History of the Peloponnesian War

On what reasonable argument, then, could we ourselves shrink from it; or on what plea addressed to our allies there could we refuse to succour them? For since we have entered into league with them, we ought to assist them, and not to object that they too have not assisted us. For we united them with us, not that they might come here to help us in their turn, but that by annoying our enemies there they might prevent their coming here to attack us.

And it is in this way that empire has been won, both by us and and by all others who have enjoyed it; I mean, by readily taking part with those barbarians or Greeks who from time to time called them to their aid; since if all should remain quiet, or [*]( Or, make distinctions of race in choosing, etc.; according to the reading φυλοκρινοῖεν, which Poppo, Göller, and Bloomfield adopt.) nicely choose whom they ought to assist; we should make but slight additions to it, but should rather run a risk of losing even what it now is.