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The perennial human predicament, if the passage turns on one. 0-2 per passage.
Douglass explains why he previously withheld details of his escape from slavery, citing risks to escape helpers and victims, but now says slavery’s abolition makes fuller disclosure safer.
Collected Articles of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass Contents My Escape from Slavery Reconstruction Douglass, Frederick. “My Escape from Slavery.” The Century Illustrated Magazine 23, n.s. 1 (Nov. 1881): 125-131. My Escape from Slavery In the first narrative of my experience in slavery, written nearly forty years ago, and in various writings since, I have given the public what I considered very good …
In Maryland, free Black people had to carry frequently renewed “free papers,” which described appearance; Douglass describes how slaves could escape by borrowing papers, but he relied on a sailor’s protection instead.
good luck rather than bravery. My means of escape were provided for me by the very men who were making laws to hold and bind me more securely in slavery. It was the custom in the State of Maryland to require the free colored people to have what were called free papers. These instruments they were required to renew very often, and by charging a fee for this writing, considerable sums from time to time were collected …
Though free, Douglass learns from “Allender’s Jake” (William Dixon) that New York has betrayers and watchers; he struggles for safety, food, and work, and finds help.
nor part; and the other counseled me to manly endeavor to secure my freedom. This contest was now ended; my chains were broken, and the victory brought me unspeakable joy. But my gladness was short-lived, for I was not yet out of the reach and power of the slave-holders. I soon found that New York was not quite so free or so safe a refuge as I had supposed, and a sense of loneliness and insecurity again oppressed me…
It begins Sura XII “Joseph” from Mecca, describing Joseph’s dream, his brothers’ plan to cast him into a well, their deceit about the wolf, and Joseph being sold and taken to Egypt.
And they came at nightfall to their father weeping. They said, "O our Father! of a truth, we went to run races, and we left Joseph with our clothes, and the wolf devoured him: but thou wilt not believe us even though we speak the truth." And they brought his shirt with false blood upon it. He said, "Nay, but yourselves have managed this affair.6 But patience is seemly: and the help of God is to be implored that I m…
The narrative continues Joseph’s rise to authority in Egypt, his brothers’ encounters without recognizing him, the accusation of theft of Joseph’s cup, and Joseph’s scheme involving Benjamin.
Yet I hold not myself clear, for the heart is prone to evil, save theirs on whom my Lord hath mercy; for gracious is my Lord, Merciful." And the King said, "Bring him to me: I will take him for my special service." And when he had spoken with him he said, "From this day shalt thou be with us, invested with place and trust." He said, "Set me over the granaries of the land,16 I will be their prudent keeper!" Thus di…
The narrator claims Muhammad sought to oppose idolatries but argues this produced persecution at Mecca and tyranny at Medina, possibly driven by self-deception and hallucinations, before quoting Qur’anic material addressing Jews and the command to hasten to Friday prayer.
SAY: O ye Jews, if ye profess that ye rather than other men are the friends of God, then wish for death if ye are men of truth. But never on account of their previous handywork will they wish for it, and God knoweth the wrong doers. SAY: Verily the death from which ye flee will surely meet you. Then shall ye be brought back to Him who knoweth alike the things done in secret and openly: and He will tell you of your …
The author again repeats the book’s framing about Muhammad’s motivations and alleged self-deception, then provides Qur’anic commands for dealing with enemies, refugees, marriage rules, oaths, pledges for women, and prohibitions on amity.
Neither your kindred nor your children shall at all avail you on the day of the resurrection. A severance between you will it make! and your actions doth God behold. A good example had ye in Abraham,3 and in those who followed him, when they said to their people, "Verily, we are clear of you, and of what ye worship beside God: we renounce you: and between us and hath hatred and enmity sprung up for ever, until ye be…
It ends with Sura V’s warnings and alliances: believers must not take Jews or Christians as friends, God will raise a favored people, and the passage attacks Jewish claims like “God’s hand is chained up” and warns against disorder-seekers.
