An Egyptian Princess, Complete

the manner in which

d the zenith of her

to Diodorus (I. 53-58)

men, 27,000 chariots

bdued many of the Asia

ikeness, as trophies o

ries. Herodotus speaks

mself (II. 102-106.)

airut. His conquests

citus annal. II. 60. a

ldings in the whole l

re especially in Thebe

belisks erected by Ra

lace de la Concorde a

E. Chabas. On the wal

uilt under this mighty

f pictures representi

ns subdued by the pow

avor he believed thes

and Bast seem to have

he other hand, we rea

ery willing to grant

description of the

in long lines of hier

lumns of Rameses II. a

yrus, and an epic poem

ss than six di

d and instead of blood, have brought us treasure and blessing. Rameses caused the blood and sweat of his subjects to flow in streams for the honor of his own great name; under my rule their blood flows rarely, and the sweat of their brow only in works of usefulness. Ever

s? Thirty thousand Hellenes beside our entire Egyptian military caste? such is the present condition of Egypt! Rameses purchased the bright tinsel of empty fame w

fication was very fai

lled and battlemented

uments. We have alrea

. I. 78 and following)

siatic invasion by a

ium to the

hus the state itself, into total ruin. This once, father, though never again, I must speak out clearly what is weighing on my heart. While engaged in contending with the priests, thou hast seen with calmness the young might of Persia roll on from the East, consuming the nations on its way, and, like a devouring monster, growing more and more formidable from every fresh prey. Thine aid was not, as thou hadst intended, given to the Lydians and Babylonians against the enemy, but to the Greeks in the building of temples to their false gods. At last resistance seemed hopeless; a whole hemisphe

that all thine undertakings end unhappily. Give heed, for now I am forced to relate what I had hoped long to keep secret from thine ears. After dethroning my predecessor, I forced him to give me his sister Tentcheta in marriage. She loved me; a year after marriage there was promise of a child. During the night preceding thy birth I fell asleep at the bedside of my wife. I dreamed that she was lying on the shores of the Nile, and complained to me of pain in the breast. Bending down, I beheld a cypress-tree springing from her heart. It grew larger and larger, black and spreading, twined its roots around thy mother and strangled her. A cold shiver seized me, and I was on the point of flying from the spot, when a fierce hurricane came from the East, struck the tree and overth

man. Misfortune pursued thee and robbed thee of a beloved wife and four of thy children. The astrologers computed that even as I had been born under the fortunate sign of Amman, so thy birth had been

bitter words, that I am the only son in Egyp

and felt he had been cruel in inflicting this poisonous wound on her son's soul. It was the first time for years, that he had been able to feel towards this cold strange man, as a father and a comforter. For the first time h

ess, hardness and obstinacy; to-day thou hast wounded me again in my most sacred feelings; this hurried me into an excess of wrath. But now all is right between us. Ou

ng between father and son! Thou needest not to think again of the evil dream I have related. Dreams are phantoms, and even if sent by the gods, the i

rushed and broken me, and if till now my face has seldom worn a smile, f

shoulder. "If I wound, I can also heal. Tell me the

nswered without consideration, though in a voice still trembling from t

anes, not a hair of Rhodopis' head shall be touched. Also, that the persecution of my poor friend is to remain a secret from the Greeks. Where shall I find his equal as a commander, an adviser and a companion? He is not yet in thy power, however, and I advise thee to remember, that though thou mayst be clever for an Egyptian, Phanes is a clever Greek. I will remind thee too of thy solemn oath to renou

mmunication, indicating his gratitude at th

f what happens to Phanes, for I hate cruelty and would not be forced to stand in horror of my own son

he bleeding Phanes lying massacred by the side of the dethroned Hophra. "It is true, he could have worked our ruin," was the plea he offered to t

us speedily quieted the warning voice within, or wa

TER

ance he asked for the high-priest and was begged by one of the inferior priests to wait, as the g

t were so constructe

pper by conducting him

gradually diminishi

s is clearly indicat

ssible. We wander on

nce, between the ranks

into an ample court,

ch one another, the h

ng towards one point.

of God's world without

sacred representation

e solemnity of the te

alls embrace us ever

the lonely, resonant

entered by no human

unstaeschir

y entrance-chamber, and from thence into the great hall itself, the ceiling of which was strewn with thousands of golden stars, and supported by four rows of lofty pillars. Their capitals were carved in imitation of the lotus-flower, and these, the shafts of the columns, the walls of this huge hall, and indeed every niche and corner that met the eye were covered with brilliant colors and hieroglyphics. The columns rose to a gigantic height, the eye seemed to wander through immeasurable space, and the air breathed by the worshippers was heavy with the fragrance of Kyphi and incense, and the odors which arose from the laboratory attached to the temple. Strains of soft music, proceeding from invisible hands, flowed on unceasingly, only occasionally interrupted by the deep lowing of the sacred cows of Isis, or the shrill call of the sparrow-hawk of Horus, whose habitations were in one of the adjoining halls. No sooner did the prolonged low of a cow break like distant thunder on t

e worshippers by a curtain of rich fabric embroidered with gold; the people were only allowed an occasional and distant glimpse of the adorable animals. When Psamtik passed they were just being fed; cakes soaked in milk, salt and clover-blossoms were placed in golden cribs for the cows, and small birds of many-colored plumage i

d his chair was of gold, cushioned with purple. A tastefully-carved footstool supported his feet, his hands held a

e have been handsome, and in the large blue eyes there still l

, generally so very low among the Egyptians. The brightly-colored walls of the room, on which numerous sentences in hieroglyphic characters were painted, the different statues o

the prince with much

rious son to the poor

" answered Psamtik with a triumphant smile

length granted t

leng

thou hast been favorably rece

efore him the petition with which thou hadst entrusted me, he

Didst thou approach him as I advised thee, with

I was irritate

er in anger; still less when he hath a request to bring before him. Thou kn

hears a remarkable re

ue, both having a pro

, the most ancient sa

ame to pass that he dreamed, and in his dream his teeth fell out of his mouth. And he sent for the soothsayers and told them the dream. The first interpreter answered: 'Woe unto thee, O king, all thy kinsmen shall die before thee!' Then was Snefru wroth, caused this messenger of evil to be scourged, and sent for a second interpreter. He answered: 'O king, live for ever, thy life shall be longer than th

have I been convinced of the evil consequences of my rough word

n commit those sins of which he has once repented. But I have admonis

epths of my soul by his awful words, he repented him of his anger. H

captive," cried the priest. "What might not Amasis do for Egypt, woul

in his emotion he grant

gods; but though he that condemns must let justice have her way, he should have no pleasure in

unto me to what hou

rther n

ut art thou not e

moreover, I have long known

e me but yesterday to ask

ways wherein alone thou canst become worthy of initiation into the highest grade of knowledge. Thou hast told

then the fathe

d the prayer over k

arted the se

my son, and my ski

se stars ne

at truly unde

es and said gently: "Thou deem'st thyself a lost man because the heavens prognosticated evil at thy birth; but take comfort, Psamtik; I observed another sign in the h

father, te

alone to the gods, paying a ready obedience to the Divine voice audi

ady to obey thy

ians arrived yesterday. These men cannot speak a word of Greek, and under a faithful leader, acquainted with the Athenians and the locality, they would be the best agents for getting rid of the doomed man, as their ignorance of the language and the circumstances render treachery or gossip impossible. Before starting for N

ll, father?" he enq

sed between Amasis and Psamtik has escaped th

ard every word in the ante-chamber to

hine eyes open and inform me at once if Amasis, as is possible, should attempt to thwart the conspiracy against Phanes. Thou wilt certainly find m

ter of Osiris, is the

god is able to reve

mplat

...........

roesus, accompanied by his followers, had embarked on board a royal bar

sians remained in Sais, passing the t

were called, taught Gyges the game of draughts, and looking on while the strong, dexterous, young heroes joined his daughters in the gam

ves, as well as their

raughts and other sim

ing with his daughter;

lkinson II. 419. An

in the Egyptian col

ns hoped to be perm

ven in the

found in the tombs are

in the Museu

"really we must introduce this game at home. We Persians are so different from you Egyptians. Everything new has a special charm for us, while to you

and fancy herself back again at home and among those she loves; and Bartja," she added

