CHAPTER XII.
Seven weeks after Nitetis had quitted her native country, a long trainof equipages and horsemen was to be seen on the king's highway fromthe west to Babylon, moving steadily towards that gigantic city, whosetowers might already be descried in the far distance.
[The great road called the "king's road," of which we shall have more to say, was made by Cyrus and carefully kept up by Darius.]
The principal object in this caravan was a richly-gilded, four-wheeledcarriage, closed in at the sides by curtains, and above by a roofsupported on wooden pillars. In this vehicle, called the Harmamaxa,resting on rich cushions of gold brocade, sat our Egyptian Princess.
[Harmamaxa--An Asiatic travelling carriage. The first mention of these is in Xenophon's Anabasis, where we find a queen travelling in such a vehicle. They were later adopted by the Romans and used for the same object.]
On either side rode her escort, viz.: the Persian princes and nobleswhom we have already learnt to know during their visit to Egypt, Croesusand his son.
Behind these, a long train, consisting of fifty vehicles of differentkinds and six hundred beasts of burden, stretched away intothe distance, and the royal carriage was preceded by a troop ofsplendidly-mounted Persian cavalry.
The high-road followed the course of the Euphrates, passing throughluxuriant fields of wheat, barley and sesame yielding fruit two, andsometimes even three, hundred-fold. Slender date-palms covered withgolden fruit were scattered in every direction over the fields, whichwere thoroughly irrigated by means of canals and ditches.
It was winter, but the sun shone warm and bright from a cloudless sky.The mighty river swarmed with craft of all sizes, either transportingthe products of Upper Armenia to the plains of Mesopotamia, or the waresof Greece and Asia Minor from Thapsakus to Babylon.
[Thapsakus--An important commercial town on the Euphrates, and the point of observation from which Eratosthenes took his measurements of the earth.]
Pumps and water-wheels poured refreshing streams over the thirsty land,and pretty villages ornamented the shores of the river. Indeed everyobject gave evidence that our caravan was approaching the metropolis ofa carefully governed and civilized state.
Nitetis and her retinue now halted at a long brick house, roofed withasphalte, and surrounded by a grove of plane-trees.
[Asphalte--Nearly all authorities, ancient as well as modern, report that bitumen, which is still plentifully found in the neighborhood of Babylon, was used by the Babylonians as mortar. See, besides the accounts of ancient writers, W. Vaux, 'Nineveh and Persepolis'. Burnt bitumen was used by Assyrians for cement in building.]
Here Croesus was lifted from his horse, and approaching the carriage,exclaimed: "Here we are at length at the last station! That high towerwhich you see on the horizon is the celebrated temple of Bel, next tothe Pyramids, one of the most gigantic works ever constructed by humanhands. Before sunset we shall have reached the brazen gates of Babylon.And now I would ask you to alight, and let me send your maidens into thehouse; for here you must put on Persian apparel, to appear well-pleasingin the eyes of Cambyses. In a few hours you will stand before yourfuture husband. But you are pale! Permit your maidens to adorn yourcheeks with a color that shall look like the excitement of joy. A firstimpression is often a final one, and this is especially true with regardto Cambyses. If, which I doubt not, you are pleasing in his eyes atfirst, then you have won his love for ever; but if you should displeasehim to-day he will never look kindly on you again, for he is rough andharsh. But take courage, my daughter, and above all, do not forget theadvice I have given you." Nitetis dried her tears as she answered: "Howcan I ever thank you, O Croesus, my second father, my protector andadviser, for all your goodness? Oh, forsake me not in the days to come!and if the path of my life should lead through grief and care, be nearto help and guide me as you did on the mountain-passes of this long anddangerous journey. A thousand times I thank thee, O my father!"
And, as she said these words, the young girl threw her arms around theold man's neck and kissed him tenderly.
On entering the court-yard, a tall stout man, followed by a train ofAsiatic serving-maidens, came forward to meet them. This was Boges, thechief of the eunuchs, an important official at the Persian court. Hisbeardless face wore a smile of fulsome sweetness; in his ears hungcostly jewelled pendents; his neck, arms, legs and his effeminately longgarments glittered all over with gold chains and rings, and his crisp,stiff curls, bound round by a purple fillet, streamed with powerful andpenetrating perfumes.
Making a low and reverential obeisance before Nitetis, and holding, thewhile, his fat hands overloaded with rings before his mouth, he thusaddressed her: "Cambyses, lord of the world, hath sent me to thee, OQueen, 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 mightiestof all rulers, mayest approach the gates of the Achaemenidae in Mediangarments. These women whom thou seest are thy handmaidens, and onlyawait thy bidding to transform thee from an Egyptian jewel into aPersian pearl."
The master of the caravansary then appeared, bearing, in token ofwelcome, a basket of fruits arranged with great taste.
