Nobler than Codrus

Explanation

Codrus was son of Melanthus; Melanthus was sixth in descent from Neleus, of whom Nestor too was descended. He, having been driven out of Messene, came to Athens and, in single combat with Xanthus the Boeotian, who was reigning over the Athenians, defeated him and became king of the Athenians; on his death he left the kingdom to his son Codrus. This Codrus, in the war against the Dorians, willingly died for his country. For the god had foretold to the Athenians that they would be victorious if their king were slain by the Dorians. Dying, he left two sons, Mentor and Neleus. Mentor reigned in his stead; Neleus became leader of the colony to Asia.