History of the Peloponnesian War

This, however, is a risk that we are content to take. We will now proceed to show you that we are come here in the interest of our empire, and that we shall say what we are now going to say, for the preservation of your country; as we would fain exercise that empire over you without trouble, and see you preserved for the good of us both.’

‘And how, pray, could it turn out as good for us to serve as for you to rule?’

‘Because you would have the advantage of submitting before suffering the worst, and we should gain by not destroying you.’

‘So that you would not consent to our being neutral, friends instead of enemies, but allies of neither side.’

‘No; for your hostility cannot so much hurt us as your friendship will be an argument to our subjects of our weakness, and your enmity of our power.’