Nitetis returned her thanks to both these men in kind and friendlywords; then entering the house laid aside the dress and ornaments of hernative land, weeping as she did so, allowed the strangers to unloose theplait of hair which hung down at the left side of her head, and was thedistinctive mark of an Egyptian princess, and to array her in Mediangarments.
[In almost all the Egyptian pictures, the daughters and sons of the Pharaohs are represented with these locks of hair, plaited and reaching from the forehead to the neck. Rosellini, Mon. stor. II. 123. Lepsius, Denkmaler. The daughter of Rameses II. is drawn thus, and we have examples of the same in many other pictures.]
In the meantime, a repast had been commanded by the princeswho accompanied her. Eager and agile attendants rushed to thebaggage-waggons, fetching thence, in a few moments, seats, tables, andgolden utensils of all kinds. The cooks vied with them and with eachother, and as if by magic, in a short space of time a richly-adornedbanquet for the hungry guests appeared, at which even the flowers werenot wanting.
During the entire journey our travellers had lived in a similar luxury,as their beasts of burden carried every imaginable convenience, fromtents of water-proof materials inwrought with gold, down to silverfoot-stools; and in the vehicles which composed their train werenot only bakers, cooks, cup-bearers and carvers, but perfumers,hair-dressers and weavers of garlands. Beside these conveniences, awell-fitted up caravansary, or inn, was to be found about every eighteenmiles along the whole route, where disabled horses could be replaced,the plantations around which afforded a refreshing shelter from thenoonday heat, or their hearths a refuge from the snow and cold on themountain-passes.
The kingdom of Persia was indebted for these inns (similar to thepost-stations of modern days) to Cyrus, who had endeavored to connectthe widely-distant provinces of his immense dominions by a system ofwell-kept roads, and a regular postal service. At each of these stationsthe horseman carrying the letter-bag was relieved by a fresh man on afresh steed, to whom the letters were transferred, and who, in his turn,darted off like the wind, to be again replaced at a similar distanceby another rider. These couriers, called Angari, were considered theswiftest horsemen in the world.
[Herodotus V. 14. 49-52. Persian milestones are still to be found among the ruins of the old king's road, which led from Nineveh to Ecbatana. The Kurds call them keli-Shin (blue pillars).]
Just as the banqueters, amongst whom Boges had taken his seat, wererising from table, the door opened, and a vision appeared, whichdrew prolonged exclamation of surprise from all the Persians present.Nitetis, clad in the glorious apparel of a Median princess, proud in theconsciousness of her triumphant beauty, and yet blushing like a younggirl at the wondering admira
tion of her friends, stood before them.
The attendants involuntarily fell on their faces before her, accordingto the custom of the Asiatics, and the noble Achaemenidae bowed low andreverentially; for it seemed as if Nitetis has laid aside all her formerbashfulness and timidity with her simple Egyptian dress, and with thesplendid silken garments of a Persian princess, flashing as they werewith gold and jewels, had clothed herself in the majesty of a queen.
The deep reverence paid by all present seemed agreeable to her, andthanking her admiring friends by a gracious wave of the hand, she turnedto the chief of the eunuchs and said in a kind tone but mingled with atouch of pride; "Thou hast performed thy mission well; I am content withthe raiment and the slaves that thou hast provided and shall commend thycircumspection to the king, my husband. Receive this gold chain in themeanwhile, as a token of my gratitude."
The eunuch kissed the hem of her garment, and accepted the gift insilence. This man, hitherto omnipotent in his office, had never beforeencountered such pride in any of the women committed to his charge. Upto the present time all Cambyses' wives had been Asiatics, and, wellaware of the unlimited power of the chief of the eunuchs, had used everymeans within their reach to secure his favor by flattery and submission.
Boges now made a second obeisance before Nitetis, of which, however, shetook no notice, and turning to Croesus said: "Neither words nor giftscould ever suffice to express my gratitude to you, kindest of friends,for, if my future life at the court of Persia prove, I will not ventureto say a happy, but even a peaceful one, it is to you alone that Ishall owe it. Still, take this ring. It has never left my finger sinceI quitted Egypt, and it has a significance far beyond its outward worth.Pythagoras, the noblest of the Greeks, gave it to my mother, when hewas tarrying in Egypt to learn the wisdom of our priests, and it was herparting gift to me. The number seven is engraved upon the simple stone.This indivisible number represents perfect health, both to soul and bodyfor health is likewise one and indivisible.
[Seven, the "motherless" number, which has no factor below ten.]
The sickness of one member is the sickness of all; one evil thought,allowed to take up its abode within our heart, destroys the entireharmony of the soul. When you see this seven therefore, let it recall myheart's wish that you may ever enjoy undisturbed bodily health, and longretain that loving gentleness which has made you the most virtuous, andtherefore the healthiest of men. No thanks, my father, for even if Icould restore to Croesus all the treasures that he once possessed, Ishould still retrain his debtor. Gyges, to you I give this Lydian lyre;let its tones recall the giver to your memory. For you, Zopyrus, Ihave a golden chain; I have witnessed that you are the most faithful offriends; and we Egyptians are accustomed to place cords and bands inthe hands of our lovely Hathor, the goddess of love and friendship,as symbols of her captivating and enchaining attributes. As Darius hasstudied the wisdom of Egypt and the signs of the starry heavens, I beghim to take this circlet of gold, on which a skilful hand has traced thesigns of the Zodiac.
