ARCHIDAMUS, OR, THE COUNCIL OF WAR.  
Being 2000 years old, and written by Isocrates the courageous Orator, translated by a Tho: Barnes.  
LONDON, Printed by William jones for Nicholas Bourne, and are to be sold at his shop at the South entry of the Royal Exchange. 1624.   

THE PREFACE.  
BEing in my apprenticeship of Grammar School, I cast a view upon that excellent and most famous Panegyrique Oration, about which as some say, that flower of oratory Isocrates was in hammering ten years or more. But mine eye glancing a little further, I chanced to read that little less admirable Oration to King Philip, which the Grecians so reverenced, inasmuch as King Philip and his son and heir Alexander by reading thereof, were stirred up to set upon the kingdom of Persia. But proceeding, I happened upon this no less famous than the rest, entitled Archidamus; in the beginning whereof I found such excellency of elocution, that it still more inflamed the scorching heat of my desire to read it more exactly than the others. First, because it was undertaken in so important a cause, and for so Potent, and so Noble descended a young Prince: Secondly, because in this Oration was required variety of matter, Monarchical, Military, public and private, either advancement or ruin; and lastly because it seems to me the Orator spent his best vigour and strength of wit, and learning at least to parallel, if not to excel his other Orations.  
But the noise I now hear of preparation for war, hath made these his Arguments, and whole discourse not only to run in my mind, but also to run out at my pen. Hath my plentiful instructor Isocrates taught me to speak any Greek? why should not I teach him to speak a little English? In attempting whereof, I do but pay a part of that gratitude, which I own him as a reward for mine education, which kind of duty he in this Oration calleth by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. If any man think that I soar too high in meddling with Orations that concern politic affairs. I answer that in our Schools we read all manner of Histories and discourses, wherein we look after only the outward bark of the phrase, and Rhetorical figures. My end and task is only a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not of soldiers, but of words, construction of Phrases, not application of Histories. Therefore (good Reader) accept my petty labours, and pardon mine errors, remembering that thyself either art a young learner, (like myself) or, having been so, hast learned at least this lesson Minori parcere, (that is) not to strike with deeper censure those that have not withdrawn their hand from the ferula.  
Courteous Reader, farewell, and prosper, which is the word wherewith now I salute Westminster School, thence hoisting sail for Eton.  
Thomas Barnes.   

THE ARGUMENT.  
AFter the battle at Leuctra, the Thebans invaded Lacedaemon, and made much spoil of them, so as the Lacedæmonians flying and their wives running to them, thus spoke, Can we again receive you into our wombs? Whereupon they charging the enemy, gave them the overthrow at Mantinaea, being stoutly aided by a troop of the Athenian horsemen. After this overthrow at Mantinaea, by Ambassadors they demanded a league or peace of the Thebans: who promised it upon this condition, that they should re-edify Messena, and suffer it to be a free City: which some counselled the Lacedæmonians to yield unto, but Archidamus the younger advised them to the contrary. This Prince Archidamus was son to King Agesilaus. Some say, that Archidamus sending to Athens, obtained this Oration from Isocrates, others say, that Isocrates penned it to exercise his Oratory, and to show what might be spoken by Archidamus, advising the Lacedæmonians in their Senate, or Parliament. And this is the Argument: the kind of this Oration is deliberative, the principal matter is profit, or expediency.   

ARCHIDAMUS, OR, THE COUNCIL OF WAR.  
SOme of you peradventure wonder, that I who have hitherto kept the Laws of our City, so as I know not whither any of my equals have done, should have so changed my manner, that concerning those things which mine Elders would fear to speak of, I who am yet but of blooming years should begin to deliver my opinion: but if any of them who are wont to make deliberative orations among you, had spoken as the dignity and the honour of the City required, I had been silent; But perceiving of them to whom the Commanders in war commit the authority, or precedency, not stoutly to oppose, and others to be altogether mute. I arose up, that I might declare what I thought concerning these affairs. For if I should keep a retired state of life, I should hold it a shame for to use the matter, that the City should have a respect to the safety, and not to the honour thereof. And I suppose that if in any it be lawful for young men to give their opinions, then in this surely: to persuade to war or peace is most fit for them on whom the greatest part of the danger shall redound; and then especially when it concerneth all in general to see, and to understand what is fit to be done. For if it should appear that they who are grave, and stricken in years, only concerning all things judge rightly, and that young men should be in all things deceived: then they might take justly from us this privilege of delivering our opinions in consultation; but sith it consisteth not in multitude of years, that we should excel on another in wisdom, but in the enduements of nature, and diligence of cricumspection, or care, why should we not (both of young and old) make trial of the most able, that of such things as shall be consulted of, ye may take the most expedient? it is wonderful to me that you should so absurdly think, that we whom ye allow worthy to command both at sea and land, whereby we cannot miscarry without great hurt to our City, should not open our mouths to consult of those things of which you of your sole power are to determine: wherein if we rightly judge, all receive a common benefit: and if we misjudge, the dishonour is only ours, without any hurt or impeachment to the public.  