Desire they, therefore, the judgments of the times of(pagan) ignorance? But what better judge can there be than God for those who believe firmly? O Believers! take not the Jews or Christians22 as friends. They are but one another's friends. If any one of you taketh them for his friends, he surely is one of them! God will not guide the evil doers. So shalt thou see the diseased at heart speed away to them, and say, …
Pepys describes escalating negotiations between secluded members and the Rump, Speaker Lenthall blocking writs, Monk secretly admitting members with soldiers, and later Parliament voting on City gates and prisons.
18th. This day two soldiers were hanged in the Strand for their late mutiny at Somerset-house. 19th (Lord's day). To Mr. Gunning's, and heard an excellent sermon. Here I met with Mr. Moore, and went home with him to dinner, where he told me the discourse that happened between the secluded members and the members of the House, before Monk last Friday. How the secluded said, that they did not intend by coming in to…
Pepys vividly recounts a street fight rivalry between Spanish and French ambassadors over precedence, watches the aftermath in London, and records the need to send forces to Tangier and the King’s continued financial neglect of the Navy.
some of the grapes in a basket for to be sent to the King we took coach and home, were we found a hampire of millons sent to me also. 30th. This morning up by moone-shine, at 5 o'clock, to White Hall, to meet Mr. Moore at the Privy Seale, and there I heard of a fray between the two Embassadors of Spaine [The Baron de Vatteville.] and France; [Godfrey, Count D'Estrades, Marshal of France, and Viceroy of America. He…
Pepys attends court festivities at Whitehall as the King and Queen return, hears of the Castlemaine–Lord Sandwich estrangement and church unrest sparked by young people, and notes heightened city security against plots.
Illford, and there, while dinner was getting ready, he and I practised measuring of the tables and other things till I did understand measure of timber and board very well. 19th. At the office; and Mr. Coventry did tell us of the duell between Mr. Jermyn, [He became Baron Jermyn on the death of his uncle, the Earl of St. Alban's, 1683; and died unmarried, 1703.] nephew to my Lord St. Alban's, and Colonel Giles Rawl…
Pepys notes political talk in Parliament, then focuses on meetings around Whitehall and the Duke’s household: hunting plans, court scandals (Castlemaine pregnant; Chesterfield’s love affair), and a renewed search in the Tower cellar.
away, without the help of this man, before he died. But he is resolved to go to the party once more, and then to determine what we shall do further. 3rd. To White Hall, to the Duke's; but found him gone a-hunting. Thence to my Lord Sandwich, from whom I receive every day more and more signs of his confidence and esteem of me. Here I met with Pierce the chyrurgeon, who tells me that my Lady Castlemaine is with chil…
Pepys notes the House of Commons’ acts against employing people from the late civil troubles, fears he may be affected, and describes Parliament-men debating Scottish news and possible rebellion.
Church; which will be fatal to a great many, and makes me doubt lest I myself, with all my innocence during the late times, should be brought in, being employed in the Exchequer; but, I hope, God will provide for me. 10th. Put on a black cloth suit, with white lynings under all, as the fashion is to wear, to appear under the breeches. I walked to St. James's, and was there at masse, and was forced in the croud to …
At St James’s and around the ’Change Pepys discusses Turner’s trials and execution prospects, describes a Quaker confrontation with the King, and hears about condemned plotters including Captain Oates.
Trials.] is found guilty of felony and burglary: and strange stories of his confidence at the barr, but yet great indignation in his arguing. All desirous of his being hanged. 20th. My Lord Sandwich did seal a lease for the house he is now taking in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which stands him in 250l. per annum rent. Sir Richard Ford told me that Turner is to be hanged to-morrow, and with what impudence he hath carried…
Joyce’s release is ordered after submission, but Lady Peters refuses and demands a humiliating pillory; Pepys then reports parliamentary motions on Dutch war, trade complaints, and conventicles.
they have done us, (when God knows! it is only our own negligence and laziness that hath done us the wrong): and this to be made to the House to-morrow. 21st. At the Lords' House heard that it is ordered, that, upon submission upon the knee both to the House and my Lady Peters, W. Joyce shall be released. I forthwith made him submit, and ask pardon upon his knees; which he did before several Lords. But my Lady wo…
Pepys meets Mr. White at Brampton, who claims Cromwell’s son Richard is alive in disguise in France and now going to Italy, with details of family betrayal and rumored grave-shifting.
