Funeral Oration of Pericles

( 431 BCE ) Commentary by Todd W. Ewing, Williams Baptist College

“Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy.” - Paragraph 3
“We throw open our city to the world, and never by alien acts exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing” - Paragraph 5
“Again, in our enterprises we present the singular spectacle of daring and deliberation, each carried to its highest point, and both united in the same persons; although with the rest of mankind decision is the fruit of ignorance, hesitation of reflection.” - Paragraph 7
“Far from needing a Homer for our eulogist, or other of his craft whose verses might charm for the moment only for the impression which they gave to melt at the touch of fact, we have forced every sea and land to be the highway of our daring, and everywhere, whether for evil or for good, have left imperishable monuments behind us.” - Paragraph 8
“For heroes have the whole earth for their tomb.” - Paragraph 10

Pericles (New York Public Library)

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