THE FIRST OLYNTHIAC.

THE ARGUMENT.

Olynthus was a city in Macedonia, at the head of the Toronaic
gulf, and north of the peninsula of Pallene. It was colonized
by a people from Chalcis in Euboea, and commanded a large
district called Chalcidice, in which there were thirty-two
cities. Over all this tract the sway of Olynthus was
considerable, and she had waged wars anciently with Athens
and Sparta, and been formidable to Philip's predecessors on
the throne of Macedon. Soon after Philip's accession, the
Olynthians had disputes with him, which were at first
accommodated, and he gratified them by the cession of
Anthemus. They then joined him in a war against Athens, and
he gave up to them Potidaea, which had yielded to their
united arms. After the lapse of some years, during which
Philip had greatly increased his power, and acquired
considerable influence in Thessaly and Thrace, the Olynthians
became alarmed, and began to think him too dangerous a
neighbor. The immediate cause of rupture was an attack which
he made on one of the Chalcidian towns. An embassy was
instantly sent to Athens, to negotiate an alliance. Philip,
considering this as an infraction of their treaty with him,
declared war against them, and invaded their territory. A
second embassy was sent to Athens, pressing for assistance.
The question was debated in the popular assembly. Demades,
an orator of considerable ability, but profligate character,
opposed the alliance. Many speakers were heard; and at
length Demosthenes rose to support the prayer of the embassy,