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The Athenians, as soon as they received this message, were anxious
to go to the aid of the Spartans, and to help them to the uttermost of
their power; but, as they were upon the march, the Greeks on the
king's side, whose place in the line had been opposite theirs, fell
upon them, and so harassed them by their attacks that it was not
possible for them to give the succour they desired. Accordingly the
Lacedaemonians, and the Tegeans - whom nothing could induce to quit
their side - were left alone to resist the Persians. Including the
light-armed, the number of the former was 50,000; while that of
the Tegeans was 3000. Now, therefore, as they were about to
engage with Mardonius and the troops under him, they made ready to
offer sacrifice. The victims, however, for some time were not
favourable; and, during the delay, many fell on the Spartan side,
and a still greater number were wounded. For the Persians had made a
rampart of their wicker shields, and shot from behind them stich clouds
of arrows, that the Spartans were sorely distressed. The victims
continued unpropitious; till at last Pausanias raised his eyes to the
Heraeum of the Plataeans, and calling the goddess to his aid,
besought her not to disappoint the hopes of the Greeks.
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