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οἳ μὲν .. λέγουσι. . οἳ δέ: there was a variant, which was even more severe on the memory of Aristodemos, not allowing him even the excuse (πρόφασις） of sickness. Perhaps the συνάγγελος rather discredits this account, and Hdt. appears to give the other the preference. Moreover the object, or objective, of the ἀγγελίη is not given; there is more local colour and precision about the other story. ἐξεόν: cp. παρεόν c. 229.
καταλαβεῖν, to ‘overtake,’ to arrive before the close of, the battle (γινομένην, predicative). But ‘which battle’? on which day? The former story clearly specifies the third day's fighting, and accounts for the action of Eurytos by the news of the advent of the Persians down Anopaia. A ‘messenger,’ or ‘envoy,’ at a greater distance from Ther<*>opylai could hardly have known of the desperate nature of the situation.
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