Third Philippic
Delivered in 341 BCE to the Athenian assembly, Demosthenes sounded an urgent warning against the expansionist ambitions of Philip II of Macedon.
Full Transcript
Many speeches are made, men of Athens, at almost every assembly, about the injuries Philip has committed ever since he concluded peace… yet I see all our affairs driven to the brink.
While the vessel is safe, sailor and pilot and every man in his turn should exert himself and take care that no one capsize it, deliberately or by mistake; but when the sea has overwhelmed it, effort is useless.
So it is with us, men of Athens. While we are still safe, possessing the grandest of resources, the highest reputation, the finest opportunities—what are we to do? I say we must act now, raise funds, equip ships, and rouse the rest of Greece to defend her independence!
Defining Key Excerpts
"If anyone regards Philip as fortunate because he sees him successful, he reasons as a prudent observer; for fortune has a great share—or rather the whole share—in human affairs. But yet if I were given the choice, I should prefer the fortune of our city to his."
"While the vessel is safe, sailor and pilot and every man in his turn should exert himself... but when the sea has overwhelmed it, effort is useless."
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