Book 13
1
And tell us, Chenidas, how in the battle with the Galatians I rode out ahead of all the other cavalrymen on my white horse, and how the Galatians for all their courage were stricken with fear the moment they saw me, and not one of them stood his ground. On that occasion I hurled my lance like a javelin and sent it through the leader of their cavalry and his horse as well, and then turning against those of them that still offered concerted resistance—for there were a few still remaining who, instead of the phalanx, had now adopted a rectangular formation—turning against these, I drew my blade, and, charging with all my fury, knocked over half a dozen or so of their front rank by the onset of my horse, and, bringing my sword down on the head of one of their captains, I split it in two, helmet and all. The rest of you came up, Chenidas, a little later, when the enemy were already in flight.
2
Yes, Leontichus, and when you fought in single combat with the satrap in Paphlagonia, wasn’t that another great exhibition of your prowess?
2
Thank you for reminding me of another not ignoble exploit. The satrap, a gigantic man, and reputed to excel all other warriors in heavy armour, despising the Greek forces, leapt out between the two armies and challenged all comers to offer him single combat. All our other officers were terrified, and that included even our General himself, though he’s a man of spirit. At the time, you know, we were under the command of Aristaechmus, the Aetolian, whose skill with the javelin is unrivalled, and I was still a mere colonel. I, however, acted boldly and shaking off my comrades who were holding me back through fear for me when they saw the barbarian resplendent in his golden armour, a mighty figure with fearsome crest, brandishing his lance——
2
I was another who was afraid on that occasion, Leontichus, and you know how I clung to you, begging you not to court danger ahead of us, for my life would not have been worth living, if you had been killed.
