History of the Peloponnesian War

Consequently we Lacedaemonians use great circumspection as regards matters that concern us in the highest degree[*](Referring to Sparta's reputation for justice.);

and you could not get better security, in addition to our oaths, than where you have men whose actions scrutinized in the light of their professions furnish the irresistible conviction that their interests are indeed exactly as they have said. “But if you meet these offers of mine with the plea that you cannot join us, but, because you are welldisposed to us, claim that you should not suffer by your refusal, and maintain that the liberty I offer seems to you to be not without its dangers, and that it is right to offer it to those who can receive it but not to force it on anyone against his will, I shall make the gods and heroes of your country my witnesses that, though I come for your good, I cannot persuade you, and I shall try, by ravaging your territory, to compel you;