"I was commanded to speak the truth."
"Has Pausanias entrusted the command of Byzantium to Gongylus the
Eretrian, who already holds four provinces under Xerxes?"
"He has done so."
"Know you the reason for that selection?"
"Pausanias says that the Eretrian could not more show his faith to
Hellas, than by resigning Eastern satrapies so vast."
"Has he resigned them?"
"I know not; but I presume that when the Persian king knows that the Eretrian is leagued against him with the other Captains of Hellas, he will assign the Satrapies to another."
"And is it true that the Persian prisoners, Ariamanes and Datis, have escaped from the custody of Gongylus?"
"It is true. The charge against Gongylus for that error was heard in a council of confederate captains, and no proof against him was brought forward. Cimon was entrusted with the pursuit of the prisoners. Pausanias himself sent forth fifty scouts on Thessalian horses. The prisoners were not discovered."
"Is it true," said Zeuxidamus, "that Pausanias has amassed much plunder at Byzantium?"