There are examples of mercy and forbearance as when Cyrus lets pass the opportunity to kill the hated Thomyris , and many enemies are converted to friends through kindness and forgiveness. More often than otherwise, rival kings fall under the kindly rule of Cyrus when they witness his magnanimity.
Though Cyrus view spoiler [ Artamanes is Cyrus hide spoiler ] is something one-dimensional in his overwhelming goodness, he remains an endearing character throughout the book.
Not all characters must be true-to-life in order to be amenable to the tastes of readers. Unlike many long-winded novels, the pacing of Artamenes, or Cyrus the Great is surprisingly rapid. Admittedly, there are sections of the book that crawl, particularly when characters opine of their romantic woes; however, for being a 7,page affair, Artamenes moves at a steady clip. This is a book that at least partially justifies its length: the scope of the story requires a broad playing field.
The physical playing field of the novel is less broad, primarily occurring in the ancient Mediterranean with an emphasis on Anatolia. Finding some simple maps through a Google search can help establish a sense of place and distance for those readers like myself who make no claims to geographical prowess. The below is a very straightforward map that I often referenced in my reading: Artamenes, or Cyrus the Great is an imperfect novel, but one that is not without its charms.
The story is complex and intertwining; virtue and morality feature prominently; and the characters, if underdeveloped, manage to remain likeable. View all 9 comments. May 25, Nour El-dein rated it did not like it. I must say, the only thing about this book that actually impressed me was how devoted the Author was to smashing in every pointless detail into every pointless subplot, which was also wedged inside multiple pointless attempts to try and make the book even worse than it is by making it a damn romance.
If I had known this was a romance before I was halfway through, I would've given it up a long time ago. But now that I'm finished, I might as well tell you how bad it was.
I'm pretty sure half of th I must say, the only thing about this book that actually impressed me was how devoted the Author was to smashing in every pointless detail into every pointless subplot, which was also wedged inside multiple pointless attempts to try and make the book even worse than it is by making it a damn romance. I'm pretty sure half of the people even bothering to read this review can tell I'm annoyed because of the constant run-on sentences that I'm typing in. The beginning was boring, well half of it.
Then someone's about to get executed and you get hooked into it. But that interest is crushed by more random details. And in the end, the guy doesn't get executed. I hate that because I have a sort of blood-lust meter for novels that needs to be filled or I'll keep hating on the book until they do.
Besides from these facts, the book never recovered after it's downfall in the beginning. After the beginning it just surrounds you with trash here and there about Cyrus and his woman.
It's like the Author let someone take over and finish the story halfway through. Concluding this review, well, there's a reason why this book got such a bad Goodreads rating before I came in and rated it myself. I recommend this to cheap fans of ancient French romance novels.
Sep 26, Quinnb rated it did not like it. Trevor rated it really liked it Feb 22, Romam rated it it was amazing May 29, Heidi McAlvey rated it liked it Mar 07, Sravan Akkala rated it did not like it Jun 06, Phoenix rated it liked it Jan 02, Carlos Calderon rated it it was amazing Jul 15, Melanie rated it liked it Apr 28, Zach rated it liked it Jun 29, Joao Victor rated it did not like it Jun 11, Olivierco marked it as to-read Oct 28, Now Chrisautes, said he, do you not now wonder at the odde contrivances of my humorous fate?
Thrasibulus lamented the losse as much as possible; Hidaspes being more concerned as having interest in the house of Ciaxares was deeply perplexed; Araspes also did sadly resent it; Aglatidas who naturally was of a Melancholy Composition, did best sympathize with sorrow, and was so sad as if he had a particular interest in the Princesse.
As for my part, said he, if in heu of a Lover who was hated, as the King of Assiria was, I should know a Lover which was beloved, who had such a losse, I am perswaded my very pity of him would endure unto my death. But as the vertue of the Princesse was too reserved to expresse any affection unto any one, therefore I must needs lament the King of Assiria, who indeed really deserves it.
Mandana was the subject of every ones discourse, but of Artamenes grief. Although that sad accident had as sad an influence upon them all; yet some amongst them had never seen the Princesse, and some again had never been in Love, so that a vast difference might be observed between their losse and his, and they were ignorant of the main principal cause of his grief. The memory of these were great additions unto his misery; if it can be conceived possible any addition can be unto a sorrow, which from the first resentment was extream and unsupportable.
He could not resolve with himself, whom he should send to carry this sad news unto the King of Medes, and far lesse could he resolve to tell the dismall story with his own mouth. In such confus'd and anxious thoughts did he passe away all that night, as he could not determine any thing upon it.
