Page:Thucydides, translated into English Vol 2.djvu/215

 I 3436] FACTION AT SYRACUSE 207 selves, and in this opinion they are justified by our neglect to join with the Lacedaemonians in putting them down. But, if they see that they were mistakien, and that we boldly venture % they will be more dismayed at our un- expected resistance than at our real power. Take my advice ; if possible, resolve on this bold step, but if not, adopt other measures of defence as quickly as possible. Remember each and all of you that the true contempt of an invader is shown by deeds of valour in the field, and that meanwhile the greatest service which you can render to the state is to act as if you were in the presence of danger, considering that safety depends on anxious preparation l*. The Athenians are coming; I am certain that they are already on the sea and will soon be here.' Thus spoke Hermocrates. Great was the contention 35 which his words aroused among the ^, ., ^, ., People satci, They Syracusan people, some assertmg that ^^ „^j,^.,. ^^,„^. ^„^_ the Athenians would never come, and What harm will they that he was not speaking truth, others •^^^ /"' ^"' "" asking, 'And if they should come, what * harm could they do to us nearly so great as we could do to them ? ' while others were quite contemptuous, and made a jest of the whole matter. A few only believed Hermocrates and realised the danger. At last Athen- agoras, the popular leader, who had at that time the greatest influence with the multitude, came forward and spoke as follows : - 'He is either a coward or a traitor who would not 36 rejoice to hear that the Athenians are so mad as to come hither and deliver themselves into our hands. The audac- ity of the people who are spreading these alarms does not surprise roe, but I do wonder at their folly if they cannot see that their motives are transparent. Having Cp. ii. 89 med. ** Cp ii. 11 med.