|
Such was the answer which the Athenians gave to Alexander. To the
Spartan envoys they said:
"'Twas natural no doubt that the Lacedaemonians should be afraid we
might make terms with the barbarian; but nevertheless It was a base
fear in men who knew so well of what temper and spirit we are. Not all
the gold that the whole earth contains - not the fairest and most
fertile of all lands - would bribe us to take part with the Medes and
help them to enslave our countrymen. Even could we anyhow have brought
ourselves to such a thing, there are many very powerful motives which
would now make it impossible. The first and chief of these is the
burning and destruction of our temples and the images of our gods,
which forces us to make no terms with their destroyer, but rather to
pursue him with our resentment to the uttermost. Again, there is our
common brotherhood with the Greeks: our common language, the altars
and the sacrifices of which we all partake, the common character which
we bear - did the Athenians betray all these, of a truth it would not
be well. Know then now, if ye have not known it before, that while
one Athenian remains alive, we will never join alliance with Xerxes.
We thank you, however, for your forethought on our behalf, and for
your wish to give our families sustenance, now that ruin has fallen on
us - the kindness is complete on your part; but for ourselves, we
will endure as we may, and not be burdensome to you. Such then is our
resolve. Be it your care with all speed to lead out your troops; for
if we surmise aright, the barbarian will not wait long ere he invade
our territory, but will set out so soon as he learns our answer to be,
that we will do none of those things which he requires of us. Now then
is the time for us, before he enters Attica, to go forth ourselves
into Boeotia, and give him battle."
When the Athenians had thus spoken, the ambassadors from Sparta
departed, and returned back to their own country.
|
|