I have served ten years as commander of the Greek mercenaries in Egypt, and not ingloriously." "Are you the man, to whose clever generalship the Egyptians were indebted for their victories in Cyprus ?" "I am." "What has brought you to Persia ?" "The glory of your name, Cambyses, and the wish to devote my arms and experience to your service." "Nothing else?
Be sincere, and remember that one single lie may cost your life.

We Persians have different ideas of truth from the Greeks." "Lying is hateful to me too, if only, because, as a distortion and corruption of what is noblest, it seems unsightly in my eyes." "Then speak." "There was certainly a third reason for my coming hither, which I should like to tell you later.

It has reference to matters of the greatest importance, which it will require a longer time to discuss; but to-day--" "Just to-day I should like to hear something new.

Accompany me to the chase.

You come exactly at the right time, for I never had more need of diversion than now." "I will accompany you with pleasure, if.