Histories

Having no knowledge of this, the envoys questioned them further as to the meaning of this and thereby learned the whole truth; they marvelled at this and hastened with all speed after the army. With them went five thousand men-at-arms of the Lacedaemonian countrymen.[*](Inhabitants of the country districts of +Laconia [22.583,37] (department), Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Laconia, not enjoying the full privileges of Spartans.)

So they made haste to reach the Isthmus. The Argives, however, had already promised Mardonius that they would prevent the Spartans from going out to war. As soon as they were informed that Pausanias and his army had departed from Sparta [22.4417,37.0667] (Perseus) Sparta, they sent as their herald to Attica [23.5,38.83] (department), Central Greece and Euboea, Greece, Europe Attica the swiftest runner of long distances whom they could find.

When he came to Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens, he spoke to Mardonius in the following manner: “I have been sent by the Argives to tell you that the young men have gone out from Sparta [22.416,37.83] (inhabited place), Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Lacedaemon to war, and that the Argives cannot prevent them from so doing; therefore, make plans accordingly.”