Amidst these restlesse thoughts, news was brought, that it was supposed Ciaxares was upon his march, with all his Army, near the Town; for a great thick dust rising out of a Valley was discovered from the top of the Tower, which could be nothing else but the march of his Troops. Then Artamenes, and all who accompanied him, alighted, and went on foot to meet the King. S r , said sad Artamenes, you will think your self more unfortunate when you shall know that Mazares lives not, and that it may be—At these words Artamenes pensively paus'd, and could tell no further.
Ciaxares looking upon him with a moved aspect, said to him, What, Artamenes, have you any more ill news yet to tell me? The King was no sooner lighted, but Artamenes conducted him unto the best Chamber of the Castle; he was no sooner there, but he carried him into a Closet; Come my Dear Artamenes, said he to him, what strange news have you to relate, which yet I have not been acquaiuted with?
This demand did much surprise Artamenes, yet seeing there was no remedy, he was constrained to acquaint him with the Princesse sad fortunes; he could not contain but his tears went before his tongue; Ciaxares seeing his tears trickle down his cheeks, said to him, What would your tears tell me Artamenes? Is my Daughter dead? Then Artamenes with a profound sadnesse, told him in few words all he knew concerning Mandana's shipwrack: The report struck Ciaxares to the soul; Never did Father expresse more tendernesse and grief for a daughter then he.
Artamenes seeing he might now well weep it out, and not be observed by Ciaxares, who was blinded with his own tears, began, and continued it so long, as never was sight more sad; he spoke not a word to Ciaxares by way of comfort, neither could Ciaxares finde any fault with the tears of Artamenes.
Was there ever said this mourning Father any Prince more unhappy then I? Could not I have foreseen my misfortune, by so many Oracles, told unto Astiages, that the Scepter which he bore and left unto me, should ere long be transferred into the hands of a stranger? Is it certain, said he, she is quite gone for ever? The gods, no not the very gods shall prevent his death, nor mitigate my fury: Artamenes amazed at this expression, said, S r , did you not meet with him whom I sent to acquaint you with the King of Assiria's escape?
What do you say Artamenes, that the King of Assiria is— replied he angerly I say Sir said he that I sent one to acquaint you with the King of Assiria's escape; how replied Ciaxares angerly is not he in my power? Is he at liberty? Sir, replied Artamenes, I should most willingly satisfie you, but as I was walking yesterday by the Sea-side, hearkening after news of the Princes, I unfortunatly lost it, and I suppose it fell into the water: Artamenes made this answer so coldly that it moved Ciaxares to tell him roughly contrary to his custome, that he thought this chance very strange, and in plain terms that the managing of this businesse did not please him.
Artamenes, who bore much reverence unto him as the Father of his Princesse, and who knew he had reason to say as much as he did, therefore he did silently withdraw, and because Ciaxares turned his back, and would hear no more, he went out of the room.
Night being come, some Commanders retired to the Camp: All the Princes were lodged in the Castle, and fairest Houses of the Town, which the Fire had spared; Ciaxares did passe over the night with restlesse minde, but Artamenes much more, who besides his own Passions did participate of the Kings, notwithstanding his jealousie and rough deportment towards him.
The next morning Ciaxares sent for him into his Closet: When he was come, there appear'd more anger then grief in his Countenance, which plainly told Artamenes there was some fresh misfortunate storm arising; but as the state stood with him, he valued his life and his death at the same rate, and was indifferent whether of them should be his fate.
Ciaxares who had not yet sounded him to the bottome, was displeased at his long silence. What look you for Artamenes said he unto him in that Letter? Is it for some fine excuse you are so long pumping?
I will never fail where once I promise, but shall account it as a due debt, which must and shall be paid; be confident, I will punctually perform every circumstance which was agreed upon between us. Sir, answered Artamenes, you know there hath been some small differences between the King of Assiria, and me. Tell me then said Ciaxares, asperating his speech what colour can you glosse upon these words at the end of the Letter,.
I wish we were in a condition to dispute for that prize of which I am most unworthy, yet, which none shall ever enjoy but by the death of.
What proze is this Artamenes which is so dear unto you? I told you Sir, answered he, that glory and honour is the prize, and the only cause of all the differences and transactions which the King of Assiria hath, or ever shall have with Artamenes. It is for the first rank in point of valour, for which I will contend as long as I live.
