IF, AT THE MOUNTAINS

If you come upon

Lacedaemonians standing at the pass of Thermopylea,

facing the might of Persia,

then, my friend,

find a way to their rear

and go and tell the Persians.

Do not hesitate, go

swiftly. Do not think

of the great reward

the Great King will bestow

upon you, think,

oh Ephialtes,

of the smile on the face

of the Helots in Sparta

when they hear of Leonidas' passing

and listen to the wailing

of the Spartan women.

19.11.2018