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All the God-King Xerxes requires is this:
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a simple offering of earth and water.
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A token of Sparta’s submission to the will of Xerxes.
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Submission. Well, that’s a bit of a problem.
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See, rumor has it that the Athenians have already turned you down.
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We must be diplomatic -
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And of course Spartans…
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have their reputation to consider.
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Choose your next words carefully, Leonidas.
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They may be your last as king.
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Madman… You’re a madman!
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Earth and water…
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You’ll find plenty of both down there.
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No man, Persian or Greek,
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no man threatens a messenger!
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You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city’s steps!
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You insult my queen.
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You threaten my people with slavery and death!
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Oh, I’ve chosen my words carefully, Persian.
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Perhaps you should have done the same.
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This is blasphemy! This is madness!
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This is Sparta!