His speech was Persian, but the newcomers both understood when he named them. The tall Laconian straightened his bull neck, as in defiance. The Athenian flushed. His head seemed sinking betwixt his shoulders. Much worm[pg 420]wood had he drunk of late, but none bitterer than this,—to be welcomed at the councils of the Barbarian. Artabazus salaamed to his superior half mockingly.
“Verily, son of Gobryas, I was wrong. You are guileful as a Greek. There can be no higher praise.”
The Prince’s nostrils twitched. Perhaps he was not saying all he felt.
“Let your praise await the issue,” he rejoined coldly. “Suffice it that these friends were long convinced of the wisdom of aiding his Eternity, and to-night come from the camp of the Hellenes to tell all that has passed and why we should make ready for battle at the dawning.” He turned to the Greeks, ordering in their own tongue, “Speak forth, I am interpreter for the council.”
An awkward instant followed. Lycon looked on Democrates.
“You are an Athenian, your tongue is readiest,” he whispered.
“And you the first to Medize. Finish your handiwork,” the retort.
“We are waiting,” prompted Mardonius, and Lycon held up his great head and began in short sentences which the general deftly turned into Persian.
“Your cavalry has made our position by the Asopus intolerable. All the springs are exposed. We have to fight every time we try to draw water. To-day was a meeting of the commanders, many opinions, much wrangling, but all said we must retire. The town of Platæa is best. It is strong, with plenty of water. You cannot attack it. To-night our camp has been struck. The troops begin to retire, but in disorder. The contingent of each city marches by itself. The Athenians, thanks to Democrates, delay retreating; the Spartans I have delayed also. I have per[pg 421]suaded Amompharetus, my cousin, who leads the Pitanate mora,[15] and who was not at the council, that it is cowardly for a Spartan to retreat. He is a sheep-skulled fool and has believed me. Consequently, he and his men are holding back. The other Spartans wait for them. At dawn you will find the Athenians and Spartans alone near their old camping ground, their allies straggling in the rear. Attack boldly. When the onset joins, Democrates and I will order our own divisions to retire. The phalanxes will be broken up. With your cavalry you will have them at mercy, for once the spear-hedge is shattered, they are lost. The battle will not cost you twenty men.”
Artabazus rose again and showed his teeth.