[20]
It is my judgement, therefore, that we have to
thank the valor of these men, along with the folly of our opponents, that our
enemies did not set foot upon our land; because, every man of them having had
proof of their mettle, those who there engaged them on that occasion had no wish
to confront in battle a second time the kinsmen of those men, suspecting that,
although they would confront men of the same breed, they were not likely to find
the fortune of battle so kind.Not the least
reason for believing that this was their state of mind is afforded by the peace
that was made; for it is impossible to cite a more plausible or more creditable
reason than that the master of our opponents, astounded at the valor of these
who died, chose rather to be friendly toward their kinsmen than once more to
assume the risk of all his fortunes.1
1 Philip exacted no vengeance after his victory; Attica was not invaded. The Greek states retained the right of self-government and became allies, not subjects, of the victor.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by Norman W. DeWitt, Ph.D., and Norman J. DeWitt, Ph.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1949.
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