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At the time when Mardonius was making choice of his troops, and
Xerxes still continued in Thessaly, the Lacedaemonians received a
message from the Delphic oracle, bidding them seek satisfaction at the
hands of Xerxes for the death of Leonidas, and take whatever he chose
to give them. So the Spartans sent a herald with all speed into
Thessaly, who arrived while the entire Persian army was still there.
This man, being brought before the king, spake as follows:
"King of the Medes, the Lacedaemonians and the Heracleids of
Sparta require of thee the satisfaction due for bloodshed, because
thou slewest their king, who fell fighting for Greece."
Xerxes laughed, and for a long time spake not a word. At last,
however, he pointed to Mardonius, who was standing by him, and
said: "Mardonius here shall give them the satisfaction they deserve
to get." And the herald accepted the answer, and forthwith went his way.
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