War, then, was in the interest of the whole body
of allies. And on the moral side their position was equally sound, for
they were only acting on desperate provocation, and the common god of
Greece had promised success to their arms. But to deserve that
success, all must co-operate heartily, contributing freely from their
private purses to raise a fleet which would make them a match for
Athens on her own element. And they must watch the course of events
with a vigilant eye, and be ready to seize any opportunity which might
arise to aim a decisive blow at their common enemy. Let them be warned
by the experience of the Ionians, and put out all their strength to
save themselves from being swallowed up by the devouring ambition of
Athens. Justice, heaven's favour, the good-will of all Greece, were on
their side.
Others spoke to the same effect, and then the representatives of each
city were called up in turn to give their vote; and by far the greater
number voted for war. But many months elapsed before any overt act of
hostility occurred, and the time was occupied in preparations for an
invasion of Attica, and in a series of demands sent by Sparta to try
the temper of the Athenians, and put them in the wrong, if they
refused to comply. The first of these messages was conveyed in
mysterious terms, bidding the Athenians "to drive out the curse of the
goddess.
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