before us. Sir J. Lawson is come to Portsmouth; and our fleet is hastening all speed: I mean this new fleet. Prince Rupert with his is got into the Downes. 13th. In my way to Brampton in this day's journey I met with Mr. White, Cromwell's chaplin that was, and had a great deal of discourse with him. Among others, he tells me that Richard is, and hath long been, in France, and is now going into Italy. He owns publ…
The passage continues Pepys’s diary around February 21 to February 27, mentioning court gossip about Castlemaine’s return from France, Dutch news at the Exchange, and a Council Committee session where pressing men is discussed.
the selling of that towne. And very noble I believe it will be. Near that is my Lord Barkeley beginning another one side, and Sir J. Denham on the other. 21st. My Lady Sandwich tells me how my Lord Castlemaine is coming over from France, and is believed will soon be made friends with his Lady again. What mad freaks the Mayds of Honour at Court have: that Mrs. Jenings, one of the Dutchesse's maids, the other day …
Pepys reports the fleet and sailors condemn the Duke of Albemarle’s conduct after the Prince of Orange arrived, describing distrust among commanders, fear of Dutch pursuit, and political tensions around court mistresses.
our suffering, by the death of one or two captains more than I knew before. But he do give over the thoughts of the safety of the Swiftsure or Essex. 10th. I met with Pierce the surgeon, who is lately come from the fleet, and tells me that all the commanders, officers, and even the common seamen do condemn every part of the late conduct of the Duke of Albemarle; both in his fighting at all, running among them in hi…
On the 24th Pepys hears from Major Halsey that Albemarle overclaims victory, blames divided fleet and lack of spirit, and Pepys and Sir W. Coventry discuss London talk, intelligence, and naval command blame.
sea in the Providence, who did give me an account of several particulars in the late fight, and how his ship was deserted basely by the York, Captain Swanly, commander. 24th. In the gallery among others met with Major Halsey, a great creature of the Duke of Albemarle's: who tells me that the Duke by name hath said that he expected to have the work here up in the River done, having left Sir W. Batten and Mr. Phipps…
Pepys continues parliamentary gossip on the Poll and Irish Bills, rumors of Coventry’s prosecution for selling places, the King’s sharp speech and proposed prorogation, and the Commons’ factional resistance.
Mr. Sanchy, my old acquaintance, which I wonder at, he commending him mightily; but am glad of it. He tells me too how the famous Stillingfleete was a Blue-coat boy. 18th. This morning come Captain Cocke to me, and tells me that the King comes to the House this day to pass the Poll Bill and the Irish Bill; and that, though the Faction is very froward in the House, yet all will end well there. But he says that one …
Pepys meets Lord Arlington, Lord Treasurer’s circle, and Sir Robert Viner; he discusses Spanish and French plans, the Dutch rejecting the Hague for treaty towns, and a debated cause of a destructive city fire.
By and by come to my Lord Chancellor, who heard mighty quietly my complaints for lack of money, and spoke mighty kind to me, but little hopes of help therein. 24th. To White Hall, and there meeting my Lord Arlington, he by I know not what kindness offered to carry me along with him to my Lord Treasurer's, whither I told him I was going. I believe he had a mind to discourse of some Navy businesses, but Sir Thomas C…
Pepys records rumors of plots and government changes, notes a betrothal between Richmond and Mrs. Stewart, discusses poll tax assessment, and bargains for a fire-damaged copy of Rycaut’s Turkish discourse.
or thereabouts burned, I did now offer 20s., and he demands 50s., and I think I shall give it him, though it be only as a monument of the fire. 21st. To the Duke of York's playhouse, where unexpectedly I come to see only the young men and women of the house act; they having liberty to act for their own profit on Wednesdays and Fridays this Lent: and the play they did yesterday, being Wednesday, was so well taken, …
Pepys reports intrigue around the Lord Chancellor’s losing the Great Seal, later hears it is being taken away, discusses factions at court, and recounts gossip and a possible motive tied to Lady Castlemaine.
