trary to the advice of
Artabanus--entreating them not to fight against their countrymen. This
inscription was written in large and conspicuous characters on the face
of the cliff, so that it could be read by the Ionian seamen as they
passed in their galleys.

The fleet anchored at Histiaea, the commanders being somewhat uncertain
in respect to what it was best to do. Their suspense was very soon
relieved by a messenger from Xerxes, who came in a galley up the channel
from Thermopylae, with the news that Xerxes had arrived at Thermopylae,
had fought a great battle there, defeated the Greeks, and obtained
possession of the pass, and that any of the officers of the fleet who
chose to do so might come and view the battle ground. This intelligence
and invitation produced, throughout the fleet, a scene of the wildest
excitement, enthusiasm, and joy. All the boats and smaller vessels of
the fleet were put into requisition to carry the officers down. When
they arrived at Thermopylae the tidings all proved true. Xerxes was in
possession of the pass, and the Greek fleet was gone.

CHAPTER IX.

THE BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE.

B.C. 480

The pass of Thermopylae.--Its situation.--Ancient intrenchments.--View at
Thermopylae.--The allied forces.--Leonidas the Spartan.--Debate in regard
to defending Thermopylae.--The decision.--Character of the
Spartans.--Their pride.--The Spartans adorn themselves for the
battle.--Approach of Xerxes.--The Persian horseman.--His
observation.--Report of the horseman.--Conversation with
Demaratus.--Xerxes encamps at the pass.--Troops sent into the
pass.--Defeat of the Persian detachment.--The Immortals called out.--The
Immortals advance to the charge.--Valor of the Greeks.--The Immortals
repulsed.--Treachery of Ephialtes.--Joy of Xerxes.--Course of the
path.--A Persian detachment sent up the path.--The Phocaeans
retreat.--The Greeks surrounded.--Resolution of Leonidas.--Leonidas
dismisses the other Greeks.--His noble generosity.--Leonidas retains the
Thebans.--Xerxes attacks him.--Terrible combat.--Death of
Leonidas.--Stories of the battle.--The two invalids.--Xerxes views the
ground.--His treatment of the body of Leonidas.--Message to the
fleet.--Xerxes sends for Demaratus.--Conversation with Demaratus.--Plans
proposed by him.--Opposition of the admiral.--Decision of Xerxes.

The pass of Thermopylae was not a ravine among mountains, but a narrow
space between mountains and the sea. The mounta