E.C. Marchant, Commentary on Thucydides Book 1

19. ἐσβάντων—in case we embark. The two highest classes of citizens—ἰππεῖς and πεντακοσιομέδιμνοι—served on board only on occasions of great danger. The citizen crews consisted ordinarily of ζευγῖται and θῆτες.

20. τόδε—i.e. τὸ ἀντιπάλους εἶναι κτλ.

21. κυβερνήτας—pred.

22. ὑπηρεσίαν—crews, collective, hence the plur. in agreement.

[2] 24. τήν τε αὑτοῦ—he would not again be able to set foot in his own city since it was part of the Atheman empire.

26. ἕνεκα governs δόσεως: ὀλίγων ἡμερῶν depends on μισθοῦ. Pericles assumes that the Pel. fleet would not be able to keep the sea for any considerable time.

[3] 3. οὐκ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἴσου μεγάλα—lit. other important things (μεγάλα) on a greater scale, i.e. ‘have the advantage of them in other important matters.’ This refers back to what has preceded, and is not further explained, for Thuc. does not here want to give a detailed account of the Athenian position: this is done in the second book. The ref., as Steup says, is especially to the fleet.

[4] 6. οὐκέτι ἐκ τοῦ ὁμοίου—then it will turn out that it is much worse.

[5] 13. ὅτι ἐγγύτατα τούτου—i.e. putting ourselves in thought as nearly as possible in the position of islanders.

14. οἰκίας—those outside Athens. During the invasions the population of Attica had to crowd into the city, as Athens could not bring into the field an army strong enough to oppose the Pel. invading force.

17. ὀργισθέντας—we must not let our indignation at our losses drive us into a decisive action with a superior enemy.

20. προσαπόλλυται—for the pres. in fut. sense cf. c. 121. 4 ἁλίσκονται.

ἡσυχάσουσι—sc. οἱ ξύμμαχοι: they will join the enemy.

25. κτῶνται—gain, meaning with ἄνδρας produce.