8.
Neither side conceived small matters but put their whole strength to the war, and not without reason.
For all men in the beginnings of enterprises are the most eager.
Besides, there were then in Peloponnesus many young men, and many in Athens, who for want of experience not unwillingly undertook the war.
And not only the rest of Greece stood at gaze to behold the two principal states in combat,
[
2]
but many prophecies were told and many sung by the priests of the oracles both in the cities about to war and in others.
[
3]
There was also a little before this an earthquake in Delos, which in the memory of the Grecians never shook before, and was interpreted for and seemed to be a sign of what was to come afterwards to pass.
And whatsoever thing then chanced of the same nature, it was all sure to be inquired after.
[
4]
But men's affections for the most part went with the Lacedaemonians, and the rather, for that they gave out they would recover the Grecians' liberty.
And every man, both private and public person, endeavoured as much as in them lay both in word and deed to assist them and thought the business so much hindered as himself was not present at it.
[5]
In such passion were most men against the Athenians, some for desire to be delivered from under their government and others for fear of falling into it.
And these were the preparations and affections brought unto the war.
