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Harpagus, having advanced against the Phocaeans with his army, laid
siege to their city, first, however, offering them terms. "It
would content him," he said, "if the Phocaeans would agree to throw
down one of their battlements, and dedicate one dwelling-house to the
king." The Phocaeans, sorely vexed at the thought of becoming
slaves, asked a single day to deliberate on the answer they should
return, and besought Harpagus during that day to draw off his forces
from the walls. Harpagus replied, "that he understood well enough
what they were about to do, but nevertheless he would grant their
request." Accordingly the troops were withdrawn, and the Phocaeans
forthwith took advantage of their absence to launch their penteconters,
and put on board their wives and children, their household goods, and
even the images of their gods, with all the votive offerings from the
fanes except the paintings and the works in stone or brass, which were
left behind. With the rest they embarked, and putting to sea, set
sail for Chios. The Persians, on their return, took possession of
an empty town.
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