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 work is a political oration by the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes, warning the Athenian citizens of the threat posed by the rapidly expanding Macedonian king, Philip II, and urging them to take action. Demosthenes begins by contrasting Philip's aggressive expansionist policy with Athens' current state of inactivity, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He then argues that Philip views liberty-loving Athens as his primary obstacle and is conspiring with other cities, such as Thebes, to crush it. Drawing on historical examples of cities previously deceived by the king, Demosthenes declares that the greatest defense against a tyrant is 'distrust' (apistia), urging the citizens to wake up. Finally, he fiercely condemns the traitors who brought about a false peace through sweet promises, warns of an imminent invasion of Attica, and calls for immediate decisions to avert a disastrous war.