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The Persians soon afterwards approached, and, crossing the
Maeander, engaged the Carians upon the banks of the Marsyas; where
for a long time the battle was stoutly contested, but at last the
Carians were defeated, being overpowered by numbers. On the side of
the Persians there fell 2000, while the Carians had not fewer
than 10,000 slain. Such as escaped from the field of battle
collected together at Labranda, in the vast precinct of Jupiter
Stratius - a deity worshipped only by the Carians - and in the
sacred grove of plane-trees. Here they deliberated as to the best
means of saving themselves, doubting whether they would fare better if
they gave themselves up to the Persians, or if they abandoned Asia
for ever.
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