Key to Easy Latin Stories for beginners/Part IV/XX
XX.THE THIRD INVASION OF GREECE.
The cutting of the canal across Mount Athos.
219.Xerxes again determined to make an expedition against Greece. So having collected a large army in Asia, he remained near the Hellespont until all things should have been prepared in order that he might be able to march on Greece without risk. And first, indeed, since those who sailed round Athoa had often received loss, he ordered a canal to be made across the isthmus which is at the foot of the mountain. Now it seems to me that Xerxes ordered this canal to be dug for the sake of ostentation, wishing both to show off his own power and to leave a memorial of himself.
The cables for the bridge, and the commissariat.
220.While he is getting these things done thus, at the same time also he ordered ropes to be prepared for joining the bridges across the Hellespont, partly of papyrus, partly of flax; and he entrusted the caie of this to the Phoenicians and Egyptians. Next, that neither the army, nor the heasts of burden which had to be led into Greece, might perish with hunger, he ordered supplies to be brought together; and having ascertained the best places, wherever he found a very suitable spot he ordered them to be unshipped there, having given orders that (men) should bring them from all parts of Asia, some in one place, others in another.
The bridges destroyed by a storm.
221.Meanwhile those to whom the business had been given of crossing (lit that they should join) the Hellespont, with a bridge reaching firom Asia to Europe, had finished their work. Now they built two bridges; the Phoenicians one of cables made of flax, the Egyptians the other of papyrus. Now there (is a distance of) seven stades between Abydos and the opposite shore. But when the bridges were thrown across (lit. joined) a great storm arose, which broke up and destroyed everything.
The scourging of the waves.
222.On ascertaining this fact, Xerxes, being much annoyed, ordered three hundred blows to be inflicted on the Hellespont, and fetters to be thrown into the sea. They also relate that besides (doing) this he sent men to brand (lit. to burn in brandings into) the Hellespont. He certainly gave orders that while flogging it they should utter these barbarous and insane words: ‘O bitter water, our lord inflicts this punishment on thee because thou hast injured (lit. afliected with injury) him, although thou hast suffered no wrong from him. And the king shall cross thee whether thou wishest or not. And deservedly does no one sacrifice to thee, for thou art a crafty and salt stream.’ Now he ordered this punishment should be inflicted on the sea, and at the same time that the heads of those who had been set over the bridge should be cut off.
The new bridges.
223.But other architects then joined bridges, and this is the way they joined them. Having collected vessels to the number of 674, they placed them (in line). Between these in three places they left a passage, that the merchants might be able to pass into the Black Sea, and return thence. Next, having laid timbers across the vessels, they piled brushwood on them, and earth on the brushwood. Finally, they provided either side of the bridge with a fence, lest the beasts of burden and horses should be terrified on seeing the sea.
An eclipse of the sun.
223.After it was announced to Xerxes that the bridge and canal were ready, he resolved to set out at once. And he was already on the point of setting out on the journey when the sun left its (usual) station and disappeared; the sky was covered by no clouds, but was as fine as possible, and night came at mid-day. When Xerxes had looked on this the occurrence caused him anxiety, and he inquired of the Magi what that portent meant. The Magi replied, ‘That the god was foretelling to the Greeks the destruction of their cities; for the sun foretold future events to the Greeks, but the moon to the Persians.’ Xerxes, delighted at hearing this, began to lead out his forces.
Xerxes complies with a request.
225.Then a certain Pythius, fearing the portent, begged Xerxes to leave him one of his five sons who were in the army. And the king, being exceedingly angry, answered him, ‘worthless creature, though I am taking with me my sons and brothers, thou hast dared to make mention of thy son! I will indeed give thee thy son!’ Having given this answer, he gave orders that the eldest of Pythius’s sons should be cut in two across the middle, and that half of the mutilated body should be placed on the right hand of the road, and half on the left, and that the army should cross over by that road.
The review of the forces.