Nor hath any desire of speaking, or changing my former course of life, begot in me this opinion concerning these affairs: but that I would exhort you not to oppose the incitments of such as are not elder than myself, but out of age to seek out who are able to give touching the present estate of things some good and profitable advice. For never since this was made a State, did either war or danger offer so weighty a consideration, as the things now to be deliberated of. In former times we striven for dominion with others, but now not to put ourselves under our enemy's designs or demands: which is an argument of liberty: in defence whereof no perils are to be refused, not of us only, but of all others who would keep the reputation of manhood, and despise not the commendation of virtue. And for mine own part, (if I may speak what concerneth mine own particular) I had rather dig and lose my life for refusing to undergo the conditions of the imperious demands of mine enemies, then to prolong my days much beyond the ordinary course of nature, by yielding to the Treaty of the Thebans: For it were a shameful dishonour for me descended from Hercules, and from a Father which swayeth the Sceptre of a Kingdom, who am also Heir apparent of the same State of honour, to give way as much as in me lieth, that the State which our Ancestors left us, should come to the managing of those who have been under our service and subjection; wherein I would have you to consent with me, well knowing that in the Theban war, though fortune have not favoured us, and through our Captains misleading errors, we have not in our bodies been conquerors, yet did ever carry the minds of invincible conquerors.  
And if for fear of any imminent dangers we depart from our own right, we shall strengthen the insolency of the Thebans, and shall erect the Trophy against us more conspicuous, and illustrious then that of Leuctra: for that was done by much fortune; but this by our own choice and voluntary pulling of mischief upon us.  
Let me therefore persuade you not with so great dishonour to blemish this City, for our associates have to unadvisedly given council that we should entertain peace, (Messena being left out) with which our associates you should be justly much more offended, than with those who from the beginning have defected and fallen away from you: for they when they had alienated themselves from our friendship, have overthrown their own Cities with seditions and slaughters, the whole State declining into worse. But these do purpose to undo you, who doubt not but to persuade you to cast away in a small moment all the glory which our progenitors with many dangers, within the space of 700 year have purchased and estated upon us. Then which the Lacedæmonians could invent nothing more grievous, nothing more contumelious: so that furthermore, they are so desirous to satisfy themselves with our damage, and suppose us to be so addicted to cowardice: that they which think it honourable that ye should often undertake war for your own estates, judge it not meet that ye should undergo any peril in the behalf of Messena.  
And that they may the better enjoy their own, they assay to teach you, how it behoveth you to submit to the enemy what is yours; and further more, do threaten us that if we yield not to these ill men, they will make conditions of peace for themselves alone, without us: and I think the danger will not be so great, the honour will be unto you without them, more conspicuous, illustrious, and your name before all men more glorious. And if not by others, but by your own powers or endeavours you can save guard, or defend yourselves, and vanquish your enemies: this shallbe very agreeable to the other former brave acts of this State. And albeit I have not been an admirer of those men whose best ability is in oratory, but rather suspected these who are nimble in the tongue; to be whit-livered in their hands. Yet now I desired nothing more than I might have liberty to speak according to mine own opinion, of those things which are now in agitation, (in performing whereof) I hope I shall do good service to the common wealth at this time.  
And first of all it behoveth you to remember in what manner you got the City of Messena; 
Now called Morea.  and for what causes ye were first planted or seated in Pelopomesus, being at the first Doreans; and therefore I will begin to repeat the matter a little farther off, that ye may understand that Province to be taken from you, which ye possess by as good right as all the rest of Lacedaemon. For when Hercules deceased, and changed this mortal for an immortal life with the gods: his children in the beginning by the power of the enemies nourished too and fro with many travels: but after the death of Euristhus, they set up their rest amongst the Doreans; at last, three ages after they went to Delphos, to consult with the Oracle of certain doubts: but the God Apollo gave them an answer to their demands: and bade them return into their own native and proper Country: considering therefore the oracle, they found Argos to belong unto them by right of propinquity. For Euristheus being dead, only they of all the stock of Perseus remained: Lacedaemon being brought under servitude, (for Tyndareus being driven out of his Kingdom,) after that Castor and Pollux vanished (from humane society,) being restored to his Crown by Hercules, gave him this Country both in recompense for his noble deeds, and for affinity sake with his children, (Messena also then subdued by the sword:) for Hercules rob of his cattle which he drove out of Erythia, by Neleus and his children, (Nestor only excepted) conquering that City, put them to the sword which offered him this wrong, and made Nestor Governor of this City: judging him a wise and prudent man, in that he being the youngest, was not found culpable with his other brethren: conceiving this therefore to be the meaning of the Oracle. And taking in your progenitors as confederates, and levying a great Army, they gave in common this particular country to such as followed them in the war; but took the main Empire into their own Soveraignitie, and upon these conditions interchangeably pledging their fidelity, made an invasion: But the danger and other Acts in this expedition, (not pertinent for the present.) What need I more amply persecute: they being then conquerors of the inhabitants in these foresaid places, divided the Kingdom into three parts: ye therefore do abide even to this day in the league which ye made with our progenitors.  
