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What follows was recounted to me by Thersander, a native of
Orchomenus, a man of the first rank in that city. Thersander told me
that he was himself among those invited to the feast, and that besides
the Persians fifty Thebans were asked; and the two nations were not
arranged separately, but a Persian and a Theban were set side by side
upon each couch. After the feast was ended, and the drinking had
begun, the Persian who shared Thersander's couch addressed him in
the Greek tongue, and inquired of him from what city he came. He
answered, that he was of Orchomenus; whereupon the other said -
"Since thou hast eaten with me at one table, and poured libation from
one cup, I would fain leave with thee a memorial of the belief I hold
- the rather that thou mayest have timely warning thyself, and so be
able to provide for thy own safety. Seest thou these Persians here
feasting, and the army which we left encamped yonder by the
river-side? Yet a little while, and of all this number thou wilt
behold but a few surviving!"
As he spake, the Persian let fall a flood of tears: whereon
Thersander, who was astonished at his words, replied - "Surely
thou shouldest say all this to Mardonius, and the Persians who are
next him in honour" - but the other rejoined - "Dear friend, it is
not possible for man to avert that which God has decreed shall happen.
No one believes warnings, however true. Many of us Persians know
our danger, but we are constrained by necessity to do as our leader
bids us. Verily 'tis the sorest of all human ills, to abound in
knowledge and yet have no power over action." All this I heard
myself from Thersander the Orchomenian; who told me further, that he
mentioned what had happened to divers persons, before the battle was
fought at Plataea.
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