Demosthenes: “Plunder of the treasury should be prevented by devising a plan for its safe custody, not by abandoning our interests.”

So report says, and I can well believe it; for undeserved success leads weak-minded men into folly; and thus it appears often, that to maintain prosperity is harder than to acquire it.

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 it is plain to the Olynthians, that now they are fighting, not for glory or a slice of territory, but to save their country from destruction and servitude.

Could decrees of themselves compel you to perform your duty, or execute what they prescribe, neither would you with many decrees have accomplished little or nothing, nor would Philip have insulted you so long.