Therefore in time past you have been more eminent than others, and being so: ye may expect for the time to come, that your actions should make you more honourable than now ye are. But these of Messena fell into that impiety, as they treacherously put to death this City's founder, Cresphon the Lord of the Country, one of Hercules' Progeny, and their Commander. And his offspring having escaped this danger, became suppliant to this City, judging it worthy that ye by a due revenge of this dishonourable act to their deceased father, should get you honour surrendering unto you this Country; ye then suing unto (god Apollo,) and he commanded to undertake this, and to redress the wrong: overcoming the Messenians, thus have possessed this Country. Nor have I accurately treated of what your right was from the beginning, for the present time is not sufficient to enlarge all: but it was requisite that I should discourse of things more briefly then plainly. Notwithstanding I suppose even by what hath been uttered, it will appear unto all men why it should be granted and confessed, that the Country of right appertaineth to us, we possessing it on no other terms, rather than to be any way questioned or doubted of. For we inhabit this by donation from Hercules offspring, and being warranted from the Oracle of Apollo confirmed, and by conquest of them that possessed it: that other we have taken from the same men, in the same manner, and by the same Oracle. And if it be so with us, that there can be no proud command laid on us touching contradiction in the one, or the relinquishing of Sparta, it is a needless labour to trouble our brains concerning Messena. And if none of you think it fit that you should live banished from your own country: ye ought also to be like minded concerning Messena. For we must plead the same right and reason touching them both. Nor is this unknown to you, that all men account possession whether private or public, by prescription of time, to be proper and patrimonial. Now we got Messena before the Persians got their Monarchy, or subdued the continent (Asia,) and before some Cities of Greece were made habitable. These things remaining thus to you, they (the Thebans) have yielded Asia to a stranger as his own patrimony: who hath not had the Empire 200 years, but would take away Messena from us, who have possessed it more than double that time. And Palativa and Thespeas they have now a late dimolished: but Messena after 300 year's space they would have reaedified, in both breaking the conditions and league. And as they should as of right reduce Messena, yet they should be injurious or offend us with more colour, or show of reason. But now they plant vassals upon our confines; so this is not the most fearful offence, that we should lose our City contrary to all right, but to behold our vassals to be now our City's Masters.  
Out of that which followeth ye shall evidently discern, that now we suffer intolerable wrong, and that formerly we justly held Messena; for after many perils were sustained by us, we were constrained to make peace, fearing much worse than if we had been enemies: but yet our covenants being drawn in those times, wherein it was not possible to have better, there fell out some contention about other things: but about Messena, neither the great King (of Persia,) nor the State of the Thebans at any time could object any thing for the holding thereof.  
And how shall we find a more elaborate testimony touching our right, than this decree make known by our enemies, and notified in our greatest infortunats. Moreover the oracle which all acknowledge to be most ancient, universal, and faithful, foreknew that then Messena was ours, when upon the gift or donation of Cresphons' princely heirs, it bid us receive the City, and relieve the wronged; but the wars continuing a long time, both parties sending to Delphos, they seeking for succour, and we questioning how we might with most celerity be possessed of the City, the Oracle gave no answer at all unto them, as making no just petition, but declared to us what sacrifices we should offer, and from whom we should have most strong aid. And how can any give a more sure and clear testimony then these? First it was manifested, that we received this Country of the true Lord, and owners thereof, (nor is it unnecessary briefly to repeat and inculcate these points:) next by conquest, as many other Cities in those times were erected, after that we cast out those impious wronger's of Hercules' children, who were justly expulsed all countries.  
Add hereunto our right of possession by times prescription, our enemies approbation, and the goddess determination, every one of which is sufficient to overthrow their words that dare accuse us, either now for covetousness we conclude a peace, or formerly for ambition of other men's estates, we waged war against the Messenians. And of the possession of Messena haply the matter affordeth more to be spoken, but I suppose what is already said is sufficient.  
