Histories (1.46.2-1.47.3)

Having thus determined, he at once made inquiries of the Greek and Libyan oracles, sending messengers separately to Delphi, to Abae in Phocia, and to Dodona, while others were despatched to Amphiaraus and Trophonius,[*] and others to Branchidae in the Milesian country.

These are the Greek oracles to which Croesus sent for divination: and he told others to go inquire of Ammon in Libya. His intent in sending was to test the knowledge of the oracles, so that, if they were found to know the truth, he might send again and ask if he should undertake an expedition against the Persians.

Now none relate what answer was given by the rest of the oracles. But at Delphi, no sooner had the Lydians entered the hall to inquire of the god and asked the question with which they were entrusted, than the Pythian priestess uttered the following hexameter verses:

“I know the number of the grains of sand and the extent of the sea,

And understand the mute and hear the voiceless.

The smell has come to my senses of a strong-shelled tortoise

Boiling in a cauldron together with a lamb's flesh,

Under which is bronze and over which is bronze.”