Histories

These were the words of Alexander. The Lacedaemonians, however, had heard that Alexander had come to Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens to bring the Athenians to an agreement with the barbarian. Remembering the oracles, how that they themselves with the rest of the Dorians must be driven out of the +Peloponnese [22,37.5] (region), Greece, Europe Peloponnese by the Medes and the Athenians, they were greatly afraid that the Athenians should agree with the Persian, and they straightway resolved that they would send envoys.

Moreover, it so fell out for both that they made their entry at one and the same time, for the Athenians delayed and waited for them, being certain that the Lacedaemonians were going to hear that the messenger had come from the Persians for an agreement. They had heard that the Lacedaemonians would send their envoys with all speed. Therefore it was of set purpose that they did this in order that they might make their will known to the Lacedaemonians.

So when Alexander had made an end of speaking, the envoys from Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta said, “We on our part have been sent by the Lacedaemonians to entreat you to do nothing harmful to Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas and accept no offer from the barbarian.

That would be unjust and dishonorable for any Greek, but for you most of all, on many counts; it was you who stirred up this war, by no desire of ours, and your territory was first the stake of that battle in which all Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas is now engaged.