they were not at
first thought worthy of a serious attack. At length, what Xerxes, with
all his troops was incapable of effecting, was performed by the
treachery of some of the Grecians who inhabited that country. For a
great reward they undertook to lead a chosen body of the Persians
across the mountains by a secret path, with which they alone were
acquainted. Accordingly, the Persians set out in the night, and having
passed over the mountains in safety, encamped on the other side.

"As soon as day arose, Leonidas perceived that he had been betrayed, and
that he was surrounded by the enemy; nevertheless, with the same
undaunted courage, he took all necessary measures and prepared for the
fate which he had long resolved to meet. After praising and thanking the
allies for the bravery with which they had behaved, he sent them all
away to their respective countries; many of the Spartans, too, he would
have dismissed under various pretences; but they, who were all
determined rather to perish with their king than to return, refused to
go. When he saw their resolution, he consented that they should stay
with him and share in his fate. All day, therefore, he remained quiet in
his camp; but when evening approached, he ordered his troops to take
some refreshment, and, smiling, told them 'to dine like men who were to
sup in another world.' They then completely armed themselves, and waited
for the middle of the night, which Leonidas judged most proper for the
design he meditated. He saw that the Persians would never imagine it
possible that such an insignificant body of men should think of
attacking their numerous forces; he was therefore determined, in the
silence of the night, to break into their camp, and endeavour, amid the
terror and confusion which would ensue, to surprise Xerxes himself.

"About midnight, therefore, this determined body of Grecians marched
out with Leonidas at their head. They soon broke into the Persian camp,
and put all to flight that dared to oppose them. It is impossible to
describe the terror and confusion which ensued among so many thousands
thus unexpectedly surprised. Still the Grecians marched on in close
impenetrable order, overturning the tents, destroying all that dared to
resist, and driving that vast and mighty army like frightened sheep
before them. At length they came even to the imperial tent of Xerxes;
and had he not quitted it at the first alarm, he would there have ended
at once his lif