-in-law, he called out cheerfully, "Be of good courage, Nitetis, you will be happier than y

r husband-the man who to her is more than life itself, and to whom she would gladly and without reserve give up all that she treasures as most sacred-looks down on her with the same kind of admiration that he bestows on

masis. "Would you not fancy that I had often

s other nations, that they remain content with that which they have once love

s (I. 27) the queen o

g himself. The monume

women could rule with

s to the throne becam

I. 52) and when a pri

ddesses, she received

uring the reigns of t

queen's image and citi

sons, in speaking of

rom the mother's than

stantly alluded to as

ording to many a Greek

property, no matter in

sex seems to have enjo

stro

rom those who are to be the mothers and educators of the next generation. What can an Attic mother, without knowledge, without experience, give to her daughters? Naught but her own ignorance. And so it is, that a Hellene, seldom satisfied with the society of his lawful, but, mentally, inferior wife, turns for satisfaction to those courtesans, who, from their constant intercourse with men, have acquired knowledge, and well understand how to adorn it with the flowers of feminine grace, and to season it with the salt of a woman's more refined and delicate wit. In Egypt it is different. A young girl is allowed to associate freely with the most enlightened men. Youths and maidens meet constantly on festive occasions, learn to know and love one another. The wife is not the slave, but the friend of her husb

, an Iambic poet, who

men. He divides them i

unclean animals, and

band and able to make

nown fable of Pando

bout 650 B. C. The Eg

comparing them quite

yenas, lions and pan

woman: She is a coll

ull of wiles. Chabas,

of Miletus, a rough

d Simonides in his sty

phesus, a poet crushed

an Phocylides. He live

g to Bernhardy) is ref

oliamb

easy to learn, but I am very glad now that I did not give it

een," asked Darius, "who da

onfess I would rather provoke a lioness than a woman. But these Greeks d

ut two days

ure to her h

ay, when hope

buries her ou

can see what manner of man Amasis is. For the sake of a joke, he will laugh at those

d. But now farewell, my children; our young heroes must look at this our city of Sais; before

use from youth t

girls and sturdy

omen womanl

ace about her m

, a noble spo

the gossip m

etimes Zeus to

the solace o

Ladice! no

instil fresh courage into my future sister-in-law; but no! Darius, thou must

riend. Know also, that in Persia, though certainly only at high festivals, the king's wives have their places at the men's table, and that we pay the highest reverence to our wives and mothers. A king of Babylon once took a Persian wife; in the broad plains of the Euphrates she fell sick of longing for her native mountains; he caused a gigantic structure to be raised on arches, a

ction is said to hav

his Persian wife Am

. I. 19. Antiquities

s relative to the hang

te

" asked Nitetis, with

ness; and you too will soon fee

buted most to the young queen's recovery? the beautiful mount

love," cried

d Bartja, "and I shall make it my care that whenever the court

secretaries have been awaiting me yonder for the last two hours. Ho! Sachons! give o

haps one of the Greek officer

Do not forget this, and especially be careful not to ridicule the sacred animals. And

heir interpreter, a Greek, but who had been brought up

have formed a new cas

hose Greeks who had be

Herodotus himself was

"Drag

mns also brightly painted, ran round the walls surrounding the courts. In many cases the proprietor's name and rank was to be read on the door, which was, however, well closed and locked. Flowers and shrubs ornamented the flat roofs, on which the Egyptians lov

emselves, literally shone. The door-plates and knockers sparkled in the sun; paintings, balconies and columns all h

an towns seem to have

tron and Memphis. W

s the case with those

he slope of a moderately high hill, and had only been the residence of the Pharaohs for two centuries and a half, but

y, with but few more respectable exceptions, miserable, poverty-stricken huts con

bsence he was responsible as their guide and protector, and now perceived that the crow

alley, at the foot of that hill, lies the Saitic city of the dead,

hat did we leave Persia, if not to

workmen's booths, and not far from the city of the d

ng the ancient as the

o work in th

hither to the fore-court of the temple, and see the works of the great magician, who comes from the western oases o

came back with a priest, who conducted the strangers into the fore-court of the temple. Here, surrounded by various chests and boxes, stood a man in the dress of a priest; beside him on the earth knelt two negroes. The Libyan was a man of giganti

iting them by a solemn gesture to gaze at his performances; he then

position and perform a kind of dancing evolution; by spitting into their jaws he transformed them to all appearance into motionles

limbs until his eyes seemed starting from hi

he snakes crept up and twined themselves like living rings around his neck, legs and body. At last he rose, sang a hymn in praise of the divine power which had made hi

oints standing in the hollow of his eye; drew long strings and ribbons out of the noses of the Egyptian children, exhibited the well-known cup-and-b

the assembled crowd; on the contrary, this

ht for Asiatics, who punished many crimes by the amputation of a limb. Had they enquired however, they would have heard that, in Egypt, the man deprived of his hand was a convicted forger, the woman of her nose, an adulteress; that the man without a tongue had been found guilty of high treason or false

only secured the punishment of the criminal, but

ndows of this house that could be seen (the greater number opening on the garden and court) were closed with shutters, and at the door stood an old man, dressed in the

ian of this house, and when my master left for Persia (may the gods destroy that

rival of the Asiatic Embassy. "We are here in the name of the high-priest of the great Neith, your master's maste

the old man. "My master is the great physician Nebenchari, and I

old your tongue and remember that the high-priest is your master as well as mine. Get into the house as quick as you can, or to-morrow we shall have to dr

earing that the possessor of the stolen chest was the oculist Nebenchari, the same who had been sent to Persia to restore t

Just as they reached the palace, and darkness, which in Egypt so quickly succeeds the daylight, was already stealing over the city, Gyges felt h

h you alone and unobs

you wish

me quickly. By Mithras, I have

your garments would pr

quickly or we shall be noticed.

rrow m

is too

n hour, when it is quite dark

l expec

d his sword into his girdle, begged Darius to do the same and to follow him, and was soon

e!" cried the latter in Persian to the

taspes, one of the Acha

wered, "It is well, I feared a

to hear you; but be brief. Who

ting to Cyrus that to plunder a city already taken was an injury to the present, and not to the former, possessor, they were commanded on pain of death to deliver up their booty to their captains, and the

r time is short,"

I was declared a dishonored man. Life in Persia became impossible with disgrace lying heavily on my soul; I took ship from Smyrna to Cyprus, entered the army there, fought against Amasis, and was brought hither by Phanes as a prisoner-of-war. Having alw

y father? then speak-t

Croesus offended

t I am a

isit to Rhodopis this

you hea

o the boat this morning and sou

d you s

, as his companions were already on board when he arrived. His slave Sandon, whom I know, told

poke

e rescue. At the time that

e Greeks was regulated

ket-place begins to f

y." It would be impo

actly according to

eems certain that the

t hours were probably

ts of Athens are crow

wo to four o'clock a

he command of an Egyptian captain, were sent off to Naukratis to

ery!" excla

our father?" said Darius. "They kn

ich transport them thither and heard Pentaur, one of the crown-prince's fan-bearers, call to them, 'Keep eyes and ears open, and let the house of Rhodopis be surrounded,

ter of question, that

e at this point of our

The precious metals we

e of rings, animals,

e purchasing goods and

ers are paying their

e as a medium of payme

II. I. Balances with

in Wilkinson. Duri

any coins w

hat allude t

not," cri

red Bubares. "In this country on

ke for a good horse

long, and the Nile has not o

be there

e with you,"

opyrus for Bartja's protection.

