Cimon saw that opposition was useless. His eyes met for an instant the ironical gaze of Ephialtes.
“I imagine that rendering a real service to a fellow-man is quite foreign to your nature, Ephialtes,” Cimon could not resist saying.
“On the contrary,” replied the young Greek unruffled, “I recently rendered a very great service to a very illustrious person.”
“And no doubt you were handsomely paid for your efforts, the agreement having been made before hand,” answered Cimon as he rose to bid farewell to Icetes who stood ready to take his leave.
The sight of the brave fellow clad in the panoply of war, about to risk his life for a friend, moved Cimon deeply. Words seemed inadequate to convey the gratitude he felt. The two parted after a warm embrace.
CHAPTER XI.
A Hero of Platæa.
“Here where the Persian clarion rung,
And where the Spartan sword flashed high,
And where the Pæan strains were sung,
From year to year swelled on by liberty!”