A proverb in reference to those who encourage and threaten at the same time.[1] The Gephyraeans on whom the Athenians had imposed a tithe for Delphi received this response [from the oracle]: "to a Gephyraean man a house [is] dear." Following oxen, until they grew tired, because the god had told them that they should remain there, while the Athenians were being fought in a war by Eumolpus, they journeyed to the [place] called Tanagra,[2] giving a herald's wand to their leader, but arming the young men behind him.[3]