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[1]
It is said that Leonidas himself sent them away because he was concerned that they would be killed, but felt it not fitting for himself and the Spartans to desert that post which they had come to defend at the beginning.
It is said that Leonidas himself sent them away because he was concerned that they would be killed, but felt it not fitting for himself and the Spartans to desert that post which they had come to defend at the beginning.
[2] I, however, tend to believe that when
Leonidas perceived that the allies were dispirited and unwilling to run all risks with him, he told then to depart. For himself, however, it was not good to leave; if he remained, he would leave a name of great fame, and the prosperity of
Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta would not be blotted out.
[3] When the
Spartans asked the oracle about this war when it broke out, the
Pythia had foretold that either
Sparta [22.416,37.83] (inhabited place), Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Lacedaemon would be destroyed by the barbarians or their king would be killed. She gave them this answer in hexameter verses running as follows:
[4]
Considering this and wishing to win distinction for the Spartans alone, he sent away the allies rather than have them leave in disorder because of a difference of opinion.
For you, inhabitants of wide-wayed
Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta,
Either your great and glorious city must be wasted by
Persian men,
Or if not that, then the bound of
Sparta [22.416,37.83] (inhabited place), Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Lacedaemon must mourn a dead king, from
Heracles' line.
The might of bulls or lions will not restrain him with opposing strength; for he has the might of
Zeus.
I declare that he will not be restrained until he utterly tears apart one of these.
Considering this and wishing to win distinction for the Spartans alone, he sent away the allies rather than have them leave in disorder because of a difference of opinion.
Histories. Herodotus. ed. A.D. Godley. Cambridge. 1920-1925.
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