If they march against our country we will sail against theirs, and it will then be found that the desolation of the whole of Attica is not the same as that of even a fraction of Peloponnese; for they will not be able to supply the deficiency except by a battle, while we have plenty of land both on the islands and the continent.

The rule of the sea is indeed a great matter.

Consider for a moment.

Suppose that we were islanders; can you conceive a more impregnable position?
Well, this in future should, as far as possible, be our conception of our position.

Dismissing all thought of our land and houses, we must vigilantly guard the sea and the city.