Book II - Wilbourhall.org

Ixx INTRODUCTION. [iv.develop the fleet, to make descents on the enemy'scoasts, and to give the utmost trouble by seizing themost favourable opportunity for striking a blow. Bythese means he hoped to wear the enemy out, andreckoned that, assoon as the Athenians had becomereconciled to the loss of their belongings and the ruinof crops and trees (which could, after all, be destroyedbut once), the Peloponnesians would suffer far morethan they, and would at length be glad enough to berid of the war. The method must necessarily be aslow one ;but, if the revenues of Athens could standthe cost of the expeditions, it was likely to succeed inthe end. Several modern historians have attackedthis policy.Those who make the study of history abusiness are accustomed to reading severe criticismson the strategy of Pericles. But a German writerwho is an authority on military history, Hans Delbriick,has shown that none of the alternative schemesproposed in modern times could have succeeded.431 BC. The elections held in the early monthsof the first year were very important inview of theapproaching conflict. The result was satisfactory toPericles, and the strategi then in office seem to havebeen reappointed forthe following Hecatombaeon.the year which would begin inShortly before the invasionof Attica, ilie Medea of Euripides was produced.The poet had inserted a beautiful ode in praise ofAthens, extolling the loveliness of the country andthe genius of the people. He was troubled at thethought of what was coming upon the * sacred unravagedland ' that was more accustomed to aff"ord anasylum to those that needed a home than to harbour