Upon hearing these words the ambassadors from the various states reported them to their own several states. And all the others swore that they would 1 steadfastly observe these provisions, but the Thebans claimed the right to take the oath in the name of all the Boeotians. Agesilaus, however, refused to accept their oaths unless they swore, just as the King’s writing directed, that every city, whether small or great, should be independent. But the ambassadors of the Thebans said that these were not the instructions which had been given them. Go then, said Agesilaus, and ask your people; and report to them this also, that if they do not so act, they will be shut out from the treaty. The Thebans ambassadors accordingly departed.
Hellenica. Xenophon. Carleton L. Brownson (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1918-1921.
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