and they would leave a memory of themselves from their dangers. And they
thought that even with allies they could not have conquered those whom
they did not conquer alone. And if worsted, they would perish only a
little before the rest, and if they conquered, they would free the
others. 25. And becoming brave men they did not spare themselves, and did
not grudge their lives for valor, rather reverencing the traditions among
them, than fearing the danger from the enemy. So they erected trophies
for Greece in their country on the borders, over the barbarians who for
gain had invaded a foreign land. 26. So quickly they incurred this danger
that the same messengers announced to the other Greeks that the
barbarians had made the invasion, and that our ancestors had conquered.
No one of the rest (of the Greeks) feared for a coming danger, but
rejoiced over their own safety. So it is not remarkable when such things
happened long ago if the glory of them as if recent is still lauded by
all men. 27. And after this, Xerxes, the king of Asia, despising Greece,
and buoyed up by false hopes, and disgraced by the past, and grieved at
the disaster, angry at its causes, untried by defeat, and with no
experience with brave men, prepared for ten years and came with twelve
hundred ships, and led a multitude of foot so vast that it would be a
task indeed to recall all the tribes collected with him. 28. And the
greatest proof of its size is this; when he could have transported his
infantry on a thousand boats across the narrowest part of the Hellespont
from Asia to Europe, he did not wish to, believing it would take much
time. 29. But overlooking the natural obstacles and the deeds of the gods
and human intelligence, he made a road through the sea, and forced a
voyage through the earth, joined the Hellespont, and channeled Athos. No
one agreed, but some reluctantly submitted, and others gave way
willingly. For they were not able to ward him off, but some were
corrupted by bribes. And both were persuasive, gain and fear. 30. But the
Athenians, while Greece was in this condition, embarked and helped at