|
When Alexander reached Athens as the ambassador of Mardonius, he
spoke as follows:
"O men of Athens, these be the words of Mardonius. 'The king has
sent a message to me, saying, "All the trespasses which the
Athenians have committed against me I freely forgive. Now then,
Mardonius, thus shalt thou act towards them. Restore to them their
territory; and let them choose for themselves whatever land they like
besides, and let them dwell therein as a free people. Build up
likewise all their temples which I burned, if on these terms they will
consent to enter into a league with me." Such are the orders which I
have received, and which I must needs obey, unless there be a
hindrance on your part. And now I say unto you, - why are ye so mad
as to levy war against the king, whom ye cannot possibly overcome, or
even resist for ever? Ye have seen the multitude and the bravery of
the host of Xerxes; ye know also how large a power remains with me in
your land; suppose then ye should get the better of us, and defeat
this army - a thing whereof ye will not, if ye be wise, entertain the
least hope - what follows even then but a contest with a still greater
force? Do not, because you would fain match yourselves with the
king, consent to lose your country and live in constant danger of your
lives. Rather agree to make peace; which ye can now do without any
tarnish to your honour, since the king invites you to it. Continue
free, and make an alliance with us, without fraud or deceit.'
"These are the words, O Athenians! which Mardonius had bid me
speak to you. For my own part, I will say nothing of the good will
I bear your nation, since ye have not now for the first time to become
acquainted with it. But I will add my intreaties also, and beseech
you to give ear to Mardonius; for I see clearly that it is impossible
for you to go on for ever contending against Xerxes. If that had
appeared to me possible, I would not now have come hither the bearer
of such a message. But the king's power surpasses that of man, and
his arm reaches far. If then ye do not hasten to conclude a peace,
when such fair terms are offered you, I tremble to think of what you
will have to endure - you, who of all the allies lie most directly in
the path of danger, whose land will always be the chief battleground of
the contending powers, and who will therefore constantly have to suffer
alone. Hearken then, I pray you, to Mardonius! Surely it is no
small matter that the Great King chooses you out from all the rest of
the Greeks, to offer you forgiveness of the wrongs you have done him,
and to propose himself as your friend and ally!"
|
|