The Olynthiacs and the Phillippics of Demothenes | Page 3

the error which you have often done heretofore. For
example, when we returned from succoring the Euboeans, and Hierax
and Stratocles of Amphipolis came to this platform, [Footnote: The
hustings from which the speakers addressed the people. It was cut to
the height of ten feet out of the rock which formed the boundary wall of
the assembly; and was ascended by a flight of steps.] urging us to sail
and receive possession of their city, if we had shown the same zeal for
ourselves as for the safety of Euboea, you would have held Amphipolis
then and been rid of all the troubles that ensued. Again, when news
came that Pydna, [Footnote: Potidaea was in the peninsula of Pallene,
near Olynthus, and was therefore given by Philip to the Olynthians, as
mentioned in the argument. Methone and Pydna are on the Macedonian
coast approaching Thessaly. Pagasae is a Thessalian town in the
Magnesian district. It was the sea-port of Pherae, capital of the tyrant
Lycophron, against whom Philip was invited to assist the Thessalians.
Philip overcame Lycophron, and restored republican government at
Pherae; but Pagasae he garrisoned himself, and also Magnesia, a
coast-town in the same district.] Potidaea, Methone, Pagasae, and the
other places (not to waste time in enumerating them) were besieged,
had we to any one of these in the first instance carried prompt and
reasonable succor, we should have found Philip far more tractable and
humble now. But, by always neglecting the present, and imagining the
future would shift for itself, we, O men of Athens, have exalted Philip,
and made him greater than any king of Macedon ever was. Here then is
come a crisis, this of Olynthus, self-offered to the state, inferior to none
of the former. 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. Our numerous
losses in war may justly be charged to our own negligence; but that
they happened not long ago, and that an alliance, to counterbalance
them, is open to our acceptance, I must regard as manifestations of
divine favor. It is much the same as in money matters. If a man keep
what he gets, he is thankful to fortune; if he lose it by imprudence, he
loses withal his memory of the obligation. So in political affairs, they
who misuse their opportunities forget even the good which the gods
send them; for every prior event is judged commonly by the last result.
Wherefore, Athenians, we must be exceedingly careful of our future

measures, that by amendment therein we may efface the shame of the
past. Should we abandon these men [Footnote: Here he points to the
Olynthian embassadors.] too, and Philip reduce Olynthus, let any one
tell me, what is to prevent him marching where he pleases? Does any
one of you, Athenians, compute or consider the means, by which Philip,
originally weak, has become great? Having first taken Amphipolis,
then Pydna, Potidaea next, Methone afterward, he invaded Thessaly.
Having ordered matters at Pherae, Pagasae, Magnesia, every where
exactly as he pleased, he departed for Thrace; where, after displacing
some kings and establishing others, he fell sick; again recovering, he
lapsed not into indolence, but instantly attacked the Olynthians. I omit
his expeditions to Illyria and Paeonia, that against Arymbas, [Footnote:
Arymbas was a king of the Molossians in Epirus, and uncle of
Olympias, Philip's wife.] and some others.
Why, it may be said, do you mention all this now? That you, Athenians,
may feel and understand both the folly of continually abandoning one
thing after another, and the activity which forms part of Philip's habit
and existence, which makes it impossible for him to rest content with
his achievements. If it be his principle, ever to do more than he has
done, and yours, to apply yourselves vigorously to nothing, see what
the end promises to be. Heavens! which of you is so simple as not to
know, that the war yonder will soon be here, if we are careless? And
should this happen, I fear, O Athenians, that as men who thoughtlessly
borrow on large interest, after a brief accommodation, lose their estate,
so will it be with us; found to have paid dear for our idleness and
self-indulgence, we shall be reduced to many hard and unpleasant shifts,
and struggle for the salvation of our country.
To censure, I may be told, is easy for any man; to show what measures
the case requires, is the part of a counselor. 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