[Diodorus (I. 49.) tells, that in the tomb of Osymandyas (palace of Rameses II. at Thebes) there lay a circle of gold, one ell thick and 365 ells in circumference, containing a complete astronomical calendar. The circle of the zodiac from Dendera, which is now in Paris,--an astronomical ceiling painting, which was believed at the time of its discovery to be of great age, is not nearly so ancient as was supposed, dating only from the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Letronne was the first to estimate it correctly. See Lepsius, Chron. p.63. and Lauth, 'les zodiaques de Dendera'. Munich 1865.]
And lastly, to my dear brother-in-law Bartja I commit the most preciousjewel in my possession--this amulet of blue stone. My sister Tachot hungit round my neck as I kissed her on the last night before we parted; shetold 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 thatmoment, but I hope I am acting according to her wishes in giving youher precious jewel. Take it as a gift from Tachot, and sometimes call tomind our games in the Sais gardens."
Thus far she had been speaking Greek, but now, addressing the attendantswho remained standing in an attitude of deep reverence, she began inbroken Persian: "Accept my thanks also. In Babylon you shall receive athousand gold staters." Then turning to Boges, she added: "Let thissum be distributed among the attendants at latest by the day afterto-morrow. Take me to my carriage, Croesus."
The old king hastened to do her bidding, and as he was leading herthither she pressed his arm and whispered gently, "Are you pleased withme, my father?"
"I tell you, girl," the old man answered, "that no one but the king'smother can ever be your equal at this court, for a true and queenlypride reigns on your brow, and you have the power of using small meansto effect great ends. Believe me, the smallest gift, chosen and bestowedas you can choose and bestow, gives more pleasure to a noble mindthan heaps of treasure merely cast down at his feet. The Persians areaccustomed to present and receive costly gifts. They understand alreadyhow to enrich their friends, but you can teach them to impart a joywith every gift. How beautiful you are to-day! Are your cushions toyour mind, or would you like a higher seat? But what is that? There areclouds of dust in the direction of the city. Cambyses is surely comingto meet you! Courage, my daughter. Above all try to meet his gaze andrespond 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 mostglorious beauty! My friends, we must start, I think the king himself iscoming." Nitetis sat erect in her splendid, gilded carriage; her handswere pressed on her throbbing heart. The clouds of dust came nearerand nearer, her eye caught the flash of weapons like lightning acrossa stormy sky. The clouds parted, she could see single figures for amoment, but soon lost them as the road wound behind some thickets andshrubs. Suddenly the troop of horsemen appeared in full gallop only ahundred paces before her, and distinctly visible.
Her first impression was of a motley mass of steeds and men, glitteringin purple, gold, silver and jewels. It consisted in reality of a troopof more than two hundred horsemen mounted on pure white Nicaean horses,whose bridles and saddle-cloths were covered with bells and bosses,feathers, fringes, and embroidery. Their leader rode a powerfulcoal-black charger, which even the strong will and hand of his ridercould not always curb, though in the end his enormous strength provedhim the man to tame even this fiery animal. This rider, beneath whoseweight the powerful steed trembled and panted, wore a vesture of scarletand white, thickly embroidered with eagles and falcons in silver.
[Curtius III. 3. Xenoph. Cyrap, VIII. 3. 7. Aeschylus, Persians 835. 836. The king's dress and ornaments were worth 12,000 talents, or L2,250,000 (estimate of 1880) according to Plutarch, Artaxerxes 24.]
The lower part of his dress was purple, and his boots of yellow leather.He wore a golden girdle; in this hung a short dagger-like sword,the hilt and scabbard of which were thickly studded with jewels. Theremaining ornaments of his dress resembled those we have described asworn by Bartja, and the blue and white fillet of the Achaemenidae wasbound around the tiara, which surmounted a mass of thick curls, black asebony. The lower part of his face was concealed by an immense beard. Hisfeatures were pale and immovable, but the eyes, (more intensely black,if possible, than either hair or beard), glowed with a fire that wasrather scorching than warming. A deep, fiery-red scar, given by thesword of a Massagetan warrior, crossed his high forehead, archednose and thin upper lip. His whole demeanor expressed great power andunbounded pride.
Nitetis' gaze was at once riveted by this man. She had never seen anyone like him before, and he exercised a strange fascination over her.The expression of indomitable pride, worn by his features, seemed to herto represent a manly nature which the whole world, but she herself aboveall others, was created to serve. She felt afraid, and yet her truewoman's heart longed to lean upon his strength as the vine upon the elm.She could not be quite s
ure whether she had thus pictured to herself thefather of all evil, the fearful Seth, or the great god Ammon, the giverof light.
