Among the various predictions which were current at the outbreak of the Peloponnesian war, one only, Thucydides observes, was known to have been fulfilled; and it was, that the war should last thrice nine years. He does not consider the temporary and partial suspension of hostilities which followed the treaties mentioned in our last chapter, as a sufficient ground for questioning the accomplishment of the prophecy, since it did not lead to a state of peace. The treaties were inscribed on pillars or tables of stone or brass, and preserved in the most revered sanctuaries; but they were for the most part a dead letter. This did not arise from the want of a sincere inclination for peace in the two highest contracting parties. The radical vice of the transaction was, that the Spartans had undertaken more than they were able to perform, and the Athenians would accept nothing less than they had bargained for. The treaty could not be carried into full execution without the concurrence of some of the allies of Sparta, who refused to accede to it, and though according to the acknowledged laws of the confederacy they were bound by the will of the majority, she had no means of enforcing their compliance. Several others were displeased with those parts of the treaty in which they were individually concerned, or had particular grounds of jealousy or discontent; and there was one clause in the treaty of alliance which created general offence and alarm.