Gyg

y I could not come to the evening revel on account o

and you, Bubares, will follow me on Da

ousand, you shou

he way to Nauk

ndfo

artja's ready! To linger would be sin. Farewell Darius,

TER

open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on

nted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus o

ts in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach

inacity in retaining traditional

on them, held firm to no prescribed proportions, but to the natural types alone, gave freedom and beauty to their unbending outlines, and now have left our masters far behind us. But how was this poss

hion statues alike, which are meant to dif

aid a wager with Amasis, in presence of the first Egyptian sculptor, (a priest of Thebes), that, if I send my brother Telekles, in Ephesus, dimensions, proportion and attitude, according to the Egyptian method, he a

e story which immediat

Plato tells us that

gyptian artists to ex

t of beauty or its rev

a thousand years bef

uments; but any one

ern a marked differen

the ancient kingdom th

i I. beauty of proport

ter the 20th dynasty

nder the descendants o

art, but the ancient

atta

you win y

rick of art; it will as little deserve the na

about three thousand years old, and to represent a king who built the great Pyramid, which excited my admiration in every respect. With what certainty and precision that unusually hard stone ha

t the countless statues which have been erected during the last three thousand years, in all the temples and palaces from Naukratis up to the Cataracts. They are all of one type, and represent men of middle age, with grave but benevolent countenances. Yet they are intended, some as statues of aged monarchs, others to perpetuate the memory of young princes. The warrior and the lawgiver, the blood-thirsty tyrant and the philanthropist are only distinguished from each other by a difference in size, by which the Egyptian sculptor expresses

is answer your remarks o

himself strong enough to abolish th

towards the embellishment of our new temple, expressly,

so cruelly deceived me, after all my offerings at his shrine. For when I sent to ask whether I should begin the war with Cyrus, he returned this answer: I should destroy a mighty kingdom by crossing the river Halys. I trusted the god, secured the friendship of Sparta a

t enquire what kingdom was meant? Was not your son's fate truly prophesied by the oracle? and also that on the day of misfortune he would regain his speech? And when, after the fall of Sardis, Cyrus granted your wish to enquire at Delphi whether the Greek gods made a rul

he mighty realm of the powerful Croesus, the friend of the gods, the hitherto unconquered leader? Had a friend hinted at this interpretation of the ambiguous oracle, I should have derided, nay, probably caused him to be punished. For a despotic ruler is like a fiery steed; the latter endeavors to kick him who touches his wounds with intent to heal; the former punishes him who lays a hand on the weak or failing point

rich and ambitious, and desirous of gaining favor with the Amphiktyons, in order, by their aid, to overthrow the tyrants, se

a with whom Megakles received so rich a dowry, you, Croesus, hav

" answered Cr

tory, I beg,"

precious things would make him a happy man. I at once allowed him to take as much gold away as he could carry. What think you did Alkaemmon on this? sent for high Lydian riding-boots, an apron and a basket, had the one secured behind him, put the others on, and filled them all with gold, till they could hold no more. Not cont

him all these treas

en, that I had paid too dearly for the experien

generous of monar

wered Croesus. "But tell me, Phryxus, how mu

fifty ton

yal g

prince

k on me, and answered with a bitter laugh: 'Collect money for the dest

wre

ian! to Psamtik everything

e Greeks in Naukr

e donations, each communi

is m

nd drachmm, and accompanied his gift with a most

ll show you that the drunkard has

ver, to Rhodopis for past enjoyment, and in memory of her glorious roast-beef (which has bred in me the wish to buy her cook at any price) I send twelve large spits for roasting oxen,-[Rhodopis is said to have sent such a gift to Delphi. Herod.]-and beg they may be placed in some treasure-house at Delphi as an offering from Rhodopis. As for myself, being a rich man, I sign my

ts must have been ve

vered in the jaws of

e ancient Egyptian

one and two others, which though healthy, would probably at some future time have caused me pain. Salute Rhodopis and the handsome Phanes from me. You I invite to an entertainment at my house in Sybaris, this day year. We are accustome

uddenly interrupted by the voice of a stranger, who had entered unperceived, and, after apologizing to the venerable hostess and her guests for appearing without invitation am

pis. "Be welcome to my house and take some re

Gyges!" excla

us used in order to av

Schol. Aristo

ot to quit Bartja's side.... But how thou look'st! w

b him of his speech a second time. At last, however, he was able to say: "The gods be praised, my father, that I see thee safe once more! Think not I forsook my post thoughtlessly. Ala

y loosened his sword in its scabbard; Phanes extended his arms as

t is their design?"

e, but killed if he resisted. Dreading lest thou shouldst be this victim, my father, I sped hither. The fellow had not lied. This house is surrounded. My horse shied on reaching your garden-ga

way to the Nile to fetch water with which to prepare the wine-

has a very agreeable

mpagne among the wate

r this water even from

omet had drunk thereof

e for

service,' the royal boat passed on slowly. He, however, (the rower who was bathing), seated himself in fun on the rudder of the royal boat, and heard one Ethiopian soldier on board say to another, 'Keep that craft well in sight; now we kn

exclaimed, "Not a hair of your head shall be touched, if Egypt perish for it!"

ow that I intend going on board a Phoecean trireme, which sets sail for Sigeum at a very early hour to-morrow morning, and have therefore no time to lose, if they will seize me. Your garden, Rhodopis, is entirely surrounded, and were I

t surrender!" cr

ship sails for Miletus laden with Egyptian corn, but not from Naukratis, from Canopus. Take

ttempt. We number in all ten men, and of these only three have swords; our enem

more fainthearted than thou art, and were our enemi

ery stirring emotion his tongue failed him. Suddenly the blood mounted to his face; his words came quickly and with decision: "Athenian, follow me! and th

here, silently listening, the sound of two horses galloping swiftly away fell on their

" said Rhodopis to

sian," was the answer, and as it was being spoke

on?" cried Croesus.

you farewell f

e.-Whither? How wa

d mantle, placed the golden circlet above his brow, caused the hair to be shaved from his upper lip, and ordered me to follow him into the garden. Phanes, whom in his present dress, none could imagine to be other than a Persian, mounted one of the horses still waiting before the gate; the stranger called afte

me to take the dress of the fugitive and become a prey to the pursuers; but he would by no means allow this, and said my gait and carriage would betray me. There alas! he spoke truly, for only the free man can walk erect; the neck of the slave is bent; the schools in which the noble and the freeborn l

ome of my son?" i

of oars were the only sounds that fell on my ear. I was on the point of returning to relate what I had seen, when the boatman Sebek swam up once more and told as follows: The Egyptians had caused a leak to be made in Phanes' boat, and at a short distance from land it had filled and began to sink. On the boatmen crying for help, the royal bark, which was following, had come up and taken the supposed Phanes o

er, anxiety for the brave young Lydian who had risked his life to save him. They praised his generosity, congratulated Croesus on possessing such a son, and finally agreed in the conclusion,

, who soon left, in order to pass the night at the house of Theopompus, the Milesian merchant. At parting, Aristomachus said: "Salute Gyges in my name;

y bring?" answered Croesus gi

PTE

e Nile, supplies the place of rain, lay sparkling like jewels on the leaves and blossoms, and the morni

wn to us, two female figures have just passed; Melitta

te morning robe with its wide sleeves falling in graceful drapery over her lithe limbs, the thick brown hair straying from beneath

ughing at her naughty trick till the clear bell-like tones rang through the garden; f

nce upo

laid his

urchin! n

leaves a sl

ak'd-with

'd, and stun

iteous are

ick he runs

I am wound

h pain-in

ome little

pent on a

was-for on

rustic ca

great poet Anacreon wrote another verse to this song, but she will not teach it me. Tell me, Melitta, what can there be in that verse? There, you

darling's question, "I only know the songs of the good o

ch contain the poin

ke, and she

with a soo

"My infant,

e little wild

he heart, a

heart that's

rom one of Ana

nd see who seeks admission so early. Perhaps, after all, our kind Phane

is has ordered me to send you in when visitors arrive. Go chi

ng to catch sight of these early guests. In the fear of needlessly distressing her, she had not been told of the events

itted a youth splendidly appare

so strange, that she remained motionless in her hiding-place, her eyes fixed on his face. J

er little head through the roses to hear what the ha

rus's heroic deeds, the fall of Croesus and the power and wealth of the Persians, but still she had always fancied them a wild, uncultivated people. Now, however, her interest in Persia increased with every look at the handsome Bartja. At last Melitta went in to wake her grandmother and announce the g

thanks; she blushed deeply, and stood

d spirit, looked down at her without spe

her fright, burst into a laugh of childish delight at the silent stra

reached the young girl, quick as thought seized her ha

rnest and half laughing, raising

shall hold you fast until you give me your sister there, the o

Sappho, "I will promise nothi

you will not r

ainly

ou your liberty, but now y

d more beautiful ones; choose whichever

emembrance of the most bea

r those are not my real friends who tell me I

d you lea

randmother

ou you are better than any oth

lly good I should be indoors now instead of talking to you here. My grandmother has forbidden me ever to stay in the garden

u would like me

beautifully as our poor Phanes for example, who was obliged to escape so

u love

e always brought me balls, dolls ninepins from Memphis and Sai

ildren. Wilkinson II.

