This was said and thought to be ominous of the events impending; indeed, nothing of the kind that happened was allowed to pass without remark.

The good wishes of men made greatly for the Lacedaemonians, especially as they proclaimed themselves the liberators of Hellas.

No private or public effort that could help them in speech or action was omitted; each thinking that the cause suffered wherever he could not himself see to it.

So general was the indignation felt against Athens, whether by those who wished to escape from her empire, or were apprehensive of being absorbed by it.

Such were the preparations and such the feelings with which the contest opened.
The allies of the two belligerents were the following.