Not only is the straightest path generally speaking the wisest; but the coming of the war, which the Corcyraeans have used as a bugbear to persuade you to do wrong, is still uncertain, and it is not worth while to be carried away by it into gaining the instant and declared enmity of Corinth.

It were, rather, wise to try and counteract the unfavourable impression which your conduct to Megara has created.

For kindness opportunely shown has a greater power of removing old grievances than the facts of the case may warrant.

And do not be seduced by the prospect of a great naval alliance.

Abstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.
It is now our turn to benefit by the principle that we laid down at Lacedaemon, that every power has a right to punish her own allies.
We now claim to receive the same from you, and protest against your rewarding us for benefiting you by our vote by injuring us by yours.
On the contrary, return us like for like, remembering that this is that very crisis in which he who lends aid is most a friend, and he who opposes is most a foe.