Histories
Herodotus
Herodotus. Godley, Alfred Denis, translator. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; William Heinemann, Ltd., 1920-1925 (printing).
When the Spartans asked the oracle about this war when it broke out, the Pythia had foretold that either Sparta [22.416,37.83] (inhabited place), Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Lacedaemon would be destroyed by the barbarians or their king would be killed. She gave them this answer in hexameter verses running as follows:
Considering this and wishing to win distinction for the Spartans alone, he sent away the allies rather than have them leave in disorder because of a difference of opinion.
- For you, inhabitants of wide-wayed Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta,
- Either your great and glorious city must be wasted by Persian men,
- Or if not that, then the bound of Sparta [22.416,37.83] (inhabited place), Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Lacedaemon must mourn a dead king, from Heracles' line.
- The might of bulls or lions will not restrain him with opposing strength; for he has the might of Zeus.
- I declare that he will not be restrained until he utterly tears apart one of these.