282 HISTORY OF GREECE take the oath submitted to them, the special purpose of the synod was defeated. Having thus failed in carrying their point with the allies col- lectively, the Thebans resolved to try the efficacy of applications individually. They accordingly despatched envoys, with the Per- sian rescript in hand, to visit the cities successively, calling upon each for acceptance M ith an oath of adhesion. Each city sepa- rately (they thought) would be afraid to refuse, under peril of united hostility from the Great King and from Thebes. So con- fident were they in the terrors of the king's name and seal, that they addressed this appeal not merely to the cities in alliance with them, but even to several among their enemies. Their envoys first set forth the proposition at Corinth ; a city, not only at variance with them, but even serving as a centre of operation for the Athenian and Lacedaemonian forces to guard the line of Oneium, and prevent the entrance of a Theban army into Pelo- ponnesus. But the Corinthians rejected the proposition altogether, declining formally to bind themselves by any common oaths towards the Persian king. The like refusal was experienced by the envoys as they passed on to Peloponnesus, if not from all the cities visited, at least from so large a proportion, that the mission was completely frustrated. And thus the rescript, which Thebes had been at such pains to procure, was found practically inopera- tive in confirming or enforcing her headship ; l though doubtless the mere fact, that it comprised and recognized Messene, contrib- uted to strengthen the vitality, and exalt the dignity, of that new- born-city. In their efforts to make the Persian rescript available towards the recognition of their headship throughout Greece, the Thebans would naturally visit Thessaly and the northern districts as well as Peloponnesus. It appears that Pelopidas and Ismenias them- selves undertook this mission; and that in the execution of it they were seized and detained as prisoners by Alexander of Pherae. That despot seems to have come to meet them, under pacific appearances, at Pharsalus. They indulged hopes of prevailing on him as well as the other Thessalians to accept the Persian Xcn. Hellen. vii, 1, 40. Ka4 avri) JJLEV i; HsAomSiv not TG y Qqflaiuv rfn
