Frank Miller - This Is Sparta lyrics

Persian messenger: Listen carefully, Leonidas. Xerxes conquers and controls everything he rests his eyes upon. He leads an army so ma**ive it shakes the ground with its march, so vast it drinks the rivers dry. All the God-King Xerxes requires is this: a simple offering of earth and water. A token of Sparta's submission to the will of Xerxes. Leonidas: Submission. Well, that's a bit of a problem. See, rumor has it that the Athenians have already turned you down. And if those philosophers and, uh, boy-lovers have found that kind of nerve— Theron: We must be diplomatic sire- Leonidas: (cutting him off) And of course Spartans... have their reputation to consider. Persian messenger: Choose your next words carefully, Leonidas. They may be your last as king. [Leonidas turns and ponders the offer. He looks at various people standing around, watching him nervously, the last of whom is Gorgo.] Leonidas: [in his head] Earth and water... [having made up his mind, he draws his sword on the Persian messenger, whose back is to a large well. The Spartan guards follow suit and draw their swords on the other messengers.] Persian messenger: Madman! You're a madman! Leonidas: Earth and water. You'll find plenty of both down there. [indicates the well with his sword] Persian messenger: [nervous] No man, Persian or Greek, no man threatens a messenger! Leonidas: You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city's steps! You insult my queen. You threaten my people with slavery and d**h! Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Persian. Perhaps you should have done the same. Persian messenger: This is blasphemy! This is madness! [Leonidas lowers his sword and looks toward Gorgo, who nods] Leonidas: [facing the Persian messenger] Madness? This is Sparta! [Kicks the Persian messenger into the deep well]