Histories

The Athenians had sent messages to Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi asking that an oracle be given them, and when they had performed all due rites at the temple and sat down in the inner hall, the priestess, whose name was Aristonice, gave them this answer:

1. Wretches, why do you linger here? Rather flee from your houses and city,
2. Flee to the ends of the earth from the circle embattled of Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens!
3. The head will not remain in its place, nor in the body,
4. Nor the feet beneath, nor the hands, nor the parts between;
5. But all is ruined, for fire and the headlong god of war speeding in a Syrian chariot will bring you low.

1. Many a fortress too, not yours alone, will he shatter;
2. Many a shrine of the gods will he give to the flame for devouring;
3. Sweating for fear they stand, and quaking for dread of the enemy,
4. Running with gore are their roofs, foreseeing the stress of their sorrow;
5. Therefore I bid you depart from the sanctuary.
6. Have courage to lighten your evil.[*](Lit. spread courage over your evils. But most commentators translate “steep your souls in woe.”)