Page:History of Greece Vol V.djvu/121

BATTLES OF THERMOPYLiE AND ARTEMISIUM. 97 Meanwhile the days of battle at Thermopylse had been not less actively employed by the fleets at Aphetas and Artemisium. It has already been mentioned that the Greek ships, having abandoned their station at the latter place and retired to Chalkis, were induced to return, by the news that the Persian fleet had been nearly ruined by the recent storm, — and that, on returning to Artemisium, the Grecian commanders felt renewed alarm on seeing the enemy's fleet, in spite of the damage just sustained, still mustering in overwhelming number at the opposite station of Aphetse. Such was the effect of this spectacle, and the impression of their own inferiority, that they again resolved to retire without fighting, leaving the strait open and undefended. Great consternation was caused by the news of their determina- tion among the inhabitants of Eubcea, who entreated Eurybiades to maintain his position for a few days, until they could have time to remove their families and their property. But even such postponement was thought unsafe, and refused : and he was on the point of giving orders for retreat, when the Euboeans sent their envoy, Pelagon, to Themistokles, with the oflTer of thirty talents, on condition that the fleet should keep its station and hazard an engagement in defence of the island. Themistokles employed the money adroitly and successfully, giving five talents to Eurybiades, with large presents besides to the other leading chiefs : the most unmanageable among them was the Corinthian Adeimantus, — who at first threatened to depart with his own squadron alone, if the remaining Greeks were mad enough to remain. His alarm was silenced, if not tranquillized, by a pres- ent of three talents.^ However Plutarch may be scandalized at such inglorious rev- elations preserved to us by Herodotus respecting the underhand agencies of this memorable struggle, there is no reason to call in question the bribery here described. But Themistokles doubt- less was only tempted to do, and enabled to do, by means of the deed naturally envy another citizen more fortunate than himself, and if asked for counsel, will keep back what he has best in his mind, unless he be a man of very rare virtue. But a foreign friend usually sympathizes heartily with the good fortune of another foreigner, and will give him the best advice in his power whenever he is asked." ' Plutarch, Themistokles, c. 7 ; Herodot. viii, 5, 6. VOL. V. 5 7oc.