The wooden wall alone Jupiter grants to Pallas, a refuge to your children and yourselves.

Wait not for horse and foot--tarry not the march of the mighty army--retreat, even though they close upon you.

Oh Salamis the divine, thou shalt lose the sons of women, whether Ceres scatter or hoard her harvest!" III.

Writing down this reply, the messengers returned to Athens.
Many and contradictory were the attempts made to interpret the response; some believed that by a wooden wall was meant the citadel, formerly surrounded by a palisade of wood.

Others affirmed that the enigmatical expression signified the fleet.