226.But Xerxes desired to review before him (lit. with his eyes) the whole of his army. And there a lofty throne made of white marble had been prepared on purpose, which the men of Abydos had made beforehand by order of the king. So, sitting there, he looked upon both the land forces and the ships; and while beholding the latter there came on him a desire to see a naval engagement. And when this spectacle, in which the Phoenicians were victorious, was exhibited for him he was delighted both with the contest and the army. But beholding the Hellespont covered with his ships, and the whole shore covered with human beings, Xerxes said that he was a happy man, but not long afterwards he burst into tears; for he said ‘that he was reflecting how short the life of man was, since of those men, so numerous, not one was likely to survive to his hundredth year.’
The crossing of the Hellespont.
227.And on that day, indeed, they began to make preparations for the crossing; but on the next day they waited for the sun, wishing to see it while rising, both burning perfumes of every kind on the bridges, and strewing the road with myrtles. When the sun was rising Xerxes poured wine into the sea from a golden saucer, and, turning to the sun, prayed that no accident might happen to him which might compel him to desist from conquering Europe before arriving at its furthest boimdaries. When the prayers were finished he threw the saucer into the Hellespont, and at the same time a golden bowl, and a Persian sword which they call a scimitar. Now I cannot say for certain whether he threw these things into the sea in honour of the sun, or whether he offered them to the sea, induced by regret because he had ordered the Hellespont to be beaten with whips. When these things were finished the troops crossed the Hellespont.
The order of the march.
228.Over one of the bridges there crossed over the infantry and all the cavalry, but over the other the beasts of burden with the baggage and a crowd of attendants. First went 10,000 of the Persians, all with crowns, whom an army made up of various nations followed. These (crossed) on the first day. Next day, first the cavaliy and those who carried their lances turned to the ground; these also wore crowns. Then sacred horses and a sacred car; then Xerxes himself; then the rest of the army. However, some authors relate that the king crossed last of all.
A miraculous birth.
229.When all had crossed and were commencing their onwaid march, a mighty portent was vouchsafed, of which Xerxes took no notice, although the interpretation of it would have been very easy : for a mare brought forth a hare. Now it was easy to interpret this as follows: that Xerxes, indeed, with great pride and splendour, was going to lead his army into Greece, but was sure to return to the same place with risk to his own life.
A new way of counting.
230.When the army had reached the plain of Doriscus, Xerxes resolved to discover how many soldiers he had. I cannot accurately say what number each people contributed, for this is not recorded by any one. The number, however, was ascertained thus:hey collected 10,000 men into one place, and when these had been crowded together as closely as possible, they drew round them on the outside a circle; next, after dismissing these ten thousand, they built a wall in a circle of such a height as to reach to a man’s middle. Having done this, they ordered others to enter within the wall, until they discovered the number of all in this way.
The Immortals.
A regiment armed with the lasso.
232.There were, moreover, men of the wandering tribes, called Sagartii These do not use arms, with the exception of daggers. But they use ropes, trusting in which they set out to war. Now the manner of fighting of these men is as follows. When they fight with enemies they cast the ropes, at the end of which are nooses. Whatever the rope catches, whether it be a horse or a man, the horseman drags it to him, and being entangled in the noose it is slain.
The prediction of Apollo.
233.Then Xerxes set out for Greece. The Athenians, having heard that the Persians were approaching, sent ambassadors to Delphi to consult the oracle. They were told 'that divine Salamis would be a destruction to many, but that a wooden wall would save them’ (lit. be for safety). Having heard this answer, some thought that there was need of a wooden wall in the citadel; others thought that ships should be prepared. Now among the chief men was Themistocles, a distinguished man. He eagerly advised them to prepare themselves for a sea-fight. And this opinion prevailed; so a fleet was prepared.
War Councils of the Greeks.
234.Then, indeed, the Greeks took counsel how they should manage the war. The opinion prevailed that the defile of Thermopylae should be guarded ; but they did not even know of the existence of the path by means of which the Greeks at Thermopylae were cut off. It was resolved (lit. pleased them) that a fleet should be sent to the promontory of Artenusium. Now the defile in its narrowest part does not extend wider than 50 feet. On one side there is a very high mountain, on the other the sea and marshes. Moreover, there are in this defile hot springs, over which has been erected an altar to Hercules. There was also a wall in the pass which the Greeks determined to rebuild. These places, therefore, seemed suitable; so, because they thought that the enemy could not make use there of their large forces nor of their cavaliy, they resolved to await in the same place the onslaught of the foe. And on being informed that the Persians were in Thessaly some set out on foot for Thermopylae, others by sea for Artemisium.
