Histories

When the Naxians came to Miletus [27.3,37.5] (Perseus) Miletus, they asked Aristagoras if he could give them enough power to return to their own country. Believing that he would become ruler of +Nisos Naxos [25.583,32.33] (island), Cyclades, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Naxos if they were restored to their city with his help and using as a pretext their friendship with Histiaeus, he made them this proposal:

“I myself do not have the authority to give you such power as will restore you against the will of the Naxians who hold your city, for I know that the Naxians have eight thousand men that bear shields, and many ships of war. Nevertheless, I will do everything I can to realize your request.