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and having quickly stooped down, as if indeed performing the proskynesis, he picked it up again. Thus, he offered the Persian the appearance of bowing, yet he did not actually perform any of those acts which bring shame among the Greeks. Consequently, he accomplished everything he intended and suffered no misfortune from the Persian.

II. (Book I, 30.)

Galetes, beloved of Ptolemy.

King Ptolemy had a favorite named Galetes, who was most beautiful to behold. Yet the lad's character was superior to his appearance. Often, even Ptolemy would bear witness to this and say, "O noble soul, you have never been the cause of evil to anyone, but you have provided many good things to many people." The lad was riding on horseback with the king. Seeing from a distance some people being led away to death, he did not look on with indifference, but said to Ptolemy, "O King, since by some providence we happen to be on horseback, let us—if it seems good to you—increase our speed and pursue them more vigorously. Let us become saviors to these wretches, like the Dioscuri the twins Castor and Pollux, and good allies." This is the saying associated with these gods. The king, being overjoyed at his goodness and deeply moved by his compassionate nature, not only saved those men but also increased his affection for him.

III. (Book I, 31.)

Persian Law.

This Persian law is among those most observed by them: whenever the King travels through the land of the Persians, each one brings him offerings according to his own means. Since they are engaged in agriculture, toil over the land, and are self-sufficient by nature, they do not offer anything extravagant or overly luxurious, but rather some bring oxen, others sheep, while others offer grain and wine. As the king passes by and rides along, these things are laid out by each person, and they are called gifts, and he accepts them. Those who are even more modest in their way of life offer him milk, dates, cheese, seasonal fruits, and other first fruits of their local produce.