Inspiration is not independent of surrounding circumstances, and the functions of the oracle have changed since the days of Croesus and themistocles.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill
Its contents were as follows: "I, themistocles, am come to you, who did your house more harm than any of the Hellenes, when I was compelled to defend myself against your father's invasion-harm, however, far surpassed by the good that I did him during his retreat, which brought no danger for me but much for him.
"The History of the Peloponnesian War"
Thucydides
Soon afterwards Admetus came in, and themistocles told him who he was, and begged him not to revenge on themistocles in exile any opposition which his requests might have experienced from themistocles at Athens.
"The History of the Peloponnesian War"
Thucydides
