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Having resolved to follow the advice of Histiaeus, the Greek leaders
further determined to speak and act as follows. In order to appear to
the Scythians to be doing something, when in fact they were doing
nothing of consequence, and likewise to prevent them from forcing a
passage across the Ister by the bridge, they resolved to break up the
part of the bridge which abutted on Scythia, to the distance of a
bowshot from the river bank; and to assure the Scythians, while the
demolition was proceeding, that there was nothing which they would not
do to pleasure them. Such were the additions made to the resolution of
Histiaeus; and then Histiaeus himself stood forth and made answer to
the Scyths in the name of all the Greeks: "Good is the advice which
ye have brought us, Scythians, and well have ye done to come here
with such speed. Your efforts have now put us into the right path;
and our efforts shall not be wanting to advance your cause. Your own
eyes see that we are engaged in breaking the bridge; and, believe us,
we will work zealously to procure our own freedom. Meantime, while we
labour here at our task, be it your business to seek them out, and,
when found, for our sakes, as well as your own, to visit them with
the vengeance which they so well deserve."
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