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In this posture of affairs the princes of Cyprus called together the
captains of the Ionians, and thus addressed them:
"Men of Ionia, we Cyprians leave it to you to choose whether you
will fight with the Persians or with the Phoenicians. If it be your
pleasure to try your strength on land against the Persians, come on
shore at once, and array yourselves for the battle; we will then
embark aboard your ships and engage the Phoenicians by sea. If, on
the other hand, ye prefer to encounter the Phoenicians, let that be
your task: only be sure, whichever part you choose, to acquit
yourselves so that Ionia and Cyprus, so far as depends on you, may
preserve their freedom."
The Ionians made answer - "The commonwealth of Ionia sent us here
to guard the sea, not to make over our ships to you, and engage with
the Persians on shore. We will therefore keep the post which has been
assigned to us, and seek therein to be of some service. Do you,
remembering what you suffered when you were the slaves of the Medes,
behave like brave warriors."
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