oliteness of the entertainer; but he was
extremely surprised that, instead of sharing in the feast or even
sitting down at table, the Scythian leader reposed in the corner of a
tent, upon the bare ground, and satisfied his hunger with the most
coarse and ordinary fare, prepared with all the simplicity of his
country's manners. When the entertainment was finished, he asked
Lysimachus which method of life appeared to him the most agreeable.
Lysimachus could not conceal his preference of the more refined and
luxurious dainties, or his dislike of the Scythian diet. 'If therefore,'
replied his generous host, 'you feel so great a contempt for what this
country produces, and so strong a preference for the productions of your
own, what but madness, O king, can have tempted you to come so far in
order to subdue men that live in a manner you despise? Is it not much
greater wisdom to be contented with those advantages which you prize so
highly, than to expose them to a certain hazard, for the chance of
acquiring what would afford no pleasure or satisfaction? But let this
lesson be sufficient to teach you moderation. A country which produces
nothing but iron, is not easily conquered; nor are men, who have been
from their infancy inured to every hardship, to be vanquished by curled
and perfumed soldiers, who cannot live without baths, and music, and
daily feasts. Be contented, therefore, for the future, to number the
Scythians among your friends; and rather pray that the gods may keep
them in ignorance of the superiority of your method of living, lest a
desire of tasting it should tempt them to desert their own country and
invade yours.' With this discourse he generously restored Lysimachus to
liberty, and suffered him to lead back the shattered remains of his
numerous army.

"'Such was the nation which had invaded Syria, and easily triumphed over
the efforts of an effeminate and unwarlike people. As I passed through
the camp, I was astonished at the order and regularity which prevailed
among these barbarians. Some were exercising their horses in the mimic
representation of a battle; part fled with incredible speed, while the
rest pursued, and darted blunted javelins at their antagonists. Yet even
those who fled would frequently turn upon their pursuers and make them
repent their rashness. Some, while their horses were running in full
speed, would vault from off their backs to others that accompanied them;
some would gallop by a mar