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They at once, hearing this, made haste to the outpost, where they
found Alexander, who addressed them as follows:
"Men of Athens, that which I am about to say I trust to your
honour; and I charge you to keep it secret from all excepting
Pausanias, if you would not bring me to destruction. Had I not
greatly at heart the common welfare of Greece, I should not have come
to tell you; but I am myself a Greek by descent, and I would not
willingly see Greece exchange freedom for slavery. Know then that
Mardonius and his army cannot obtain favourable omens; had it not been
for this, they would have fought with you long ago. Now, however,
they have determined to let the victims pass unheeded, and, as soon as
day dawns, to engage in battle. Mardonius, I imagine, is afraid
that, if he delays, you will increase in number. Make ready then to
receive him. Should he however still defer the combat, do you abide
where you are; for his provisions will not hold out many more days.
If ye prosper in this war, forget not to do something for my freedom;
consider the risk I have run, out of zeal for the Greek cause, to
acquaint you with what Mardonius intends, and to save you from being
surprised by the barbarians. I am Alexander of Macedon."
As soon as he had said this, Alexander rode back to the camp, and
returned to the station assigned him.
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