After telling the story of Tellus of Athens, Solon continued to advise King Croesus with calm and careful words. He explained Tellus’s happiness by listing the many blessings of his life: a strong city, good children, a respectable life, and an honorable death. Solon’s message was clear. Happiness does not depend only on wealth or power, but on how a life is lived and how it ends.
When Solon finished speaking, Croesus asked a second question. This time, the king wanted to know who Solon believed was the second happiest person in the world. Croesus was confident that, even if he was not placed first, he would surely be given second place Solon Leaves Without Reward.
The Story of Cleobis and Bito
Instead of naming Croesus, Solon answered calmly, “Cleobis and Bito.” These two young men were brothers from Argos, a Greek city. Solon explained that their family had enough wealth to live comfortably, but what truly made the brothers special was their great physical strength and noble character. They had even won prizes in athletic games, showing both power and discipline.
Solon then told a famous story about them. One day, Argos held a large religious festival in honor of the goddess Hera (Juno). Their mother was chosen to take part in the ceremony and needed to be carried in a cart to the temple. However, the oxen meant to pull the cart did not return from the fields in time.
A Noble Act of Devotion
Fearing that their mother would miss the sacred festival, Cleobis and Bito made a remarkable decision. They placed the yoke on their own shoulders and pulled the cart themselves. Their mother rode inside as the brothers dragged the heavy load for about forty-five furlongs, which was a long and exhausting distance.
When they arrived at the temple, the entire crowd saw what they had done. The people were filled with admiration. The men praised the strength of the brothers, while the women praised the mother for raising such devoted sons. Their mother herself was overwhelmed with joy and pride Sofia Tour Guide.
A Prayer and a Peaceful End
Standing before the statue of the goddess, the mother prayed. She did not ask for wealth or long life for her sons. Instead, she asked Hera to grant them the greatest blessing a human being could receive.
After the prayers, sacrifices were offered, and the brothers joined the sacred feast. Later, Cleobis and Bito lay down to sleep inside the temple. They never woke again. Their deaths were peaceful and free from suffering.
The people of Argos believed this was a sign that the gods favored them. To honor their memory, they ordered statues of Cleobis and Bito to be made and placed at the sanctuary of Delphi, so that their story would never be forgotten.
Solon’s Meaningful Lesson
Through this story, Solon taught an important lesson. The gods showed that, for humans, a good death after a noble life can be better than a long life filled with uncertainty. Happiness should be judged only when a life is complete, not while someone is still living.
Croesus Reacts with Anger
After hearing Solon’s words, Croesus became angry and offended. He interrupted Solon and asked sharply, “Do you truly think my happiness is worth nothing? Do you not even place me equal to ordinary men?”
Croesus could not accept that his great wealth and power did not make him happy in Solon’s eyes. Yet Solon’s words were meant as a warning. Fortune can change, and no person should be called happy until the end of their life is known.
