Page:Thucydides, translated into English Vol 2.djvu/99

 1 2 1- 1 23] REVOLT OF MENDE 9 1 a calculation of the days that the Scionaeans had revolted after the conclusion of the truce, refused to admit them. Brasidas insisted that they were in time, and would not surrender the city. Whereupon Aristonymus despatched a message to Athens. The Athenians were ready at once to make an expedition against Scione. The Lacedaemon- ians, however, sent an embassy to them and protested that such a step would be a breach of the truce. They laid claim to the place, relying on the testimony of Brasidas, and proposed to have the matter decided by arbitration. But the Athenians, instead of risking an arbitration, wanted to send an expedition instantly; for they were exasperated at discovering that even the islanders were now daring to revolt from them, in a futile reliance on the Lacedaemonian power by land. The greater right was on their side ; for the truth was that the Scionaeans had revolted two days after the truce was made. They instantly carried a resolution, moved by Cleon, to destroy Scione and put the citizens to the sword ; and, while abstaining from hostilities elsewhere, they prepared to carry out their intentions. In the meantime Mende, a city of Pallene and an 123 Eretrian colony, revolted from them. Bmsidas receives the Brasidas felt justified in receiving the Memiaeans after the Mendaeans, although, when they came declaration of the truce. to him, the peace had unmistakabl}' been declared, because there were certain points in which he too charged the Athenians with violating thetreaty. His attitude encouraged them to take this bold step ; they saw his zeal in the cause, which they likewise inferred from his unwillingness to hand over Scione to the Athenians. Moreover the persons who negotiated with him were few in number, and having once begun, would not give up their purpose. For they feared the consequences of detection, and therefore compelled the multitude to act contrary to their own wishes. When the Athenians heard of the revolt they were more angry than ever, and made preparations against both cities. Brasidas,