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Such were the arguments used by Nicolaus in addressing the people of Syracuse and before he ceased he had won the sympathy of his hearers. But the Laconian Gylippus,1 who still maintained implacable his hatred of Athenians, mounting the rostrum began his argument with that topic. [2] "I am greatly surprised, men of Syracuse, to see that you so quickly, on a matter in which you have suffered grievously by deeds, are moved to change your minds by words.2 For if you who, in order to save your city from desolation, faced peril against men who came to destroy your country, have become relaxed in temper, why, then, should we who have suffered no wrong exert ourselves? [3] Do you in heaven's name, men of Syracuse, grant me pardon as I set forth my counsel with all frankness; for, being a Spartan, I have also a Spartan's manner of speech. And first of all one might inquire how Nicolaus can say, 'Show mercy to the Athenians,' who have rendered his old age piteous because childless, and how, coming before the Assembly in mourner's dress, he can weep and say that you should show pity to the murderers of his own children. [4] For that man is no longer equitable who ceases to think of his nearest of kin after their death but elects to save the lives of his bitterest foes. Why how many of you who are assembled here have mourned sons who have been slain in the war?" (Many of the audience at least raised a great outcry.) [5] And Gylippus interrupting it said, "Do you see, Nicolaus, those who by their outcry proclaim their misfortune? And how many of you look in vain for brothers or relatives or friends whom you have lost?" (A far greater number shouted agreement.) [6] Gylippus then continued: "Do you observe, Nicolaus, the multitude of those who have suffered because of Athenians? All these, though guilty of no wrong done to Athenians, have been robbed of their nearest kinsmen, and they are bound to hate the Athenians in as great a measure as they have loved their own.

1 The general of the forces sent by the Lacedaemonians to the aid of Syracuse; cp. chap. 7.

2 Cp. "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here" (Lincoln, The Gettysburg Oration).

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