Post by Iolanthe on Mar 16, 2007 17:07:19 GMT -5
Divine for yourselves the riddle of the Oracle's words. At Leonidas' command, possessed by the god Apollo, she whispers,
Ye men who dwell in the streets of broad Lacedaemon!
Either your glorious town shall be sacked by the children of Perseus,
Or, in exchange, must all through the whole Laconian country
Mourn for the loss of a king, descendant of great Hercules.
He cannot be withstood by the courage of bulls nor of lions,
Strive as they may; he is mighty as Zeus; there is naught that shall stay him,
Till he have got for his prey your king, or your glorious city.
Ye men who dwell in the streets of broad Lacedaemon!
Either your glorious town shall be sacked by the children of Perseus,
Or, in exchange, must all through the whole Laconian country
Mourn for the loss of a king, descendant of great Hercules.
He cannot be withstood by the courage of bulls nor of lions,
Strive as they may; he is mighty as Zeus; there is naught that shall stay him,
Till he have got for his prey your king, or your glorious city.
