And Phalinus said: That answer, then, we will carry back; but the King bade us tell you this also, that if you remain where you are, you have a truce, if you advance or retire, war. Inform us, therefore, on this point as well: shall you remain and is there a truce, or shall I report from you that there is war?

Clearchus replied: Report, then, on this point that our view is precisely the same as the King’s. What, then, is that? said Phalinus. Clearchus replied, If we remain, a truce, if we retire or advance, war.

And Phalinus asked again, Shall I report truce or war? And Clearchus again made the same reply, Truce if we remain, if we retire or advance, war. What he meant to do, however, he did not indicate.