Histories

Now for this prophecy, which Mardonius said was spoken of the Persians, I know it to have been made concerning not them but the Illyrians and the army of the Enchelees.[*](Referring to a legendary expedition of these northwestern tribes, directed against Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas and Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi in particular.) There is, however, a prophecy made by Bacis concerning this battle:

1. By Thermodon's stream and the grass-grown banks of Asopus,
2. Will be a gathering of Greeks for fight and the ring of the barbarian's war-cry;
3. Many a Median archer, by death untimely overtaken will fall
4. There in the battle when the day of his doom is upon him.

After this inquiry about oracles and Mardonius' exhortation, night fell, and the armies posted their sentries. Now when the night was far advanced and it seemed that all was still in the camps and the men were sleeping deeply, at that hour Alexander son of Amyntas, the general and king of the Macedonians, rode up to the Athenian outposts and wanted to speak to their generals.

The greater part of the sentries remained where they were, but the rest ran to their generals and told them that a horseman had ridden in from the Persian camp, imparting no other word save that he desired to speak to the generals and called them by their names.

Hearing that, the generals straightway went with the men to the outposts. When they had come, Alexander said to them: “Men of Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens, I give you this message in trust as a secret which you must reveal to no one but Pausanias, or else you will be responsible for my undoing. In truth I would not tell it to you if I did not care so much for all Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas;

I myself am by ancient descent a Greek, and I would not willingly see Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas change her freedom for slavery. I tell you, then, that Mardonius and his army cannot get omens to his liking from the sacrifices. Otherwise you would have fought long before this. Now, however, it is his purpose to pay no heed to the sacrifices, and to attack at the first glimmer of dawn, for he fears, as I surmise, that your numbers will become still greater. Therefore, I urge you to prepare, and if (as may be) Mardonius should delay and not attack, wait patiently where you are; for he has but a few days' provisions left.

If, however, this war ends as you wish, then must you take thought how to save me too from slavery, who have done so desperate a deed as this for the sake of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas in my desire to declare to you Mardonius' intent so that the barbarians may not attack you suddenly before you yet expect them. I who speak am Alexander the Macedonian.” With that he rode away back to the camp and his own station there.