Isocrates, To Philip, George Norlin (Translator), 55

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[55] for while they are in Phocian territory they succeed in killing a few hireling¹ 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 you² the hopes of their own deliverance. Therefore I think that the Thebans also will do with alacrity whatever you command or advise.

To Philip. Isocrates. George Norlin (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1928.

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Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Perseus

To Philip (English) (Isocrates, Vol. 1. Norlin, George, translator. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd., 1928 (printing).)

Editions (1)

Φίλιππος Perseus (Isocrates, Vol. 1. Norlin, George, editor. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd., 1928 (printing).) — 55 focus

[55] ἐν μὲν γὰρ τῇ Φωκίδι τῶν μισθοφόρων τινὰς ἀποκτείνουσιν, οἷς λυσιτελεῖ τεθνάναι μᾶλλον ἢ ζῆν, ἀναχωροῦντες δὲ τοὺς ἐνδοξοτάτους αὑτῶν καὶ μάλιστα τολμῶντας ὑπὲρ τῆς πατρίδος ἀποθνήσκειν ἀπολλύουσιν. εἰς τοῦτο δʼ αὐτῶν περιέστηκε τὰ πράγματα, ὥστʼ ἐλπίσαντες ἅπαντας τοὺς Ἕλληνας ὑφʼ αὑτοῖς ἔσεσθαι νῦν ἐν σοὶ τὰς ἐλπίδας ἔχουσι τῆς αὑτῶν σωτηρίας. ὥστʼ οἶμαι καὶ τούτους ταχέως ποιήσειν ὅ τι ἂν σὺ κελεύῃς καὶ συμβουλεύῃς.

Notes on the current edition

To Philip

1. The Phocian forces were composed mainly of mercenaries.

2. The war was concluded shortly after this by the intervention of Philip against the Phocians.

Isocrates To Philip 55

George Norlin (Translator)

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