Source edition
Demosthenes. Orationes, Vol. I. Butcher, S. H., editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This oration, delivered by the Athenian statesman Demosthenes, urges the citizens of Athens to take swift and decisive action against the growing threat of Philip II of Macedon. Seizing the opportunity presented by Olynthus' request for an alliance, Demosthenes warns his audience not to repeat their past mistakes of hesitation and delay, which allowed Philip to rise to power. He argues that the current crisis of Olynthus is Athens' final chance to contain Macedon before the war reaches their own homeland of Attica. To address this, he proposes a two-pronged strategy involving both the defense of Olynthus and a direct counter-attack on Macedonian territory, funded by public contributions. Highlighting the inherent weaknesses in Philip's empire and alliances, the speech concludes with a passionate appeal for immediate military mobilization.