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Thus did the king ask Artemisia's counsel; and the following are the
words wherewith she answered him:
"'Tis a hard thing, O king! to give the best possible advice to
one who asks our counsel. Nevertheless, as thy affairs now stand, it
seemeth to me that thou wilt do right to return home. As for
Mardonius, if he prefers to remain, and undertakes to do as he has
said, leave him behind by all means, with the troops which he
desires. If his design succeeds, and he subdues the Greeks, as he
promises, thine is the conquest, master; for thy slaves will have
accomplished it. If, on the other hand, affairs run counter to his
wishes, we can suffer no great loss, so long as thou art safe, and
thy house is in no danger. The Greeks, too, while thou livest, and
thy house flourishes, must be prepared to fight full many a battle for
their freedom; whereas if Mardonius fall, it matters nothing - they
will have gained but a poor triumph - a victory over one of thy
slaves! Remember also, thou goest home having gained the purpose of
thy expedition; for thou hast burnt Athens!"
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