Histories

Despite the fact that you slighted me, I will not make an example of you; I am ready to send to your aid two hundred triremes, twenty thousand men-at-arms, two thousand horsemen, two thousand archers, two thousand slingers, and two thousand light-armed men to run with horsemen.[*](Probably active infantry troops, able to keep up with the cavalry.) I also pledge to furnish provisions for the whole Greek army until we have made an end of the war.

All this, however, I promise on one condition, that I shall be general and leader of the Greeks against the foreigner. On no other condition will I come myself or send others.”

When Syagrus heard that, he could not contain himself; “In truth,” he cried, “loudly would Agamemnon son of Pelops lament, when hearing that the Spartans had been bereft of their command by Gelon and his Syracusans! No, rather, put the thought out of your minds that we will give up the command to you. If it is your will to aid Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, know that you must obey the Lacedaemonians; but if, as I think, you are too proud to obey, then send no aid.”