The deepest pallor and the brightest color flitted by turns across herlovely face, like the light and shadow when clouds pass swiftly over asunny noonday sky. She had quite forgotten the advice of her fatherlyold friend, and yet, when Cambyses brought his unruly, chafing steed toa stand by the side of her carriage, she gazed breathless into the fieryeyes of this man and felt at once that he was the king, though no onehad told her so.
The stern face of this ruler of half the known world relaxed, asNitetis, moved by an unaccountable impulse, continued to bear hispiercing gaze. At last he waved his hand to her in token of welcome, andthen rode on to her escort, who had alighted from their horses and wereawaiting him, some having cast themselves down in the dust, and others,after the Persian manner, standing in an attitude of deep reverence,their hands concealed in the wide sleeves of their robes.
He sprang from his horse, an example which was followed at once by hisentire suite. The attendants, with the speed of thought, spread a richpurple carpet on the highway, lest the foot of the king should comein contact with the dust of the earth, and then Cambyses proceeded tosalute his friends and relations by offering them his mouth to kiss.
He shook Croesus by the right hand, commanding him to remount andaccompany him to the carriage, as interpreter between himself andNitetis.
In an instant his highest office-bearers were at hand to lift the kingonce more on to his horse, and at a single nod from their lord, thetrain was again in motion.
Cambyses and Croesus rode by the side of the carriage.
"She is beautiful, and pleases me well," began the king. "Interpretfaithfully all her answers, for I understand only the Persian, Assyrianand Median tongues."
Nitetis caught and understood these words. A feeling of intense joystole into her heart, and before Croesus could answer, she began softlyin broken Persian and blushing deeply: "Blessed be the gods, who havecaused me to find favor in thine eyes. I am not ignorant of the speechof my lord, for the noble Croesus has instructed me in the Persianlanguage during our long journey. Forgive, if my sentences be broken andimperfect; the time was short, and my capacity only that of a poor andsimple maiden."
[Diodorus tells us that Themistocles learnt the Persian language during the journey to Susa. We are not, therefore, requiring an impossibility of Nitetis.]
A smile passed over the usually serious mouth of Cambyses. His vanitywas flattered by Nitetis' desire to win his approbation, and, accustomedas he was to see women grow up in idleness and ignorance, thinking ofnothing but finery and intrigue, her persevering industry seemed tohim both wonderful and praise worthy. So he answered with evidentsatisfaction: "I rejoice that we can speak without an interpreter.Persevere in learning the beautiful language of my forefathers. Croesus,who sits at my table, shall still remain your instructor."
"Your command confers happiness!" exclaimed the old man. "No more eageror thankful pupil could be found, than the daughter of Amasis."
"She justifies the ancient report of the wisdom of Egypt," answered theking, "and I can believe that she will quickly understand and receiveinto her soul the religious instructions of our Magi."
Nitetis dropped her earnest gaze. Her fears were being realized. Shewould be compelled to serve strange gods.
But her emotion passed unnoticed by Cambyses, who went on speaking:"My mother Kassandane will tell you the duties expected from my wives.To-morrow I myself will lead you to her. The words, which you innocentlychanced to hear, I now repeat; you please me well. Do nothing toalienate my affection. We will try to make our country agreeable,and, as your friend, I counsel you to treat Boges whom I sent as myforerunner, in a kind and friendly manner. As head over the house of thewomen, you will have to conform to his will in many things."
"Though he be head over the house of the women," answered Nitetis,"surely your wife is bound to obey no other earthly will than yours.Your slightest look shall be for me a command; but remember that I am aking's daughter, that in my native land the weaker and the stronger sexhave equal rights, and that the same pride reigns in my breast, whichI see kindling in your eyes, my lord and king! My obedience to you, myhusband and my ruler, shall be that of a slave, but I can never stoopto sue for the favor, or obey the orders of a venal servant, the mostunmanly of his kind!"
Cambyses' wonder and satisfaction increased. He had never heard anywoman speak in this way before, except his mother; the clever way inwhich Nitetis acknowledged, and laid stress on, his right to command herevery act, was very flattering to his self-love, and her pride found anecho in his own haughty disposition. He nodded approvingly and answered:"You have spoken well. A separate dwelling shall be appointed you. I,and no one else, will prescribe your rules of life and conduct. This daythe pleasant palace on the hanging-gardens shall be prepared for yourreception."
"A thousand, thousand thanks," cried Nitetis. "You little know theblessing you are bestowing in this permission. Again and again I havebegged your brother Bartja to repeat the story of these gardens, and thelove of the king who raised that verdant and blooming hill, pleased usbetter than all the other glories of your vast domains."
"To-morrow," answered the king, "you can enter your new abode. But tellme now how my messengers pleased you and your countrymen."
