ABSTRACT
In the Melian dialogue, the wisest of the Greeks produce the most dishonourable arguments, conveyed in a most unpleasing style. The narrative begins as follows, 'The Athenians made an expedition against the island of Melos. The Melians are colonists from Lacedaemon, who would not submit to Athens like the other islanders. At first they remained quiet and were on neither side, but later, when the Athenians tried to coerce them by ravaging their land, they had come to open hostilities. The generals of this expedition, Cleomedes and Tisias, encamped with their army on Melos; and before doing any harm to the country they sent envoys to negotiate. Instead of bringing these envoys before the people, the Melians asked them to explain their errand to the magistrates and the chief citizens'. The Melians had ended with a renewed declaration of trust in 'the fortune from the divine which hitherto has preserved them' and in the help of Lacedaemon.
