22. And, best of all, we were surrounded by
a far from ignoble band, under his instruction and guidance, and
delighting in the same objects, as we ran on foot beside that Lydian
car, Lydian car,
proverbial expression for anything whose speed distances all
competitors. his own course and disposition: and so
we became famous, not only among our own teachers and comrades, but
even throughout Greece, and especially in the eyes of its most
distinguished men. We even passed beyond its boundaries, as was
made clear by the evidence of many. For our instructors were
known to all who knew Athens, and all who knew them, knew us, as the
subject of conversation, being actually looked upon, or heard of by
report, as an illustrious pair. Orestes and Pylades Orestes and
Pylades, types of close comradeship in Greek tragedies. were in their eyes nothing to
us, or the sons of
Molione, Sons of
Molione, Eurytus and Cteatus, Hom. Il. ii. 621. Their father
was Actor. the wonders of the
Homeric scroll, celebrated for their union in misfortune, and their
splendid driving, as they shared in reins and whip alike. But I
have been unawares betrayed into praising myself, in a manner I would
not have allowed in another. And it is no wonder that I gained
here in some advantage from his friendship, and that, as in life he
aided me in virtue, so since his departure he has contributed to my
renown. But I must return to my proper course.