hese jointed toys is t

erva

going to let out a great secret. My grandmother has strictly forbidden me to tell any one what dear little visitors we are expecting; but I feel as if I had known you a long time already, and you have such kind eyes that I could tell you everything. Y

what made them happy in their youth. But have you

n Naukratis, but my grandmother says I am not to seek their acqu

soon find you a friend. I have a sister call

not come here with you!-But no

me is

Do you know, I like it. How was the son of Cro

t, and to give up our lives for one another, and that is why I came to-day, so

ode here fo

ot, for this ride brought me to you.

alled S

me sometimes beautiful songs by a poetes

and is called the tenth muse or the Lesbian swan. I suppo

peaks them both equally well. He can speak Persian too, perfectly;

t virtues then accord

the third is obedience; these three, joined with v

t you worship

ses and pictures like the gods of the Egyptians, for the whole creation is their dwelling. The Divin

and offer sacrifice, i

mountain. There we are nearest to our own god, Mithras, the mighty sun, and to Auramaz

1 and 132.), and from

he time of the Achaem

r images of their

inciples of good and

creation with their c

ernity created fire

the good spirit, too

, pure and good. After

ed heaven, paradise a

e of an evil spirit,

icious and emitting

ruction, and a fierce

or, and the evil sp

ffects of terror. Duri

aters, the earth, all

e first pair of huma

broke loose, and was

our elements of which

Water, become reunite

he resurrection-day, e

more, and nothing retu

mitive elements, Ahrim

could have been tran

nd so evil continued t

ever and whenever the

trife must continue u

ll become pure and ho

ave absorbed his evil

the evil spirits whic

ions from Ahriman, wi

n men after death. Fro

Zend-A

ure, the still and soft, but awful breath of Divinity hovering around you? Have you prostrated yourself in the green forest, by a pure spring, or beneath the open sky, and listened for the voice of God speaking from among the leaves and waters? Have you beheld the

l the woods and meadows, rivers and valleys. I think, up there, where nothing could be hidden from my

not leav

ce one of the P

my

e it

ou remem

hould

rgive me if I ask

ly, for my grandmother

star as a remembr

I dar

ed a bear with my own hand, and it has been my dearest treasure till to-day, but

She resisted, but Bartja threw his arms round her, kissed her forehead, called her his only love, a

s running away, but turned once more at his earnest entreaty and the question, "Wh

you fast to

a, and communicated to him all she knew of his friend'

did not find her sleeping peacefully as usual; her lips mov

t his first love. Croesus reached Sais a short time before the three friends. He went at once to the king and informed him without reserve of the events of the preceding evening. Amasis preten

tted the king than the cr

PTE

ed: "Did not I tell thee, that a simple Egyptian would find it no easy task to catch such a Greek fox? I would have g

oice at an affront offered to thy son? I swear, by the eternal gods, that but for Cambyses' sake that shameless Lydian had

se who have ou

plan was so sub

e web, the so

iolation of all established precedents; the envoy of a foreign power

of the execution of a judicial sentence, but of the

licit from Cambyses the punishment of him who has interfered in the execution of the royal decrees. In Persia, where men bow to the king'

m thankful that Phanes has escaped. Gyges has saved my soul from the guilt of shedding innocent blood,

nceal the whole af

barely escaped my vengeance, and will therefore certainly endeavor to stir up the power of Persia against Egypt; and shall entreat my future s

al resolve? Can I exp

de by what I

t before another-before one who holds thee

med only yesterday? Psamtik, Psamtik, I counsel thee to re

o forget that the gods appointed thee to be my father-if I can h

to learn what

. Know then that the oculist

turne

called, sister Nitetis. He is still there, and at a hint from the priests will disclose to Cambyses that he has been deceived, and that thou hast ventured to send him, instead of thine own, the child of thy dethroned predecessor Ho

ese papers?" asked Ama

ds of the p

ak by th

hast s

hen thy r

ant me free powers to pursue the escaped

that

vented from erecting any more temples to their false gods in Egypt, and tha

m thou hast leagued thyself, but only on two conditions. First, I insist that the letter, which I confess to have written to the father of Nebenchari in a mo

. The letter shall be re

ther's place. Tell Neithotep, in whose hands thou art as wax, that he has found the best means of forcing me to grant demands, which otherwise I should have refused. Hitherto I have been willing to make every sacrifice for the sake of upholding Egypt's greatness; but now, when I see that, to attain their own ends, the priests can strive to move me by the threat of treachery to their own country, I feel inclined to regard

ssary, before the king could regain even outward cheerful

ed in executing his revengeful plans, to the quarries of Thebais, and to send the Ethiopians back to their native c

masis' threats, and dismissed the prince with a few

, of a new and unhappy rupture with his father, a fear of foreign derision, a feeling of his subjec

ved tenderly, and to whom in this sad moment he felt drawn. For the blue eyes and laughing mouth of his child were the only objec

ked of the first attenda

r the Prince Necho and his

oached, and with a low obeisance delivered to Psamtik a sealed

r, a blind instrument in the hands of the priesthood, forgetful of what is due to himself and his country. His education shall be my care, for the imp

rn by the Egyptians a

42., Pharaoh puts his

m and all other col

f these rings are to b

han 4000 y

trictest command. After reflecting a few moments, he called for huntsmen, dogs, bows and lances, sprang into a light chariot and commanded the charioteer to drive him to the

nment of his friend's son by doubling his favors, for on the same day Gyges received from the king a magnificent chariot drawn by two noble brown steeds, and was begged to take back with him to Pe

jovial father towards his merry sons. That the ancient Egyptian was not quite extinguished in him could only be discerned at meal-times, when a separate ta

s that the Egyptians n

ith foreigners, nay, i

cutting up of which th

the lesser dynasties

a of Pianchi, to cros

were unclean and ate

of Joseph were not all

gypti

aughter Nitetis would be prepared to depart for Asia in the course of two more w

d astronomy in Babylon, was one evening observing the heavens, when, to his surprise, he was addressed by the aged Neithotep and invited to follow him on to the templ

er, and asked the latter what could have induced h

nds his gaze into the future, regards the objects lying on either side of his road, as well as the road itself. Thou canst not know in which of the many houses by which thou passest daily, a future benefactor may not have been reared for thee. Leave nought unnoticed that lies in thy path, but above all direct thy gaze upward to the stars. As the faithful dog lies in wait night after n

to whom he had confided his secret, accompanied him), easier of accomplishment. During the interviews with Sappho, Zopyrus and the attendants used all their endeavors to kill a few s

n together she had loved him, and her quick feelings told her at once that something had happened to estrange him from herself. Formerly his behavior had been that of a brother, and he had sought

ays went by, the visits of the handsome prince became more and more rare, and when he did come, his behavior to Tachot was cold and distant. Yet the poor girl could not but confess that Bartja had grown handsomer and more manly during his stay in Egypt. An expression of proud an

t at last Melitta promised to keep their secret, and later, yielding to that natural impulse which moves all old women to favor lovers, had even given them every assistance in her power. She already saw her "sweet ch

PTE

s, Rhodopis had invited a large number of guests to her hous

e banquet. Melitta, therefore, having convinced herself that the guests were thoroughly absorbed in conversation, opened the garde

mes it seems to me as if I had only seen you yesterday for the first time; but generally

cannot imagine how I could ever have existed without you.