Sir replied Artamenes faintly by this argument, you may suppose that the King of Assiria would never contend with me about such a thing into which I could never pretend. Sir, replied Artamenes, I am far from upbraiding you with my services; for they have been so inconsiderable, I should not so much as have thought upon them but in vindication of my injured Innocency. Can you produce any proof of your pretended Innocency, said Ciaxares to him; yes, answered Artameus, from arguments drawn from my virtue, if you were capable of knowing it.
Well Replied Ciaxares you will not then diseover unto me what this correspondence is which you hold with my Enemy and Ravisher of my daughter. The Captain who dearly loved Artamenes, and who knew how great a favourite he was, stood amazed at the command, not well knowing whether he should obey or no; and finding so sudden a Revolution in the fortune of one who the very day before was the only man in the Kingdom, and who ordered the destinies of Kings and Princes as he pleased, he was so confounded that he knew not what to do.
But Artamenes observing his astonishment, Come said he let us go giving him his sword and pay this last service unto the King, thereby teaching the rest of his Subjects to obey with a willing minde more course commands then these: In saying so, he made low obeisance unto the King, and followed Andramias with as slow a motion as if he had been free. After this, the King commanded to secure Araspes, and was obeyed.
The King of Medes also had much reluctancy for what he did: Artamenes did more wonder at the oddnesse of his Fate then lament it: The King repented almost every minute of what he had done: What shall I do, said he, with this offender who hath done me so much good service, and whom I loved so well, who hath stolen away the hearts both of my friends and enemies? On the other side, what can I conceive of this Letter, which puzzles him to explain, and the Crime is so great that his pretence and colours cannot hide his correspondency with the King of Assiria; No, no, said he, Artamenes is guilty: And though it be either in matter of love or matter of ambition, he is culpable, and deserves punishment.
The worst is, loving him as I do, I shall grieve more for him then he will for himself; but said he suddenly, the sorrows which I resent for the losse of Mandana, will quite me from that of Artamenes: And my soul will be so sensible of the one, that there will be no room for the other.
But let us use all expendients to bend this obstinate spirit: Let us do what we can to make him confesse his fault, that so we may have occasion of pardon. Whilst Ciaxares was thus arguing the matter with himself, Artamenes, whose amorous soul could not be separated from the memory of Mandana, was more troubled at her shipwrack then his prison; and entertain'd more sad apprehensions of her losse, then sorrow for his own: Do your worst, ye rigid destinies, said he, you cannot afflict me more; My soul is not sensible of any sorrow, but for Mandana, therefore I defie you: Multiply your penalties upon my Person, and I will not complain of your injustice.
Since my Princesse wants a Tomb, it is no matter though I languish in a Dungeon, the worst is, it can but hinder me from a more high and generous death. Ah fairest Princesse, said he, whether you inhabit amongst the dead, or amongst the living, in heaven or upon earrh, If you could but see the unhappy Artamenes in Caixares Prison, you would resent it with wonder and sorrow; However I complain not of his severity or injustice since I seem culpable in his eyes; and indeed I am so, but it is in a far different manner then he apprehends it.
I am culpable Dearest Princesse, but it is against you, indeed I am, I confesse it, I am culpable in loving you, not as you are the daughter of the King of Medes, but as you are the fairest Angel that ever lived. Think not this my Divine Mandana a small sacrifice which I am resolved to offer unto you in the carriage of this affair.
The King of Hircania, seconded and said, it cannot sink into my belief that ever he can be guilty of any treasonable designs. No I warrant you, said Hidaspes, I would not beleeve it though he himself should say it. I should shamefully belie my own eyes and my own knowledge, said the Prince of Licaonia, if I should witnesse against him.
I do not think, said the Prince of Paphlagonia, that there can any one in the world be found who can or dare accuse him. So we do apprehend it answered Ciaxares, yet notwithstanding, I would have you know, that in this juncture of time when the Souldier is insolent and ready to revolt, it is not safe to countenance turbulent spirits too much. Mean while Chrisantes and Feraulas, upon their departure from the King; did vent a thousand Protestations in behalf of their Masters innocency, and stuck close to their resolutions of Constancy in his service; They protested to perish, rather then one of so high a soul should suffer such injuries: There was nothing they dor'd at but this Letter, and Artamenes had this good fortune, that every one beleeved there was some mysterious matter in it which he himself would cleer.
There was not one could beleeve him to be guilty, for there was no probability, that he should comply with that man whom he endeavoured to conquer, and whose Empire he strove to overthrow.
