Histories

Herodotus

Herodotus. Godley, Alfred Denis, translator. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; William Heinemann, Ltd., 1920-1925 (printing).

They did this in silence for fear that their enemies hear, making their preparations at night without sleep.

I cannot say against oracles that they are not true, and I do not wish to try to discredit them when they speak plainly. Look at the following matter:

  1. When the sacred headland of golden-sworded Artemis and Cynosura by the sea they bridge with ships,
  2. After sacking shiny Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens in mad hope,
  3. Divine Justice will extinguish mighty Greed the son of Insolence
  4. Lusting terribly, thinking to devour all.

  1. Bronze will come together with bronze, and Ares
  2. Will redden the sea with blood. To Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas the day of freedom
  3. Far-seeing Zeus and august Victory will bring.
Considering this, I dare to say nothing against Bacis concerning oracles when he speaks so plainly, nor will I consent to it by others.

Among the generals at Salamis (island), Attica, Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, EuropeSalamis there was fierce argument. They did not yet know that the barbarians had encircled them with their ships, supposing them still marshalled in the place where they had seen them by day.