To thy city and halls hath brought us as thou peradventure dost deem.

Nought such do we covet:—what man of his will, from an alien to wrest

His possessions, would fare over such wide seas? By the ruthless behest

Of a tyrannous king was I hitherward sent, and the doom of a God. {390}

Show favour to this our entreaty; and so will I publish abroad

Thy name and thy glory all Hellas through. Yea, ready we are

To render for this unto thee requital of service in war,

Whether it be that ye fain would bow the Sauromatans’ pride

Under your sceptred sway, or whatso nation beside.’

Then ceased he, with gentle utterance proffering love: but the king