that she is very poor, and hath lost my Lady Castlemaine, who was her great friend also: but she is come to the playhouse, but is neglected by them all. 27th. To White Hall; and there hear how it is like to go well enough with my Lord Chancellor; that he is like to keep his Seal, desiring that he may stand his trial in Parliament, if they will accuse him of any thing. This day Mr. Pierce, the surgeon was with me; …
Pepys discusses the Chancellor’s fall with the Duke of York’s position, rumors linking the Chancellor to Lady Castlemaine’s faction, and court worries about Brouncker’s favor and anti–Duke of York influence.
and the Duke of York was then of the same mind with him, and did speak of it to the King, though since, for reasons best known to himself, he afterwards altered. I did then desire to know, what was the great matter that grounded his desire of the Chancellor's removal? He told me many things not fit to be spoken, and yet not any thing of his being unfaithful to the King, but, INSTAR OMNIUM, he told me that while he wa…
Pepys hears news of French ships attacked near the Barbados, watches a prizefight at the Bear Garden, then meets at St. James’s and discusses how the Chancellor’s fall has deepened royal distrust of the Duke of York.
in case an accommodation shall be made between Spain and him for Flanders, for then he will have nothing more easy to do with his army than to subdue us. 11th. Come to dine with me Sir W. Batten and his lady, and Mr. Griffith their Ward, and Sir W. Pen and his lady, and Mrs. Lowther, (who is grown either through pride or want of manners a fool, having not a word to say; and, as a further mark of a beggarly proud fo…
Pepys meets Lady Peterborough about her husband’s pension and debts, discusses with Crewe the ruinous cost of Lord Sandwich in Spain, learns of Sir William Batten’s death, and watches an acting company with painted performers and lewd talk.
at pawne for money, and how they are forced to live beyond their estate, and do get nothing by his being a courtier. The lady I pity, and her family. 4th. To my Lord Crewe's, and there did stay with him an hour till almost night, discoursing about the ill state of my Lord Sandwich, that he can neither be got to be called home, nor money got to maintain him there; [In Spain.] which will ruin his family. And the tr…
Pepys notes a conference between Lords and Commons over whether to confine Clarendon, discusses king’s remarks about the Chancellor versus Buckingham and Bristoll, and records pressure and witness summonses relating to prize goods and Sandwich.
his son Jack (Sir John) his going to France, that he may be a witness against my Lord Sandwich: which do trouble me, though he can, I think, say little. 15th. A conference between the two Houses today; so I stayed: and it was only to tell the Commons that the Lords' cannot agree to the confining or sequestring of the Earle of Clarendon from the Parliament, forasmuch as they do not specify any particular crime which…
Pepys comments on a deadly duel involving the Duke of Buckingham, Holmes, and Jenkins against Lord Shrewsbury and others near Barne-Elms, then mentions tension over the King’s advisers and the Royal Society.
practices of commanders which I will find a time to recollect; and he will be an admirable help to my writing a history of the Navy, if ever I do. 17th. Much discourse of the duell yesterday between the Duke of Buckingham, Holmes, and one Jenkins, on one side, and my Lord of Shrewsbury, [Francis, eleventh Earl of Shrewsbury, died of his wounds March 16th following.] Sir John Talbot, [Sir John Talbot, a Gentleman o…
Pepys repeats the outcry about religious disturbances linked to the Parliament’s anger, then reports a privateering seizure at sea involving Sir Thomas Allen, La Roche, and an Ostend prize.
the parsons' heads: this was confirmed from several places; which makes them stark mad, especially the hectors and bravadoes of the House, who show all the zeal on this occasion. 29th. They tell me how Sir Thomas Allen hath taken the Englishmen out of La Roche's ship, and taken from him an Ostend prize which La Roche had fetched out of our harbours. And at this day La Roche keeps upon our coasts; and had the boldn…
Between 16th and 22nd Pepys follows impeachment and parliamentary proceedings against W. Pen and others, hears Harman’s case details, and reports shifts in custody and a proposal to make ships faster.