But they which advice us to make peace, affirm, that it behoveth wise and prudent men, not to carry one and the same mind, in managing their affairs when they are in prosperity as in adversity, but to apply to the time, and to follow Fortune, not to bear minds greater than means, nor to seek for justice in those straits, but for expediency; In other things I agree with them, but how expediency is to be preferred before justice, no man of the deepest consultation, can persuade me. For I perceive that for justice sake, Laws were enacted, and in justice upright and good men much glory and rejoice, and for justice, Cities governed honestly, and honourably labour most exceedingly. Yea and the wars in old times have had a successful end, not according to force but faith: and the whole life of man perisheth through wickedness, but is conserved by virtue. Therefore they must not be weak, or faint-hearted, that try all dangers for just causes, but much rather they who injures others contumeliously, and cannot bear prosperity moderately. Next you must cast your eye on this point, that all men's opinions are agreed concerning the justness of the matter, but difference is only about the expediency thereof. And of two goods propounded: whereof the one is manifest, and the other uncertain, how can you but do absurdly, if ye shall refuse that which is certain and out of question, and choose that which is doubtful. Your own election being so distracted in itself, for it is comprehended in your speeches: that we should lose nothing of our own, nor involve the State with any disgrace, and being exposed unto dangers for a good cause to hope our battles shall have more prosperous success than our enemies. And in all these our advices to lose Messena, ye shall wrong yourselves herein, and peradventure miss in expediency justice, and other things, which you expect. For it is not assured, that if we grant our enemies demands, we shall have a firm peace, and I think ye are not ignorant, that all men use to discourse of justice or equity to those that are defendants; but on those which are somewhat more ready in yielding to the demands of their enemies, worse conditions are imposed then at the first were intended, so as it falleth out, that they who are inclined to war, settle a better peace, than they who easily submit to any conditions.  
And that I may not be thought to waste more time about these things leaving them all, I will address my speech to the most substantial point. If never any, at any time having been put to the worse, have recovered themselves, nor overcome their enemies, neither could we by any likelihood hope to be by wars advanced. But if oft times it hath come to pass that the stronger have been vanquished by the weaker, and they who have laid siege, have been put to the worst by those who have been beseidged, what wonder were it, that the estate wherein we now stand, should admit alteration. But of our City I can aver no such matter; for in former times none ever thought stronger than we, invaded these territories; but of others many instancies may be used, and especially of the City of the Athenians, whom we shall find by encroaching upon others to be much blamed by the Grecians. But for their revenging of wrong, have been praised of all men. And if I should recount the old peril●s which the under went against the Amazons, Thracians, and Peloponesians, who breaking into these Countries with Euristieus, I should be thought to tell you of things too high, and remote from these present times: but in the Persian war: who knoweth not out of how great calamity, into how great prosperity they were raised; for they only out of the inhabitants, which came from Peloponesus, perceiving the power of the Barbareans to be unsubsistable, thought it unworthy for them, to condesend to the conditions propounded to them: but presently resolved, to make less reckoning of their City's subversion, then to become servily in subjection. Therefore, forsaking their Territories, and City, (minding their Country's freedom) associating us in their dangers, obtained such a change, that they, who for a few days were made a spoil, were for a long time after Lords over others; neither in this City only is it very available for the common good, to take courage and to avenge ourselves upon our enemies; but also even Dionysius the Tyrant: by his example confirmeth the same. He being beseidged by the Carthaginians (there being left) and having no safeguard or defence for him,) but hemmed in with war, and his subjects hatefully hearted towards him, the tyrant offered to escape by Sea-flight, one of his servants adventured to say, he that dyeth a King, leaves a fair Monument, whereupon, being ashamed of what he had purposed, and again bestirring himself and taking arms, slaying many millions of the Carthaginians, made his Sovereignty over his Subjects fare more firm, and that power which he first had being more strengthened, he ended his days in Kinglike authority, and left his son in the same honour, and principality, wherewith he was invested. In like sort to these, did Amyntas the King of the Macedonians, for being overthrown in fight by the barbarous people, that bordered upon him, and being stripped of all Macedonia, first he minded to leave his Country and to save his person, but hearing one commend that, which was spoken to Dionysius, and taking courage as he did, surprised a small Castle, or hold, and sending for aid thither, within three Months space, he regained all Macedonia, and reigning all the residue of his life, died very aged; we shall be very weary both in hearing, and speaking, if we should search out all such actions.  
If we should remember the deeds concerning the Thebean war, we could not but lament for these present accidents; but for the future we conceive better hope, for they being so hardy as to sustain our assaults and threats, in this estate stood their affairs, that at other times being in subjection to us, now they seek no less then to command us, it is a senseless thing to think that when as such alterations have been in others, their should be a stand in us only. But we must not be daunted with our present estate and bestir for the future, and trust in what time must bring forth, being confident: that City's remedy such calamities by wise Government at home, and by marshal skill abroad. Nor shall any dare to gainsay, that our experience in the wars, is not much more than others, and for good Domistick Govermentt, it is in us alone: such as it ought to be; which being so, our affairs must needs be more fortunate than theirs, who bestow small care upon either of these two.  
