The fleet anchored at Histiaea, the commanders being somewhat uncertain in respect to what it was best to do. Their suspense was very soon relieved by a messenger from Xerxes, who came in a galley up the channel from Thermopylae, with the news that Xerxes had arrived at Thermopylae, had fought a great battle there, defeated the Greeks, and obtained possession of the pass, and that any of the officers of the fleet who chose to do so might come and view the battle ground. This intelligence and invitation produced, throughout the fleet, a scene of the wildest excitement, enthusiasm, and joy. All the boats and smaller vessels of the fleet were put into requisition to carry the officers down. When they arrived at Thermopylae the tidings all proved true. Xerxes was in possession of the pass, and the Greek fleet was gone. CHAPTER IX. THE BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE. B.C. 480 The pass of Thermopylae.--Its situation.--Ancient intrenchments.--View at Thermopylae.--The allied forces.--Leonidas the Spartan.--Debate in regard to defending Thermopylae.--The decision.--Character of the Spartans.--Their pride.--The Spartans adorn themselves for the battle.--Approach of Xerxes.--The Persian horseman.--His observation.--Report of the horseman.--Conversation with Demaratus.--Xerxes encamps at the pass.--Troops sent into the pass.--Defeat of the Persian detachment.--The Immortals called out.--The Immortals advance to the charge.--Valor of the Greeks.--The Immortals repulsed.--Treachery of Ephialtes.--Joy of Xerxes.--Course of the path.--A Persian detachment sent up the path.--The Phocaeans retreat.--The Greeks surrounded.--Resolution of Leonidas.--Leonidas dismisses the other Greeks.--His noble generosity.--Leonidas retains the Thebans.--Xerxes attacks him.--Terrible combat.--Death of Leonidas.--Stories of the battle.--The two invalids.--Xerxes views the ground.--His treatment of the body of Leonidas.--Message to the fleet.--Xerxes sends for Demaratus.--Conversation with Demaratus.--Plans proposed by him.--Opposition of the admiral.--Decision of Xerxes. The pass of Thermopylae was not a ravine among mountains, but a narrow space between mountains and the sea. The mountains landward were steep and inaccessible; the sea was shoal. The passage between them was narrow for many miles along the shore, being narrowest at the ingress and egress. In the middle the space was broader. The place was celebrated for certain warm springs which here issued from the rocks, and which had been used in former times for baths.