her again, I think it will seem as if we had never been parted. So it has been with me every day. How I have longed for the morning to come and b

f fear comes over me, when I

cle whether you would remain faithful; and to question an old woman who has just come from Phrygia and can conjure by night from drawn cords, with incense, styrax, moon-shaped cakes,

eart speaks

a loud crack I was very happy, and cried, 'Ah! he will not forget!' but if the leaf tore without a sound I felt sad. I dare say I

be eve

so loudly; I see Knakias going down to

oke back your silky hair and whisper in yo

just whispered, 'I hate you,' your eyes would have told me with a thousand glad voices t

he beautiful Greek langu

ould not look into my eyes so lovingly. Words are nothing. Listen to the nightinga

t Gulgul, as we Persians call the nightingale, has to talk ab

to her mate 'I love thee,' and he answers,

es that mean

ccep

d I

nd a circle, I was always taught, is the symbol of eternity, having neithe

y to you, 'I

sweet nightingale, 'I accept it for

now; she is sitting in the acacia-tree among the bunches of sweet blossoms. I can see the tops of

ole world lies motionless beneath them like a captive woman. Happy as I fe

isper, o

ritten by Alkman, the Lydian, who lived in Sparta, in praise of night and her stillness. You must listen though, for this low, sweet slumber-son

owsy earth still

mountain tops a

cliffs and

sts slumber

the bill. De

finny race and

pose. Even

aily toil. Th

noisy hum of

ered tribe, by ge

de and hang thei

ion by Co

st, where i

tening, just as before I f

But tell me, is no

like everything

Greek poe

ou are right

no poets

w could a nation, who despised song,

e some very

el

e so man

Sapp

your only wife, you would outrage the laws of your country, if you would thereby expose yourself to contempt, or even blame, (for who could dare to des

wil

place the lance in your hand; and when you return a conqueror, I shall be the first to crown you with the wreath of victory. When you ride out to the chase, mine will be the duty of buckling on your spurs, and when you go to the banquet, of adorning and anointing you, winding the garlands of poplar and roses and twining them a

hich, by its side, can only show their miserable poverty. He who has once loved thee, can never love another: I know it is the custom in my country to have many wiv

l be your

u will be to me, no woman e

you come t

an, and am perm

to be able to

I ever hear

letters, and charge every wind

s, give them to the messenger who will bring

hall I f

atis, to take charge of everything you send

another friend, who is dearer to me than any one else excepting

ur grandmoth

hful guardian

hat rank poison lies hidden in some, in others healing cordials, and often says that Rhodopis is like a rose which, while fading away herself, and dropping l

h us for a long time yet! Dearest,

ted before

e is so kind and loves me so fervently, that what makes me happy will make he

the first amon

d sorrows away, and when she is singing to me, or teaching me how to guide the style, or strike the lute, a clearer light beams from

ll ask her whether sh

I shall sing them a story of a prince, a brave hero, who took a simple maiden to be his wife; and when I describe the prince I shall have you in my mind, and though my little listeners will not guess it, I shall be describing you from head to foot. My prince shall be tall like you, shall have your golden curls and blue eyes, and your rich, royal dress shall adorn his noble figure. Your generous heart, your love of truth, and your beautiful reverence for the gods, your courage and heroism

ll describe the golden Aphrodite in your lovely likeness. I shall tell her of your virtue, your beauty and modesty, of your singing, which is so sweet that even the nightingale is silent in ord

ped her hands. Farewell, we must not stay

more

rew

e suddenly disturbed by a loud noise, and she clapped her hands directly to warn the

t the noise which had awakened the old slave, procee

ghtened girl into the house, took her at once to her sleeping

ll up, Sapph

this, m

ut Sappho, throwing herself into her grandmother's arms,

grandchild, laid both hands on her shoulders and said earnestly, "Look into my eyes, Sappho. Ca

d my constant effort has been to train thee to a noble maidenhood and guard thee from the approach of love. I had intended, in accordance with the cus

for love, but the Athe

ages with the parents

AEolian blood runs in thy veins and demands love; the pass

father of our heroin

as, as a Lesbian,

beautiful past is all he has to live upon. Remember this handsome prince in silence, bid him farewell when he departs to his native country, but beware of hoping to see him again. The Persians are fickle and inconstant, lovers of e

her? I have sworn to be

ng. I detest the blasphemous proverb: 'Zeus pays no heed to lovers' oaths.' Why should an oath touching the best and holiest feelings of humanity be regarded by the Deity, a

Persian and holds truth to be the highest virtue, I may venture to hope that he will remember his oa

uth will be passed in mourning,

ell as I do, you would rejoice with me, and would tell me I was right to believe that the

and her eyes, though filled with tears, were so brilliant with happ

her, and ended the long account by exclaiming: "Oh, grandmother, I am so happy, so very happy

ogether that all may end happily. I met thee this morning as a child, I part from thee to-night a woman; and, when thou art a wife, may thy kiss be as joyful as the one thou givest me now. To-morrow I will talk the matter over with Croesus. He

ke watching the day dawn, and the sun rise, her mind occupied with thoughts

may be made on the consort of a Persian king, but I can truly say that I believe Sappho to be worthy of the first monarch of the world. Her father was free and of noble birth, and I have heard that, by Persian la

low; the darling of the people; generous, and noble, handsome, virtuous, and worthy of their love. It is indeed expected that the princes shall marry in their own family, the Achaemenidae; but the Persians have an unbounded predilection for everything foreign. Enchanted with the beauty of your granddaughter, and rendered indulgent by their partiality for Bartja, they would easily forgive this breach of an ancient custom. Indeed, if the king gives his approval, no objection on the part of his subjects can be entertained. The history of Iran too offers a sufficient number of examples, in which

ficulty is set aside,"

the time that must follow, which cau

nk then tha

has been so long proof against love, that now he

en do yo

ere are thousands of idle women in the harems of the Persian nobles, who will endeavor, by every artifice and intrigue in their p

bad opinion of th

on of these evil passions is the only compensation which the poor creatures can obtain for the total absence of love and loss of freedom. I repeat, the more beautiful Sappho is, the more malicious they will feel towards her, and, even

ple Greek would be more welcome to m

ve, and assured her that his happiness would be doubled, if she would consent to accompany them to Persia. Then turning to Croesus, he seized his hand and entreated f

ge with a smile, and said: "Ah, Bartja, how often hav

e is bright a

auses

h pain i

the mind

rengthens

by Eros, the boy speaks as if he had been a

e them as clearly as you will, that their passion is only another word for poison, fir

y, fell in graceful folds round her delicate figure, and was confined at the waist by a golden girdle. Her

er became his gaze. For a moment he seemed to grow young again in the visions conjured up by memory, and involuntarily he went up to the young girl, kissed her affectionately on

matter?" said Rhodopis,

ght you to each other, Zeus and Apollo defend and protect you. I see you now like two fair roses on one stem, loving and happy in the spring of life. What summer, autumn and winter may h

...........

iestly caste, their hearts remained loyal to their monarch and his house. For when Amasis and Ladice embraced Nitetis for the last time with tears-when Tachot, in presence of all the inhabitants of Sais, following her sister down the broad flight of steps tha

s who had robbed them of their princess, many a curse and execration followed from the Egyptians on the shore; Tachot alone stood weepi

ting cries of joy on all sides. But Psamtik, the child's own father, stood by the while, tearless and motionless. The king appeared not to observe

d his son to his heart, and when the high-priest had concluded his prayer, t

een us for our own

ceived Nebenc

ssel is in pursuit

, the rightful heiress of the Egyptian thro

mple now building in Memph

nd may prosperity and happi

.........

prepared a feast to celebrate the dep

tars of the Greek divinities, and the Nile-boats were greete

esented to Nitetis by a troop of young girls in holiday dresses, the act of presenta

of gratitude. The triremes were already waiting; she went o

leusma was generally g

ylus, Persians 403. L

nes the inhabitants of

205. The melody, to th

usually timed

s. A tear rolled down her cheek, but around her lips played a smile of love and hope, though her old slave Melitta, who accompanied her to carry her parasol, was weeping as if her heart would break. On seeing, however, a few leaves fall fr

TER

horsemen was to be seen on the king's highway from the west to Babylon, moving steadil

d the "king's road,"

by Cyrus and careful

at the sides by curtains, and above by a roof supported on wooden pillars. In this vehicle,

travelling carriage.