But some inveigh against the war and tax it by uncertainty of events, using as many other arguments, so especially those disastars which have befallen us, and think it strange that any should judge it fit, to put confidence in a thing so hazardous, and difficult. But I have known much happiness to have accrued to many by the wars, and through peace many have lost. For none of these courses are of themselves: either ill, or good. But as a man shall use things, and opportunities, so of necessity have they their events. For it is behooveful that they who are in prosperity, should desire peace, for so in that estate they shall greatly preserve that they have. But those that are in adversity must listen unto war. For by troubles and bustling, a speedy mutation will follow, and I doubt we practise the clean contrary to this.  
For when we might have lived at ease and pleasure, we followed war more than was expedient: but now that we are driven into great distresses, we seek for ease, and take counsel for security. But they who would enjoy their liberty, must shun compositions tendered by command or strong hand: as tending unto servitude. And should come to parleyes, either when they have super eminency, the better of their enemies or at least equal to them, 
aliter) the conditions of peace which any public state obtains of the enemy are suitable to the terms wherein their war hath ended.  that they all may have such a League, as may bring a total cessation of arms; which ye minding, ought not rashly to cast yourselves into base and ignominious conditions of peace, nor appear more timorous advisers in your Country's behalf, then in other affairs, and remember that in times past, if but only one Lacedaemonian did aid any of their confederate Cities, which was beseidged, all men would confess, that for that one man only, they did obtain their safety. And a man may hear of our ancestors many such men, and myself can reckon some of most note, and name.  
Paidaretus going to Chius with his navy: preserved that City. Brasidas entering Amphipolis marshalling but a few of them that were besieged, in fight overthrew many of the beseidgers. Gylippus also aiding the Syracusians did not only save them, but captived all their enemies army royal, both by Sea, and Land. And how can this but be dishonourable to you, that in those times every one of you, was enough to preserve other Cities, but now all of you dare not attempt to save your own. And you have filled all Asia and Europe with your triumphs: when you fought for others, yet for your own Country, so manifestly not only wronged, but reproached, there is no appearance of any battle, which you have fought worthy so much as to be named, but other Cities in the defence of our Empire, have endured the most extreme Leaguers, but we ourselves have not the courage to bear the least hardshippe, that we be not compelled to do that which is dishonourable.  
Now when as we are furnished with good troops of horse well fed and trained for the wars, should we now make so base a peace? As may be seem only those that are brought down to the lowest ebb of necessities, and want means for their daily sustentation.  
But this of all is most unworthy: if we who are thought the most active of all the Grecians, shall be most slow in these deliberations. And is it meet to mention some of these brags, with which we are outfaced by these men? They (say these men) who are but once overcome, and have but one assault, or impression made on them, so effeminately yielding, to what conditions soever the enemies propound, how will they be able to endure a continual calamity? And who would not disdain us, (the Messenians enduring the siege of twenty years in this Country,) if we should through a sudden composition forsake the same, not remembering our Ancestors, but what they with much labour, and danger, have possessed, we should through a verbal persuasion cast away? Which some nothing respecting, nor regarding the dishonour that will fall upon us, advise those things: which will make our State for ever infamous. And so eagerly do they exhort us to deliver up Messena; that they have been bold to discover the weakness of our City, and the strength of the enemy, and bid them which oppose their advice, to answer and tell from whence any help can be expected, whereupon we should give counsel for a war.  
Truly I think the best procuring of aid for war, and the most assured, is to undertake just causes. For it is right and meet, that even the good pleasure of the gods should assist such; if we may conjecture of the future by the present. Add hereunto to govern the Common wealth well, and warily, and even unto the death to resist the enemy, and to judge nothing so heavy, as to be ill spoken of by our own Country men, which worthy disposition is to be found more in our Nation, then in any other: And truly for my parr, I had rather go to the wars assisted with troops of our own Nation, then with the strength of many millions of other Nations.  
For we know our predecessors coming into these Countries, were not Conquerors by the multitude of others aids, but by those virtues before recited. Therefore it is unworthy to fear the enemy, because they are many, but rather herein to set up our resolution, sith we see ourselves so to have suffered calamities, as none others ever did, continuing in those constitutions (of our Ancestors) which were ordained from the beginning: But some not contenting, nor containing themselves within their happy estates, but being of turbulent spirits, others combined with warlike confederacies invading other Cities: others doing the clean contrary; and the rest are at difference with their neighbours, rather about the bounds of their territories, than warring against us. So as I wonder men should seek greater helps in war, than those which the weaknesses of the enemies afford, these shallbe our aids, and assistance.  
