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Now Pisistratus was at this time sole lord of Athens; but
Miltiades, the son of Cypselus, was likewise a person of much
distinction. He belonged to a family which was wont to contend in the
four-horse-chariot races, and traced its descent to Aeacus and
Egina, but which, from the time of Philaeas, the son of Ajax, who
was the first Athenian citizen of the house, had been naturalised at
Athens. It happened that as the Dolonci passed his door Miltiades
was sitting in his vestibule, which caused him to remark them, dressed
as they were in outlandish garments, and armed moreover with lances.
He therefore called to them, and, on their approach, invited them
in, offering them lodging and entertainment. The strangers accepted
his hospitality, and, after the banquet was over, they laid before
him in full the directions of the oracle and besought him on their own
part to yield obedience to the god. Miltiades was persuaded ere they
had done speaking; for the government of Pisistratus was irksome to
him, and he wanted to be beyond the tyrant's reach. He therefore
went straightway to Delphi, and inquired of the oracle whether he
should do as the Dolonci desired.
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