History of the Peloponnesian War

At any rate, after the Persian departed and Thebes obtained its lawful government, and when subsequently the Athenians became aggressive and were trying to bring not only the rest of Hellas but also our country under their own sway and, owing to factions amongst us, were already in possession of most of it,[*](After the battle at Oenophyta, 458 B.C., cf. 1.108.2, 1.108.3.) pray observe whether we fought and defeated them at Coronea[*](446 B.C. cf. 1.113.2.) and thus liberated Boeotia, and whether we are now zealously helping[*](This is mentioned with a view to influencing Spartan judges.) to liberate the other peoples, furnishing more cavalry and munitions of war than any of the other allies. Such is our defence against the charge of medism.

"We will now try to show that you Plataeans have wronged the Hellenes more than we and are more deserving of any punishment, however severe. You became allies and citizens of Athens that you might, as you claim,[*](cf. 3.55.1.) obtain protection against us.