Isocrates To Dionysius 9

[9] Do not think it strange ¹ that I, who am not an orator who moves public assemblies, nor a leader of armies, nor otherwise a man of power, am undertaking so difficult an affair and am attempting two of the most serious things — to speak on behalf of Greece and at the same time to give counsel to you. For at the beginning of my career I stood aloof from participation in public affairs (the reasons for this would be tedious to relate), ² but of that culture which contemns the petty things and attempts to achieve the great things I should not be found to be entirely destitute.