ad been convicted of treason (which was no uncommon thing at that
time), the commanding officer of the regiment, who had been in
attendance during the tragic scene, ordered his men to their usual place
of exercise. While engaged in reviewing the troops, his attention was
drawn to a young man, who had been for some time concealed behind a
tree; who, coming forward and falling upon his knees, entreated the
general, in an imploring manner, to permit him to enter into his
regiment, declaring that he had, from a child, felt the most ardent
desire to be a soldier. The general gazed intently upon him, and
instantly recognised in the young man the child of his own beloved
brother, who had been lost for many years, and was supposed to be dead.
But I interrupt--let Harry now go on with his story."
"When Pharnabazus (for that was the name of the Persian general)
observed that his troops were never able to stand against the Spartans,
he sent to Agesilaus, and requested that they might have a meeting, in
order to treat about terms of peace. This the Spartan consented to, and
appointed the time and place where he would wait for Pharnabazus. When
the day came, Agesilaus arrived first at the place of meeting with the
Spartans; but not seeing Pharnabazus, he sat down upon the grass with
his soldiers, and, as it was the hour of the army's making their repast,
they pulled out their provisions, which consisted of some coarse bread
and onions, and began eating very heartily. In the middle of them sat
King Agesilaus himself, in nowise distinguished from the rest, neither
by his clothing nor his fare; nor was there in the whole army an
individual who more exposed himself to every species of hardship, or
discovered less nicety than the king himself, by which means he was
beloved and reverenced by all the soldiers, who were ashamed of
appearing less brave or patient than their general.
"It was not long that the Spartans had thus reposed before the first
servants of Pharnabazus arrived, who brought with them rich and costly
carpets, which they spread upon the ground for their master to recline
upon. Presently arrived another troop, who began to erect a spacious
tent, with silken hangings, to screen him and his train from the heat of
the sun. After this came a company of cooks and confectioners with a
great number of loaded horses, who carried upon their backs all the
materials of an elegant entertainment. Last of all appeared Pharnabazus
hims
|