Because of Orithyia, daughter of mighty Erectheus,
Pray to the winds!
That oracle is famous. Never in all the history of Delphi was an oracle received in such dire need. Never one which to the Delphians themselves was more precious. For it was the Delphians themselves who had asked the question and to whose hearts the oracle gave courage and hope.
They sent messengers at once, carrying the precious words of courage northward to the ships of Artemisium and to the little band of heroes at Thermopylæ, and eastward to Athens city, crying:
“Apollo, the Son of Leto, is on our side. He bids us pray to the Winds.”
CHAPTER XXVII
THE MESSENGERS
Aristonikè was dying. No more did she notice even the linnet, Theria’s gift, which sang so sweetly in the solemn house.
A fever burned through all her limbs. As evening came on old Tuchè was fain to take her out of the close house and lay her in front of the door on the high temple platform.