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[1]
For these acts Croesus the Lydian thought fit to take him to task, and addressed him thus: “Sire, do not sacrifice everything to youth and temper, but restrain and control yourself; prudence is a good thing, forethought is wise. But you kill men of your own country whom you have convicted of some minor offense, and you kill boys.
For these acts Croesus the Lydian thought fit to take him to task, and addressed him thus: “Sire, do not sacrifice everything to youth and temper, but restrain and control yourself; prudence is a good thing, forethought is wise. But you kill men of your own country whom you have convicted of some minor offense, and you kill boys.
[2] If you do so often, beware lest the
Persians revolt from you. As for me, your father
Cyrus earnestly begged me to counsel you and to give you such advice as I think to be good.”
Croesus gave him this counsel out of goodwill; but
Cambyses answered:
[3] “It is very well that you should even dare to counsel me; you, who governed your own country so well, and gave fine advice to my father—telling him, when the
Massagetae were willing to cross over into our lands, to pass the
Araxes and attack them; thus you worked your own ruin by misgoverning your country and
Cyrus', who trusted you. But you shall regret it; I have long waited for an occasion to deal with you.”
[4] With that
Cambyses took his bow to shoot him dead; but
Croesus leapt up and ran out; and
Cambyses, being unable to shoot him, ordered his attendants to catch and kill him.
[5] They, knowing
Cambyses' mood, hid
Croesus; intending to reveal him and receive gifts for saving his life, if
Cambyses should repent and ask for
Croesus, but if he should not repent nor wish
Croesus back, then to kill the
Lydian.
[6] Not long after this
Cambyses did wish
Croesus back, and the attendants, understanding this, told him that
Croesus was alive still.
Cambyses said that he was glad of it; but that they, who had saved
Croesus, should not escape with impunity, but be killed; and this was done.
Histories. Herodotus. ed. A.D. Godley. Cambridge. 1920-1925.
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