a tortoise and a lamb in a brass pot, which had a brass

cover.

Croesus, thus assured of the veracity of the god whom he designed to consult, offered 3,000 victims in his honor, besides which he considerably augmented the treasures of the temple of Delphi. On consulting the oracle again, to know whether he should carry his arms against the Persians, and how long the duration of his empire should be; the answer to the first article was, that, if he carried his arms against Persia, he would subvert a great empire; but that he would do well, if such were his intentions, to make alliance with the states of Greece. To the second question, the answer was, that his kingdom should subsist until a mule should possess the throne of Media, which he considered as an assurance of the long duration of his kingdom.

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Pursuant to the direction of the oracle, Croesus entered into alliance with the Athenians and Lacedæmonians, the two most powerful states of Greece. A certain Lydian, on this occasion, gave Croesus very judicious advice: 0 prince," said he," why do you think of turning your arms against the Persians, who, born in a rugged country, are inured to fatigue, and who, coarsely fed and clothed, and accustomed to hardships from infancy, can content themselves with bread and water, and, in short, are absolute strangers to all the comforts of life; who, if you conquer them, have nothing to lose, but every thing to gain; whom, if they conquer you, it would be very difficult to drive out of your country when once they participate in its advantages? So far, therefore, from thinking of making war against them, it is my opinion we ought to thank the gods that they have never incited the Persians to attack the Lydians." But Croesus had taken his resolution, and would not be diverted from it. The sequel to the history of Croesus will be found in that of Cyrus, which follows.

EXERCISES.

In what year did Croesus ascend the throne of Lydia?
From what sources did his riches arise?

What Grecian philosopher visited his court?

How did Croesus receive him?

What effect had the splendor of the court of Lydia upon Solon?
How did he account to Croesus for his apathy?

Relate the story of Atys.

What was the conduct of Croesus on the death of Atys?

How was he roused from his lethargy?

Relate the story of the Delphic oracle as connected with Croesus.

Did Croesus make war against the Persians?

What was the state of Greece at this period?

THE

HISTORY OF THE PERSIANS AND

MEDES.

PART VI.

CHAPTER I.

THE HISTORY OF CYRUS.

CYRUS was the son of Cambyses, king of A. M. 3405. Persia, and of Mandana, daughter of Astyages, A. C. 599. king of the Medes. The Persians were at this

time divided into twelve tribes, and inhabited only one province of that vast country, known by the name of Persia. Through the prudence and valor of Cyrus, this people acquired the empire of the East; and the name of Persia extended from the river Indus to the Tigris, and from the Caspian sea to the ocean; and the country of Persia has still the same extent.

Cyrus was beautiful in person, and endued with many excellent qualities; he possessed a great desire for learning, and a noble ardor for glory. He was brought up according to the laws and customs of the Persians, which were then excellent with respect to education.

When Cyrus was twelve years old, his mother, Mandana, in compliance with her father's request, carried him on a visit to his court. Here Cyrus witnessed very different manners from those of his own country. The Medes affected an effeminate life-to be dressed in scarlet, to wear necklaces and bracelets; and, in short, magnificence prevailed in every thing. The Persians, on the contrary, were very plain and coarse. All this splendor did not dazzle Cyrus, who, without criticising or condemning, contented himself with living as he had been brought up. His grandfather

was charmed with his wit, and he gained the favor of the court by his engaging behaviour, of which the following are instances. Astyages, to induce his grandson to remain in Media, made a sumptuous entertainment. Cyrus, however, looked upon the exquisite cheer with great indifference; and observing that Astyages was surprised at his behaviour "The Persians," said he to the king, "have a shorter method of appeasing their hunger; a little bread and cresses answer with them the same purpose." Astyages, having allowed Cyrus to dispose of all the dishes as he thought fit, the latter immediately distributed them to the king's officers in waiting;-to one, because he taught him to ride; to another, because he waited well upon his grandfather; and to a third, because he showed his mother respect and attention. Sacas, the king's cup-bearer, was the only person on whom he bestowed nothing. This officer, as well as exercising the post of cup-bearer, introduced all those who had audience of the king; and as he could not grant that favor to Cyrus as often as he desired, the prince took this occasion to show his resentment. Astyages expressing his concern at the neglect shown to a favorite attendant, who served him with great dexterity," Is that all?" said Cyrus, "then you shall see I will quickly obtain your favor, for I will serve you better than

