Herodotus - The Histories.pdf

20 V Herodotus
The answer made by the oracle came to the ears
of Periander, son of Cypselus, who was a very
close friend to Thrasybulus, tyrant of Miletus at
that period. He instantly despatched a messenger
to report the oracle to him, in order that
Thrasybulus, forewarned of its tenor, might the
better adapt his measures to the posture of
affairs.
Alyattes, the moment that the words of the oracle
were reported to him, sent a herald to
Miletus in hopes of concluding a truce with
Thrasybulus and the Milesians for such a time
as was needed to rebuild the temple. The herald
went upon his way; but meantime Thrasybulus
had been apprised of everything; and conjecturing
what Alyattes would do, he contrived this
artifice. He had all the corn that was in the city,
whether belonging to himself or to private persons,
brought into the market-place, and issued
an order that the Milesians should hold themselves
in readiness, and, when he gave the signal,
should, one and all, fall to drinking and
revelry.