Dicaeus son of Theocydes, an Athenian exile who had become important among the Medes, said that at the time when the land of Attica [23.5,38.83] (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Attica was being laid waste by Xerxes' army and there were no Athenians in the country, he was with Demaratus the Lacedaemonian on the Thriasian plain and saw advancing from +Eleusis [23.5583,38.0417] (Perseus) Eleusis a cloud of dust as if raised by the feet of about thirty thousand men. They marvelled at what men might be raising such a cloud of dust and immediately heard a cry. The cry seemed to be the “Iacchus” of the mysteries,

and when Demaratus, ignorant of the rites of +Eleusis [23.5583,38.0417] (Perseus) Eleusis, asked him what was making this sound, Dicaeus said, “Demaratus, there is no way that some great disaster will not befall the king's army. Since Attica [23.5,38.83] (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Attica is deserted, it is obvious that this voice is divine and comes from +Eleusis [23.5583,38.0417] (Perseus) Eleusis to help the Athenians and their allies.

If it descends upon the +Peloponnese [22,37.5] (region), Greece, Europe Peloponnese, the king himself and his army on the mainland will be endangered. If, however, it turns towards the ships at Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis, the king will be in danger of losing his fleet.

Every year the Athenians observe this festival for the Mother and the Maiden, and any Athenian or other Hellene who wishes is initiated. The voice which you hear is the ‘Iacchus’ they cry at this festival.” To this Demaratus replied, “Keep silent and tell this to no one else.

If these words of yours are reported to the king, you will lose your head, and neither I nor any other man will be able to save you, so be silent. The gods will see to the army.”

Thus he advised, and after the dust and the cry came a cloud, which rose aloft and floated away towards Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis to the camp of the Hellenes. In this way they understood that Xerxes' fleet was going to be destroyed. Dicaeus son of Theocydes used to say this, appealing to Demaratus and others as witnesses.