m more than yourself, would
he rejoice your heart by his courtesy? Far from it, I trow; he who did
this, you would say, did you the greatest wrong in all the world. [31]
And now, to come nearest to my own case, suppose some one paid such
attention to your Persians that they learnt to follow him instead of
you, would you reckon that man your friend? No; but a worse enemy
than if he had slain a thousand. [32] Or again, say you spoke in all
friendship to a friend and bade him take what he wished, and straightway
he took all he could lay hands on and carried it off, and so grew rich
with your wealth, and you were left in utter poverty, could you say that
friend was altogether blameless? [33] And I, Cyrus, I feel that you have
treated me, if not in that way, yet in a way exactly like it. What you
say is true enough: I did allow you to take what you liked and go, and
you took the whole of my power and went, leaving me desolate, and to-day
you bring the spoil you have won with my forces, and lay it so grandly
at my feet--magnificent! And you make my country great through the help
of my own might, while I have no part or lot in the performance, but
must step in at the end, like a woman, to receive your favours, while in
the eyes of all men, not least my faithful subjects yonder, you are the
man, and I--I am not fit to wear a crown. [34] Are these, I ask you,
Cyrus, are these the deeds of a benefactor? Nay, had you been kind as
you are kin, above all else you would have been careful not to rob me
of my dignity and honour. What advantage is it to me for my lands to be
made broad if I myself am dishonoured? When I ruled the Medes, I ruled
them not because I was stronger than all of them, but because they
themselves thought that our race was in all things better than theirs."

[35] But while he was still speaking Cyrus broke in on his words,
crying:

"Uncle of mine, by the heaven above us, if I have ever shown you any
kindness, be kind to me now. Do not find fault with me any more, wait,
and put me to the test, and learn how I feel towards you, and if you see
that what I have done has really brought you good, then, when I embrace
you, embrace me in return and call me your benefactor, and if not, you
may blame me as you please."

[36] "Perhaps," answered Cyaxares, "you are right. I will do as you
wish."

"Then I may kiss you?" said Cyrus.

"Yes, if it pleases you. "And you will not turn aside as you did just
now?" "No, I will