[6] [p. 45] Now the Athenians6 had undertaken the war7 against Philip for no sufficient reason, since they retained nothing of their ancient greatness except their spirit. [7] Two young men from Acarnania,8 during the celebration of the mysteries at Eleusis, though not initiated, had entered the temple of Ceres, ignorant that they were committing a sacrilege, and merely following the crowd. [8] Their words easily betrayed them, since they asked foolish questions, and though it was clear that they had come in openly and by mistake they were put to death as if they had committed some heinous crime. [9] The Acarnanians reported this revolting and unfriendly act to Philip, and prevailed upon him to send them Macedonian aid and permit them to attack Athens. [10] This army at first laid waste Attica with fire and sword and returned to Acarnania laden with every kind of booty. This was the original provocation; later regular war was declared and waged by decree of the state after formal notification. [11] Now when King Attalus and the Rhodians had arrived at Aegina in pursuit of Philip, who was retiring to Macedonia, Attalus crossed to Piraeus to renew and confirm his alliance with the Athenians.9 [12] The whole body of citizens,10 with their wives and [p. 47]children, poured out to meet him; the priests in their11 vestments and the very gods, so to speak, starting up from their thrones, welcomed him as he entered the city.
