Herodotus. Book 9, Chapter 89.
89. Artabazus, the son of Pharnaces, who fled away from Plataea, was soon far sped on his journey. When he reached Thessaly, the inhabitants received him hospitably, and made inquiries of him concerning the rest of the army, since they were still altogether ignorant of what had taken place at Plataea. The Persian knew well that if he told them the truth, he would run great risk of perishing himself, together with his whole army; for if the facts were once spread abroad, all who learned them would be sure to fall upon him. The Persian, I say, considering this, as he had before kept all secret from the Phocians, so now answered the Thessalians after the following fashion:
"I myself, Thessalians, am hastening, as you see, into Thrace. And I desire to use all possible dispatch, as I am sent with this force on special business from the main army. Mardonius and his host are close behind me, and may be looked for shortly. When he comes, receive him as you have received me, and show him every kindness. Be sure you will never hereafter regret it, if you do so."
With these words he took his departure, and marched his troops at their best speed through Thessaly and Macedon straight upon Thrace, following the inland route, which was the shortest, and, in good truth, using all possible dispatch. He himself succeeded in reaching Byzantium. But a great part of his army perished upon the road; many being cut to pieces by the Thracians, and others dying from hunger and excess of toil. From Byzantium Artabazus set sail, and crossed the strait; returning into Asia in the manner which has been here described.
89. Artabazus, the son of Pharnaces, who fled away from Plataea, was soon far sped on his journey. When he reached Thessaly, the inhabitants received him hospitably, and made inquiries of him concerning the rest of the army, since they were still altogether ignorant of what had taken place at Plataea. The Persian knew well that if he told them the truth, he would run great risk of perishing himself, together with his whole army; for if the facts were once spread abroad, all who learned them would be sure to fall upon him. The Persian, I say, considering this, as he had before kept all secret from the Phocians, so now answered the Thessalians after the following fashion:
"I myself, Thessalians, am hastening, as you see, into Thrace. And I desire to use all possible dispatch, as I am sent with this force on special business from the main army. Mardonius and his host are close behind me, and may be looked for shortly. When he comes, receive him as you have received me, and show him every kindness. Be sure you will never hereafter regret it, if you do so."
With these words he took his departure, and marched his troops at their best speed through Thessaly and Macedon straight upon Thrace, following the inland route, which was the shortest, and, in good truth, using all possible dispatch. He himself succeeded in reaching Byzantium. But a great part of his army perished upon the road; many being cut to pieces by the Thracians, and others dying from hunger and excess of toil. From Byzantium Artabazus set sail, and crossed the strait; returning into Asia in the manner which has been here described.
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Text source: Herodotus. Translated by George Rawlinson, first issued in 1858. Grammar and spelling updated by Michael Presky, 1993.
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