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Demaratus answered him - "I knew, O king! at the outset, that if
I told thee the truth, my speech would displease thine ears. But as
thou didst require me to answer thee with all possible truthfulness, I
informed thee what the Spartans will do. And in this I spake not
from any love that I bear them - for none knows better than thou what
my love towards them is likely to be at the present time, when they
have robbed me of my rank and my ancestral honours, and made me a
homeless exile, whom thy father did receive, bestowing on me both
shelter and sustenance. What likelihood is there that a man of
understanding should be unthankful for kindness shown him, and not
cherish it in his heart? For mine own self, I pretend not to cope
with ten men, nor with two - nay, had I the choice, I would rather
not fight even with one. But, if need appeared, or if there were any
great cause urging me on, I would contend with right good will against
one of those persons who boast themselves a match for any three
Greeks. So likewise the Lacedaemonians, when they fight singly,
are as good men as any in the world, and when they fight in a body,
are the bravest of all. For though they be free-men, they are not in
all respects free; Law is the master whom they own; and this master
they fear more than thy subjects fear thee. Whatever he commands they
do; and his commandment is always the same: it forbids them to flee in
battle, whatever the number of their foes, and requires them to stand
firm, and either to conquer or die. If in these words, O king! I
seem to thee to speak foolishly, I am content from this time forward
evermore to hold my peace. I had not now spoken unless compelled by
thee. Certes, I pray that all may turn out according to thy wishes."
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