"How can you ask? Who could know the noble Croesus without loving him?Who could fail to admire the beauty of the young heroes, your friends?They have all become dear to us, but your handsome brother Bartjaespecially, won all hearts. The Egyptians have no love for strangers,and yet the gaping crowd would burst into a murmur of admiration, whenhis beautiful face appeared among them."
At these words the king's brow darkened; he struck his horse so sharplythat the creature reared, and then turning it quickly round he galloppedto the front and soon reached the walls of Babylon.
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Though Nitetis had been brought up among the huge temples and palacesof Egypt, she was still astonished at the size and grandeur of thisgigantic city.
Its walls seemed impregnable; they measured more than seventy-fivefeet--[Fifty ells. The Greek ell is equal to one foot and a halfEnglish.]--in height and their breadth was so great, that two chariotscould conveniently drive abreast upon them. These mighty defences werecrowned and strengthened by two hundred and fifty high towers, and eventhese would have been insufficient, if Babylon had not been protected onone side by impassable morasses. The gigantic city lay on both shoresof the Euphrates. It was more than forty miles in circumference, andits walls enclosed buildings surpassing in size and grandeur even thePyramids and the temples of Thebes.
[These numbers and measurements are taken partly from Herodotus, partly from Diodorus, Strabo and Arrian. And even the ruins of this giant city, writes Lavard, are such as to allow a very fair conclusion of its enormous size. Aristotle (Polit. III. I.) says Babylon's dimensions were not those of a city, but of a nation.]
The mighty gates of brass, through which the royal train entered thecity, had opened wide to receive this noble company. This entrance wasdefended on each side by a strong tower, and before each of these towerslay, as warder, a gigantic winged bull carved in stone, with a humanhead, bearded and solemn. Nitetis gazed at these gates in astonishment,and then a joyful smile lighted up her face, as she looked up the longbroad street so brightly and beautifully decorated to welcome her.
The moment they beheld the king and the gilded carriage, the multitudeburst into loud shouts of joy, but when Bartja, the people's darling,came in sight, the shouts rose to thunder-peals and shrieks of delight,which seemed as if they would never end. It was long since the populacehad seen Cambyses, for in accordance with Median customs the king seldomappeared in public. Like the Deity, he was to govern invisibly, and hisoccasional appearance before the nation to be looked upon as a festivaland occasion of rejoicing. Thus all Babylon had come out to-day tolook upon the
ir awful ruler and to welcome their favorite Bartja on hisreturn. The windows were crowded with eager, curious women, who threwflowers before the approaching train, or poured sweet perfumes fromabove as they passed by. The pavement was thickly strewn with myrtleand palm branches, trees of different kinds had been placed before thehouse-doors, carpets and gay cloths hung from the windows, garlands offlowers were wreathed from house to house, fragrant odors of incense andsandal-wood perfumed the air, and the way was lined with thousands ofgaping Babylonians dressed in white linen shirts, gaily-colored woollenpetticoats and short cloaks, and carrying long staves headed withpomegranates, birds, or roses, of gold or silver.
The streets through which the procession moved were broad and straight,the houses on either side, built of brick, tall and handsome. Toweringabove every thing else, and visible from all points, rose the gigantictemple of Bel. Its colossal staircase, like a huge serpent, wound roundand round the ever-diminishing series of stories composing the tower,until it reached the summit crowned by the sanctuary itself.
[This temple of Bel, which many consider may have been the tower of Babel of Genesis XI., is mentioned by Herodotus I. 181. 182. 183. Diodorus II. 8. 9. (Ktesias), Strabo 738 and many other ancient writers. The people living in its neighborhood now call the ruins Birs Nimrod, the castle of Nimrod. In the text we have reconstructed it as far as possible from the accounts of classical writers. The first story, which is still standing, in the midst of a heap of ruins, is 260 feet high. The walls surrounding the tower are said to be still clearly recognizable, and were 4000 feet long and 3000 broad. ]
The procession approached the royal palace. This corresponded in itsenormous size to the rest of the vast city. The walls surrounding itwere covered with gaily-colored and glazed representations of strangefigures made up of human beings, birds, quadrupeds and fishes;hunting-scenes, battles and solemn processions. By the side of the rivertowards the north, rose the hanging-gardens, and the smaller palace laytoward the east on the other bank of the Euphrates, connected with thelarger one by the wondrous erection, a firm bridge of stone.
Our train passed on through the brazen gates of three of the wallssurrounding the palace, and then halted. Nitetis was lifted from hercarriage by bearers; she was at last in her new home, and soon after inthe apartments of the women's house assigned to her temporary use.
