Whether the grand festival that was meant was in Attica or elsewhere was a question which he never thought of, and which the oracle did not offer to solve.

For the Athenians also have a festival which is called the grand festival of Zeus Meilichios or Gracious, viz., the Diasia.

It is celebrated outside the city, and the whole people sacrifice not real victims but a number of bloodless offerings peculiar to the country.

However, fancying he had chosen the right time, he made the attempt.

As soon as the Athenians perceived it, they flocked in, one and all, from the country, and sat down, and laid siege to the citadel.
But as time went on, weary of the labour of blockade, most of them departed; the responsibility of keeping guard being left to the nine archons, with plenary powers to arrange everything according to their good judgment.