My brother brought me food and drink in secret; and after two months I was able to walk on the wooden leg you now see.

Apollo undertook my revenge; he never misses his mark, and my two worst opponents died of the plague.

Still I durst not return home, and at length took ship from Gythium to fight against the Persians under you, Croesus.

On landing at Teos, I heard that you were king no longer, that the mighty Cyrus, the father of yonder beautiful youth, had conquered the powerful province of Lydia in a few weeks, and reduced the richest of kings to beggary." Every guest gazed at Aristomachus in admiration.

Croesus shook his hard hand; and Bartja exclaimed: "Spartan, I would I could take you back with me to Susa, that my friends there might see what I have seen myself, the most courageous, the most honorable of men!" "Believe me, boy," returned Aristomachus smiling, every Spartan would have done the same.