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On this account, as well as to see the world, Solon set out upon his
travels, in the course of which he went to Egypt to the court of
Amasis, and also came on a visit to Croesus at Sardis. Croesus
received him as his guest, and lodged him in the royal palace. On the
third or fourth day after, he bade his servants conduct Solon. over
his treasuries, and show him all their greatness and magnificence.
When he had seen them all, and, so far as time allowed, inspected
them, Croesus addressed this question to him. "Stranger of
Athens, we have heard much of thy wisdom and of thy travels through
many lands, from love of knowledge and a wish to see the world. I am
curious therefore to inquire of thee, whom, of all the men that thou
hast seen, thou deemest the most happy?" This he asked because he
thought himself the happiest of mortals: but Solon answered him
without flattery, according to his true sentiments, "Tellus of
Athens, sire." Full of astonishment at what he heard, Croesus
demanded sharply, "And wherefore dost thou deem Tellus happiest?"
To which the other replied, "First, because his country was
flourishing in his days, and he himself had sons both beautiful and
good, and he lived to see children born to each of them, and these
children all grew up; and further because, after a life spent in what
our people look upon as comfort, his end was surpassingly glorious.
In a battle between the Athenians and their neighbours near Eleusis,
he came to the assistance of his countrymen, routed the foe, and died
upon the field most gallantly. The Athenians gave him a public
funeral on the spot where he fell, and paid him the highest honours."
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