But the number of deputies sent did not alter the number of votes in the council.
Each city had two votes and no more, no matter how many delegates it employed.
All the deputies assembled,--solemn sacrifices were offered at Delphi to Apollo, Diana, Latona, and Minerva; at Thermopylae to Ceres.

An oath was then administered, the form of which is preserved to us by Aeschines.
"I swear," runs the oath, "never to subvert any Amphictyonic city-- never to stop the courses of its waters in peace or in war.

Those who attempt such outrages I will oppose by arms; and the cities that so offend I will destroy.

If any ravages be committed in the territory of the god, if any connive at such a crime, if any conceive a design hostile to the temple, against them will I use my hands, my feet, my whole power and strength, so that the offenders may be brought to punishment." Fearful and solemn imprecations on any violation of this engagement followed the oath.
These ceremonies performed, one of the hieromnemons [82] presided over the council; to him were intrusted the collecting the votes, the reporting the resolutions, and the power of summoning the general assembly, which was a convention separate from the council, held only on extraordinary occasions, and composed of residents and strangers, whom the solemnity of the meeting congregated in the neighbourhood.
VI.

Throughout the historical times we can trace in this league no attempt to combine against the aggression of foreign states, except for the purposes of preserving the sanctity of the temple.