The first duty

“πρῶτον μὲν θύοντα χρὴ αἰτεῖσθαι θεοὺς ταῦτα διδόναι καὶ νοεῖν καὶ λέγειν καὶ πράττειν, ἀφ’ ὧν θεοῖς μὲν κεχαρισμενώτατα ἄρξαις ἄν, σαυτῷ δὲ καὶ φίλοις καὶ τῇ πόλει προσφιλέστατα καὶ εὐκλεέστατα καὶ πολυωφελέστατα” – Ξενοφῶν

(“The first duty is to sacrifice to the gods and pray them to grant you the thoughts, words and deeds likely to render your command most pleasing to the gods and to bring yourself, your friends and your city the fullest measure of affection and glory and advantage.” – Xenophon)