50.11
When word suddenly came, quite unauthenticated, of the death of Alexander, and the orators immediately leaped to the platform, already urgent that there be no delay, but war at once, Phocion insisted that they wait a while, and learn the facts. For, said he, if Alexander is dead to-day, he will be dead to-morrow also, and the day after. Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Phocion, chap. xxii. (751 E), also Moralia, 451 F.
50.12
When Leosthenes plunged the State into war, elated as it was by brilliant hopes to aspire to the distinction of freedom and leadership, Phocion likened his words to the cypress - trees. For, said he, they are beautiful and tall, but they bear no fruit. However, the first attempts were successful, and, when the State was offering sacrifices to celebrate the good tidings, Phocion was asked whether he wished that these deeds had been done by himself. Yes, said he, these deeds done, but that advice given. Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Phocion, chap. xxiii. (752 A B); Valerius Maximus, iii. 8, ext. 2.