A Strange Interview

Agesilaus met the Persian general Pharnabazus for a conference under a tree. Agesilaus arrived first, sat on the grass, and ate his usual meal of bread and onions. Pharnabazus arrived richly dressed with servants carrying fans, parasols, carpets, and delicate food. At first he thought Agesilaus was a tramp—then realized this was the victorious king. Ashamed of his own pomp, he sent away his servants and sat on the ground. Impressed by Agesilaus's noble answers, Pharnabazus shook his hand. Agesilaus invited him to leave Persia and live free in Greece. Pharnabazus declined and renewed the war—but the Persian king, unable to defeat Agesilaus, tried bribery instead.