Histories

It would be for nothing, then, that we possess the greatest number of seafaring men in Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, if we Athenians yield our command to Syracusans,—we who can demonstrate the longest lineage of all and who alone among the Greeks have never changed our place of habitation;[*](Most Greek populations had traditionally immigrated into their present localities from elsewhere; but the Athenians had no such tradition; their writers often dwell on the fact with pride.) of our stock too was the man of whom the poet Homer says that of all who came to +Troy [26.25,39.95] (deserted settlement), Canakkale, Marmara, Turkey, Asia Ilion, he was the best man in ordering and marshalling armies.[*](Menestheus: Hom. Il. 2.552.) We accordingly cannot be reproached for what we now say. ”

“My Athenian friend,” Gelon answered, “it would seem that you have many who lead, but none who will follow. Since, then, you will waive no claim but must have the whole, it is high time that you hasten home and tell your Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas that her year has lost its spring.”

The significance of this statement was that Gelon's army was the most notable part of the Greek army, just as the spring is the best part of the year. He accordingly compared Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas deprived of alliance with him to a year bereft of its spring.[*](According to Aristotle (Aristot. Rh. 1.7 and Aristot. Rh. 3.10) Pericles used the same simile in a funeral oration, referring to the State's loss of its young men.)

After such dealings with Gelon the Greek envoys sailed away. Gelon, however, feared that the Greeks would not be able to overcome the barbarian, while believing it dreadful and intolerable that he, the tyrant of Sicily [14,37.5] (region), Italy, Europe Sicily, should go to the +Peloponnese [22,37.5] (region), Greece, Europe Peloponnese to be at the beck and call of Lacedaemonians. For this reason he took no more thought of this plan but followed another instead.

As soon as he was informed that the Persian had crossed the Canakkale Bogazi (strait), Canakkale, Marmara, Turkey, Asia Hellespont, he sent Cadmus son of Scythes,[*](Probably the expelled ruler of +Zancle [15.5667,38.1833] (Perseus) Zancle; cp. the following chapter, and Hdt. 6.23.) a man of Kos City [27.3,36.8917] (Perseus)Cos, to Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi with three fifty-oared ships, bringing them money and messages of friendship. Cadmus was to observe the outcome of the battle, and if the barbarian should be victorious, he was to give him both the money, and earth and water on behalf of Gelon's dominions. If, however, the Greeks were victorious, he was to bring everything back again.