Histories

Until ten days had passed, no more was done than this. On the eleventh day from their first encampment opposite each other, the Greeks growing greatly in number and Mardonius being greatly vexed by the delay, there was a debate held between Mardonius son of Gobryas and Artabazus son of Pharnaces, who stood as high as only few others in Xerxes' esteem.

Their opinions in council were as I will show. Artabazus thought it best that they should strike their camp with all speed and lead the whole army within the walls of Thebes [23.3333,38.325] (Perseus) Thebes. Here there was much food stored and fodder for their beasts of burden; furthermore, they could sit at their ease here and conclude the business by doing as follows:

they could take the great store they had of gold, minted and other, and silver drinking-cups, and send all this to all places in Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas without stint, excepting none, but especially to the chief men in the cities of Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas. Let them do this (he said) and the Greeks would quickly surrender their liberty; but do not let the Persians risk the event of a battle.