Cambyses, Bartja and their friends already known to us, were stillstanding in the gaily-carpeted court of the palace, surrounded byat least a hundred splendid dignitaries in magnificent dresses, whensuddenly a sound of loud female voices was heard, and a lovely Persiangirl richly dressed, her thick fair hair profusely wreathed with pearls,rushed into the court, pursued by several women older than herself. Sheran up to the group of men; Cambyses with a smile placed himself in herpath, but the impetuous girl slipped adroitly past him, and in anothermoment was hanging on Bartja's neck, crying and laughing by turns.
The attendants in pursuit prostrated themselves at a respectfuldistance, but Cambyses, on seeing the caresses lavished by the younggirl on her newly-returned brother, cried: "For shame, Atossa! rememberthat since you began to wear ear-rings you have ceased to be a child!
[Ear-rings were given to the Persian girls in their fifteenth year, the marriageable age. Vendid. Farlard XIV. 66. At this age too boys as well as girls were obliged to wear the sacred cord, Kuctl or Kosti as a girdle; and were only allowed to unloose it in the night. The making of this cord is attended with many ceremonies, even among the Persians of our own day. Seventy-two threads must be employed, but black wool is prohibited.]
It is right that you should rejoice to see your brother again, but aking's daughter must never forget what is due to her rank, even in hergreatest joy. Go back to your mother directly. I see your attendantswaiting yonder. Go and tell them, that as this is a day of rejoicing Iwill allow your heedless conduct to pass unpunished, but the next timeyou appear unbidden in these apartments, which none may enter withoutpermission, I shall tell Boges to keep you twelve days in confinement.Remember this, thoughtless child, and tell our mother, Bartja and I arecoming to visit her. Now give me a kiss. You will not? We shall see,capricious little one!" And so saying the king sprang towards hisrefractory little sister, and seizing both her hands in one of his own,bent back her charming head with the other and kissed her in spite ofher resistance. She screamed from the violence of his grasp, and ranaway crying to her attendants, who took her back to her apartments.
When Atossa had disappeared, Bartja said; "You were too rough with thelittle one, Cambyses. She screamed with pain!"
Once more the king's face clouded, but suppressing the harsh words whichtrembled on his lips, he only answered, turning towards the house: "Letus come to our mother now; she begged me to bring you as soon as youarrived. The women, as usual, are all impatience. Nitetis told me yourrosy cheeks and fair curls had bewitched the Egyptian women too. I wouldadvise you to pray betimes to Mithras for eternal youth, and for hisprotection against the wrinkles of age!"
"Do you mean to imply by these words that I have no virtues which couldmake an old age beautiful?" asked Bartja.
"I explain my words to no one. Come."
"But I ask for an opportunity of proving, that I am inferior to none ofmy nation in manly qualities."
"For that matter, the shouts of the Babylonians today will have beenproof enough, that deeds are not wanted from you, in order to win theiradmiration."
"Cambyses!"
"Now come! We are just on the eve of a war with the Massagetae; thereyou will have a good opportunity of proving what you are worth."
A few minutes later, and Bartja was in the arms of his blind mother. Shehad been waiting for her darling's arrival with a beating heart, andin the joy of hearing his voice once more, and of being able to lay herhands again on that beloved head, she forgot everything else--even herfirst-born son who stood by smiling bitterly, as he watched the rich andboundless stream of a mother's love flowing out to his younger brother.
Cambyses had been spoiled from his earliest infancy. Every wish had beenfulfilled, every look regarded as a command; and thus he grew up totallyunable to brook contradiction, giving way to the most violent angerif any of his subjects (and he knew no human beings who were not hissubjects) dared to oppose him.
His father Cyrus, conqueror of half the world--the man whose geniushad raised Persia from a small nation to the summit of earthlygreatness--who had secured for himself the reverence and admiration ofcountless subjugated tribes--this great king was incapable of carryingout in his own small family-circle the system of education he had sosuccessfully adopted towards entire countries. He could see nought elsein Cambyses but the future king of Persia, and commanded his subjects topay him an unquestioning obedience, entirely forgetful of the fact thathe who is to govern well must begin by learning to obey.
Cambyses had been the first-born son of Kassandane, the wife whom Cyrushad loved and married young; three daughters followed, and at last,fifteen years later, Bartja had come into the world. Their eldest sonhad already outgrown his parents' caresses, when this little childappeared to engross all their care and love. His gentle, affectionateand clinging nature made him the darling of both father and mother:Cambyses was treated with consideration by his parents, but their lovewas for Bartja. Cambyses was brave; he distinguished himself often inthe field, but his disposition was haughty and imperious; men served himwith fear and trembling, while Bartja, ever sociable and sympathizing,converted all his companions into loving friends. As to the mass ofthe people, they feared the king, and trembled when he drew near,notwithstanding the lavish manner in which he showered rich gifts aroundhim; but they loved Bartja, and believed they saw in him the image ofthe great Cyrus the "Father of his people."
