The histories of Herodotus;

500 HERODOTUS—BOOK IX, CALLIOPE [26-27
entitled to this station by all the allies, in whatever common
expeditions have been undertaken by the Peloponnesians,
both anciently and recently, from the time when the Heraclidae,
after the death of Eurystheus, attempted to return to
Peloponnesus. We then obtained this honour on the following
occasion : when we, in conjunction with the Achaeans
and Ionians, who were then in Peloponnesus, having marched
out to the isthmus, were posted opposite the invaders, then
it is related that Hyllus made proclamation that it would be
better not to run the hazard of engaging army with army;
but that from the Peloponnesian camp, the man among them
whom they judged to be the best should fight singly with him
on certain conditions. The Peloponnesians determined that
this should be done; and they took oaths on the following
terms : that if Hyllus should conquer the Peloponnesian
leader, the Heraclidae should return to their paternal possessions
; but if he should be conquered, the Heraclidae should
depart and lead off their army, and not seek to return into
Peloponnesus during the space of a hundred years. And
Echemus, son of Aeropus, son of Phegeus, who was our king
and general, having volunteered, was chosen out of all the
allies, and fought singly and slew Hyllus. From this exploit
we obtained among the Peloponnesians of that day both other
great privileges, which we continue to enjoy, and that we
should always command one wing, whenever a common expedition
is undertaken. With you, then, O Lacedaemonians,
we do not contend, but giving you the choice of whichever
wing you wish to command, we concede it to you ; but we
say that it belongs to us to lead the other, as in former times.
And besides this exploit that has been mentioned, we are more
entitled to have that station than the Athenians, for many
and well-contested battles have been fought by us with you,
O men of Sparta, and many with others. It is right, therefore,
that we should have one wing, rather than the Athenians;
for such exploits have not been achieved by them as
by us, either in modern or ancient times." Thus they spoke.
To this the Athenians answered as follows : " We are aware
that this assemblage was made for the purpose of fighting
but since the Tegean
with the barbarians, and not for disputes ;
has proposed to mention the former and recent actions that
have been achieved by each nation in all times, it is necessary
for us to make known to you whence it is our hereditary right,
having ever proved ourselves valiant, to hold the first rank,
rather than the Arcadians. As to the Heraclidae, whose leader
they affirm they slew at the isthmus ; in the first place, these