Histories

Thereupon the Spartans sent these men to Media for execution.

Worthy of admiration was these men's deed of daring, and so also were their sayings. On their way to Shush [48.333,32.2] (inhabited place), Khuzestan, Iran, AsiaSusa, they came to Hydarnes, a Persian, who was general of the coast of Asia (continent)Asia. He entertained and feasted them as his guests, and as they sat at his board, he asked:

“Lacedaemonians, why do you shun the king's friendship? You can judge from what you see of me and my condition how well the king can honor men of worth. So might it be with you if you would but put yourselves in the king's hands, being as you are of proven worth in his eyes, and every one of you might by his commission be a ruler of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas.”