and talked of punishing Philip for his presumption. In this
they were encouraged by certain foolish orators, who sought to
flatter the national prejudices. Demosthenes in this oration
strives to check the arrogance of the people; reminds them of
the necessity of defensive rather than offensive measures, and
especially of the importance of preserving their allies.
He again adverts (and this time more boldly) to the law of
Eubulus, which he intimates ought to be repealed; and he
exhorts the Athenians generally to make strenuous exertions
against Philip,


Not the same ideas, men of Athens, are presented to me, when I look at
our condition and when at the speeches which are delivered. The
speeches, I find, are about punishing Philip; but our condition is come
to this, that we must mind we are not first damaged ourselves.
Therefore, it seems to me, these orators commit the simple error of not
laying before you the true subject of debate. That once we might safely
have held our own and punished Philip too, I know well enough; both have
been possible in my own time, not very long ago. But now, I am
persuaded, it is sufficient in the first instance to effect the
preservation of our allies. When this has been secured, one may look out
for revenge on Philip; but before we lay the foundation right, I deem it
idle to talk about the end.

The present crisis, O Athenians, requires, if any ever did, much thought
and counsel. Not that I am puzzled, what advice to give in the matter; I
am only doubtful, in what way, Athenians, to address you thereupon. 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