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The Greeks who had banded themselves together against the Persian
king, after despatching the spies into Asia, sent next ambassadors to
Argos. The account which the Argives give of their own proceedings
is the following. They say that they had information from the very
first of the preparations which the barbarians were making against
Greece. So, as they expected that the Greeks would come upon them
for aid against the assailant, they sent envoys to Delphi to inquire
of the god what it would be best for them to do in the matter. They
had lost, not long before, six thousand citizens, who had been slain
by the Lacedaemonians under Cleomenes the son of Anaxandridas; which
was the reason why they now sent to Delphi. When the Pythoness heard
their question, she replied -
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Hated of all thy neighbors, beloved of the blessed Immortals,
Sit thou still, with thy lance drawn inward, patiently watching;
Warily guard thine head, and the head will take care of the body.
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This prophecy had been given them some time before the envoys came;
but still, when they afterwards arrived, it was permitted them to
enter the council-house, and there deliver their message. And this
answer was returned to their demands - "Argos is ready to do as ye
require, if the Lacedaemonians will first make a truce for thirty
years, and will further divide with Argos the leadership of the allied
army. Although in strict right the whole command should be hers, she
will be content to have the leadership divided equally."
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