:16:03
Not only does he know
how to steal state secrets,
:16:06
but he understands the meaning
of the gods as well.
:16:10
Now, since the sacred text has been filched,
:16:14
there's no longer any point
in keeping it a secret.
:16:18
Here is the rest of the prediction.
:16:21
"Then far-seeing Jove
grants this to the prayers of Athene:
:16:28
safe shall the wooden wall continue
for thee and thy children. "
:16:35
Perhaps you can explain to us
the meaning of these words.
:16:39
- They have no meaning.
- No meaning?
:16:43
Do you infer then
the gods dispense nonsense?
:16:47
Don't put words into my mouth
to confuse the issue.
:16:50
You know no wooden walls
can stand against an army like Xerxes'.
:16:54
And anyway, Athens
no longer has a wooden wall.
:16:58
And where did you steal
this piece of information?
:17:01
Has it a wooden wall now?
Answer me. Yes or no?
:17:05
- Yes.
- A wooden wall?
:17:08
A splendid one. I know how splendid
because I've supervised its building.
:17:13
Our new Athenian ships, manned
by the bravest sailors in the world.
:17:18
There is our wooden wall.
:17:21
The wall far-seeing Jove
declares shall keep us safe.
:17:26
The gods don't lie.
:17:29
Shall we not heed their words,
:17:32
rather than listen to fools,
thieves, and blasphemous cowards?
:17:39
- This is an insult!
- Following divine advice,
:17:44
Athens shall fight to her victory.
:17:46
A victory she invites all Greece to join.
:17:54
Speak, friend.
:17:56
I represent Phocis.
:17:58
We are a small state.
We can field but 1,000 soldiers.