But if it be needful to speak of foreign aid, there be many I think that would leavy forces for us. First I know the Athenians, though they stand not for us in all things, yet for their own safety will do any thing: and some other States will join it in Counsel, for what may as well now avail us, as themselves. Yea, Dionysius the tyrant, and the King of Egypt, and other Potentates of Asia as in them is, will readily send us assistance. And besides these the wealthy and famous Grecians endeavours in all excellent actions, though yet not joined to us, yet in good will are with us, of whom we have good cause to hope well for the future. And I think the people in Peloponesus and that Popular State which we may well think, although not hitherto yet at this time would take care on our side. For they have not obtained by their falling from us what they expected: but instead of their liberty the contrary hath befallen them: For they have both lost the best men in their estate, and are now become subject to the worst of their own Citizens: and when they would live after their own laws, they are fallen into many and greivious breaches of all Law. And whereas heretofore they were wont with us: to go against others, now they see others warring against them, and the seditions which they heard before amongst their neighbours, now they also behold almost every day, commotions amongst themselves. And they are so brought under by afflictions as they be now, not who are the most miserable among them, for none of their Cities are so without dangers of sword, that hath not their neighbours doing them mischief, so as their territories are laid waist, their Citties dimolished, their dwelling houses ruinated, their government turned top-side turvy, their laws abrogated, which while they enjoyed: they were the most happy of all the Grecians; and so faithless, and hostile are they among themselves, as they rather fear their own Citizens, than the enemy. And instead of that wealth which they enjoined under us, and good will which they had from us, they are fallen into such barbaronesse and hard-hartinesse, as they, that have wealth, more contentedly will cast it into the sea, then to impart it to the poor in necessity, and the poor had rather rob, and forcibly catch from the rich, then take them up though they might find them by chance. And abrogating their sacrifices, they sacrifice one another on their altars; and there are more exils now out of one City, than there were before out foe all Peloponesus, notwithstanding all which recited miseries, those which are concealed are more than are declared, there is no wretchedness, nor heaviness which concurreth not with the times, with which some are already, and others very shortly will be filled: all seeking to find deliverance from the present calamity. For think not things can continue in this stay, for they whom prosperities hath burdened, how can they long endure the weight of adversity? therefore not only if we get the victory by fight, but also if we remain enjoying peace ye shall see them changed, and they will think that confederation with us will be their best safeties: this therefore is the hope I have,  
And I so fare abstain from yielding to our enemy's demands, that if none of these things come to pass, no aid from others, and though some of the Grecians should hurt us, and others of them should neglect us, I would not hereafter be otherwise minded, but would sustain any dangers of war rather than sign any such conditions: for I should be much ashamed of both these, either to condemn our Ancestors, as if they had injuriously taken from the Messenians their territories: or that we, if they have lawfully possessed them, should give away any part, beyond right and equity. And neither of these two must be done; but we must consider how we may make a war beseeming our worth, lest we should give the lie upon them, who praise and admire our state: but rather so to behave ourselves, that they might be thought to have praised us less than we have merited. For I suppose nothing more grievous shall ever fall out then what now is; and that our enemy's consultations and actions shall much advantage us. But if our hope should be frustrate, and we should on all parts be circumvented, and that we could not preserve the State, these are dangerous things which I shall speak of, (yet I will not spare to speak freely of them, for these are better and more agreeable to our wisdoms to be told among the Grecians then those which some advice unto) I hold it meet our parents, children, and wives, and other our people should be sent some into Sicilia, and Italy, some into Siren, some into Epirus, whom all these will willingly receive with sufficient proportion of ground for their habitation, and other provision for livelihood, some in rendering thankes for the benefits already received from us, others in expectation of the profit they may receive for the good they do to us. Those which remain and are willing, and able to undergo perils shall forsake the City, and all their possessions, and goods saving what we can carry with us, taking some Castle or Hold which is well fortified, or fittest for war, to offend and infest our enemies on all sides both by sea and land, till they shall give over challenging that which is ours. And if we shall valorously attempt these things without delay, we shall see those that now Lord it over us, and give the Law, become our humble suppliants and suitors to receive Messena again, and to make peace with them. Now which of the Cities in Peloponesus hath undertaken so great a war as is requesite this should be; if your wills be not wanting. Yea who will not be astonished, and tremble, at an army so mightily compacted, and so well exercised, so justly incensed against those who have been the causes of these mischiefs, so resolute to spend their lives in public service to imply themselves upon nothing else but upon the wars, neglecting all other occasions not unlike those armies which consist of mercenary forces whose trade is nothing but war. 
A description of Mansfieds Army.  Moreover having no certain City of abode, able to live without houses in the open field, roving up and down throughout all countries, and can make themselves borderers, or neighbours on whom soever they will, and think all places which are fit for war to be their habitation and native Country.  
I think if these words already spoken by me were diuulged through out Graece, our enemies would find themselves very much perplexed, and so much the more if necessity force us to put this in execution. For what shall we imagine they will think, that they should be subject to suffer mischief, but shall not be able to do us any hurt, and shall behold siege laid to their Cities, but ours so well apppointed that it cannot fall into the like affliction, beside nourishment for our bodies shallbe easily had out of our goods brought with us, together with such as shall come by foraging and spoil, but theirs will be hard to come by, because it is not all one, to provide for an army and to feed a company of people in a City, and that would vex them most of all, when they shall hear, that our people do flourish in great experience, and wealth, but shall see their own every day hungerstarved, and themselves not able to supply their indigences, yea, when they shall plough their ground: they shall have theirs reaped for them against their wills, and on the other side if they leave it untilled, they shall never have to suffice them.  
