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The taunt and challenge of Mardonius seem to be reminiscences from Homer (Il. iii. 67 f.; viii. 161 f.). We may, however, compare the combat for Thyrea (i. 82 n.).

For Spartan reputation for valour cf. vii. 209; Thuc. iv. 40.


τί δὴ οὐ ... ἐμαχεσάμεθα; These questions with τί οὐ, expressing surprise that something is not already done, and implying an exhortation to do it (Goodwin, § 62), are common in Attic; this is the only instance in H. For ἤν and εἰ parallel cf. iii. 35. 2; viii. 21. 1.

βαρβάρων. H. has no more scruple than Aeschylus (Pers. 187, 337) in making a Persian herald speak of his nation as ‘barbarian’.

νικᾶν depends on λέγομεν understood from ἄρξομεν τοῦ λόγου (3 ad fin.).

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hide References (4 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (4):
    • Aeschylus, Persians, 187
    • Aeschylus, Persians, 337
    • Thucydides, Histories, 4.40
    • Homer, Iliad, 3.67
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