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[4] This opinion of his was the same as the Thebans, inasmuch as he too had special foreknowledge. Mardonius' counsel, however, was more vehement and intemperate and not at all leaning to moderation. He said that he thought that their army was much stronger than the Greeks and that they should give battle with all speed so as not to let more Greeks muster than were mustered already. As for the sacrifices of Hegesistratus, let them pay no heed to these, nor seek to wring good from them,1 but rather give battle after Persian custom.

1 Lit. to do violence, compel the gods, like “superos votis fatigare” in Latin.

Herodotus, with an English translation by A. D. Godley. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. 1920.

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    • Harold North Fowler, Commentary on Thucydides Book 5, 5.7
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