Cambyses knew well that all this love, so freely given to Bartja, wasnot to be bought. He did not hate his younger brother, but he feltannoyed that a youth who had as yet done nothing to distinguish himself,should be honored and reve
red as if he were already a hero and publicbenefactor. Whatever annoyed or displeased him he considered must bewrong; where he disapproved he did not spare his censures, and from hisvery childhood, Cambyses' reproofs had been dreaded even by the mighty.
The enthusiastic shouts of the populace, the overflowing love of hismother and sister, and above all, the warm encomiums expressed byNitetis, had excited a jealousy which his pride had never allowedhitherto. Nitetis had taken his fancy in a remarkable degree. Thisdaughter of a powerful monarch, like himself disdaining everything meanand inferior, had yet acknowledged him to be her superior, and to winhis favor had not shrunk from the laborious task of mastering his nativelanguage. These qualities, added to her peculiar style of beauty, whichexcited his admiration from its rare novelty, half Egyptian halfGreek, (her mother having been a Greek), had not failed to make a deepimpression on him. But she had been liberal in her praise of Bartja;that was enough to disturb Cambyses' mind and prepare the way forjealousy.
As he and his brother were leaving the women's apartments, Cambysesadopted a hasty resolution and exclaimed: "You asked me just now for anopportunity of proving your courage. I will not refuse. The Tapurihave risen; I have sent troops to the frontier. Go to Rhagae, take thecommand and show what you are worth."
"Thanks, brother," cried Bartja. "May I take my friends, Darius, Gygesand Zopyrus with me?"
"That favor shall be granted too. I hope you will all do your dutybravely and promptly, that you may be back in three months to join themain army in the expedition of revenge on the Massagetae. It will takeplace in spring."
"I will start to-morrow."
"Then farewell."
"If Auramazda should spare my life and I should return victorious, willyou promise to grant me one favor?"
"Yes, I will."
"Now, then, I feel confident of victory, even if I should have to standwith a thousand men against ten thousand of the enemy." Bartja's eyessparkled, he was thinking of Sappho.
"Well," answered his brother, "I shall be very glad if your actions bearout these glowing words. But stop; I have something more to say. You arenow twenty years of age; you must marry. Roxana, daughter of the nobleHydarnes, is marriageable, and is said to be beautiful. Her birth makesher a fitting bride for you."
"Oh! brother, do not speak of marriage; I..." "You must marry, for Ihave no children."
"But you are still young; you will not remain childless. Besides, I donot say that I will never marry. Do not be angry, but just now, when Iam to prove my courage, I would rather hear nothing about women."
"Well, then, you must marry Roxana when you return from the North. But Ishould advise you to take her with you to the field. A Persian generallyfights better if he knows that, beside his most precious treasures, hehas a beautiful woman in his tent to defend."
"Spare me this one command, my brother. I conjure thee, by the soulof our father, not to inflict on me a wife of whom I know nothing, andnever wish to know. Give Roxana to Zopyrus, who is so fond of women, orto Darius or Bessus, who are related to her father Hydarnes. I cannotlove her, and should be miserable..."
Cambyses interrupted him with a laugh, exclaiming: "Did you learn thesenotions in Egypt, where it is the custom to be contented with one wife?In truth, I have long repented having sent a boy like you abroad. I amnot accustomed to bear contradiction, and shall listen to no excusesafter the war. This once I will allow you to go to the field without awife. I will not force you to do what, in your opinion, might endangeryour valor. But it seems to me that you have other and more secretreasons for refusing my brotherly proposal. If that is the case, I amsorry for you. However, for the present, you can depart, but after thewar I will hear no remonstrances. You know me."
"Perhaps after the war I may ask for the very thing, which I am refusingnow--but never for Roxana! It is just as unwise to try to make a manhappy by force as it is wicked to compel him to be unhappy, and I thankyou for granting my request."
"Don't try my powers of yielding too often!--How happy you look! Ireally believe you are in love with some one woman by whose side all theothers have lost their charms."
Bartja blushed to his temples, and seizing his brother's hand,exclaimed: "Ask no further now, accept my thanks once more, andfarewell. May I bid Nitetis farewell too, when I have taken leave of ourmother and Atossa?"
Cambyses bit his lip, looked searchingly into Bartja's face, and findingthat the boy grew uneasy under his glance, exclaimed abruptly andangrily: "Your first business is to hasten to the Tapuri. My wife needsyour care no longer; she has other protectors now." So saying he turnedhis back on his brother and passed on into the great hall, blazing withgold, purple and jewels, where the chiefs of the army, satraps, judges,treasurers, secretaries, counsellors, eunuchs, door-keepers, introducersof strangers, chamberlains, keepers of the wardrobe, dressers,cup-bearers, equerries, masters of the chase, physicians, eyes and earsof the king, ambassadors and plenipotentiaries of all descriptions--werein waiting for him.
[The "eyes and ears" of the king may be compared to our police- ministers. Darius may have borrowed the name from Egypt, where such titles as "the 2 eyes of the king for Upper Egypt, the 2 ears of the king for Lower Egypt" are to be found on the earlier monuments, for instance in the tomb of Amen en, heb at Abd el Qurnah. And in Herodotus II. 114. the boy Cyrus calls one of his playfellows "the eye of the king," Herod. (I, 100.)]
