|
The ascent of the Persians became known to the Phocians in the
following manner: During all the time that they were making their way
up, the Greeks remained unconscious of it, inasmuch as the whole
mountain was covered with groves of oak; but it happened that the air
was very still, and the leaves which the Persians stirred with their
feet made, as it was likely they would, a loud rustling, whereupon
the Phocians jumped up and flew to seize their arms. In a moment the
barbarians came in sight, and, perceiving men arming themselves, were
greatly amazed; for they had fallen in with an enemy when they expected
no opposition. Hydarnes, alarmed at the sight, and fearing lest the
Phocians might be Lacedaemonians, inquired of Ephialtes to what
nation these troops belonged. Ephialtes told him the exact truth,
whereupon he arrayed his Persians for battle. The Phocians, galled
by the showers of arrows to which they were exposed, and imagining
themselves the special object of the Persian attack, fled hastily to
the crest of the mountain, and there made ready to meet death; but
while their mistake continued, the Persians, with Ephialtes and
Hydarnes, not thinking it worth their while to delay on account of
Phocians, passed on and descended the mountain with all possible speed.
|
|