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At Samos, meanwhile, Arcesilaus was collecting troops by the
promise of granting them lands. Having in this way drawn together a
vast host, he sent to Delphi to consult the oracle about his
restoration. The answer of the Pythoness was this: "Loxias grants
thy race to rule over Cyrene, till four kings Battus, four
Arcesilaus by name, have passed away. Beyond this term of eight
generations of men, he warns you not to seek to extend your reign.
Thou, for thy part, be gentle, when thou art restored. If thou
findest the oven full of jars, bake not the jars; but be sure to speed
them on their way. If, however, thou heatest the oven, then avoid
the island else thou wilt die thyself, and with thee the most beautiful bull."
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