You are advancing to attack the flower of the Grecian valour." Xerxes, still incredulous that opposition could be seriously intended, had the courtesy to wait four days to give the enemy leisure to retreat; in the interim he despatched a messenger to Leonidas, demanding his arms.

"Come and take them!" replied the Spartan.
VIII.

On the fifth day the patience of Xerxes was exhausted, and he sent a detachment of Medes and Cissians [64] into the pass, with orders to bring its rash and obstinate defenders alive into his presence.

The Medes and Cissians were repulsed with considerable loss.

"The Immortal Band" were now ordered to advance, under the command of Hydarnes.