It should be remembered that Konon, that Athenian captain who had escaped from Ægos Potami with six ships, had gone to the island of Cyprus.  He persuaded the people of the island of Rhodes to revolt from the Spartans, and make friends with the Persians.  It is even said that he went to the court of Artaxerxes, and obtained leave from him to raise ships, with which to attack the Spartans, from the colonies which were friendly to Athens, yet belonged to the Greek Empire.  Pharnabazus joined him, and, with eighty-five ships, they cruised about in the Ægean Sea, and near Cnidus they entirely defeated the Spartan fleet.  It was commanded by Pisander, Agesilaus’ brother-in-law, who held by his ship to the last, and died like a true Spartan, sword in hand.