‘I have been granted the authority of another, the right to speak with his voice – as a friend. I am a trusted man in the camp of General Mardonius of Persia. More, my honour is known in the court of Xerxes, Great King and holy ruler of the empire of Persia.’

There was a grumble and some uncomfortable shifting in the seats around him. Too many had lost friends at Salamis to listen patiently to an ally of their enemies praising his name in the very heart of Athens. Themistocles glanced aside to Aristides and rolled his eyes.

The king of Macedon waited for the whispering to cease. He unrolled a scroll of papyrus, the surface crackling as he opened it. His hands were steady, Themistocles noted.

‘I am to say this: “Men of Athens, you know one thing of Xerxes, king of kings. You know his word is good. His oath, once given, is cut in stone. I, General Mardonius, say this, his most trusted officer and friend. I speak for him here, as His Majesty King Alexander speaks for me. You Hellenes came to Ionia and sacked cities. You burned Sardis. You know well the reply we made …”’

The Macedon king had to halt when too many voices called out over him. He grimaced and waited, but they did not die down until Aristides rose from his seat and looked out across them.

‘Let us hear him!’ Aristides commanded.

The noise died away. Themistocles had not moved. He watched the foreign king like a hawk, learning all he could from every gesture, every expression and hesitation. Alexander nodded to Aristides, a flush spreading across his face and neck. He began to read once more.

‘“King Xerxes will honour any agreement I make in his name. Heed, then, my offer, as if you hear his own voice. As if Xerxes himself stands before you.”’

Someone called out a ribald suggestion at that, a suggestion of what they would do if that were true. A ripple of laughter went through the crowd. The Persian who stood with Alexander frowned and glared, biting his lip in anger at the lack of respect. Aristides ignored it. They were Athenians, not statues! He could not damp down all their humour.

‘“With the authority granted unto me, I say this,”’ Alexander went on grimly. ‘“There are no terms, or negotiations. I make a single offer. If it is refused, I will begin a war that will result in the destruction of all cities allied with Athens and Sparta. I will raze Greece to ash and bones. Listen well and consider your children. There will be no second chance.”’