Histories

and thereafter, in so far as we will be king's allies, we will march with him against whatever land his men lead us. Then will you learn what the issue of this matter will be for you.” In response to this the ephors swore to them that they believed their army to be even now at Orestheum,[*](Other references place Orestheum N.W. of Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta, therefore hardly on the direct route to the Isthmus.) marching against the “strangers,” as they called the barbarians.

Having no knowledge of this, the envoys questioned them further as to the meaning of this and thereby learned the whole truth; they marvelled at this and hastened with all speed after the army. With them went five thousand men-at-arms of the Lacedaemonian countrymen.[*](Inhabitants of the country districts of +Laconia [22.583,37] (department), Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Laconia, not enjoying the full privileges of Spartans.)

So they made haste to reach the Isthmus. The Argives, however, had already promised Mardonius that they would prevent the Spartans from going out to war. As soon as they were informed that Pausanias and his army had departed from Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta, they sent as their herald to Attica [23.5,38.83] (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Attica the swiftest runner of long distances whom they could find.