they should have audience of the people on the self-same day. When therefore Alexander had spoken, the Spartans stood forth, and urged them that they should not listen to the words of Mardonius, nor betray the Greeks. Also they promised that they would give sustenance to their women and children so long as the war should continue. To Alexander the Athenians made this answer: “We know how great is the power of the barbarians, yet will we resist it to the uttermost, holding fast to our freedom. Seek not then to persuade us, but say to Mardonius, ‘So long as the sun shall go by the path which now he goeth, we make no agreement with Xerxes, but will stand against him, the Gods and heroes whose temples he has burned with fire helping us.’ And thou, Alexander, come not again to Athens with such words as these, for thou art our friend and we would not willingly do thee hurt.”
To the Spartans they said, “It is like enough that ye should be fearful about this thing. Nevertheless, ye, knowing what manner of men we are, did us great wrong. Know then there is no store of gold in all the world, nor land so fair that would tempt us to make agreement with the Persians. For first we can have no peace with them that have burned with fire our temples and the images of our Gods. And next we can not betray our brethren the Greeks that have one tongue with us and worship the same Gods. Know therefore that so long as one Athenian shall remain alive we will make no agreement with Xerxes. As for your kindness to us, we thank you; but we will not be burdensome to you. Only lead out your army with all speed. For we doubt not that the barbarians will invade our land a second time. Therefore should we meet him in Bœotia, and there join battle with him.”
When Mardonius heard the words of the Athenians he marched forthwith into Attica, nor would he hearken to the Thebans when they counseled him to tarry in Bœotia and seek to divide the Greeks against themselves. For they said, “If the Greeks be at one no power on earth can subdue them; but if thou wilt send gifts to the chief men in each state,