he." Immediately Cyrus was equipped as a cup-bearer, and advancing gravely with a serious air, a napkin upon his shoulder, and holding the cup elegantly with three fingers, he presented it to the king with a grace that charmed both Astyages and Mandana. The ceremony over, he threw himself upon his grandfather's neck, and, kissing him, exclaimed, "O Sacas! poor Sacas! thou art undone-I shall have thy place." Astyages embraced him with much fondness, and said, "I am greatly pleased, my dear child; nobody could serve me with a better grace: but you have omitted one essential part of the ceremony, that of tasting." "No," replied Cyrus, "it was not through forgetfulness that I omitted it." "Why, then," said Astyages, " for what reason did you not do it?" "Because I apprehended there was poison in the liquor." Poison, child! How could you think so?" Yes, poison; for not long since, at an entertainment you gave to the lords of your court, after the guests had drunk a little of that liquor, I perceived

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all their heads were turned, they sang, made a noise, and talked they knew not what; you even seemed to forget that you were a king, and they that they were subjects; and when you wished to dance, you could not stand upon your legs." Why," said Astyages, "have you never seen the same thing happen to your father?" No, never," said Cyrus. "How is it with him when he drinks?" "Why, when he has drunk, his thirst is quenched, and that is all." Cyrus did not return to Persia with his mother Mandana, but remained in Media to perfect himself in the art of riding, which was not practised in Persia, owing to the barrenness of the country, which rendered it unfit for the breeding of horses. During his residence at his grandfather's court, he gained the love and esteem of every one by his amiable deportment; and all who had favors to beg of the king obtained them through the medium of Cyrus: if any subjects incurred disgrace, he was their mediator.

EXERCISES.

Give an account of the condition of the world at the birth of Cyrus.
How was Cyrus educated?

Whither did his mother take him when he was twelve years old?

What was his conduct at the court of his grandfather?

Relate some anecdotes told of him at this time.

In what exercise did Cyrus perfect himself while at the court of his grandfather?

How did Cyrus endear himself to the Medians?

CHAPTER II.

CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF CYRUS.

When Cyrus was sixteen years of age, he accompanied his grandfather Astyages in his march against Evil-Merodach, king of Babylon, who had made an irruption into Media. Here he behaved with so much valor, that the victory gained over the Babylonians was chiefly attributed to him.

A. c. 583.

The year after, his father recalled him to Persia, A. M. 3421. that his education might be completed; and Cyrus immediately obeyed the summons. This occasion showed how much he was beloved. At his departure he was accompanied by all sorts of people, young and old; Astyages himself conducted him a part of his journey on horseback; and when the sad moment of separation came, the whole company melted into tears. On arriving in his own country, Cyrus re-entered the class of children, where

he continued a year. His companions expected on his return to find him tinctured with the manners of the voluptuous court of Media, but when they saw that he was content with their ordinary table they looked upon him with admiration. From this class he passed into the second (the class of youths), and here it appeared that he had not his equal in dexterity, patience, and obedience. Ten years after he was admitted into the men's class, where he remained thirteen years, when he set out at the head of the Persian army, to go to the aid of his uncle Cyaxares, against the Babylonians.

EXERCISES.

In what war did Cyrus assist his grandfather?
Was his education completed at this time?

What occurred on his departure for Persia?

Who called him to his assistance against the Babylonians?
How did Cyrus demean himself on his return to Persia

CHAPTER III.

CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF CYRUS.

A. M. 3444.

A. C. 560.

ASTYAGES, king of the Medes, was succeeded by his son Cyaxares, brother to Mandana, the mother of Cyrus. Immediately on his accession to the throne, Neriglissor, king of Babylon (aided by many princes, and among others Croesus, king of Lydia), marched against him with a powerful army.

Cyaxares, the better to resist these formidable enemies, applied for assistance to Cambyses, king of Persia, who sent to his aid Cyrus, with an army of 30,000 infantry. Cambyses accompanied his son to the frontiers of Persia, and instructed him on the way in all the duties of a general. Cyrus had imagined himself thoroughly informed on all that related to war, but Cambyses in a single conversation taught him infinitely more than all his celebrated masters had done in the course of several years. One short instance of this discourse may serve to give the reader an idea of the rest. The question was, What are the proper means of making soldiers obedient and submissive? "The way to effect that," said Cyrus, seems very easy; it is only to praise and reward those that do well, and punish those that fail in duty." "You say well," replied Cambyses, "that is the way to make them obey by force but the

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