Anabasis, where we fi

ere later adopted by t

ame o

rinces and nobles whom we have already learnt to kn

and six hundred beasts of burden, stretched away into the distance, and the

me yielding fruit two, and sometimes even three, hundred-fold. Slender date-palms covered with golden fruit we

swarmed with craft of all sizes, either transporting the products of Upper Armenia to th

nt commercial town on

rom which Eratosthenes

he e

illages ornamented the shores of the river. Indeed every object gave evidence that o

long brick house, roofed with asphalte,

uthorities, ancient as

still plentifully fou

y the Babylonians as m

riters, W. Vaux, 'Nin

ed by Assyrians for

easing in the eyes of Cambyses. In a few hours you will stand before your future husband. But you are pale! Permit your maidens to adorn your cheeks with a color that shall look like the excitement of joy. A first impression is often a final one, and this is especially true with regard to Cambyses. If, which I doubt not, you are pleasing in his eyes at first, then you have won his love for ever; but if you should displease him to-day he will never look kindly on you again, for he is rough

ung girl threw her arms around the o

tant official at the Persian court. His beardless face wore a smile of fulsome sweetness; in his ears hung costly jewelled pendents; his neck, arms, legs and his effeminat

en, that I may refresh thy heart with the dew of his salutations. He sendeth thee likewise by me, even by me the lowest of his servants, Persian raiment, that thou, as befitteth the consort of the mightiest of all

red, bearing, in token of welcome, a bas

d ornaments of her native land, weeping as she did so, allowed the strangers to unloose the plait of hair which hung down

ptian pictures, the da

nted with these lock

ehead to the neck. Ro

ler. The daughter of

mples of the same in

fetching thence, in a few moments, seats, tables, and golden utensils of all kinds. The cooks vied with them and with each other, and as

hicles which composed their train were not only bakers, cooks, cup-bearers and carvers, but perfumers, hair-dressers and weavers of garlands. Beside these conveniences, a well-fitted up caravansary, or inn, was to be found about every

ystem of well-kept roads, and a regular postal service. At each of these stations the horseman carrying the letter-bag was relieved by a fresh man on a fresh steed, to whom the letters were transf

52. Persian milestone

e old king's road, wh

s call them keli-S

prolonged exclamation of surprise from all the Persians present. Nitetis, clad in the glorious apparel of a Median princess, proud in th

d reverentially; for it seemed as if Nitetis has laid aside all her former bashfulness and timidity with her simple Egyptian dress, and with

the eunuchs and said in a kind tone but mingled with a touch of pride; "Thou hast performed thy mission well; I am content with the raiment and the slaves

ountered such pride in any of the women committed to his charge. Up to the present time all Cambyses' wives had been Asiatics, and, well awar

ot venture to say a happy, but even a peaceful one, it is to you alone that I shall owe it. Still, take this ring. It has never left my finger since I quitted Egypt, and it has a significance far beyond its outward worth. Pythagoras, the noblest of the Greeks, gave it to my

ss" number, which has

efore the healthiest of men. No thanks, my father, for even if I could restore to Croesus all the treasures that he once possessed, I should still retrain his debtor. Gyges, to you I give this Lydian lyre; let its tones recall the giver to your memory. For you, Zopyrus, I have a golden chain; I have witnessed that you are the most faithful of friends; and

ls, that in the tomb o

there lay a circle of

rence, containing a

of the zodiac from De

ceiling painting, whi

to be of great age, is

g only from the end of

st to estimate it co

h, 'les zodiaques de

on the last night before we parted; she told me it could bring to its wearer the sweet bliss of love. And then, Bartja, she wept! I do not know of whom she was thinking in that

he began in broken Persian: "Accept my thanks also. In Babylon you shall receive a thousand gold staters." Then turning to Boges,

was leading her thither she pressed his arm and whi

can teach them to impart a joy with every gift. How beautiful you are to-day! Are your cushions to your mind, or would you like a higher seat? But what is that? There are clouds of dust in the direction of the city. Cambyses is surely coming to meet you! Courage, my daughter. Above all try to meet his gaze and respond to it. Very few can bear the lightning glance of those eyes, but, if you can return it freely and fearlessly, you have conquered. Fear nothing, my child, and may Aphrodite adorn you with her most glorious be

d saddle-cloths were covered with bells and bosses, feathers, fringes, and embroidery. Their leader rode a powerful coal-black charger, which even the strong will and hand of his rider could not always curb, though in the end his e

ph. Cyrap, VIII. 3. 7

ress and ornaments wer

e of 1880) according t

4

Bartja, and the blue and white fillet of the Achaemenidae was bound around the tiara, which surmounted a mass of thick curls, black as ebony. The lower part of his face was concealed by an immense beard. His features were pale and immovable, but the eyes, (more intensely black, if p

ures, seemed to her to represent a manly nature which the whole world, but she herself above all others, was created to serve. She felt afraid, and yet her true woman's heart longed to lean upo

noonday sky. She had quite forgotten the advice of her fatherly old friend, and yet, when Cambyses brought his unruly, chafing steed to a stand by

aved his hand to her in token of welcome, and then rode on to her escort, who had alighted from their horses and were awaiting him, some having cast themselve

of thought, spread a rich purple carpet on the highway, lest the foot of the king should come in contact with the du

him to remount and accompany him to the carri

o lift the king once more on to his horse, and at a sin

us rode by the sid

ng. "Interpret faithfully all her answers, for I unde

g deeply: "Blessed be the gods, who have caused me to find favor in thine eyes. I am not ignorant of the speech of my lord, for the noble Croesus has instructed me in th

at Themistocles learn

Susa. We are not, th

ility of

ness and ignorance, thinking of nothing but finery and intrigue, her persevering industry seemed to him both wonderful and praise worthy. So he answered with evident satisfaction: "

he old man. "No more eager or thankful pupil

ed the king, "and I can believe that she will quickly understand

r fears were being realized. She wou

he words, which you innocently chanced to hear, I now repeat; you please me well. Do nothing to alienate my affection. We will try to make our country agreeable, and, as your friend

r that I am a king's daughter, that in my native land the weaker and the stronger sex have equal rights, and that the same pride reigns in my breast, which I see kindling in your eyes, my lord a

t to command her every act, was very flattering to his self-love, and her pride found an echo in his own haughty disposition. He nodded approvingly and answered: "You have spoken well. A separa

. Again and again I have begged your brother Bartja to repeat the story of these gardens, and the love of the ki

ter your new abode. But tell me now how my

our friends? They have all become dear to us, but your handsome brother Bartja especially, won all hearts. The Egyptians have no

harply that the creature reared, and then turning it quickly roun

.........

temples and palaces of Egypt, she was still astoni

drive abreast upon them. These mighty defences were crowned and strengthened by two hundred and fifty high towers, and even these would have been insufficient, if Babylon had not been protected on one side by impassable

asurements are taken

Strabo and Arrian. And

Lavard, are such as

rmous size. Aristotle

were not those of a c

y a strong tower, and before each of these towers lay, as warder, a gigantic winged bull carved in stone, with a human head, bearded and solemn. Nitetis gazed at t

appearance before the nation to be looked upon as a festival and occasion of rejoicing. Thus all Babylon had come out to-day to look upon their awful ruler and to welcome their favorite Bartja on his return. The windows were crowded with eager, curious women, who threw flowers before the approaching train, or poured sweet perfumes from above as they passed by. The pavement was thickly strewn with myrtle and palm branches, trees of diff

ring above every thing else, and visible from all points, rose the gigantic temple of Bel. Its colossal staircase, like a huge serpent, wo

hich many consider may

is mentioned by Hero

tesias), Strabo 738 a

iving in its neighbor

astle of Nimrod. I

r as possible from the

ry, which is still sta

0 feet high. The walls

learly recognizable, a

000 b

epresentations of strange figures made up of human beings, birds, quadrupeds and fishes; hunting-scenes, battles and solemn processions. By the side of the river towards the north, r

and then halted. Nitetis was lifted from her carriage by bearers; she was at last in her ne

y a sound of loud female voices was heard, and a lovely Persian girl richly dressed, her thick fair hair profusely wreathed with pearls, rushed into the court, pursued by several women older than herself. She

seeing the caresses lavished by the young girl on her newly-returned brother, cried: "For s

to the Persian girls i

. Vendid. Farlard XI

were obliged to wear t

were only allowed to

d is attended with man

n day. Seventy-two thr

wool is pr

nished, but the next time you appear unbidden in these apartments, which none may enter without permission, I shall tell Boges to keep you twelve days in confinement. Remember this, thoughtless child, and tell our mother, Bartja and I are coming to visit her. Now give me a kiss. You will not? We shall see, capricious little

d; "You were too rough with the little

our mother now; she begged me to bring you as soon as you arrived. The women, as usual, are all impatience. Nitetis told me your rosy cheeks and fair curl

that I have no virtues which could ma

y words to n

roving, that I am inferior to none

ay will have been proof enough, that deeds are not

mby

ith the Massagetae; there you will have a go

in the joy of hearing his voice once more, and of being able to lay her hands again on that beloved head, she forgot everything else-even her

