Anabasis

At this time Clearchus returned, and asked whether they had yet given an answer. And Phalinus broke in and said: These people, Clearchus, all say different things; but tell us what your own opinion is.

Clearchus replied: I myself, Phalinus, was glad to see you, and, I presume, all the rest were, too; for you are a Greek and so are we, whose numbers you can observe for yourself. Now since we are in such a situation, we ask you to advise us as to what we ought to do about the matter you mention.

Do you, then, in the sight of the gods, give us whatever advice you think is best and most honourable, advice which will bring you honour in future time when it is reported in this way: Once on a time Phalinus, when he was sent by the King to order the Greeks to surrender their arms, gave them, when they sought his counsel, the following advice. And you know that any advice you may give will certainly be reported in Greece.