Histories

At that, say the Argives, they decided that the Spartans' covetousness was past all bearing and that it was better to be ruled by the foreigners than give way to the Lacedaemonians. They then bade the envoys depart from the land of Argos [22.7333,37.6417] (Perseus) Argos before sunset, for they would otherwise be treated as enemies.

Such is the Argives' account of this matter, but there is another story told in Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, namely that before Xerxes set forth on his march against Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, he sent a herald to Argos [22.7333,37.6417] (Perseus) Argos, who said on his coming (so the story goes),

“Men of Argos [22.7333,37.6417] (Perseus) Argos, this is the message to you from King Xerxes. Perses our forefather had, as we believe, Perseus son of Danae for his father, and Andromeda daughter of Cepheus for his mother; if that is so, then we are descended from your nation. In all right and reason we should therefore neither march against the land of our forefathers, nor should you become our enemies by aiding others or do anything but abide by yourselves in peace. If all goes as I desire, I will hold none in higher esteem than you.”

The Argives were strongly moved when they heard this, and although they made no promise immediately and demanded no share, they later, when the Greeks were trying to obtain their support, did make the claim, because they knew that the Lacedaemonians would refuse to grant it, and that they would thus have an excuse for taking no part in the war.