Harman, how he prevaricated, and hath undoubtedly been imposed on and wheedled; and he is like the miller's man that in Richard the Third's time was hanged for his master. 20th. To White Hall, and there hear how Brouncker is tied, which I think will undo him; but what good it will do Harman I know not, he hath so befouled himself; but it will be good sport to my Lord Chancellor to hear how his great enemy is fain t…
Pepys corrects and submits the Duke of York’s signed version of his report, navigates anxieties that he may be blamed for it, debates office security with Wren and Cocke, and meets the Duke of York’s commissioners about prizes.
here danced all night long, with a noble supper; and about two in the morning the table spread again for a noble breakfast beyond all moderation; and then broke up. 27th. To St. James's; and there with Mr. Wren did correct his copy of my letter, which the Duke of York hath signed in my very words, without alteration of a syllable. And so, pleased therewith, I to my Lord Brouncker, who I find within, but hath busin…
Pepys hears from Mr. Povy that Buckingham and Arlington are manipulating the King, weakening the Duke of York and Chancellor, and expects further political changes and conflicts.
I think I am the least troubled at it, for I care not at all for it: but my Lord Brouncker and Pen do seem to think much of it. 30th. Up betimes; and Mr. Povy comes to even accounts with me; which we did, and then fell to other talk. He tells me, in short, how the King is made a child of by Buckingham and Arlington, to the lessening of the Duke of York, whom they cannot suffer to be great, for fear of my Lord Chan…
Pepys goes to the King’s playhouse for “The Joviall Crew,” hears rumors and intrigues involving Mrs. Churchill, discusses Court factions around Lady Harvey and Doll Common, and meets the King and Duke of York on thanks for his Tangier role.
the fruits of this intrigue. She married subsequently Colonel Godfrey, Comptroller of the Household, and died 1730, aged 82.] with some physic; meaning, I suppose, that she is with child. 15th. To Sir W. Coventry; where with him a good while in his chamber, talking of the great factions at Court at this day, even to the sober engaging of great persons, and differences, and making the King cheap and ridiculous. It …
Pepys describes a House of Commons act of indemnity-related politics, and then attends a Cabinet meeting where Algerines violate peace by seizing Spaniards from an English ship with the Duke of York’s pass.
prints of Nantueil's and others, which W. Batelier hath at my desire brought me out of France, of the King's and Colbert's and others, most excellent, to my great content. 26th. To the office, and then to White Hall, leaving my wife at Unthanke's; and I to the Secretary's chamber, where I was by particular order this day summonsed to attend, as I find Sir D. Gauden also was. And here was the King and the Cabinet m…
From March 4 Pepys recounts the escalation of Coventry’s challenge with Buckingham, Coventry’s confinement in the Tower, and Pepys’ subsequent journeys by water and dinner with the Duke of York’s household at Deptford and nearby.
all is over, only I hear that the students do resolve to try the Charter of the City. So we home, and betimes to bed, and slept well all night. 4th. To White Hall, where in the first Court I did meet Sir Jeremy Smith, who did tell me that Sir W. Coventry was just now sent to the Tower, about the business of the challenging the Duke of Buckingham, and so was also Harry Saville to the Gate-house; which, as he is a ge…
Pepys visits Sir W. Coventry and learns that Navy office factions may remove him, while Coventry advises the Duke of York to placate them by allowing the King’s preferred appointments.
Richard Browne and Mr. Evelyn in their coach to the church, where Mr. Plume preached. [Thomas Plume, D.D., Vicar of Greenwich 1662, and installed Archdeacon of Rochester 1679. Ob, 1704.] 30th. Up, and to Sir W. Coventry, to see and discourse with him; and he tells me that he hath lately been with my Lord Keeper, and had much discourse about the Navy: and particularly he tells me that he finds they are divided touc…
On 27th–28th, Pepys pays an old acquaintance (Tom Newton), negotiates with Downing’s circle about documents and characters, accompanies Hawly and arranges Squib’s transfer, and watches Downing depart for Holland.
to my last, concerning my money which I would have out of my Coz. Beck's' hand, wherein Beck desires it four months longer, which I know not how to spare. 27th. Going to my office I met with Tom Newton, my old comrade, and took him to the Crown in the Palace, and gave him his morning draft. And as he always did, did talk very high what he would do with the Parliament, that he would have what place he would, and th…
Pepys describes a convivial pause in Westminster Hall’s alehouse “Heaven,” then settles debts, delivers letters privately to Lady Wright, pays young Mr. Walton £500, writes to his lord, and sends documents to the post.
