Take for examples the strength of the Lacedaemonians then, which you overcame by attention to your duties, and the insolence of this man now, by which through neglect of our interests we are confounded.
Demosthenes contrasts past Athenian success against Sparta, achieved through diligence, with current struggles against Philip due to neglect.
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He has risen by conciliating and cajoling the weakness of every people in turn who knew him not.
Impossible is it,--impossible, Athenians,--to acquire a solid power by injustice and perjury and falsehood.
You see to what wretched plight we are reduced by some men haranguing for popularity.
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.
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