Histories

Do not for a moment think that if the Persian defeats us in battle and subdues us, he will leave you unassailed, but rather look well to yourself before that day comes. Aid us, and you champion your own cause; in general a well-laid plan leads to a happy issue.”

This is what they said, and Gelon, speaking very vehemently, said in response to this: “Men of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, it is with a self-seeking plea that you have dared to come here and invite me to be your ally against the foreigners; yet what of yourselves?

When I was at odds with the Carchedonians,[*](The Carthaginians were as influential in the west of the island as Gelon in the east; Greeks and Semites continually competed for commercial supremacy.) and asked you to be my comrades against a foreign army, and when I desired that you should avenge the slaying of Dorieus [*](Cp. Hdt. 5.42-46.) son of Anaxandrides on the men of +Segesta [12.85,37.95] (deserted settlement), Trapani, Sicily, Italy, Europe Egesta, and when I promised to free those trading ports from which great advantage and profit have accrued to you,—then neither for my sake would you come to aid nor to avenge the slaying of Dorieus. Because of your position in these matters, all these lands lie beneath the foreigners' feet.