194 SPEECH OF ALCIBIADES L'vi you impose a corresponding restriction on your practice. Convinced then that we shall be most likely to increase our power here if we attack our enemies there, let us sail. We shall humble the pride of the Peloponnesians when they see that, scorning the delights of repose, we have attacked Sicil}'. By the help of our acquisitions there, we shall probably become masters of all Hellas; at any rate we shall injure the Syracusans, and at the same time benefit ourselves and our allies. Whether we succeed and remain, or depart, in either case our navy will ensure our safety ; for at sea we shall be more than a match for all Sicily. Nicias must not divert you from your purpose by preaching indolence, and by trying to set the 3'oung against the old ; rather in your accustomed order, old and young taking counsel together, after the manner of your fathers who raised Athens to this height of greatness, strive to rise yet higher. Consider that youth and age have no power unless united ; but that the shallower and the more exact and the middle sort of judgment, when duly attempered, are likely to be most efficient. The state, if at rest, like everything else will wear herself out by internal friction. Every pursuit which requires skill will tend to decay, whereas b}' conflict the city will always be gaining fresh experience and learning to defend herself, not in theory, but in practice. My opinion in short is, that a state used to activity will quickly be ruined by the change to inaction ; and that they of all men enjoy the greatest security who are truest to themselves and their institutions even when they are not the best.' 19 Such were the words of Alcibiades. After hearing him The people are bent and the Egestacans and certain Leont- ou war: Nicias „mv ^^^ ^^ij^g ^j^^ ^^^^ forward and earn- awelis on the inagui- , • i- tHde of ilie forces re- cstly entreated assistance, remmding quired. the Athenians of the oaths which they had sworn •', the people were more than ever resolved " Cp. iii, 86.
