Toxaris vel amicitia

But as Amizoces was being dragged away—for he had been taken—he called upon his friend by name because of his disgraceful captivity

and reminded him of the cup and the blood. When Dandamis heard that, without an instant’s hesitation, under the eyes of everyone he swam over to the enemy. The Sauromatae rushed at him with brandished javelins, intending to spear him to death, but he called out “Zirin.”” If anyone says that, he is not killed by them, but is received as coming to offer ransom.[*](It is clear from the use of the word Zirin below that it does not mean “ransom” or “‘ransomer,” and cannot be connected with late Persian Zer, “gold,” as Vasmer suggests (Iranier in Siidrussland, p. 39). It must denote something like “brother,” “friend,” “envoy.” ) On being brought up to the leader, he demanded his friend back, but the man asked for ransom; he would not let him go, he said, unless he got a great deal for him. Dandamis replied: “All that I had has been carried off by your people; but if in any way I can make payment as I stand, I am ready to proffer it to you. Lay on me whatever command you will; if you like, take me in his place and use me as you please.” The Sauromatian answered: “There is no need for you to put yourself completely in our power, especially when you come as Zirin; pay part of what you possess, and take away your friend.” Dandamis asked what he would have; whereupon the other demanded his eyes, and at once he allowed them to be put out. When that had been done and the Sauromatae had their ransom, taking Amizoces, he set off for home leaning upon him, and by. swimming across together they got back to us in safety.

This occurrence heartened all the Scythians, and they no longer thought themselves beaten, seeing

that the greatest of all our treasures had not been carried off by the enemy, but we still had among us staunch resolution and loyalty to friends. Furthermore, the Sauromatae were daunted more than a little by that same thing, when they considered what manner of men they were about to face in pitched battle, even though in the surprise attack for the moment they had obtained the upper hand. So when night had fallen, abandoning most of the flocks and herds and firing the wagons, they vanished in flight. Amizoces, however, could not bear to have ‘his own sight when Dandamis was blind, but put out his eyes with his own hands; and now both of them sit idle, maintained with every show of honour at public expense by the Scythian folk.