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When the Greek envoys reached Syracuse, and were admitted to an
audience, they spoke as follows - "We have been sent hither by the
Lacedaemonians and Athenians, with their respective allies, to ask
thee to join us against the barbarian. Doubtless thou hast heard of
his invasion, and art aware that a Persian is about to throw a bridge
over the Hellespont, and, bringing with him out of Asia all the
forces of the East, to carry war into Greece - professing indeed
that he only seeks to attack Athens, but really bent on bringing all
the Greeks into subjection. Do thou therefore, we beseech thee, aid
those who would maintain the freedom of Greece, and thyself assist to
free her; since the power which thou wieldest is great, and thy
portion in Greece, as lord of Sicily, is no small one. For if all
Greece join together in one, there will be a mighty host collected,
and we shall be a match for our assailants; but if some turn traitors,
and others refuse their aid, and only a small part of the whole body
remains sound, then there is reason to fear that all Greece may
perish. For do not thou cherish a hope that the Persian, when he has
conquered our country, will be content and not advance against thee.
Rather take thy measures beforehand, and consider that thou defendest
thyself when thou givest aid to us. Wise counsels, be sure, for the
most part have prosperous issues."
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