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 delivered in the Athenian Assembly amidst the looming threat of King Philip II of Macedon. The orator, Demosthenes, defends the military actions of the general Diopithes in the Thracian Chersonese and issues a stark warning about Athens' passive stance, which favors Macedonian dominance. He exposes the deception of pro-Macedonian politicians who advocate for a false peace, arguing that Philip is already effectively waging war against Athens. Demosthenes sharply criticizes the inconsistency of the citizens who fail to perform their duties yet condemn their generals, urging instead the financial support of Diopithes and the organization of a standing army. Finally, demonstrating true civic courage by prioritizing the state's best interest over popular flattery, he concludes with a powerful call for immediate, concrete military preparations and collective action.