Demosthenes: “But we sit doing nothing; and a man idle himself can not require even his friends to act for him, much less the gods.”

Choose which ye think expedient; and put hands to the work, while it is yet time.

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.

For I have been taught both by hearsay and experience, that most of your advantages have escaped you, from unwillingness to do your duty, not from ignorance.

I am not ignorant, Athenians, that frequently, when any disappointment happens, you are angry, not with the parties in fault, but with the last speakers on the subject; yet never, with a view to self-protection, would I suppress what I…