For so in battles, no runaway accuses himself, but his general, his neighbor, any one rather; though, sure enough, the defeat is owing to all the runaways; for each one who accuses the rest might have stood his ground, and had each done so they would have conquered.
In a speech criticizing the Athenians for their inaction and tendency to blame others, Demosthenes uses the analogy of soldiers in battle to illustrate the nature of shared responsibility for defeat.
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But look to this, Athenians, that our envoys shall not only make speeches, but have some real proof that we have gone forth as becomes our country, and are engaged in action.
As for me, never before have I courted favor, by speaking what I am not convinced is for your good, and now I have spoken my whole mind frankly and unreservedly.
I request you, if I speak my mind, to be patient, and consider only, whether I speak the truth, and with a view to future amendment.
For I have been taught both by hearsay and experience, that most of your advantages have escaped you, from unwillingness to do your duty, not from ignorance.
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