But perhaps they will unite their forces and raise a general army, and follow us at the heels, and so hinder us from hurting them. But what will be more wished of us, then to meet their fullest forces, and their best preparations to battle, and in the same difficulties with us pitching their Tents against us: their soldiers ill ordered, out of the common rout, using many generals, but we shall easily make a quick hand of them, by compelling them to fight at our pleasure not at their own choice.  
The residue of the day would fail me, if I should take in hand to tell how much our estate would be bettered by these courses. This is again manifest, that we excel not the other Grecians in greatness of our City, nor in multitude of men, but because we have framed our government, like to an Army well ordered, willing to obey the commanders. And if we shall represent that whose imitation hath profitted us, it is not obscure that we shall be more powerful than our enemies, for we know that they who were made Lords of this City, having but a small army when they came into Peloponesus, have achieved many and mighty enterprises.  
It shall therefore well become us to imitate our ancestors, and returning to our first original because we have stepped aside, endeavour to recover our ancient honour, but we shall do most disgracefully if knowing how the Athenians left their Country for the safeguard of other Grecian, we should not dare to leave our City for the safety of ourselves. And that when we ought to give examples to others of such worthy atchivements, we are not willing so much as to imitate their honourable actions. Yea this is much more ridiculous, if the Phoceans' flying from the dominion of a great King, leaving Asia, fled into Massalia, we should come to this pusillanimity, as to suffer, or undergo their imperiousness, of those whose masters we have been heretofore. We must not ere in our minds to revolve that day in which we should separate our most dear, and near suddenly from us. But rather are we to look back to those times in which as victors over our enemies we shall rectify our City, and embrace those which are so near and dear unto us. And now we are to make it appear to all, that we have been without desert infortunate, and that in former times we justly would have commanded over others. And thus stands the matter. I have made this speech, not as that we should instantly do these things, nor as though our safety consisted in no other course, but as desirous to undergo these, and fare greater miseries, before we make composition about Messena, such as they require. Nor would I so fervently exhort you to war, if I found not that this course which I have propounded to be the best way for a fair and firm peace for future, but out of that which others have counselled unto, it will be dishonourable, and for no time durable. For if we shall dwell near this City enlarged and repaired, who discerneth not, that we shall ever be ending of our days in tumults, and dangers? These therefore discoursing of security, hide from themselves that they make but a few day's peace for us, which will beget hereafter a continual war,  
Feign would I hear of them, for what things and when they think we should fight even to death, Not then when our enemies impose unreasonable conditions upon us? Not then when they would catch us out of our country, and make free our bondslaves, and place them in the country which our Ancestors left to us? Not then when they not only turn us out of that we have, but make us the reproach and scorn of our neighbours. I truly think that for these it is fit to endure not only fight, but flight, and death. For it is fare better to end our lives in the honour which we have, then to prolong our days in dishonour, subiecting ourselves to our enemies command.  
If I must not dissemble to say what is evident. It will be more tolerable that our enemies should destroy us, then deride us. For they who have lived in such reputation of courage and worth as we have done: must choose one of these two, either to be eminent among the Grecians, or else to dye every mother's child of us, without subiecting ourselves to bassenes, which we must think on, not with love to our lives, nor following the opinion of our confederates, whose guides, and rulers we have been thought worthy to be heretofore. But these things being considered, to choose not what is most expedient for them, but what is most comely for Lacedaemon, and for our brave actions. For of the same things all must not ever deliberate alike, but as from the beginning every one hath laid the foundation of that matter. For none will impute it as a fault to the Epidareans, Philasians, and Corinthians, if they regarded nothing but the life, and the preservation of themselves; but it is not decent, for the Lacedæmonians to stoop to all kind of means, but if they cannot save their lives with their honour, death must be preferred. For they who contend about virtue, must labour in nothing so much as that they may be seen to do no shameful act. And the cowardice of Cities is no less perceived in such determinations, then in the hazards and perils of the war. For the greatest part of the things their done consisteth in Fortune, but what is decreed in those things: is the very index of understanding. Therefore we must alike studeously provide for those things which are here decreed, as the things which in the wars are fought for. And I wonder that they who would dye for their proper estate, should not bear the same mind for the public, for which we should suffer any thing, and not shame our City, or see it forsake the Orders, and goverments wherein our Ancestors established it. And of these many affairs, and mighty dangers which press us, and must be avoided of us, this must especially be looked unto, that we appear not to do aught effeminately, nor yield to our enemies beyond what is right. For it is a shame that they who are dignified to command the Grecians, should stoop to their enemies demands, and be so fare cast behind their Auncecestours, that whereas they to get Sovereignty over others, were ready to suffer death. One the contrary, we do undertake the danger of a war, to rid ourselves from subjection unto others.  
