés de nos biens et engloutis avec eux dans un même naufrage.

[1] " And so now in our own case, it is because we are suffering wrongs and have ample grounds for complaint that we are stirring up this war, and as soon as we have avenged our wrongs upon the Athenians we will bring the war to an end when occasion offers.

[2] And for many reasons we are likely to prevail: first, because we are superior in point of numbers and in military experience ;

[3] secondly, because we all with one accord obey the word of command; and, thirdly, on the sea, where their strength lies, we shall be able to equip a fleet, not only with the means which we severally possess, but also with the funds stored up at Delphi and Olympia. ¹ For by contracting a loan we can use the inducement of higher pay to entice away from them their mercenary sailors; for the forces of the Athenians are made up of hirelings rather than of their own citizens, whereas ours, whose strength lies more in the quality of the men than in the pay they get, would be less subject to such defection.

[4] And so, if we win a single victory at sea, in all probability they are defeated. ² If, however, they should still hold out, we on our part shall have more time for practice in seamanship, and asp soon as we have brought our skill to a parity with theirs, in courage, assuredly, we shall be superior. For the excellence that nature has given us cannot become theirs through instruction, whereas the advantage they have in skill can be acquired by us through practice.

[5] And as to the money we need to accomplish all this,we shall provide it by contributions; or strange were it, if their allies should never fail to pay tribute to ensure their own slavery, but we, to secure at once vengeance upon our enemies and safety for ourselves, shall prove unwilling to spend money, aye, and that we may not be robbed of that very wealth and withal have it used to our destruction.

[1] "Now as for ourselves, we are at the present time preparing for war because we are injured, and have sufficient grounds of complaint;

[2] and when we have avenged ourselves on the Athenians, we will lay it down again in good time. And for many reasons it is likely that we should have the advantage; first, as we are superior in numbers and military experience;

[3] and secondly, as we all proceed with equal obedience to do what we are ordered. And for a fleet, in which they are so strong, we will equip one from the property we severally possess, and from the money at Delphi and Olympia; for by contracting a loan of that we shall be able, by means of higher pay, to rob them of their foreign sailors. For the power of the Athenians is mercenary, rather than native: but ours would be less exposed to this, as it is strong in men more than in money.

[4] And by one victory [gained by us] in a sea-fight, in all probability they are ruined; but should they hold out, we too shall have more time for studying naval matters; and when we have put our skill on an equal footing with theirs, in courage we shall most certainly excel them. For the advantage which we possess by nature cannot be acquired by them through learning;

[5] whereas the superiority which they have in point of skill may be attained by us through practice. And to have money for this purpose, we will raise contributions; or strange were it, if their allies should not refuse to contribute it for their own slavery, while we would not spend it to be avenged on our enemies, and to save ourselves at the same time, and to avoid suffering by means of this very money, ¹ through having it taken from us by them.

[1] « Nos vero nunc et injuriam patientes bellum excitamus et idoneas liabentes querendi causas, et postquam Athenienses ulti erimus, hoc deponemus in tempore.

[2] Mullis autem de causis verisimile est, nos fore superiores : primum quidem, quia et numero et rerum bellicarum peritia praestamus; deinde vero, quia pariter omnes ad imperata faciendum imus;

[3] et classem qua illi pollent, instruemus quum ex facultatibus, quae quibusque suppetunt, tum etiam ex Delphicis et Olympicis pecuniis. Nam mutuati pecuniam peregrinos illorum nautas majori mercede subducere possumus; emptae enim magis sunt Atheniensium copiae quam domesticae; sed nostris hoc minus contingit, siquidem plus corporibus, quam pecuniis pollent.

[4] Quod si illi vel unico navali proelio superati fuerint, capi eos verisimile est; sin vero resistant, nos etiam interposito majori temporis spatio res nauticas meditabimur, et ubi parem scientiam erimus assecuti, animi certe fortitudine superiores erimus. Nam quod nos bonum natura insitum habemus, Ime illi disciplina nunquam adipiscenlur; quo vero illi propter scientiam praestant, id evertendum nobis est meditatione.

[5] Pecunias etiam conferemus, ut ad ea suppetant; aut vero indignum fuerit, si illorum quidem socii in hoc, ut servitutem suam tueantur, pecunias conferre non desistent, nos vero in hoc, ut hostes ulciscentes ipsi simul servemur, nullas pecunias consumere volemus; et in hoo, ne iis privati ab illis, his ipsis male mulctemur.

[1] Diesen Grundsätzen, die wir von unsern Vätern überkommen und selber stets bewährt erfunden haben, lasst uns nicht ungetreu werden und nicht binnen weniger Stunden über so viel Menschenleben und Eigenthum, über Staatenglück und Ehre einen übereilten Beschluss fassen, sondern uns Zeit nehmen. Wir haben den Vortheil der Macht, um nichts zu versäumen. Nach Athen also sendet wegen Potidäas und wegen der Beschwerden der Bundesgenossen, besonders da sie eine gerichtliche Entscheidung nicht ablehnen. Wer diese anbietet, den hat man kein Recht als bereits Verurtheilten anzugreifen. Aber zugleich rüstet euch auch zum Kriege. Dies ist das Beste, was ihr beschliessen könnt, und wird bei dem Feind am meisten Eindruck machen.

« Ora noi, con assai giusti litoli di querelarci pei oostri violati diritti, suscitiamo la guerra, ed a tempo la cesseremo, quando avremo preso vendetta degli Ateniesi. Per molte ragioui poi hassi a credere che saremo vincitori : primieramente perchè superiori nel numero e nella pratica della guerra , dipoi perchè tutti vi andiamo egualmente pronti agli ordini dei comandanti. E la flotta in che essi sono forti l'allestiremo con gli averi particolari di ciascuno , e col denaro depositato a Delfo e ad Olimpia. Perocché, prendendolo in prestanza, siamo in grado di cavar loro di sotto , coll’allettamento di maggior soldo , le ciurme forestiere, giacché le forze degli Ateniesi piuttosto che cosa loro propria sono prezzolate ; dove alle nostre, il cui vigore è fondato sulle persone non sul denaro , non abbiamo punto a temere che ciò addivenga. Probabilmente saranno essi spacciati con una sola vittoria navale : se poi resisteranno, noi avremo più tempo per esercitarci sulla marina ; e quando la nostra perizia agguaglerà la loro, saremo indubitatamente superiori almeno per il coraggio, pregio tutto nostro , a cui procacciare non valgono insegnamenti ; laddove la maggioranza della perizia loro noi possiamo torla di mezzo coll’ esercizio. Denaro ne contribuiremo tanto da averne a sufficienza per fornire le flotte : altrimenti sarebbe una indegnità che laddove gli alleati degli Ateniesi non rifiutino di pagare imposte per il loro servaggio , noi non volessimo spendere per procurarci salvezza colla vendetta dei nemici, e per non vedere stromento delle nostre sciagure quelle stesse ricchezze, delle quali verremmo da loro spogliati.