and I demand of you, O Eurybiades, that we end this tedious debate. If we
are to retreat, let us retreat. A vote, I say, a vote!"

Eurybiades rose at the head of the table. He was a heavy, florid
individual with more than the average Spartan's slowness of tongue and
intellect. Physically he was no coward, but he dreaded responsibility.

"Much has been said," he announced ponderously, "many opinions offered. It
would seem the majority of the council favour the decision to retire
forthwith. Has Themistocles anything more to say why the vote should not
be taken?"

"Nothing," rejoined the Athenian, with an equanimity that made Adeimantus
snap his teeth.

"We will therefore take the vote city by city," went on Eurybiades. "Do
you, Phlegon of Seriphos, give your vote."

Seriphos--wretched islet--sent only one ship, but thanks to the Greek mania
for "equality" Phlegon's vote had equal weight with that of Themistocles.

"Salamis is not defensible," announced the Seriphian, shortly. "Retreat."

"And you, Charmides of Melos?"

"Retreat."

"And you, Phoibodas of Troezene?"

"Retreat, by all the gods."

"And you, Hippocrates of AEgina?"

"Stay and fight. If you go back to the Isthmus, AEgina must be abandoned to
the Barbarians. I am with Themistocles."

"Record his vote," shouted Adeimantus, ill-naturedly, "he is but one
against twenty. But I warn you, Eurybiades, do not call for Themistocles's
vote, or the rest of us will be angry. The man whose city is under the
power of the Barbarian has no vote in this council, however much we
condescend to listen to his chatterings."

The Athenian sprang from his seat, his aspect as threatening as Apollo
descending Olympus in wrath.

"Where is my country, Adeimantus? Yonder!" he pointed out the open
port-hole, "there rides the array of our Athenian ships. What other state
in Hellas sends so many and sets better men within them? Athens still
lives, though her Acropolis be wrapped in flames. 'Strong-hearted men and
naught else are warp and woof of a city.' Do you forget Alcaeus's word so
soon, O Boaster from Corinth? Yes, by Athena Promachos, Mistress of
Battles, while those nine score ships ride on the deep, I have a city
fairer, braver, than yours. And will you still deny me equal voice and
vote with this noble trierarch from Siphinos with his one, or with his
comrade from Melos with his twain?"

Themistocles's voice rang like a trumpet. Adeimantus winced. Eurybiades
broke