They who advise for the best can not always gratify their audience, though they would; for the safety of the state must be attended to: their opponents by the very counsel which is agreeable advance Philip's interest.
In a speech urging Athenians to resist Philip, Demosthenes explains why sound advice is often unpopular but necessary for state security.
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The present juncture, Athenians, all but proclaims aloud, that you must yourselves take these affairs in hand, if you care for their success.
And methinks, men of Athens, any man fairly estimating what the gods have done for us, notwithstanding many untoward circumstances, might with reason be grateful to them.
When this has been secured, one may look out for revenge on Philip; but before we lay the foundation right, I deem it idle to talk about the end.
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.
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