And many years must elapse before the states of
Peloponnesus could train a fleet, and attack them on the sea, where
alone they were assailable. It was folly to suppose that such a
contest could be decided by a single summer campaign, as was commonly
believed by the enemies of Athens. "I fear rather," said the king,
with prophetic foresight, "that we shall leave this war as an
inheritance to our children; such is the power, and such the pride, of
the state with which we have to contend." On the other hand, the
Spartans, as champions of the liberties of Greece, must not allow the
common oppressors of their countrymen to continue their career of
tyranny unchecked. Let them first, however, try what could be effected
by negotiation, and in the meantime prepare for war, by building
ships, and above all by collecting money, without which all their
valour would be useless. Then, if Athens still refused to listen to
reason, they might declare war with better hope of success.
The speech of Archidamus shows a true insight into the nature of the
crisis which the Spartans were called upon to face, and his views were
amply justified by subsequent events. His wise words were no doubt
applauded by the older and more sober-minded among his hearers. But
there was another and a much more numerous party at that time in
Sparta, filled with bitter envy and hatred against Athens.
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