Demosthenes: “Yea, and it is disgraceful to exclaim on any occurrence, when it is too late, "Who would have expected it?”

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.

On many occasions, men of Athens, one may see the kindness of the gods to this country manifested, but most signally, I think, on the present.

Wherefore, Athenians, we must be exceedingly careful of our future measures, that by amendment therein we may efface the shame of the past.

Because, I conceive, measuring his calculations by ambition, by his desire of universal empire, without regard to peace, quiet, or justice, he saw plainly, that to a people of our character and principles nothing could he offer or give…