“Take care it be not so full that it break.”
“Dear Democrates,”—Lycon slapped his paw on the other’s shoulder,—“why always imagine evil? Hermes is a very safe guide. I only hope our victory will be so complete Sparta will submit without fighting. It will be awkward to rule a plundered city.”
“I shudder at the thought of being amongst even conquered Athenians; I shall see a tyrannicide in every boy in the Agora.”
“A stout Persian garrison in your Acropolis is the surest physic against that.”
“By the dog, Lycon, you speak like a Scythian. Hellene you surely are not.”
“Hellene I am, and show my native wisdom in seeing that Persia must conquer and trimming sail accordingly.”
“Persia is not irresistible. With a fair battle—”
“It will not be a fair battle. What can save Pausanias? Nothing—except a miracle sent from Zeus.”
“As merciful Hiram’s relenting and releasing your dear Glaucon.” Lycon’s chuckle was loud.