the commander of the Persians, Onesilos took up his place in the array
by his own free choice.

111. Now Artybios was riding a horse which had been trained to rear up
against a hoplite. Onesilos accordingly being informed of this, and
having a shield-bearer, by race of Caria, who was of very good repute
as a soldier and full of courage besides,[89] said to this man: "I am
informed that the horse of Artybios rears upright and works both with
his feet and his mouth against any whom he is brought to attack. Do
thou therefore consider the matter, and tell me forthwith which of the
two thou wilt rather watch for and strike, the horse or Artybios
himself." To this his attendant replied: "O king, I am ready to do
both or either of these two things, and in every case to do that which
thou shalt appoint for me; but I will declare to thee the way in which
I think it will be most suitable[90] for thy condition. I say that it
is right for one who is king and commander to fight with a king and
commander; for if thou shalt slay the commander of the enemy, it turns
to great glory for thee; and again, if he shall slay thee, which
heaven forbid, even death when it is at the hands of a worthy foe is
but half to be lamented: but for us who are under thy command it is
suitable to fight with the others who are under his command and with
his horse: and of the tricks of the horse have thou no fear at all,
for I engage to thee that after this at least he shall never stand
against any man more." Thus he spoke; and shortly afterwards the
opposed forces joined battle both on land and with their ships. 112.
On that day the Ionians for their part greatly distinguished
themselves and overcame the Phenicians, and of them the Samians were
best: and meanwhile on land, when the armies met, they came to close
quarters and fought; and as regards the two commanders, what happened
was this:--when Artybios came to fight with Onesilos sitting upon his