He was a tall thin man of over sixty, with a head of that oval form which gives the impression of refinement and intellect.
One of the richest among the Athenian exiles, he had twice bought the possessions of Pisistratus from the state, and twice been obliged to surrender them, on the tyrant's return to power.

Looking round with his clear keen eyes on this circle of acquaintances, he exchanged friendly greetings with all, and exclaimed: "If you do not set a high value on my appearance among you this evening, I shall think that gratitude has entirely disappeared from the earth." "We have been expecting you a long time," interrupted one of the Milesians.

"You are the first man to bring us news of the Olympic games!" "And we could wish no better bearer of such news than the victor of former days ?" added Rhodopis.

"Take your seat," cried Phanes impatiently, "and come to the point with your news at once, friend Kallias." "Immediately, fellow-countryman," answered the other.

"It is some time ago now since I left Olympia.