Artemisium, and the Lacedaemonians and some of the allies met at
Thermopylae, thinking on account of the narrowness of the pass they could
check their advance. 31. But when the crisis came, at the same time the
Athenians conquered in the naval battle, but the Lacedaemonians
(perished), not failing in courage, but deceived in the number (of the
enemy). For they thought they would ward off the enemy and so risk (their
lives), (and they were) not worsted by the enemy, but died where they
were ordered to fight, (32) and in this way the Spartans were unfortunate
while the Persians gained entrance. They marched to this city, and our
ancestors, learning of the misfortune of the Spartans, and in perplexity
in the dangers which surrounded them, knowing that if they should attack
the enemy by sea they would sail with a thousand ships and take the city
deserted, and if they embarked on triremes they would be taken by the
land army, and they could not do both, ward off (the enemy) and leave
sufficient guard behind, (33) while these two questions were before them,
whether it was best to leave their country or going over to the
barbarians to enslave the Greeks, they believed that freedom with virtue,
poverty and exile was better than slavery of the country with disgrace
and plenty, so for the sake of Greece they left the city, that against
each in turn but not against both they might risk their forces. 34. So
they placed the children and women in Salamis, and collected the naval
force of the allies. Not many days after, the infantry and the sea-force
of the barbarians came, (a force) which any one would fear, considering
how great and terrible a danger was encountered for the sake of the
freedom of Greece. 35. And what feelings had those who saw them in those
ships, while their safety was hazardous and the approaching conflict of
doubtful issue, or those who were about to contend for their loved ones,
for the prizes in Salamis? 36. Such a multitude of the enemy surrounded
them from all sides that the least of their impending dangers was the
prospect of death, and the greatest calamity was what they expected to