E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Come and take Them.
The reply of Leon’idas, King of Sparta, to the messengers sent by Xerxes to Thermop’ylæ. Xerxes said, “Go, and tell those madmen to deliver up their arms.” Leonidas replied, “Go, and tell Xerxes to come and take them.”
