Meanwhile each fancies that no harm will come of his neglect, that it is the business of somebody else to look after this or that for him; and so, by the same notion being entertained by all separately, the common cause imperceptibly decays.
"But the principal point is the hindrance that they will experience from want of money.

The slowness with which it comes in will cause delay; but the opportunities of war wait for no man.

Again, we need not be alarmed either at the possibility of their raising fortifications in Attica, or at their navy.

It would be difficult for any system of fortifications to establish a rival city, even in time of peace, much more, surely, in an enemy's country, with Athens just as much fortified against it as it against Athens; while a mere post might be able to do some harm to the country by incursions and by the facilities which it would afford for desertion, but can never prevent our sailing into their country and raising fortifications there, and making reprisals with our powerful fleet.

For our naval skill is of more use to us for service on land, than their military skill for service at sea.