Page:Thucydides, translated into English Vol 2.djvu/146

 138 IRRITATION AT ATHENS [v and Mantinca, which he hoped to effect, if he could only discredit them in the assembly, and create the impression that their intentions were not honest, and that they never told the same tale twice. And he succeeded; for when the envoys appeared before the assembly, and in answer to the question whether they had full powers replied ' No,' in direct contradiction to what they had said in the council, the patience of the Athenians was exhausted, and Alcibi- ades declaimed against the Lacedaemonians more violently than ever. The people were carried away and were ready to have in the Argives, and make an alliance with them and their confederates on the spot. But an earthquake occurred before the final vote was taken, and the assembly was adjourned. 46 The trick which had deceived the Lacedaemonians Tl.c trick dcrcivcs themselves completely deceived Nicias, Nic!as,wlio ncvcrtliclcss who could HOt Understand the dis- coiiihiiies to support avowal of their powers. Nevertheless kc is lufusclf sent to '" ^'^^ assembly which met on the fol- dcmand satisfaction at lowing day he Still continued to main- Sparta. The ncgo- tain that the Athenians ought to prefer latonjats. ^^^ friendship of Sparta, and not to conclude the Argive alliance until they had sent to the Lacedaemonians and ascertained their intentions. He urged them not to renew the war now, when it could be put olT with honour to themselves and discredit to the Lacedaemonians; they were successful and should seek to preserve their good fortune as long as they could, but the Lacedaemonians were in a bad way, and would be only too glad to fight as soon as possible at all hazards. And he prevailed on them to send envoys, of whom he was himself one, requiring the Lacedaemonians, if they were sincere in their intentions, to rebuild and restore Panactum, to restore Amphipolis, and to renounce their alliance with the Boeotians unless they came into the treaty, according to the stipulation which forbade the contracting parties to make a new alliance except by