I will speak first of our ancestors, for it is right and seemly that now, when we are lamenting the dead, a tribute should be paid to their memory.
However, since our ancestors have set the seal of their approval upon the practice, I must obey, and to the utmost of my power shall endeavor to satisfy the wishes and beliefs of all who hear me. Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others so long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous. The friend of the dead who knows the facts is likely to think that the words of the speaker fall short of his knowledge and of his wishes another who is not so well informed, when he hears of anything which surpasses his own powers, will be envious and will suspect exaggeration. For it is difficult to say neither too little nor too much and even moderation is apt not to give the impression of truthfulness. Then the reputation of many would not have been imperiled on the eloquence or want of eloquence of one, and their virtues believed or not as he spoke well or ill. But I should have preferred that, when men’s deeds have been brave, they should be honored in deed only, and with such an honor as this public funeral, which you are now witnessing. It seemed to them a worthy thing that such an honor should be given at their burial to the dead who have fallen on the field of battle. Most of those who have spoken here before me have commended the lawgiver who added this oration to our other funeral customs. What are the main virtues that Pericles praises as characteristic of the Athenians? How does he contrast Athens with Sparta? What does he say is the proper role of women? It is unlikely that Pericles uttered precisely these words, since it was customary for ancient historians to invent the speeches of the figures they wrote about, based on what they knew about them but it certainly reflects the attitudes of many Athenians. It was its oppressive and aggressive rule over this empire that was eventually to lead to Athens’ downfall in the Peloponnesian War.
Note that he praises not only his city’s freedom, but its empire. When Pericles was asked to give the official funeral oration for the Athenian soldiers who had died at one of the opening battles of the Peloponnesian War, he took the occasion not only to praise the dead, but Athens itself, in a speech which has been praised as enshrining the highest ideals of democracy and condemned as blatant propaganda on behalf of a warlike, imperialistic state, which–despite what Pericles says–was heartily detested by its allies.
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