Seeing that there seemed to be no better opinion before them than this, they sent straightaway to entreat the Aeginetans and invite their aid, since this was the oracle's bidding, and the Aeginetans were their nearest. These replied to their demand that they were sending the Sons of Aeacus in aid.

The Thebans took the field on the strength of their alliance with that family but were soundly beaten by the Athenians. Thereupon they sent a second message to +Aegina [23.433,37.75] (inhabited place), Aegina, Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Aegina, giving back the sons of Aeacus and asking for some men instead.

The Aeginetans, who were enjoying great prosperity and remembered their old feud with Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens, accordingly made war on the Athenians at the entreaty of the Thebans without sending a herald.

While the Athenians were busy with the Boeotians, they descended on Attica [23.5,38.83] (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Attica in ships of war, and ravaged +Phaleron [23.7083,37.9333] (Perseus) Phaleron and many other seaboard townships. By so doing they dealt the Athenians a very shrewd blow.