But if another, having arms in his hand and a large force around him, amuses you with the name of peace, while he carries on the operations of war, what is left but to defend yourselves?
Demosthenes: “But if another, having arms in his hand and a large force around him, amuses you with the name of peace, while he…”
Editor's note · Context
From a speech urging Athenians to recognize Philip's aggressive actions despite his claims of peace, on the necessity of self-defense.
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For the riches of a state I consider to be allies, confidence, good-will; of all which you are destitute.
He is convinced, you will not submit to be slaves; if you were inclined, you would not know how, having been accustomed to command: you will be able, should occasion offer, to give him more trouble than any people in the world.
If we admitted the truth of what would be your best possible answer, namely, that all you do is for honor and renown, I wonder what puts it into your head, that you ought from such motives to exert yourself and undergo toil and danger…
They say that you should keep quiet, though you are injured; but they can not themselves keep quiet among you, though no one injures them.





