and reported his words to their fellow-townsmen. But the Plataeans
replied that, without the consent of the Athenians, they dare not
accept his proposal, as their wives and children had been removed to
Athens. Moreover, they feared that if they remained neutral the
Thebans would seize the opportunity to make another attempt on their
town. "Well, then," answered Archidamus, "we make you this second
offer: Hand over your town and your dwellings to us, the Spartans;
keep a strict account of all your trees, [Footnote: Vines and olive-
trees] and of all else that can be numbered, and retire yourselves to
some safe retreat, as long as the war continues. When it is over, we
will restore all your property, and meanwhile keep the land in
cultivation, and pay you a fixed rent, such as may suffice you."

The offer was fair, and even generous; but the Plataeans were
powerless to act, without the consent of the Athenians, who held their
families as hostages. Accordingly they asked for a truce, to enable
them to lay the proposal before the authorities at Athens, and this
being granted, they sent envoys to Athens, who speedily returned with
this answer: "We have never left you at the mercy of your enemies in
the past, since ye became our allies, nor will we do so now, but will
help you to the best of our power; and we charge you by the oath which
your fathers swore not to depart from your allegiance to Athens."

It was a cruel alternative which was offered to the hapless Plataeans:
either they must leave their wives and children to the vengeance of
Athens, or face the whole power of the confederates, led by Sparta.
True to their character, they chose the nobler part, and determined to
stand by the Athenian alliance. Henceforth no one was allowed to leave
the town, and their final answer was delivered from the walls. They
were unable, they said, to accept the terms offered by Archidamus.