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78.
Do not then be hasty in deciding a question which is serious; and do not, by listening
to1 representations and complaints which concern others, bring trouble upon
yourselves.
Realise, while there is time, the inscrutable nature of war;
[2]
and how when protracted it generally ends in becoming a mere matter of chance, over
which neither of us can have any control, the event being equally unknown and equally
hazardous to both.
[3]
The misfortune is that in their hurry to go to war, men begin with blows, and when a
reverse comes upon them, then have recourse to words.
[4]
But neither you, nor we, have as yet committed this mistake; and therefore while both
of us can still choose the prudent part, we tell you not to break the peace or violate
your oaths. Let our differences be determined by arbitration, according to the treaty.
If you refuse we call to witness the Gods, by whom your oaths were sworn, that you are
the authors of the war; and we will do our best to strike in return.
1 The Lacedaemonians should not go to war at the instigation of others, but submit to arbitration.
Thucydides translated into English; with introduction, marginal analysis, notes, and indices. Volume 1. Thucydides. Benjamin Jowett. translator. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1881.
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