Well may we be ashamed to look on the games of Olympus and other famous solemnities, wherein every one of us was emulous, and more admirable than any champion that did bear away the bell in these games. Into which, how think you any of us dare enter: when we are like to be scorned, instead of being honoured, instead of being conspicuous above all for virtue, and hereafter obscured and despised of them for our dastardliness.  
Besides we shall see our vassals out of that Country which our Ancestors left us, bring greater offerings and sacrifices than we: and we shall hear from them reproaches so disdainful as may be expected. For those who were before our servants, and now have pircked up: to stand one even ground to make conditions with us being their Masters: with which Covenanrs they will so pinch us, as no man living by words can express; whereof we must (now) consider, and not then repine when their is no other remedy. And now let us be watchful how none of those things may happen, or light on us.  
For what shameful baseness is this, in former times we could not endure to be equalised of free men, but now we shall be seen to suffer the bold insolences of bondmen. And we shall be thought heretofore to have flourished in bravadoes, and when we were encouraged no better than other men, yet to have set a good face upon it and to have put on a feigned gravity.  
Let us therefore give no cause to such, as use to revile us, and endeavour to convince their evil speeches with our deeds, acted in imitations of our Ancestors worthy exploits. Remember our predecessors warring against the Arcadians, whom as they say ranked, or ordered under the buckler of a few targetterers, got the victory of many millions. And also those three hundred, who at Thyrea, vanquished all the Arguys. And those embattled thousand at Thermopolis, who fight with seventy millions of the Barbarians, turned not their backs neither were subdued, but left their lives upon life, where they were set in array, showing themselves such, as they who employ their best art and skill in celebrating commendations, cannot parallel their praises with their virtues.  
Calling all these therefore to mind, let us courageously prepare to battle, not expecting any others to salve our present malady, but what dangers do assail us, let us assay to defeat. For it behoveth men of valour in such times to be more courageous: For prosperity covereth the vices, and cowardice of all men, but adversity discovereth what all men are, wherein we must show that we have been better trained, and instructed in virtue. Nor must we despair, out of those things which we now have: should arise those things which we yet joy not.  
For I suppose ye are not ignorant that many actions have happened: which at the first all men accounted miseries, and were grieved with the enduring thereof, but afterward ye experimented the self same to be the causes of much happiness. And what need we foreign examples? (I say) of the Athentans, and Thebans, have not come to that greatness by peace, but out of calamities of wars have recovered themselves: and of one is become the chief of all, and the other at this instant, so great, as none would ever have supposed it could ever have been for renown, and shining greatness, affect not to be produced out of sloth, but out of bloody conflicts, in desire whereof, neither our bodies, nor lives, nor ought else that we have, are to be spared. For we shall set all things in good plight, and recover our State into that dignity, from whence it is lapsed, we shall surpass all our Ancestors in honour, and shall leave nothing for our successors to exceed us; and we shall be in so good case that they would speak well, who are willing to speak well of us, shall not be able by their praises to equal our exploits.  
Neither must we forget this, that all men set their minds and hopes on this Parliament, and open your determinations in it. So therefore let every man set down his resolution, as if we were now upon the common stage of all Greece. It is but one mark that we aim at in all these deliberations. For if we will resolve to maintain our upon equal terms even until death, we shall not only be well reported of, but all the residue of our time we shall live secured. But if we be faint-hearted in perils, we shall perplex ourselves with many encumbrances. Therefore exhorting one another, let us pay back to our country her due for breeding and feeding us; and let us not behold our Lacedaemon as it is now contumeliously oppressed, and contemned. Neither let us frustrate of their hopes, such as are our well wishers, nor making too much account of our lives, appear traitors to our reputation, considering that it is the highest point of honour to exchange a mortal body for an immortal Glory. And (with expense of our lives, which we can enjoy but for a few years, to purchase that good name, which we shall leave to all our posterity for ever. For it is much better by this exchange, to get that honour which shall never wear out, then to hedge ourselves in with great reproaches for a little season. And I think ye may be more encouraged to war, if ye represent unto your mind, as present your parents, and your children, these calling upon you not to stain the name of Sparta, nor the laws in which you were brought up and instructed, nor the battles waged in their days, these other challenging at your hands that country, which their Ancestors bequeathed them, their Sovereignty over the Grecians, and their principality which they received from their forefathers to whom we cannot answer, that either of them make unjust requests. I know not why I should prolong my speech, only thus much: that if for the many wars in this State, and dangers undergone, our enemies at no time erected any trophy against us, while any King of our own family was commander. And it is the part of wise men that whom they have used as Leaders, and Generals in War with victorious success, by these deliberately advising touching future dangers, rather than by any others should they be persuaded.  
FINIS.