History of the Peloponnesian War

Nor ought you to be tempted by their offer of a great naval alliance; for to refrain from wronging equals is a surer strength than to be carried away by present appearances and seek an advantage by incurring dangers.

"But we, since events have brought us under the rule which we ourselves proclaimed at Sparta, that each should discipline his own allies, now claim from you in return the same treatment—that you who were then aided by our vote should not injure us by yours.

Pay back like with like, determining that this is the supreme moment when assistance is cne truest friendship—opposition the worst hostility.

We beg you neither to accept the Corcyraeans as your allies in despite of us, nor to aid them in their wrong-doing.

And if you do this, you will not only be taking the fitting course, but will also be consulting your own best interests."

Thus spoke the Corinthians. And the Athenians, having heard both sides, held a second session of the Ecclesia; and although at the earlier one they were rather inclined to agree with the words of the Corinthians, on the second day they changed their minds in favour of the Corcyraeans, and decided, not, indeed, to make an offensive and defensive alliance with them, for in that case, if the Corcyraeans then asked them to join in an expedition against Corinth, they would have to break, on their own responsibility, the treaty with the Lacedaemoniansbut they made a defensive alliance, namely to aid one another in case anyone should attack Corcyra or Athens or the allies of either.