they will neither become over-confident because of their successes in war, nor, because of the charms and blessings of peace, will they put up the ac… - Thucydides

Thus both in the movement along the coast and in the naval engagement which ensued, the Syracusans proved themselves quite a match for the Athenians, and at length made their way into the harbour at Messenè.

It will be enough for me, however, if these words of mine are judged useful by those who want to understand clearly the events which happened in the past and which (human nature being what it is) will, at some time or other and in much the same ways, be repeated in the future. My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever.

Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.