his own that he should cease to trouble Hellas? An ardent hater of
Persia surely was he, who, when his own country was at war with
Hellenes, did not neglect the common good of Hellas, but set sail to
wreak what harm he might upon the barbarians.[12]

[11] Or, "the worse the mischief he can work, the better the side."

[12] See Isocr. "Ep." ix. "To Archidamus," S. 11-14.




VIII

To turn to another side, that grace of manner which was his, claims
more than passing recognition. Here was a man to whom honour was
vouchsafed and power present, and who, to crown all else, held in his
hands the sceptre of sovereignty--a kingship not plotted against, but
respected and beloved. Yet there was no trace of arrogance to be seen
in him, but of tender affection and courteous service to his friends
proof in abundance without seeking. Witness the zest with which he
shared in the round of lovers' talk;[1] the zeal with which he threw
himself into the serious concerns[2] of friends. By dint of a hopeful
and cheery disposition and unflagging gaiety of heart he attracted to
his side a throng of visitors, who came, not simply for the
transaction of some private interest, but rather to pass away the day
in pleasant sort. Though little apt himself to use high-swelling
words, it did not annoy him to hear others sounding their own praises,
which he regarded as a harmless weakness, the pledge at least of high
endeavour[3] in the future.