1. For many noble deeds, my friends, it is well to commemorate Heracles,
but especially because he was the founder of these games through his
good-will to Greece. For at that time cities lived in enmity one with
another; (2) but then that (hero) slew the tyrants, punished the
arrogant, and established this, contest of strength, emulation of wealth,
and exhibition of mind in this most beautiful spot in Greece, that for
all these things we might assemble together, to witness and to hear. For
he believed that concourse here would be the starting-point for a common
friendship among the Greeks. 3. He then conceived the plan, and I am here
not to quibble or juggle with words. For this I believe is the part of
useless sophists needing to make a living, but it is for a brave man and
worthy citizen to speak for the highest good, seeing how low lies Greece,
much in the power of the barbarian, many cities under the foot of
tyrants. 4. And had we suffered this through weakness, we should have to
put up with our fate; but as (it resulted) from seditions and wrangling
among ourselves, why should we not put an end to these things and check
them, knowing that it is for those who are successful to love quarrels,
but for the unfortunate to have the clearest ideas about conduct? 5. For
we see great dangers threatening on all sides, and you know that power
belongs to the rulers of the sea, and the king holds the treasure and the
lives of such Greeks as can be bought, and he has many ships, and many,
too, the tyrant of Sicily. 6. So it is best to cease our quarrels with
one another, and with one purpose cling to our liberties, feeling shame
for our past, and fear for the future, and imitate our ancestors who took
from the barbarians their liberty while they were plotting against that
of other men, and drove forth the tyrants, and established equal freedom
for all. 7. And most of all I wonder with what mind the Spartans watch
the conflagration of Greece, they who are not unjustly the leaders of the
Greeks through their inborn valor and knowledge of military affairs, who
are the only ones who live unsacked, without walls, with no factions,
unconquerable, with no change of customs. For these reasons there is hope
that they have imperishable freedom, and as in past dangers they were the
saviors of Greece that they will be seen as such for the future. 8. No
future time is better than the present. For there is no need of regarding
the misfortunes of those who have perished as concerning others, but
ourselves, and not wait until the forces of both come upon us in person,
but while we can, check their arrogance. 9. For who would not feel alarm,
seeing them gaining in importance in the war with each other? And in
these disgraceful and terrible circumstances those who have been so
greatly at fault have every advantage from what has occurred, while the
Greeks (have) no means of redress.