elf, glittering with gold and jewels, and adorned with a long purple
robe, after the fashion of the East; he wore bracelets upon his arms,
and was mounted upon a beautiful horse, that was as gaudily attired as
himself.

"As he approached nearer, and beheld the simple manners of the Spartan
king and his soldiers, he could not help scoffing at their poverty, and
making comparisons between their mean appearance and his own
magnificence. All that were with him seemed to be infinitely diverted
with the wit and acute remarks of their general, except a single person,
who had served in the Grecian armies, and therefore was better
acquainted with the manners and discipline of these people. This man was
highly valued by Pharnabazus for his understanding and honesty, and,
therefore, when he observed that he said nothing, he insisted upon his
declaring his sentiments, as the rest had done. 'Since, then,' replied
he, 'you command me to speak my opinion, O Pharnabazus, I must confess
that the very circumstance which is the cause of so much mirth to the
gentlemen that accompany you is the reason of my fears. On our side,
indeed, I see gold, and jewels, and purple, in abundance, but when I
look for men, I can find nothing but barbers, cooks, confectioners,
fiddlers, dancers, and everything that is most unmanly and unfit for
war; on the Grecian side, I discern none of the costly trifles, but I
see iron that forms their weapons, and composes impenetrable arms. I see
men who have been brought up to despise every hardship, and face every
danger; who are accustomed to observe their ranks, to obey their leader,
to take every advantage of their enemy, and to fall dead in their
places, rather than to turn their backs. Were the contest about who
should dress a dinner, or curl hair with the greatest nicety, I should
not doubt that the Persians would gain the advantage; but when it is
necessary to contend in battle, where the prize is won by hardiness and
valour, I cannot help dreading men, who are inured to wounds, and
labours, and suffering; nor can I ever think that the Persian gold will
be able to resist the Grecian iron.'

"Pharnabazus was so struck with the truth and justness of these remarks,
that, from that very hour he determined to contend no more with such
invincible troops, but bent all his care towards making peace with the
Spartans, by which means he preserved himself and country from
destruction."

"You see by this story," said