[2]
Now in the first place,
Athenians, there is no need to despair of our present position, however hopeless
it may seem. For that which is worst in the days that are past and gone is just
what affords the best assurance for the future. And what is that? It is that
your affairs are in this evil plight just because you, men of Athens, utterly fail to do your duty; since
surely, were you so placed in spite of every effort on your part, it would be
hopeless to look for improvement.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by J. H. Vince, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1930.
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