This is what they said, and Gelon, speaking very vehemently, said in response to this: “Men of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, it is with a self-seeking plea that you have dared to come here and invite me to be your ally against the foreigners; yet what of yourselves?

When I was at odds with the Carchedonians,The Carthaginians were as influential in the west of the island as Gelon in the east; Greeks and Semites continually competed for commercial supremacy. and asked you to be my comrades against a foreign army, and when I desired that you should avenge the slaying of Dorieus Cp. Hdt. 5.42-46. son of Anaxandrides on the men of +Segesta [12.85,37.95] (deserted settlement), Trapani, Sicily, Italy, Europe Egesta, and when I promised to free those trading ports from which great advantage and profit have accrued to you,—then neither for my sake would you come to aid nor to avenge the slaying of Dorieus. Because of your position in these matters, all these lands lie beneath the foreigners' feet.

Let that be; for all ended well, and our state was improved. But now that the war has come round to you in your turn, it is time for remembering Gelon!

Despite the fact that you slighted me, I will not make an example of you; I am ready to send to your aid two hundred triremes, twenty thousand men-at-arms, two thousand horsemen, two thousand archers, two thousand slingers, and two thousand light-armed men to run with horsemen.Probably active infantry troops, able to keep up with the cavalry. I also pledge to furnish provisions for the whole Greek army until we have made an end of the war.

All this, however, I promise on one condition, that I shall be general and leader of the Greeks against the foreigner. On no other condition will I come myself or send others.”