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Therefore we must be quick and not waste time, in order that we may not repeat the experience of our fathers.1 For they, because they took the field later than the barbarians and had to abandon some of their allies,2 were compelled to encounter great numbers with a small force; whereas, if they had crossed over to the continent in time to be first on the ground, having with them the whole strength of Hellas, they could have subdued each of the nations there in turn.
1 In the Persian Wars.
2 The Ionians in Asia Minor. See Hdt. 5.103.