Ben Jonson's Alchemist, act v. SC. 2.] where Luellin and I dined on a breast of mutton all alone, discoursing of the changes that we have seen and the happiness of them that have estates of their own, and so parted, and I went by appointment to my office and paid young Mr. Walton L500; it being very dark he took L300 by content. He gave me half a piece and carried me in his coach to St. Clement's, from whence I went…
Thucydides narrates the dispute over Epidamnus: factional exiles and Illyrian allies raid the city, the people seek help from Corcyra and Delphi, and then hand the colony to Corinth for protection.
Causes of the War—The Affair of Epidamnus—The Affair of Potidæa The city of Epidamnus stands on the right of the entrance of the Ionic Gulf. Its vicinity is inhabited by the Taulantians, an Illyrian people. The place is a colony from Corcyra, founded by Phalius, son of Eratocleides, of the family of the Heraclids, who had according to ancient usage been summoned for the purpose from Corinth, the mother country. The …
Corinth organizes aid and settlers for Epidamnus, while Corcyra responds with a naval campaign, demands the return of exiles and removal of Corinthian forces, besieges the city, and then fights at sea at Actium.
was one reason of the care that they lavished on their fleet, which became very efficient; indeed they began the war with a force of a hundred and twenty galleys. All these grievances made Corinth eager to send the promised aid to Epidamnus. Advertisement was made for volunteer settlers, and a force of Ambraciots, Leucadians, and Corinthians was dispatched. They marched by land to Apollonia, a Corinthian colony, the…
After the rout, the Corinthians massacre men rather than take prisoners, then retire at night when they spot Athenian reinforcements; the battle stops at darkness, ships anchor, and both sides later set up trophies.
last came when every one set to, and all distinction was laid aside, and it came to this point, that the Corinthians and Athenians raised their hands against each other. After the rout, the Corinthians, instead of employing themselves in lashing fast and hauling after them the hulls of the vessels which they had disabled, turned their attention to the men, whom they butchered as they sailed through, not caring so mu…
Corinth sends men without a herald to challenge the Athenians for breaking the treaty; the Athenians reply they are protecting Corcyra, after which Corinthians set up a trophy in Sybota while Corcyraeans retrieve wrecks and claim the victory.
how their voyage home was to be effected; they feared that the Athenians might consider that the treaty was dissolved by the collision which had occurred, and forbid their departure. Accordingly they resolved to put some men on board a boat, and send them without a herald’s wand to the Athenians, as an experiment. Having done so, they spoke as follows: “You do wrong, Athenians, to begin war and break the treaty. Eng…
Corinth takes Anactorium by treachery, sells Corcyraean slaves and keeps hostages, and Thucydides calls this the first cause of Corinth’s war against Athens; soon after, Athens imposes measures against revolting Potidaea.
the island. This was the first cause of the war that Corinth had against the Athenians, viz., that they had fought against them with the Corcyraeans in time of treaty. Almost immediately after this, fresh differences arose between the Athenians and Peloponnesians, and contributed their share to the war. Corinth was forming schemes for retaliation, and Athens suspected her hostility. The Potidæans, who inhabit the is…
Pausanias leads Hellenes from Sparta with ships to Cyprus and Byzantium but becomes abusive; the Ionian and newly freed allies turn to Athens, pausing Pausanias’s command and enabling Athens to manage emerging supremacy.
go down into Piraeus, and defy the world with their fleet. Thus, therefore, the Athenians completed their wall, and commenced their other buildings immediately after the retreat of the Mede. Meanwhile Pausanias, son of Cleombrotus, was sent out from Lacedaemon as commander-in-chief of the Hellenes, with twenty ships from Peloponnese. With him sailed the Athenians with thirty ships, and a number of the other allies. …
The narrative recounts a sequence of Athenian and allied actions: Eion’s capture under Cimon, colonizing Scyros, war with Carystus, Naxos’s defection, and naval battles at Eurymedon where Cimon destroys the Phoenician fleet.
avoid having to leave their homes. Thus while Athens was increasing her navy with the funds which they contributed, a revolt always found them without resources or experience for war. Next we come to the actions by land and by sea at the river Eurymedon, between the Athenians with their allies, and the Medes, when the Athenians won both battles on the same day under the conduct of Cimon, son of Miltiades, and captur…
Thucydides sets the stage for the Peloponnesian War, explaining that Corcyra and Potidaea became pretexts, while Athens strengthened its empire and Sparta finally resolved to break the treaty and start war.