The king was preceded by heralds bearing staves, and followed by ahost of fan, sedan and footstool-bearers, men carrying carpets, andsecretaries who the moment he uttered a command, or even indicated aconcession, a punishment or a reward, hastened to note it down and atonce hand it over to the officials empowered to execute his decrees.
In the middle of the brilliantly-lighted hall stood a gilded table,which looked as if it must give way beneath the mass of gold and silvervessels, plates, cups and bowls which were arranged with great orderupon it. The king's private table, the service on which was of immenseworth and beauty, was placed in an apartment opening out of the largehall, and separated from it by purple hangings. These concealed him fromthe gaze of the revellers, but did not prevent their every movement frombeing watched by his eye. It was an object of the highest ambition to beone of those who ate at the king's table, and even he to whom a portionwas sent might deem himself a highly-favored man.
As Cambyses entered the hall, nearly every one present prostratedthemselves before him; his relations alone, distinguished by the blueand white fillet on the tiara, contented themselves with a deferentialobeisance.
After the king had seated himself in his private apartment, the restof the company took their places, and then a tremendous revel began.Animals, roasted whole, were placed on the table, and, when hunger wasappeased, several courses of the rarest delicacies followed, celebratedin later times even among the Greeks under the name of "Persiandessert."
[Herodotus (I. 133.) writes that the Persians fancied the Greeks' hunger was never satisfied, because nothing special was brought to the table at the end of the meal.]
Slaves then entered to remove the remains of the food. Others brought inimmense jugs of wine, the king left his own apartment, took his seatat the head of the table, numerous cup-bearers filled the goldendrinking-cups in the most graceful manner, first tasting the wine toprove that it was free from poison, and soon one of those drinking-boutshad begun under the best auspices, at which, a century or two later,Alexander the Great, forgot not only moderation but even friendshipitself.
Cambyses was unwontedly silent. The suspicion had entered his mind, thatBartja loved Nitetis. Why had he, contrary to all custom, so decidedlyrefused to marry a noble and beautiful girl, when his brother'schildlessness rendered marriage an evident and urgent duty for him? Whyhad he wished to see the Egyptian princess again before leaving Babylon?and blushed as he expressed that wish? and why had she, almost withoutbeing asked, praised him so warmly?
It is well that he is going, thought the king; at least he shall no
t robme of her love. If he were not my brother I would send him to a placefrom whence none can return.
After midnight he broke up the banquet. Boges appeared to conduct himto the Harem, which he was accustomed to visit at this hour, whensufficiently sober.
"Phaedime awaits you with impatience," said the eunuch.
"Let her wait!" was the king's answer. "Have you given orders that thepalace on the hanging-gardens shall be set in order?"
"It will be ready for occupation to-morrow."
"What apartments have been assigned to the Egyptian Princess?"
"Those formerly occupied by the second wife of your father Cyrus, thedeceased Amytis."
"That is well. Nitetis is to be treated with the greatest respect, andto receive no commands even from yourself, but such as I give you forher."
Boges bowed low.
"See that no one, not even Croesus, has admission to her before my....before I give further orders."
"Croesus was with her this evening."
"What may have been his business with my wife?"
"I do not know, for I do not understand the Greek language, but I heardthe name of Bartja several times, and it seemed to me that the Egyptianhad received sorrowful intelligence. She was looking very sad when Icame, after Croesus had left, to inquire if she had any commands forme."
"May Ahriman blast thy tongue," muttered the king, and then turning hisback on the eunuch he followed the torch-bearers and attendants, whowere in waiting to disrobe him, to his own private apartments.
At noon on the following clay, Bartja, accompanied by his friends and atroop of attendants, started on horseback for the frontier. Croesuswent with the young warriors as far as the city gates, and as their lastfarewells and embraces were being exchanged, Bartja whispered to his oldfriend: "If the messenger from Egypt should have a letter for me in hisbag, will you send it on?"
"Shall you be able to decipher the Greek writing?"
"Gyges and love will help me!"
"When I told Nitetis of your departure she begged me to wish youfarewell, and tell you not to forget Egypt."
"I am not likely to do that."
"The gods take thee into their care, my son. Be prudent, do not riskyour life heedlessly, but remember that it is no longer only your own.Exercise the gentleness of a father towards the rebels; they did notrise in mere self-will, but to gain their freedom, the most preciouspossession of mankind. Remember, too, that to shew mercy is better thanto shed blood; the sword killeth, but the favor of the ruler bringethjoy and happiness. Conclude the war as speedily as possible, for war isa perversion of nature; in peace the sons outlive the fathers, but inwar the fathers live to mourn for their slain sons. Farewell, my youngheroes, go forward and conquer!"