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Plot on a Map
Olynthus.

(1) The Athenians sent assistance to the Olynthians and seemed to accomplish something through it. And when the results were reported to them, the people were overjoyed and orators were calling for the punishment of Philip. (2) So Demosthenes is worried that the Athenians will ignore everything else out of confidence that they have been totally victorious and have already provided sufficient assistance to Olynthus. Therefore, when he comes forward to speak, he chastises them for their political foolishness and, in an attempt to make their plans more prudent and cautious, says that the speech he is making to them now is not about punishing Philip, but about saving their allies. (3) For he knows that the Athenians, like other people elsewhere, pay close to taking care of their own affairs, but are less diligent when it comes to punishing their enemies. (4) In this speech he more overtly engages in deliberation about the Theoric Fund, demanding that they abolish the laws which impose a penalty on those who propose that it be used for military purposes, so that speakers may advise the best course of action unafraid. (5) He also exhorts them in general to stand up, follow the example of their ancestors, and serve in the army with their own bodies, and he greatly censures the people for being lax and their leaders for not running the city correctly.

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