Second Congress at Lacedaemon—Preparations for War and Diplomatic Skirmishes—Cylon—Pausanias—Themistocles After this, though not many years later, we at length come to what has been already related, the affairs of Corcyra and Potidæa, and the events that served as a pretext for the present war. All these actions of the Hellenes against each other and the barbarian occurred in the fifty years’ interval between the re…
After Pausanias’ death, the Lacedaemonians seek Themistocles’ punishment, but he escapes from Peloponnese to Corcyra’s coast, reaches Molossian Admetus, and is then sent onward away from Greek pursuers.
Pausanias gave him the pledge of raising him up from the temple, and begged him to set off as quickly as possible, and not to hinder the business in hand. The ephors listened carefully, and then departed, taking no action for the moment, but, having at last attained to certainty, were preparing to arrest him in the city. It is reported that, as he was about to be arrested in the street, he saw from the face of one o…
The Peloponnesian War begins in Thucydides’ narrative with hostilities replacing diplomacy, and in spring a Theban force seizes Plataea through a betrayal by a Plataean, amid staged negotiations and sudden attack.
Beginning of the Peloponnesian War—First Invasion of Attica—Funeral Oration of Pericles The war between the Athenians and Peloponnesians and the allies on either side now really begins. For now all intercourse except through the medium of heralds ceased, and hostilities were commenced and prosecuted without intermission. The history follows the chronological order of events by summers and winters. The thirty years’…
During the same summer, Lacedaemonians raid Zacynthus unsuccessfully, while Spartan envoys attempt to persuade Sitalces; Athenians outmaneuver them, seize the envoys, and execute them by throwing bodies into a pit.
their own intestine disorders. So superfluously abundant were the resources from which the genius of Pericles foresaw an easy triumph in the war over the unaided forces of the Peloponnesians. During the same summer the Lacedaemonians and their allies made an expedition with a hundred ships against Zacynthus, an island lying off the coast of Elis, peopled by a colony of Achaeans from Peloponnese, and in alliance with…
In the third year, the Peloponnesians attack Plataea; Plataeans invoke Pausanias’ prior oaths, Archidamus proposes neutrality or handover, Athenians consult and reject, and Archidamus begins a complex siege with mounds and walls.
Third Year of the War—Investment of Plataea—Naval Victories of Phormio—Thracian Irruption into Macedonia under Sitalces The next summer the Peloponnesians and their allies, instead of invading Attica, marched against Plataea, under the command of Archidamus, son of Zeuxidamus, king of the Lacedaemonians. He had encamped his army and was about to lay waste the country, when the Plataeans hastened to send envoys to hi…
The Thebans argue Plataeans deserve blame for abandoning the anti-Persian league and joining Athenian domination, insisting that choosing Athens commits them to its outcomes and makes their later excuses invalid.
then became their accomplices in oppressing others; although baseness rather consists in not returning like for like than in not returning what is justly due but must be unjustly paid. “Meanwhile, after thus plainly showing that it was not for the sake of the Hellenes that you alone then did not Medize, but because the Athenians did not do so either, and you wished to side with them and to be against the rest; you n…
The Corcyraean revolution begins with returned prisoners encouraging a break with Athens; after a trial and killings in the senate, both sides fight, appeal to slaves, parley, and exchange embassies that end with envoys sent to Aegina.
where a revolution had broken out, so as to arrive there before the twelve Athenian ships at Naupactus could be reinforced from Athens. Brasidas and Alcidas began to prepare accordingly. The Corcyraean revolution began with the return of the prisoners taken in the sea-fights off Epidamnus. These the Corinthians had released, nominally upon the security of eight hundred talents given by their proxeni, but in reality …
In Corcyra, slaves join the commons, women fight with tiles, oligarchs burn buildings to stop a march, and after Athenian attempts to settle matters, the arrival of Peloponnesian ships leads to a confused sea battle and wider reprisals.
