_On the Symmories_, 354 B.C., deals with a rumour that Persia intended to invade Greece. Demosthenes points out that this apprehension is unfounded, and discourages any rash steps; but admits that trouble is to be anticipated in the future, and so finds an opportunity for introducing a scheme of naval reform. The money could be obtained when the danger was imminent;[391] it was necessary now to perfect the machinery. The style is Thucydidean. _For the people of Megalopolis_, 353 B.C. Megalopolis, the city of the Arcadian league, instituted by Epaminondas, was threatened with disruption by Sparta, and appealed to Athens. Sparta sent an embassy at the same time. Demosthenes, professing neutrality, really supported the Arcadians, wishing to preserve their integrity for the sake of the balance of power. He failed in his object. _First Philippic_, 351 B.C., _vide supra_, pp. 206-210. _For the Liberty of the Rhodians_, 351 B.C., supports the claim of the islanders against oppression by Artemisia, widow of Mausolus of Caria. Demosthenes failed again, chiefly through the prejudice against Rhodes, which had revolted against Athens in 357 B.C. _First_, _Second_, and _Third Olynthiacs_, all in 349 B.C., _vide supra_, p. 210. _On the Peace_, 346 B.C., _vide supra_, p. 212. _Second Philippic_, 344 B.C., _vide supra_, pp. 213-214. _On the Chersonese_, 341 B.C., _vide supra_, pp. 215-216. _Third Philippic_, 341 B.C., _vide supra_, pp. 216-218. The spurious _Fourth Philippic_ (341-340 B.C.) has been discussed (_supra_, p. 218). The speech on _Halonnesus_ (342 B.C.) is attributed to Hegesippus. It is a reply to an offer on the part of Philip to present to Athens the island of Halonnesus which he had seized, after clearing out the pirates who occupied it.[392] _On the Treaty with Alexander_, date uncertain, probably 335 B.C., is also by a contemporary of Demosthenes. The theme is,—Treaties should be observed by all, but Macedon has broken promises, so this is an opportunity for Athens to recover her freedom. The _Answer to Philip’s Letter_ and the speech περὶ συντάξεως (on financial organization) are generally regarded as rhetorical forgeries. Two epideictic speeches, the _Epitaphius_ and _Eroticus_, are almost certainly not by Demosthenes, and the six _Letters_ are doubtful. The fifty-six _prooemia_, or introductions to speeches, are probably genuine exercises of the orator’s early days. CHAPTER X PHOCION, DEMADES, PYTHEAS Though as a rule an orator could not hope to be successful in fourth-century Athens without a professional training, yet there were at times men who, either through strength of character or natural gifts, could dispense with a rhetorical education.