as a command; and thus he grew up totally unable to brook contradiction, giving way to the most violent

tless subjugated tribes-this great king was incapable of carrying out in his own small family-circle the system of education he had so successfully adopted towards entire countries. He could see nought el

ionate and clinging nature made him the darling of both father and mother: Cambyses was treated with consideration by his parents, but their love was for Bartja. Cambyses was brave; he distinguished himself often in the field, but his disposition was haughty and imperious; men served him with fear and trembling, while Bartja, ever sociabl

d as yet done nothing to distinguish himself, should be honored and revered as if he were already a hero and public benefactor. Whatever annoyed or displeased him h

f a powerful monarch, like himself disdaining everything mean and inferior, had yet acknowledged him to be her superior, and to win his favor had not shrunk from the laborious task of mastering his native language. These qualities, added to her peculiar style of beauty, which e

med: "You asked me just now for an opportunity of proving your courage. I will not refuse. The Tapuri hav

a. "May I take my friends, Dar

and promptly, that you may be back in three months to join the main army in

start to

fare

and I should return victorious, wil

, I

ave to stand with a thousand men against ten thousand of th

; I have something more to say. You are now twenty years of age; you must marry. Roxana, daughter of the n

marriage; I..." "You must ma

o not say that I will never marry. Do not be angry, but just now, whe

you to take her with you to the field. A Persian generally fights better if he knows th

wife of whom I know nothing, and never wish to know. Give Roxana to Zopyrus, who is so fond of women, or t

ed to bear contradiction, and shall listen to no excuses after the war. This once I will allow you to go to the field without a wife. I will not force you to do what, in your opinion, might endanger your valor. But it seems to

never for Roxana! It is just as unwise to try to make a man happy by force as i

u look! I really believe you are in love with some one w

"Ask no further now, accept my thanks once more, and farewell. May I bid

her protectors now." So saying he turned his back on his brother and passed on into the great hall, blazing with gold, purple and jewels, where the chiefs of the army, satraps, judges, treasurers, secretaries, counsellors, eunuchs, door-keepe

of the king may be co

have borrowed the name

of the king for Upper

are to be found on the

of Amen en, heb at

boy Cyrus calls one o

king," Hero

arrying carpets, and secretaries who the moment he uttered a command, or even indicated a concession, a punishment

rivate table, the service on which was of immense worth and beauty, was placed in an apartment opening out of the large hall, and separated from it by purple hangings. These concealed him from the gaze of the revellers, but did no

lves before him; his relations alone, distinguished by the blue and whit

endous revel began. Animals, roasted whole, were placed on the table, and, when hunger was appeased, several courses o

writes that the Persi

fied, because nothing

t the end o

le, numerous cup-bearers filled the golden drinking-cups in the most graceful manner, first tasting the wine to prove that it was free from poison, and soon one of

o marry a noble and beautiful girl, when his brother's childlessness rendered marriage an evident and urgent duty for him? Why had he wished to see the E

e shall not rob me of her love. If he were not my brother

red to conduct him to the Harem, which he was accus

ou with impatience

ave you given orders that the palace on t

ady for occupa

e been assigned to t

he second wife of your father

greatest respect, and to receive no commands ev

bowe

s, has admission to her before my

with her th

been his busine

ral times, and it seemed to me that the Egyptian had received sorrowful intelligence. She was l

his back on the eunuch he followed the torch-bearers and attendant

er. Croesus went with the young warriors as far as the city gates, and as their last farewells and embraces were being exchanged

le to decipher t

love will

re she begged me to wish you farewel

likely t

self-will, but to gain their freedom, the most precious possession of mankind. Remember, too, that to shew mercy is better than to shed blood; the sword killeth, but the favor of the ruler bringeth joy and happiness. Con

TER

ssess Nitetis, but he dared not take her as his wife yet, as the Persian law forbade the king to marry a fore

rathustra or Zerethos

ers of new religions

r" according to Anque

doubtful, as the many

ate one is given in th

en, and thwistra glit

s uncertain whether h

til thinks in Urmi, a

osehasp, his mother's

ent. The time of his

k. Anquetil, and many

of Darius, a view whic

Duncker and v. Schac

was the law to Cambyses? In his eyes the law was embodied in his own person, and in his opinion three months woul

from all parts of Asia, black-eyed Armenians, dazzlingly fair maidens from the Caucasus, delicate girls from the shores of the Ganges, luxurious Babylonian wom

least the only one of whom it could be said that she was more to him than a purchased slave would have been. But even she,

lves in the dust at his feet; but when he thought of Nitetis, he beheld her erect, standing before him, on the same proud level as himself. He

gnorant, and caring for nothing but dress and finery: living only for petty intrigues and useless trifles. This Egyptian

o possess it seemed one and the same. "Bartja had better take care," he murm

ad passed a r

n her thoughts turned to her distant home and her poor sister Tachot, longing for her and for the beautiful Bartja, who, Croesus had told her, was going to-morrow to the war and possibly to death. At last she fell asleep, overcome by the fatigue of the journey and dreaming of her future husband. S

iling, shrill cry which she had heard

as windows, she looked out. A large and beautiful garden, laid out with f

ere celebrated through

d out much less stiff

ia did not consider ho

st among the Achaemen

t parks, called in Pe

own trees went so far,

ingularly beautiful t

es. Firdusi, the gre

to the growth of the c

Indeed some trees we

ree of life in the Heb

trees in the

morning breeze. After a few minutes she heard cries and noise in the distance, then the great city aw

to the window and perceived two figures coming out of the house. One she recognized as the eunuch Boges; he was talking to a beautiful Persian woman c

must be much fatigued by the journey. I see too

n. "Do you really think that this stran

I do, my p

ads you to s

bey the king's co

that

ng. I can read his features as

must ru

id than done, m

lone! you a

us, and you know you can d

't care. But tell me q

it our time. That detestable hypocrite Croesus seems to have established hi

her enemies now-she knew that a thousand dangers surrounded her, and yet she felt proud and happy, for was she not chosen to be the real wife of Cambyses? Her own worth seemed clearer to her th

o early?" she asked of her principal wa

the sounding

I was awakened by a stra

even to hear it, and indeed on great festivals, when it is not sounded, we awake from the unaccustomed stillness. From the hanging-gardens you will be able to see how the boys are taken to bathe e

ing the luxurious manner

r allowed to taste wine or vegetables. Indeed at times they are deprived of food and drink for some days, simply to accustom them to privations. When the court is at Ecbatana or Pasarga

of the kings cf Persi

ies at the foot of th

n the neighborhood o

from Rachmet in the

severely brought up, become in

an wonder, if, when at last they gain their liberty, they plunge into the pleasures of life with a tenfold eagerness? But on the other hand, in time of war, or when going to the chase, they never murmur at hunger or thirst, spring with a laugh into the mud r

boys are kept to such gymnastic exercises. My limbs were trained

are taught nothing but a little spinning and weaving. Is i

nearly

es and discern between herbs; but whoever, like the noble Darius, wishes to learn the art of writing, must apply to the Magi. Women are forbidden to turn their minds to such studies.-Now your dress is complete. This string of pearls, which the king sent this morning

ed. He had come to conduct Nitetis to Kassandane

kened the princess to the sun, the starry heavens, a pure fount of happiness, and a garden of roses.

malachite, lapis-lazuli, ebony and amber. The seats and couches were of gold covered with lions' skins, and a table of silver stood by the side of the blind queen. Kassandane was seated in a costly arm-chair. She wore a robe of violet-blue, embroidered with silver, and over her snow-white hair lay a long veil of d

ith the gentle light of stars. Even when sitting, her attitude and height showed a tall and s

en's youngest child Atossa, born to her late in life. Cambyses was standing before

his mother. The daughter of Amasis fell on her knees before t

e young girl's head, on which she laid her hand, "I have heard much

d; and now after long weeks of silence, I tremble with joy at the thought that I may say 'my mother' once more! I will indeed try to deserve your love and kindness; and you-you will be to me all that your loving countenance seems t

ys open to you, my heart ready to welcome you here. Come when you will, and call me your mother with the same perfect confidence with which I, from my whole heart, name you my daughter. In

leases you, and I know that when once she becomes familiar with our manners and customs she

aw-" began

hari, use your best skill for the queen's eyes, and if my wife permit, you, as her countryman, may

ld have done well to allow the boy to remain here a few months longer.

