The Olynthiacs and the Phillippics of Demothenes | Page 2

given a brief account of Olynthus,
showing its position with reference to Macedonia, and the importance
of its acquisition to Philip. The historical abstract prefixed to this
volume is intended chiefly to assist the reader in reference to dates.
Such occurrences only are noticed as may be useful to illustrate
Demosthenes.
I believe, men of Athens, you would give much to know, what is the
true policy to be adopted in the present matter of inquiry. This being
the case, you should be willing to hear with attention these who offer
you their counsel. Besides that you will have the benefit of all
preconsidered advice, I esteem it part of your good fortune, that many
fit suggestions will occur to some speakers at the moment, so that from
them all you may easily choose what is profitable.
The present juncture, Athenians, all but proclaims aloud, that you must
yourselves take these affairs in hand, if you care for their success. I
know not how we seem disposed in the matter. [Footnote: This is a
cautious way of hinting at the general reluctance to adopt a vigorous
policy. And the reader will observe the use of the first person, whereby
the orator includes himself in the same insinuation.] My own opinion is,
vote succor immediately, and make the speediest preparations for
sending it off from Athens, that you may not incur the same mishap as
before; send also embassadors, to announce this, and watch the
proceedings. For the danger is, that this man, being unscrupulous and
clever at turning events to account, making concessions when it suits
him, threatening at other times, (his threats may well be believed,)
slandering us and urging our absence against us, may convert and wrest
to his use some of our main resources. Though, strange to say,
Athenians, the very cause of Philip's strength is a circumstance
favorable to you. [Footnote: After alarming the people by showing the
strength of their adversary, he turns off skillfully to a topic of
encouragement.] His having it in his sole power to publish or conceal
his designs, his being at the same time general, sovereign, paymaster,
and every where accompanying his army, is a great advantage for quick
and timely operations in war; but, for a peace with the Olynthians,

which he would gladly make, it has a contrary effect. 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. They
know how he treated those Amphipolitans who surrendered to him their
city, and those Pydneans who gave him admittance. [Footnote:
Amphipolis was a city at the head of the Strymonic gulf, in that part of
Macedonia which approaches western Thrace. It had been built
formerly by an Athenian colony, and was taken by the Spartan general
Brasidas in the Peloponnesian war. Ever since Athens regained her
character of an imperial state, she had desired to recover Amphipolis,
which was important for its maritime position, its exportation of iron,
and especially from the vicinity of the forests near the Strymon, which
afforded an inexhaustible supply of ship-timber. But she had never
been able to accomplish that object. Philip, who at that time possessed
no maritime town of importance, was for obvious reasons anxious to
win Amphipolis for himself; and he got possession of it partly by force
of arms, partly by the treachery of certain Amphipolitans who were
attached to his interest. It seems the Athenians had been amused by a
promise of Philip to give up the town to them. The non-performance of
this compact led to their first long war with him. Immediately after the
capture of Amphipolis, Philip marched against Pydna, and was
admitted into the town.] And generally, I believe, a despotic power is
mistrusted by free states, especially if their dominions are adjoining.
All this being known to you, Athenians, all else of importance
considered, I say, you must take heart and spirit, and apply yourselves
more than ever to the war, contributing promptly, serving personally,
leaving nothing undone. No plea or pretense is left you for declining
your duty. What you were all so clamorous about, that the Olynthians
should be pressed into a war with Philip, has of itself come to pass,
[Footnote: Compare Virgil, Aen. ix. 6.
Turne, quod optanti Divum promittere nemo Auderet, volvenda dies en
attulit ultro.]
and in a way most advantageous to you. For, had they undertaken the
war at your instance, they might have been slippery allies, with minds
but half resolved perhaps: but since they hate him on a quarrel of their
own, their enmity is like to endure on account of their fears and their
wrongs. You must not then, Athenians, forego this lucky opportunity,

nor commit