Apollo advises an offering to the winds.
235.While the Greeks are thus hastening to meet the foe, divided into two divisions, the Delphians meanwhile consulted the god. An answer was given, ‘that the winds must be appeased by prayers and vows; for they would be of great service to Greece.’ Then the Delphians dedicated an altar to the winds, and appeased them with sacrifices. And even now the Delphians propitiate the winds according to the command of the oracle.
The flying squadron of the Greeks.
236.There were on guard to watch the movements of the barbarians three spy vessels of the Greeksa Troezenian, an Aeginetan, an Attic. Having seen the fleet of the Persians, these took to flight; and the barbarians indeed take the Troezenian ship. Having done this they lead one of the sailors to the prow of the vessel and kill him, thinking that this is a propitious omen for themselves. Now the name of this slain man was Leo. But the Aeginetan ship inspired the barbarians with a certain amount of fear; for on board her was fighting a certain Pytheas, who on that day showed himself a very gallant man. He, when the ship was taken, resisted fighting bravely, until he was altogether cut into ribbons, so to speak. And the Persians, since though falling he was not dead, but was still breathing, attempting at once to keep him alive on account of his valour, dressed the man’s wounds: and on returning to their camp, showed him to the whole army with the greatest admiration, and treated him kindly. So two of these vessels were taken: but the third trireme was run on shore; and the barbarians got possession of this vessel also; but the crew escaped, for having landed they returned to Athens.
A white squall and its results.
237.Next day, at dawn, though the sky was clear, a great storm arose, the sea boiling up suddenly. They say that not less than 400 vessels of the barbarians perished by this calamity. For the tempest continued to rage for three successive days; on the fourth day it ceased. When this destruction was known the Greeks rejoiced greatly; they offered vows and wine to Neptune the Preserver.
The Greeks make a stand at Thermopylae.
238.Meanwhile the Greeks were awaiting the Persians near Thermopylae. There were 300 Spartans and allies (to the number of) about 400. Leonidas, king of the Spartans, commanded them. Meanwhile Xerxes sent a scout, to find out both their number and what they were doing. When he arrived at the wall, he saw some of the Greeks; some of whom were amusing themselves with gymnastic exercises, others were combing their hair. On his return he told Xerxes everything that he had seen.
Demaratus explains the conduct of the Greeks.
239.Having heard these things Xerxes called to himself Demaratus, a deserter from the Spartans, desiring to ascertain from him what it was that the Spartans were doing. And Demaratus said to him, ‘These men are here intending to fight with us that they may prevent us from entering, and they are preparing themselves for this. For there is this custom among them: when they are on the point of incurring (lit. approaching) danger, then they dress their hair. If thou conquerest (lit. shalt have conquered) these men, and those who remain at Sparta, there is no other race of men, king, which will dare to raise a hand against thee. For now thou hast to fight with a kingdom and people most illustrious among the Greeks, and vith most gallant men.’
Xerxes attempts to carry the pass.
240.Having said this Demaratus did not persuade Xerxes. So the king let four days elapse, hoping that the Greeks would take to flight. But on the fifth day being enraged he sent the Medes against them, having given orders to take them alive, and bring them before him. But when they charged the Greeks, many of them fell, to whom others succeeded; these suffered the same loss; and it was clear to any one, and especially to the king himself, that there were indeed many human beings, but few men. To these succeeded the Persians, whom the king used to call the Immortals. These having joined battle had the same fate; for they fought in a defile, where their numbers could not deploy, and they used spears shorter (than those of) the Greeks.
Repulse of the invaders.
241.But after that the Persians could in no way prevail, at last these also retreated. The Spartans truly became renowned through that fight: for in other things also they showed themselves skilled in warfare, and while fiying and suddenly turning on the pursuing enemy they assailed them. Thus an innumerable multitude of the Persians were slain. They relate that meanwhile Xerxes, since he was not far off for the sake of seeing (the fight), leaped three times from his throne, fearing, I suppose, for his army. For three successive days they fought: the result of the fight was the same.
Treachery.
