What does the word "ichiban" mean in english?

What is dialogue and how do you correctly punctuate it in a narrative?

There is nothing in the world which travels faster than these persian couriers . . it is said that men and horses are stationed along the road, equal in number to the number of days the journey takes - a man and a horse for each day. . neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. read this passage and highlight text that gives evidence as to why persian couriers are able to complete their jobs so quickly. according to evidence in the passage, why are persian couriers able to travel so quickly? check all that apply. men and horses are stationed along the road. they rest every night so they can go at top speed the following day. couriers do not allow bad weather to slow them down. they receive a reward upon the completion of their journey.

Literally translate this: pater tiberis (personification of the river) alveum in quo positi erant ad locum siccum portavit, lupa eos nutrivit, et pastor benignus et sua uxor eos eduxerunt.