§7.14b.1ἐκπέμπουσι τῶν Κρητῶν τινας ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστείαν, δόντες ἐπιστολὴν διεσκευασμένην. [συιδας ϝ. διεσκευασμένην; ϝ. λιϝ. χχιϝ, 31, 6].
They send out some of the Cretans as if for plundering, having given them a fabricated letter.
Polybius · The Histories §7.14b.1
Deceptive Stratagem Using Cretans and a Forged Letter
Summary
Describes a deceptive operation where some Cretans are dispatched under the pretext of plundering, carrying a forged letter.
Notes
- §7.14b.1ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστείαν — The particle ὡς expresses a subjective purpose or pretext ('under the guise of', 'as if for'), modifying the prepositional phrase ἐπὶ λῃστείαν ('for plundering').
- §7.14b.1διεσκευασμένην — Perfect passive participle of διασκευάζω, meaning here that the letter (ἐπιστολήν) was not merely 'prepared' but 'fabricated' or 'forged' for the purpose of deception.
Cite this passage
Polybius, The Histories §7.14b.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0543.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:7.14b.1
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