stocles came forth to him,
Aristeides spoke these words: "Both at other times when occasion arises,
and also especially at this time we ought to carry on rivalry as to
which of us shall do more service to our country. And I tell thee now
that it is indifferent whether the Peloponnesians say many words or few
about sailing away from hence; for having been myself an eye-witness I
tell thee that now not even if the Corinthians and Eurybiades himself
desire to sail out, will they be able; for we are encompassed round by
the enemy. Go thou in then, and signify this to them."

80. He made answer as follows: "Thou advisest very well, 49 and also
the news which thou hast brought is good, since thou art come having
witnessed with thine own eyes that which I desired might come to pass:
for know that this which is being done by the Medes is of my suggestion;
because, when the Hellenes would not come to a battle of their own will,
it was necessary to bring them over to us against their will. Do thou
however, since thou art come bearing good news, thyself report it to
them; for if I say these things, I shall be thought to speak that which
I have myself invented, and I shall not persuade them, but they will
think that the Barbarians are not doing so. Do thou thyself however come
forward to speak, and declare to them how things are; and when thou hast
declared this, if they are persuaded, that will be the best thing, but
if this is not credible to them, it will be the same thing so far as
concerns us, for they will no longer be able to take to flight, if we
are encompassed on all sides, as thou sayest."

81. Aristeides accordingly came forward and told them this, saying that
he had come from Egina and had with difficulty escaped without being
perceived by those who were blockading them; for the whole encampment of
the Hellenes was encompassed by the ships of Xerxes; and he counselled
them to get ready to defend themselves. He then having thus spoken
retired, and among them again there arose dispute, for the greater
number of the commanders did not believe that which was reported to
them:

82. and while these were doubting, there came a trireme manned by
Tenians, deserting from the enemy, of which the commander was Panaitios
the son of Sosimenes, which brought them the whole truth. For this deed
the Tenians were inscribed at Delphi on the tripod among those who had
conquered the Barbarians. With the ship which deserted at Salamis and