Page:Thucydides, translated into English Vol 1.djvu/246

 130 FUNERAL SPEECH OF PERICLES [ll is, in our opinion, not discussion, but the want of that knowledge which is gained by discussion preparatory to action. For we have a peculiar power of thinking before we act and of acting too, whereas other men are courageous from ignorance but hesitate upon reflection. And they are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense both of the pains and pleasures of life, do not on that account shrink from danger. In doing good, again, wc are unlike others; we make our friends by conferring, not by receiving favours. Now he who confers a favour is the firmer friend, because he would fain by kindness keep alive the memory of an obligation ; but the recipient is colder in his feelings, because he knows that in requiting another's generosity he will not be winning gratitude but only paying a debt. We alone do good to our neighbours not upon a calculation of interest, but in the confidence of freedom and in a frank 41, ^ . , . ^, and fearless spirit. To sum up : I say In fine, Athens IS the f, 1 /tt n school of Hellas. She that Athens is the school of Hellas, alone in the hour of and that the individual Athenian in trial rises above her re. j-jj^ ^^^ persOH SCemS tO have the futatton. Her citizens need no poet to sing power of adaptmg himself to the most their praises : for every varied forms of action with the utmost land bears witness to .versatility and grace. This is no ihetr valour. ,, . ,, , , , , passing and idle word, but truth and fact ; and the assertion is verified by the position to which these qualities have raised the state. For in the hour of trial Athens alone among her contemporaries is superior to the report of her. No enemy who comes against her is indignant at the reverses which he sustains at the hands of such a city ; no subject complains that his masters are unworthy of him. And we shall assuredly not be without witnesses ; there are mighty monuments of our power which will make us the wonder of this and of succeeding ages ; we shall not need the praises of Homer or of any other panegyrist whose poetry may please for the moment •*,
 * Cp. i. 10 med., and 21.