242.Then Ephialtes, a deserter, came to the king, hoping to obtain a great reward from him, and pointed out to him a path over the mountains leading to Thermopylae. Xerxes, being greatly rejoiced, sent forces at nightfall to surround the Greeks. But to the Greeks who were at Thermopylae, a seer, having inspected the victims, had foretold that death was imminent at daybreak; then messengers announce that the Persians had come round the mountain by that path.
The devotion of the Spartans.
243.Now they say that when this was announced Leonidas dismissed the allies, saying ‘that it did not become him and the Spartans to desert the station which they had been sent to guard.’ And I, moreover, am of this opinion (namely), that Leonidas, seeing that the allies were by no means resolute, dismissed them; but that he considered it dishonourable for him to retire. On the other hand, if he remained, great glory awaited him, and the fortune of Sparta was not (to be) destroyed. For the priestess of Apollo had answered the Spartans, when consulting the oracle dunng the commencement of this war, ‘that Sparta would either be overthrown by the barbarians, or their own king would perish.’
The end of Leonidas.
244.Then Xerxes attacked the Spartans surrounded from every side. The leaders of the companies, assailing them with whips from behind, and striking every one, stimulated their men. So many slipped into the sea and perished, many were trampled on alive by each other; nor was any account taken of those that were perishing. Already most of the Greeks had their spears broken, and they were despatching the Persians with their swords. There falls Leonidas, lighting most bravely; and over his corpse was a keen struggle. Thus they fought till those arrived who were with Ephilates. Then defending themselves with swords, as many as had swords left, others fighting desperately with hands and teeth, they were all killed to a man.
The bravest of the brave.
245.Though thfe Spartans showed themselves such (heroes), yet of these Dieneces is said to have been the bravest; and they say that he, before they began to fight with the Medes, made a good remark, when he had heard a certain Trachinian saying, ‘that when the barbarians discharged their darts the sun would be darkened by the multitude of weapons; for so great was the number of the foe.’ So they say that he, in nowise alarmed, but despising the multitude of the Medes, replied, ‘that the Trachinian was announcing good omens; since, if the sun was darkened by darts they were likely to fight in the shade.’ These, and other remarks of the same kind, they say that Dieneces left as memorials of his gallant courage.
A bird in the hand worth two in the bush.
246.Meanwhile the ships of the barbarians had betaken themselves to Aphetae; but the Grecian fleet was off Artenusium. The Grecian leaders began to deliberate about taking flight, being stricken with apprehension. And when the men of Euboea ascertained that this plan was being discussed by them, they persuaded Themistocles, the leader of the Athenians, by proposing a reward of thirty talents on (the) condition that they should remain there, and fight in battle. And Themistocles brought about in this way that the Greeks should remain. He prevailed on Eurybiades, who was in command of the fleet, by offering him five talents. Afterwards when of the rest, Adimantus, the Corinthian admiral, alone held out, he addressed him as follows: ‘Thou wilt not indeed desert us; for I will give thee greater gifts than the king would be likely to send thee, if thou wert to desert thy allies.’ Having said this, after he had sent three talents to the ship of Adimantus, he prevailed on all to remain there; but he himself kept the rest for himself.
Scyllias the diver.
247.Then indeed the barbarians sent part of their vessels round Euboea to surround the Greeks. Now there was in the fleet of the barbarians a certain Scyllias, the best diver in the world, who already before this had formed the plan of deserting to the Greeks, but before this day had not found an opportunity of carrying out his plan. Well, I cannot say how he now came to the Greeks from Aphetae. They say that this man, after diving into the sea at Aphetae, did not rise before arriving at Artemisium, having completed this journey of eighty stades through the sea. When he arrived thither he informed them that ships had been sent round Euboea.
The battle of Artemisium.
248.Soon the Greeks, whose fleet was off Artemisium, when the signal was given made an attack on the barbarians. They fought for a long time with distinguished valour (shown) on either side. At last night coming on, with success uncertain, separated the fighters: the Greeks indeed returned to Artemisium, but the barbarians to Aphetae. Soon, a storm having arisen, the barbarians lost a great number of their ships. But to those who had been ordered to sail round Euboea, this same night was much more awful; and they had a sad end, for their ships were carried away by the wind, and dashed against the rocks. So the god contrived everything, that the forces of the Persians might be made equal to those of the Greeks.
