| #### CHAPTER 143 |

| #### #### Thus spake the envoys. After which the Athenians returned this answer to Alexander: #### "We know, as well as thou dost, that the power of the Mede is many times greater than our own: we did not need to have that cast in our teeth. Nevertheless we cling so to freedom that we shall offer what resistance we may. Seek not to persuade us into making terms with the barbarian - say what thou wilt, thou wilt never gain our assent. Return rather at once, and tell Mardonius that our answer to him is this: 'So long as the sun keeps his present course, we will never join alliance with Xerxes. Nay, we shall oppose him unceasingly, trusting in the aid of those gods and heroes whom he has lightly esteemed, whose houses and whose images he has burnt with fire.' come not thou again to us with words like these; nor, thinking to do us a service, persuade us to unholy actions. Thou art the guest and friend of our nation - we would not that thou shouldst receive hurt at our hands." ####  |