Such would have been their fate. Perhaps, however, when they saw the rest of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas siding with the enemy, they would have made terms with Xerxes. In either case Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas would have been subdued by the Persians, for I cannot see what advantage could accrue from the walls built across the isthmus, while the king was master of the seas.

As it is, to say that the Athenians were the saviors of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas is to hit the truth. It was the Athenians who held the balance; whichever side they joined was sure to prevail. choosing that Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeGreece should preserve her freedom, the Athenians roused to battle the other Greek states which had not yet gone over to the Persians and, after the gods, were responsible for driving the king off.

Nor were they moved to desert Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas by the threatening oracles which came from Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi and sorely dismayed them, but they stood firm and had the courage to meet the invader of their country.