The Third Philippic   

THE THIRD PHILIPPIC.

THE ARGUMENT.

This speech was delivered about three months after the last,
while Philip was advancing into Thrace, and threatening both
the Chersonese and the Propontine coast. No new event had
happened, which called for any special consultation; but
Demosthenes, alarmed by the formidable character of Philip's
enterprises and vast military preparations, felt the necessity
of rousing the Athenians to exertion. He repeats in substance
the arguments which he had used in the Oration on the
Chersonese; points out the danger to be apprehended from the
disunion among the Greek states, from their general apathy
and lack of patriotism, which he contrasts with the high and
noble spirit of ancient times. From the past conduct of Philip
he shows what is to be expected in future; explains the
difference between Philip's new method of warfare and that
adopted in the Peloponnesian war, and urges the necessity of
corresponding measures for defense. The peaceful professions
of Philip were not to be trusted; he was never more dangerous
than when he made overtures of peace and friendship. The most
powerful instruments that he employed for gaining ascendency
were the venal orators, who were to be found in every Grecian
city, and on whom it was necessary to inflict signal punishment,
before they had a chance of opposing foreign enemies. The advice
of Demosthenes now is, to dispatch reinforcements to the
Chersonese, to stir up the people of Greece, and even to solicit
the assistance of the Persian king, who had no less reason than
themselves to dread the ambition of Philip.

The events of the following year, when Philip attacked the
Propontine cities, fully justified the warning of Demosthenes.
And the extraordinary activity, which the Athenians displayed
in resisting him, shows that the exertions of the orator had
their due effect. Even Mitford confesses, with reference to the
operations of that period, that Athens found in Demosthenes an
able and effective minister.


Many speeches, men of Athens, are made in almost every assembly about
the hostilities of Philip, hostilities which ever since the treaty of
peace he has been committing as well against you as against the rest of
the Greeks; and all (I am sure) are ready to avow, though they forbear
to do so, that our counsels and our measures should be directed to his
humiliation and chastisement: nevertheless, so low have our affairs been
brought by inattention and negligence, I fear it is a harsh truth to
say, that if all the orators had sought to suggest, and you to pass
resolutions for the utter ruining of the commonwealth, we could not
methinks be worse off than we are. A variety of circumstances may have
brought us to this state; our affairs have not declined from one or two
causes only; but, if you rightly examine, you will find it chiefly owing
to the orators, who study to please you rather than advise for the best.
Some of whom, Athenians, seeking to maintain the basis of their own
power and repute, have no forethought for the future, and therefore
think you also ought to have none; others, accusing and calumniating
practical statesmen, labor only to make Athens punish Athens, and in
such occupations to engage her, that Philip may have liberty to say and
do what he pleases. Politics of this kind are common here, but are the
causes of your failures and embarrassment. I beg, Athenians, that you
will not resent my plain speaking of the truth. Only consider. You hold
liberty of speech in other matters to be the general right of all
residents in Athens, insomuch that you allow a measure of it even to
foreigners and slaves, and many servants may be seen among you speaking