2–3
For advantage is most likely to result when one errs least, and the contingency of the war, with which the Corcyraeans would frighten you into wrongdoing, is still uncertain; and it is not worth while for you to be so carried away by it as to acquire an enmity with the Corinthians that will be from that moment on a manifest fact and no longer a contingency. It would be, rather, the prudent course to remove something of the suspicion which has heretofore existed on account of the MegariansReferring apparently to the exclusion of the Megarians from all harbours within the Athenian dominion and from the market at Athens, Thuc. 1.67.4.;
for the favour which comes last, if conferred at the right moment, even though a small one, can cancel a greater offence.
Nor ought you to be tempted by their offer of a great naval alliance; for to refrain from wronging equals is a surer strength than to be carried away by present appearances and seek an advantage by incurring dangers.
"But we, since events have brought us under the rule which we ourselves proclaimed at Sparta, that each should discipline his own allies, now claim from you in return the same treatment—that you who were then aided by our vote should not injure us by yours.
Pay back like with like, determining that this is the supreme moment when assistance is cne truest friendship—opposition the worst hostility.
We beg you neither to accept the Corcyraeans as your allies in despite of us, nor to aid them in their wrong-doing.