The contest renewed.
249.On the day after there came for the Greeks fifty-three Attic vessels; and the arrival of these, and an announcement made at the same time, ‘that a great storm having arisen, all the barbarians sailing round Euboea had perished,’ strengthened both their vigour and courage. So at the same hour of the day, as on the day before, they weighed anchor, and assailed the Persian ships. And many of these having been destroyed (and) night coming on, they returned to Artemisium. Now it happened that these naval engagements and the land fight at Thermopylae were fought on the same days.
The third dayretreai of the Greeks.
250.But on the third day, the leaders of the barbarians being greatly annoyed that so few vessels should inflict on them such insulting losses, and dreading the anger of Xerxes, no longer waited for the Greeks to begin the fighting ; but exhorting each other, they assail the enemy. And in this naval engagement also they were nearly equal on either side. Meanwhile the Greeks were informed that Leonidas had perished with his army; therefore they resolved to return to Athens. When it began to grow dusk they set out with (lit. using) the greatest speed.
The Persians march on Delphi.
251.Then indeed the barbarians commence to march on Athens, and some of them approached the temple of Delphi. The news of this inspired the Delphians with great fear; and stricken with this apprehension they consulted the oracle about the sacred money and precious things, whether they should bury them in the earth or carry them away to some other place. But the god forbade them to move them from the spot, saying that he was strong enough to protect his own property himiself. Having heard this reply, the men of Delphi now consulted for their own safety, and the greater part of them betook themselves to flight.
Apollo defends his sanctuary.
252.But when the barbarians drew near, then a seer, whose name was Aceratus, saw the sacred arms laid out before the temple, having been brought out of the shrine, which it was lawful for no human. being to touch. And he went away to announce this portent to the Delphians who were present in the city. Soon, on the approach of the Persians, thunderbolts fell down from heaven, and two pinnacles having been broken off from Mount Parnassus fell with a great crash on the same, and destroyed many, and a shriekmg and howling was clearly heard coming from the temple. And the barbarians were filled with fear at these things: and when the Delphians understood that they were taking to flight, descending from the mountain they caused a great slaughter of them. They also say that two armed men, taller than mortals, assailed the Persians, and caused a slaughter of them.
Athens is abandoned.
253.When the ships had returned to Athens, it was proclaimed that, ‘in whatever place each man could, there he should place his children and household in safety.’ And so all began to make haste to carry out the order. The Athenians say that a huge serpent, the guardian of the citadel, dwells in the temple: nor do they only say this, but they also offer to it monthly sacrifices, as if it really dwelt there, and the monthly sacrifice is a cake flavoured with honey. This cake, though at previous times it had always been consumed, was then untouched. When the priest told this, so much the more did they abandon the city, because even the goddess had deserted the citadel. But the fleet remained off the island of Salamis.
Xerxes occupies Athens.
254.Meanwhile Xerxes arrives with his army, and finds the city empty. Now there were some Athenians who had betaken themselves to the citadel and had fortified the approaches with wooden ramparts, thinking that they had discovered the meaning of the oracle ‘that a wooden wall would be unconquerable.’ These, indeed, resisted the Persians for a long time. At last the Persians broke into his citadel, and slew all who were there, and plundered the temple. Then Xerxes, having got complete possession of Athens, sent a horseman to Susa to announce his success.
The restoration of Athens foretold.
255.Next day Xerxes assembled the Athenian exiles and ordered them to go up to the citadel and sacrifice there according to their own rites. Kow, I shall tell you why I mention this. There is in the citadel a temple, in which is an olive tree, sacred to Minerva. Therefore this olive tree, with the rest of the temple, had been burnt by the barbarians; but on the day after the burning, when the exiles went up into the temple, on being ordered to sacrifice they saw a shoot growing from the stem about a cubit in length, whence it appeared tibat Athens would again be powerful.
Deliberations of the Gracian admirals.
