Yet how can I give them an answer, unless by a decree of yours?
And, since not one of you who have been called to this assembly either chooses or dares to make known his sentiments, let us examine (as if they were opinions proposed to our consideration) the speeches of the ambassadors delivered yesterday; supposing the speakers not to have required what was useful to themselves, but to have recommended what they thought most conducive to our advantage.

The Romans, the Rhodians and Attalus, request an alliance and friendship with us; and they demand to be assisted by us in the war in which they are now engaged against Philip.

Philip reminds us of our league with him, and of the obligation of our oath; he requires only, that we declare ourselves on his side; and says, he will be satisfied if we do not intermeddle in the operations of the war.

Does not the reason occur to the mind of any one of you why those, who are not yet our allies, require more than he who is?
This arises not from modesty in Philip, nor from the want of it in the Romans.

It is fortune, which, while it bestows confidence to requisitions on one side, precludes it on the other.