I discuss the factors that motivate the choice for the aorist versus imperfect tense with υerba dicendi in Ancient Greek. I argue that the textual dimension plays a particularly important role, and that two subdimensions must be taken into account: (a) whether the author wishes to draw explicit attention to what is said; (b) whether a reaction can be expected by the speaker (and by extension the reader). I frame my observations within a larger theory of aspect in Ancient Greek, which takes into account —next to the textual dimension— two other major dimensions, called the «ideational» and the «interpersonal» dimension. The analysis concentrates on the eighth book of Herodotus’ Histories.