256.Meanwhile the Grecian admirals assembled a council near Salamis. Many, however, were of opinion that they should fight near the Isthmus, not off Salamis. There and then Themistocles eagerly begged them to fight in that same place. And the Corinthian admiral, Adimantus, addressed him thus: ‘Themistocles, those who rise before the time at the (public) contests are beaten with whips.’ And he replied. ‘(Yes), but those who remain behind are not crowned.’ The opinions of his admirals were divided: Eurybiades and Adimantus affirmed that they ought to fight at the Isthmus. On the other hand, Themistocles (said), ‘that they should remain there, and fight with the barbarians.’
Themistocles makes a battle inevitable.
257.There then Themistocles, secretly leaving the council, sent a man to the Persian camp, thoroughly taught what to say. On arriving thither, he spoke as follows before the leaders of the barbarians: ‘The Athenian admiral has sent me, without the knowledge of the rest of the Greeks: for he favours the party of the Great King: moreover, he sent me to announce that the terrified Greeks are meditating flight. They are neither agreed among themselves, nor will they resist you any longer. Wherefore attack them, and do not allow them to take to flight.’ Having said these things, he at once retired, but Xerxes gave his signal for battle.
The battle of Salamis.
258.Therefore the barbarians attacked the Gredan ships with such fury that all the other Greeks backed water, and brought their vessels close to land. Aminias, an Athenian alone, being carried out too far to sea, assailed a hostile vessel with the beak (of his own ship). And when this vessel was clinging entangled with the other, and could not be got away, then at length the rest, coming up to assist Aminias, commenced the fight. They say that the appearance of a woman appeared to the Greeks, which exhorted them to fight bravely, in such a way as to be clearly heard by the whole host; and that it first upbraided them in these words: ‘Cowards, how long will ye back water?’ They fought for a long while; but the greater part of the enemies’ ships were destroyed in this engagement.
The retreat of Xerxes.
Artemisia, Queen of Caria.
260.Now as regards others, how individuals among the barbarians or Greeks fought, I cannot say; but as regards Artemisia, the following things were done. After the royal fleet had begun to take to flight, about that time an Athenian vessel was in pursuit of the ship of Artemisia. And she, being unable to escape, since before her were many other vessels of the barbarians, while her own ship was very close to the enemy, forms this plan. For when the Athenian ship was pressing her close, she herself attacked and wrecked a vessel belonging to the barbarians. Then the sailors of the Athenian ship, when they saw her make an attack on a vessel belonging to the barbarians, thinking that the ship of Artemisia was a Greek one, or was deserting from the barbarians to the Greeks, and was assisting them, attacked other barbarian ships. So she in the first place gained this advantage (namely), that she got off safe; it also happened to her that, thpngh she had visited the king with loss, she was greatly praised by him for this very deed: for they say that while Xerxes was watching the fight, he saw this vessel striking against the other: and when some one had said to him, ‘Thou seest, O king, how bravely Artemisia is fighting;’ that he asked, ‘If this was really the deed of Artemisia?’ and that they replied to him,‘That they knew her ship well.’ Therefore Xerxes is said to have made this remark, ‘My men have become women; but my women, men.’
Loyalty to the death.
The rebuilding of the walls of Athens.
262.When Xerxes had set out for home, the Athenians began again to surround their city with a wall. The Lacedaemonians took this ill, and Themistocles deceived them with a trick ot this kind. He went to Sparta as ambassador, and on arriving thither, said that the walls were not being built. ‘But,’ aaid he, ‘if ye are unwilling to believe me, send chosen men, to see into these things, and meanwhile keep me here.’ The Lacedaemonians did so. In the meantinie Themistocles secretly sent a messenger to Athens, an4 advised that the Lacedaemonian envoys should be kept at Athens, in whatever way they were able, until the walls were rebuilt, and they had got him back. The Athenians obeyed this advice. Therefore, Themistocles having been got back, and the envoys restored, Athens was again fortified against the will of the Laoedaemonians.
The courage of despair is to be feared.
XXI.— ANECDOTES.
Diligence rewarded.
264.Antisthenes the philosopher used to advise the young men to pay attention to his words, but very few of them used to obey his warning. Being at last angry he ordered them all to go out of his sight. Diogenes, however, being seized with a great desire to hear the words of the philosopher, used often to come to him, and would not go away. So Antisthenes threatened that he would beat his head, and having seen that Diogenes was not thoroughly frightened at his threats, he did so.