When the Samians who had been banished by Polycrates came to Sparta, they went to the authorities and made a long
speech, in view of the greatness of their need. At the first meeting, the Spartans said in answer that they had forgotten the
first words of the request and could not understand the last. After that, the Samians had another meeting with the Spartan
government, and this time they said nothing but, carrying a sack, said simply, "The sack needs grain." At this the Spartans
answered, "You did not need to say 'sack.' " But they resolved to help the exiled Samians."

Herodotus "The History" 3.36