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It chanced that the Megarians were drawn up in the position most open
to attack, and where the ground offered the best approach to the
cavalry. Finding themselves therefore hard pressed by the assaults
upon their ranks, they sent a herald to the Greek leaders, who came
and said to them, "This is the message of the Megarians - We
cannot, brothers-in-arms, continue to resist the Persian horse in
that post which we have occupied from the first, if we are left without
succours. Hitherto, although hard pressed, we have held out against
them firmly and courageously. Now, however, if you do not send
others to take our place, we warn you that we shall quit our post."
Such were the words of the herald. Pausanias, when he heard them,
inquired among his troops if there were any who would volunteer to take
the post, and so relieve the Megarians. Of the rest none were
willing to go, whereupon the Athenians offered themselves; and a body
of picked men, three hundred in number, commanded by Olympiodorus,
the son of Lampo, undertook the service.
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