Book V - Alcibiades in Sparta (Chapters XXV-XXVIII) Summary

Polemides begins Chapter XXV in poor health, all but broken by his experiences in Sicily. Indeed it takes almost a half year for him to reach Sparta. In the spring, recovered a little, Polemides sees Alcibiades speak to the populace of Sparta. Alcibiades addresses the depth of the calamity to Athens, which is now bankrupt. He offers advice to Sparta on how to ultimately defeat Athens, though he knows they will not like his advice. He proposes that Sparta begin building an empire and embrace money, which is something they have previously despised. He says they must build a proper navy and ally themselves with their old enemies in Persia. He is derided for his counsel, but as ever his personality gives force to his words. Lysander sees the...