slaves and to invite them to join them. The mass of the slaves answered the appeal of the commons; their antagonists being reinforced by eight hundred mercenaries from the continent. After a day’s interval hostilities recommenced, victory remaining with the commons, who had the advantage in numbers and position, the women also valiantly assisting them, pelting with tiles from the houses, and supporting the melee wit…
After Demosthenes’ Aetolian defeat, Eurylochus leads Spartan-allied troops from Delphi with hostage-taking through Locris to attack Naupactus, temporarily securing its suburb and then campaign-turning toward Calydon and Argos.
in the expedition; the Olpaeans contenting themselves with giving hostages, without accompanying the invasion; and the Hyaeans refusing to do either, until the capture of Polis, one of their villages. His preparations completed, Eurylochus lodged the hostages in Kytinium, in Doris, and advanced upon Naupactus through the country of the Locrians, taking upon his way Oeneon and Eupalium, two of their towns that refuse…
In summer, Syracusan and Locrian ships occupy Messina in Sicily and Messina revolts from Athens, while Locrians invade Rhegium; meanwhile Peloponnesians invade Attica under Agis and Athens dispatches ships to Corcyra and Sicily via Pylos.
Seventh Year of the War—Occupation of Pylos—Surrender of the Spartan Army in Sphacteria Next summer, about the time of the corn’s coming into ear, ten Syracusan and as many Locrian vessels sailed to Messina, in Sicily, and occupied the town upon the invitation of the inhabitants; and Messina revolted from the Athenians. The Syracusans contrived this chiefly because they saw that the place afforded an approach to Sic…
With Lacedaemonians between attacks from front and rear, Cleon and Demosthenes stop the battle and offer terms; Lacedaemonians accept after parley, surrender their arms and men, and the Athenians set up a trophy and take prisoners.
getting round by the path, being now attacked in front and behind, began to give way, and overcome by the odds against them and exhausted from want of food, retreated. The Athenians were already masters of the approaches when Cleon and Demosthenes perceiving that, if the enemy gave way a single step further, they would be destroyed by their soldiery, put a stop to the battle and held their men back; wishing to take …
At Corcyra, Athenian troops take a mountain stronghold and agree to transfer prisoners to Athens, but Corcyraean democrats trick prisoners into escaping by boat; the prisoners are then mass-killed and women sold into slavery.
them, as if for their own sakes, that they had best escape as quickly as possible, as the Athenian generals were going to give them up to the Corcyraean people. These representations succeeding, it was so arranged that the men were caught sailing out in the boat that was provided, and the treaty became void accordingly, and the whole body were given up to the Corcyraeans. For this result the Athenian generals were i…
At night the Athenians seize Megara’s long walls by using an opened gate and coordinated ambush, then rush the defenses; when the plotters are exposed, the Athenians invest Nisaea and force a ransom surrender.
the Plataeans engaged and defeated the nearest party of Peloponnesians who had taken the alarm and come to the rescue, and secured the gates for the approaching Athenian heavy infantry. After this, each of the Athenians as fast as they entered went against the wall. A few of the Peloponnesian garrison stood their ground at first, and tried to repel the assault, and some of them were killed; but the main body took fr…
Brasidas and Perdiccas campaign against Arrhabaeus of the Lyncestian Macedonians, but Brasidas parries anyway to try to persuade Arrhabaeus, then Perdiccas later reduces support; Brasidas proceeds to Acanthus.
known to the Athenians than they declared war against Perdiccas, whom they regarded as the author of the expedition, and kept a closer watch on their allies in that quarter. Upon the arrival of Brasidas and his army, Perdiccas immediately started with them and with his own forces against Arrhabaeus, son of Bromerus, king of the Lyncestian Macedonians, his neighbour, with whom he had a quarrel and whom he wished to s…
After the failed herald mission over the dead, Boeotians and Peloponnesian allies attack and capture the Athenian fort at Delium using a fire-throwing beam device, then later return the dead under truce.
be fairer than to tell them to evacuate Boeotia if they wished to get what they asked? The Athenian herald accordingly returned with this answer, without having accomplished his object. Meanwhile the Boeotians at once sent for darters and slingers from the Malian Gulf, and with two thousand Corinthian heavy infantry who had joined them after the battle, the Peloponnesian garrison which had evacuated Nisaea, and some…