It is not, surely, necessary to warn you, that votes alone can be of no consequence.  Had your resolutions, of themselves, the virtue to compass what you intend, we should not see them multiply every day, as they do, and upon every occasion, with so little effect:  nor would Philip be in a condition to brave and affront us in this manner.—­Proceed, then, Athenians, to support your deliberations with vigour.  You have heads capable of advising what is best; you have judgment and experience, to discern what is right; and you have power and opportunity to execute what you determine.  What time so proper for action!  What occasion so happy?  And when can you hope for such another, if this be neglected?  Has not Philip, contrary to all treaties, insulted you in Thrace?  Does he not, at this instant, straiten and invade your confederates, whom you have solemnly sworn to protect?  Is he not an implacable enemy? a faithless ally? the usurper of provinces, to which he has no title nor pretence? a stranger, a barbarian, a tyrant? and indeed, what is he not?

Observe, I beseech you, men of Athens, how different your conduct appears from the practices of your ancestors.  They were friends to truth and plain dealing, and detested flattery and servile compliance.  By unanimous consent they continued arbiters of all Greece for the space of forty-five years, without interruption; a public fund, of no less than ten thousand talents, were ready for any emergency:  they exercised over the kings of Macedon that authority which is due to Barbarians; obtained, both by sea and land, in their own persons frequent and signal victories and by their noble exploits, transmitted to posterity an immortal memory of their virtue, superior to the reach of malice and detraction.  It is to them we owe that great number of public edifices, by which the city of Athens exceeds all the rest of the world, in beauty and magnificence.  It is to them we owe so many stately temples, so richly embellished; but, above all, adorned with the spoils of vanquished enemies—­But, visit their own private habitations; visit the houses of Aristides, Militiades, or any other of those patriots of antiquity; you will find nothing, not the least mark of ornament, to distinguish them from their neighbours.  They took part in the government, not to enrich themselves, but the public; they had no schemes or ambition, but for the public nor knew any interest, but the public.  It was by a close and steady application to the general good of their country; by an exemplary piety toward the immortal gods; by a strict faith, and religious honesty, betwixt man and man; and a moderation, always uniform, and of apiece; they established that reputation, which remains to this day, and will last to utmost posterity.