e to the pass of Thermopylae, they found a new cause for fear. This
was the path which led over the mountains, and which made possible a
descent of the enemy to the rear of those stationed in the pass.
However, Leonidas was assured that this mountain track was practically
unknown, and that the entrance to it was very difficult to find; so when
he had sent a band of Phocians to guard it, he thought little more about
it. Many of the soldiers, however, felt that they were being subjected
to danger unnecessarily, and insisted that they be allowed to retreat to
the Isthmus of Corinth. As this would have guarded only the Peloponnesus
and have left the other states at the mercy of the Persians, Leonidas
determined that they should remain where they were and await the onset
of the enemy.

While they lay encamped in the pass, a scout sent by Xerxes rode up to
see how strong the enemy were, and how they were employing their time.
In front of and on the walls were a number of the Greeks engaging in
games and combing out their long hair. Surprised to see so few men, and
to see those few busying themselves in such an apparently unnecessary
way, the scout rode back and made his report to the Persian king. Now
there was in the camp of Xerxes one Demaratus, who had formerly been
King of Sparta, but who had been driven out and had joined himself to
the Persian court. Xerxes sent for him and, describing to him what he
considered the foolishness of the Greeks, asked what it might mean. In
reply Demaratus said, "Thou hast heard from me, O King, the truth
concerning these men before this, even when we were first beginning this
war; but when thou heardest it thou didst laugh at me, though I told
thee that which I knew would surely come to pass. For indeed, O King, I
strive always with my whole heart to tell thee the truth. Hear,
therefore, yet again what I say. These men are come hither to contend
with us for the pass; and this they now prepare to do; and they have
this custom among them, that when they are about to put their lives in
peril they adorn their heads with exceeding care. Know, also, O King,
that if thou canst subdue these men, and such others of their nation as
have been left behind in Sparta, there is no nation upon the earth that
will abide thy coming or lift up a hand against thee; for this city that
thou now fightest against is the most honorable in all Greece, and these
men are the bravest."

Incredulously Xerxes asked, "I