“At the palace-gate I met Psamtik, the crown-prince.  He has long been my enemy, on account of some vexatious matters which I cannot divulge, (you know them, Rhodopis).  I was going to offer him my parting salutation, but he turned his back upon me, saying:  Once more you have escaped punishment, Athenian; but you cannot elude my vengeance.  Whithersoever you may go, I shall be able to find you!’—­’That remains to be proved,’ I answered, and putting myself and my possessions on board a boat, came to Naukratis.  Here, by good fortune, I met my old friend Aristomachus of Sparta, who, as he was formerly in command of the Cyprian troops, will most likely be nominated my successor.  I should rejoice to know that such a first-rate man was going to take my place, if I did not at the same time fear that his eminent services will make my own poor efforts seem even more insignificant than they really were.”

But here he was interrupted by Aristomachus, who called out:  “Praise enough, friend Phanes!  Spartan tongues are stiff; but if you should ever stand in need of my help, I will give you an answer in deeds, which shall strike the right nail on the head.”

Rhodopis smiled her approval, and giving her hand to each, said:  “Unfortunately, the only conclusion to be drawn from your story, my poor Phanes, is that you cannot possibly remain any longer in this country.  I will not blame you for your thoughtlessness, though you might have known that you were exposing yourself to great danger for a mere trifle.  The really wise and brave man never undertakes a hazardous enterprise, unless the possible advantage and disadvantage that may accrue to him from it can be reckoned at least as equal.  Recklessness is quite as foolish, but not so blamable as cowardice, for though both do the man an injury, the latter alone can dishonor him.

“Your thoughtlessness, this time, has very nearly cost your life, a life dear to many, and which you ought to save for a nobler end.  We cannot attempt to keep you here; we should thereby only injure ourselves without benefitting you.  This noble Spartan must now take your place as head and representative of the Greek nation at the Egyptian court, must endeavor to protect us against the encroachment of the priests, and to retain for us the royal favor.  I take your hand, Aristomachus, and will not let it go till you have promised that you will protect, to the utmost of your power, every Greek, however humble, (as Phanes did before you), from the insolence of the Egyptians, and will sooner resign your office than allow the smallest wrong done to a Hellene to go unpunished.  We are but a few thousands among millions of enemies, but through courage we are great, and unity must keep us strong.  Hitherto the Greeks in Egypt have lived like brothers; each has been ready to offer himself for the good of all, and all for each, and it is just this unity that has made us, and must keep us, powerful.