’Tis true, there was a time, when we were powerful enough, not only to defend our own borders, and protect our allies, but even to invade Philip in his own dominions.  Yes, Athenians, there was such a juncture; I remember it well.  But, by neglect of proper opportunities, we are no longer in a situation to be invaders:  it will be well for us, if we can procure for our own defence, and our allies.  Never did any conjuncture require so much prudence as this.  However, I should not despair of seasonable remedies, had I the art to prevail with you to be unanimous in right measures.  The opportunities, which have so often escaped us have not been lost; through ignorance, or want of judgment; but through negligence or treachery.—­If I assume, at this time, more than ordinary liberty of speech, I conjure you to suffer, patiently, those truths, which have no other end, but your own good.  You have too many reasons to be sensible how much you have suffered, by hearkening to sycophants.  I shall, therefore, be plain, in laying before you the grounds of past miscarriages, in order to correct you in your future conducts.

You may remember, it is not above three or four years since we had the news of Philip’s laying siege to the fortress of Juno, in Thrace.  It was, as I think, in October we received this intelligence.  We voted an immediate supply of threescore talents; forty men of war were ordered to sea:  and so zealous we were, that preferring the necessities of state to our very laws, our citizens above the age of five and forty years, were commanded to serve.  What followed?—­A whole year was spent idly, without any thing done; and it was but the third month of the following year, a little after the celebration of the feast of Ceres, that Charedemus set sail, furnished with no more than five talents, and ten galleys, not half manned.

A rumour was spread that Philip was sick.  That rumour was followed by another, that Philip was dead.  And, then, as if all danger died with him, you dropped your preparations:  whereas then, then was your time to push, and be active; then was your time to secure yourselves, and confound him at once.  Had your resolutions, taken with so much heat, been as warmly seconded by action, you had then been as terrible to Philip, as Philip, recovered, is now to you.  “To what purpose, at this time, these reflections!  What is done cannot be undone.”  But, by your leave, Athenians; though past moments are not to be recalled, past errors may be repeated.  Have we not now, a fresh provocation to war?  Let the memory of oversights, by which you have suffered so much, instruct you to be more vigilant in the present danger.  If the Olynthians are not instantly succoured, and with your utmost efforts, you become assistants to Philip, and serve him more effectually than he can help himself.