Amasis orders a statue just as I should a sword.

Breadth and length being specified, we both of us know quite well, before the master has begun his work, what we shall receive when it is finished.

How could I possibly fashion an infirm old man like an eager youth?
a pugilist like a runner in the foot-race?
a poet like a warrior?
Put Ibykus and our Spartan friend side by side, and tell me what you would say, were I to give to the stern warrior the gentle features and gestures of our heart-ensnaring poet." "Well, and how does Amasis answer your remarks on this stagnation in art ?" "He deplores it; but does not feel himself strong enough to abolish the restrictive laws of the priests." "And yet," said the Delphian, "he has given a large sum towards the embellishment of our new temple, expressly, (I use his own words) for the promotion of Hellenic art!" "That is admirable in him," exclaimed Croesus.

"Will the Alkmaeonidae soon have collected the three hundred talents necessary for the completion of the temple?
Were I as rich as formerly I would gladly undertake the entire cost; notwithstanding that your malicious god so cruelly deceived me, after all my offerings at his shrine.

For when I sent to ask whether I should begin the war with Cyrus, he returned this answer: I should destroy a mighty kingdom by crossing the river Halys.