Bartja desired an opportunity of distinguishing hi

e war with the Massageta; where more glor

you will have deprived him of the power of fulfilling hi

ing in women and children. Bartja is on far too good terms with fortune to fall in the war. He

ing himself in the field as thou hast had? You are the king and I am bound to respect your commands, but I blame my son for depriving his blind mother of t

terrupting his mother, and pale with anger, "I d

eception-hall, followed by the immense retinue which nev

ide by side, at the feet of the queen. The Persian women listened eage

ses me best of all is your description of the entertainments, where men and women converse together as they like. The only meals we are allowed to take in the society of men are on New Year's Day and the king's birthday, and then we are forbidden to speak; indeed it is not thought right for us even to raise our eyes. How different it is with you! By Mithras! mother, I should like to be an Egyp

ed and she swung her spindle in the air, quite unconscious that

A woman must submit with humility to her quiet des

he Amazons who live on the shores of the Thermodon in Themiscyra, and at Comana

old yo

om my father brought a captiv

ike the warlike goddess they serve, in order to present to the worshippers a manifestation of the divinity in human form. Croesus says that an army of Amazons has never existed, but that the Gre

rs!" exclaimed the

th as you have," answered Nitetis, "but they do not call the men

and adorned his early life in a marvellous manner; yet no one calls them liars. But tell me, my daughter, is i

t before the greatness of the gods, and entreat them not to crush so insignificant a worm; but in the temple of Hera at Samos, I could only raise my hands to heaven in joyful thanksgiving, that the gods had made the earth so beautiful. In Egypt I

" cried Atossa; "but first Nebenchari mus

ration, and after being kindly greeted by Nitetis, withdrew once more silently into the background. At the same ti

family. Atossa, with her usual impetuosity, fell on the neck of the friend she had so sorely mi

look at life as a possession, as a thing understood and sure, but at my age every year

assandane. "My years are fewer than yours, and yet every

, values health a hundred-fold more than before; and he who regains sight after blindness, must be an especial favorite of the gods. Imagine to yourself the delight of that first moment when your eyes behold once more the bright shining of the sun, the faces of your

espect?" a

ect the poem in which he has assigned sixty years as the lim

ht, such a long life would be dreadful. Without my husband I seem t

you, and this kingdom, of which you

onger, and the ruler of this kingdom is

ueen's hands, and Nitetis cried: "You ought to desire a long life

cely audible voice: "You are right, my child

indling a destroying fire among your loved ones, and this should be your duty. You alone can dare to admonish the king in the violence of his passion. He regards you as his equal, and, while despising the opinion of others, feels wounded by his mother's disapproval. Is it n

nfluence over him is but small. He has been so much accustomed to have his own

of his son in word and deed, I venture occasionally a bold word to arrest his excesses. Ours is the only blame from which he shrinks: we alone can dare to speak our opinion to him. Let us courageously do our duty in this our office: you, moved by love to Persia and your son, and I by thankfulness to that great man to whom I owe

the forty-two deadly sins. One of our principal co

Dead (indeed in almo

representation of the

ed. The speech made by

n, in which she assur

ot committed the 42

ification is doubly i

ntire moral law of Mo

liarities and habits o

human morality-and

ative justification. T

this question philoso

borrowed so much from

, speaks for our view

e Egy

s, and there, in that most lovely mountain valley, to take my rest; but for your sake and for the king's, I will remain here and continue to give you instruction in the Persian tongue. Kassandane herself will initiate you

d asked in a low voice: "Am I to become unfaithful to the gods of my father

and calls such. The gods are a man's earliest, mightiest and most faithful friends, and it therefore becomes thy duty, as a wife,

iced in sincere devotion to the Apollo of the Greeks, without a fear that in so doing I should offend the Lydian sun-god Sandon; the Ionians pay their worship to the Asiatic Cybele, and, now that I have become a Persian, I raise my hands adoringly to Mithras, Ormuzd and the lovely Anahita. Pythagoras too, whose teaching is not new to you, worships one god only,

nker, who indulged in

ered much persecution

ourished at the time o

into the fifth centur

ngs above. He committe

ver

eing above us, on whom we can lean when our own powers fail,-the wonderful instinct which desires a faithful friend to whom we can tell every joy and sorrow without fear

Persian, nor the Greek divinities apart from each other, but that all these are one; and that one indivisible Deity, h

is already; but the Egyptian priests consider such views to be sacrilegious, and call their originators despisers of the gods. So I tried to repress such thoughts; but now I will resist them no longer. What the good and wise Croesus believes cannot possibly be evil or impious!

forgotten that her mother was a Greek, and that the daughters of Amasis had studied the doctrines of Pythagoras. Neither was he aware how ardently Nitetis longed to please her proud lord and master. Even Amasis, who so revered th

as a reward, you shall be allowed either to visit Kassandane, or to receive A

oud rejoicings by Atossa, and with a

balls and hoops with me from Sais, that you may

azement; "what can we do wi

skins of fish filled with air, or of leather. A child of two years old can throw these, but you would find it no eas

balls are still reckon

drives a wooden hall

et. Chardin (Voyage e

played by 3

ank you enoug

e. In the morning you will visit Kassandane, chat with

ome to teach you, and we can talk sometimes about Egypt and your loved

is sm

ill be in attendance to initia

eatest pains to com

with Atossa as long as you li

e young girl and kiss

TER

began to look upon the blind queen as a beloved and loving mother, and the merry, spirited Atossa nearly made up to her for the loss of her sister Tachot, so far away on the distant Nile. She could not have desired a better companion than this gay, cheerful girl, whose wit

Cambyses only visited his mother when he hoped to find Nitetis there, and presented her continually with rich dresses and costly jewels. But the highest proof of his favor consisted in his abstaining from visiting her

Once, when the ball had fallen into the water, the king sprang in after it, regardless of his costly apparel. Nitetis screamed on seeing his intention, but Cambyses handed her the dripping toy with the words: "Take care or I

She felt as if she must die if deprived of his presence. He seemed to her like a glorious and omnipotent divinity, and her wish to possess him presumptuous and sacrilegi

it was from fear, and not from her longing to behold him once more. Croesus, however, had soon discovered the truth, and brought a

e flying co

ide in mar

r turban'd

s of the Ea

lover's g

to his b

m we see th

s dropp'd his

gnio

(January, February and March), which succeeds the rainy month of December, was over, and the principal festival of the Asiatics, the New Year, had been solemnized at the equinox, and the May sun had begun to glow in the heavens

were compelled to coax from Cambyses whatever Boges desired for himself or others. Not a day passed on which the mortified official did not consult with the supplanted favorite Phae

vengeance, was perpetually urging Boges to some

have devised a little plan which must ruin the Egyptian woman as surely as my n

of a woman. I fully acknowledge your courage, but at the same time advise you to remember that, though a man proves his courage in action, a woman's is shown in obedience. Obey my words and await the issue in patience." Nebenchari, the oculist, continued to attend the queen, but so carefully abstained from all intercourse with the Persians, that he became a proverb am

y, but he refused this offer decidedly, and persisted in his haughty reserve. When Oropastes attempted to explain to him the celebrated Babylonian sun-dial, intr

her asking whether she had displeased or offended him, answered: "For me you are a stranger. How can I reckon those my

ari, and took much pains to secure him as an ally, but the physician

lace with despatches for the king, than Boges hastene

bringing word that the rebels were subdu

us prince; the streets glittered once more in festal array, the army entered the gates of Babylon,

d warmth, and took him to the queen's apartme

alousy seemed a silly fancy now, and he wished to give Bartj

ered for a season, and around the spot where the heads of those who had suffered capital punishment

in which countries they had filled many of the highest offices at court and in the state), was now waning, and the importance of the noble Achaemenida

; Otanes, his uncle and father-in-law. Intaphernes, Aspathines, Gobryas, Hydarnes, the general Megabyzus, father of Zopyrus, the envoy Prexasp

raps or governors of the provinces, and the chief priests from every

as the principal feast

east." Herod. I. 133.

cients, and more esp

bilingual Egyptian tab

ne 10 of hieroglyphic

pus ed. Lepsius, hier

he celebration of the

Rameses II., so early