But then the concluding words perplexed them.

For the apostrophe to Salamis appeared to denote destruction and defeat.

At this juncture Themistocles approved himself worthy of the position he had attained.

It is probable that he had purchased the oracle to which he found a ready and bold solution.

He upheld the resort to the ships, but denied that in the apostrophe to Salamis any evil to Athens was denounced.