This mercinary Messenger arrived at Sinope, found out that friend of Arabees and Artaxes; found him disposed according unto his wish, and prosecuted the design so close, as he brought it unto that state wherein you finde it. This man, repaired first unto Feraulas, and ingeniously confessed all the passages, but with such signs of so sad remorse, that although he was the man who had brought his Masters life in danger, yet he would not treat him hardly.
They were full of so many fears and doubts as they knew not what to resolve upon or to imagin: In conclusion, they thought it not fit or just, to trust intirely unto their own opinions in a matter of such high importance; nor to charge themselves solely with the event of an affair, whereupon depended the safety or destruction of the most eminent man in the world.
In their laying a foundation for this design, they resolved not to trust this secret unto any but Persians, and stranger Princes, and not to impart it unto any Mede upon any condition: because they being Subjects unto Ciaxares, might perchance dispense with the Laws of Friendship, and reveal it, or at least observe them with some reluctancy and scruple: So when they had fully resolved upon this design, they sought out opportunities to put it in execution; and they hoped to receive this satisfaction from it at the least, that they had not neglected any expedient which might preserve him who is the most fortunate, and unfortunate man both, that is in the whole universe.
As soon as Hidaspes had delivered his Vote, all the rest Page 26 did concur and approve of it. Chrisantes had no sooner spoke that last syllable, but all the Princes interrupted him with Acclamations of Joy, and expressions of hope to have him of their Nation; No, said the King of Hircanias, I shall not be so happy as to have that Honour: The Prince of the Cadusians said the same, and all desired it, but tacitly confessed they were all unworthy to be Soveraigns over such a Subject, yet that he himself deserved to be Monarch of the whole world: In conclusion, all the Princes were full of impatiency till they knew it; and commanding that the door should be shut, least the Narration should be disturbed, they sit down and pressingly desire Chrisantes to begin.
Is Artamenes Sonne to the King of Persia? Artamenes replied Chrisantes is the very same I tell you; and by consequence of the most illustrious Family in the world, since his Predecessors the Valiant Perseus, derives his Pedigree, from the Sonne of Jupiter.
But said Hidaspes Did not you confirm me in that opinion which all the world had, of his Shipwrack? And did not you your self tell me, how you changed Masters after his death?
Most true, Replied Chrisantes, I confess I did so, but I did it by the command of Cyrus, who desiring to pass under that Name, obliged me to call him so, and I will phrase him so throughout most of this Relation, to the end you may more easily understand it. In the sequell and conclusion of this my discourse, you shall know what were his reasons which moved him to assume this dignity.
There need not many Arguments said the King of Hircania, speaking to Hidaspes, Adusius and Artabaces to perswade me that Artamenes is Cyrus: It were more difficult to think that such an extraordinary man should be of a common extraction.
Persodes Prince of the Cadusians, Page 27 applying himself unto Hidaspes, Artabaces, Adusius, Chrisantes and Feraulas, said unto them; You are so highly honoured in being Subjects unto such a Prince, that I must needs think your glorious servitude excels my Soveraignty; and that it is a greater Honour to obey Cyrus, then to command a hundred thousand men.
Hidaspes was so inflamed with desire of knowing more precisely all particulars concerning the Life of him, whose first Adventures he had been well acquainted with, as he desired Chrisantes to begin his story, from the first departure of Cyrus out of his fathers Court.
Sir, I will not abuse your Patience in Repetitions of Artamenes his most glorious descent: It will suffice to say his Name is Cyrus, and derived from the illustrious Race of Persides. This is enough to inform you, that there is not one more Noble in the world: Cyrus hath this advantage above others, that he is Soveraign of a people if it befit a Persian to say it amongst whom Virtue is loved, and vice abhorred with such disgust, that it dares not appear unless under a cloak of Virtue: Artamenes moreover for so I will call him yet has the glory to be subject unto a Prince and Princess, whose Applauds fills the story of all Nations, so that he derives nothing from them but what is most Noble and Heroicque.
Now since the History of the King of Medes, does much conduce to the cleering of my relation, I shall be forced to fetch far off a foundation to build the rest of my discourse upon. As for his Raign Sir, because it is so late since it ended, it would be superfluous to relate it.
This Prince therefore ever since the birth of his Sonne Ciaxares, did alwayes every year Celebrate a certain day of publike Jollity. But although this obscurity did much amaze them, yet that which followed this Eclipse did absolutely confound them; for after it had continued thus dark four compleat hours, the Sunne, contrary to its common naturall course, discovered it self all at once in an instant; and was so hot, so cleer, and of a light so transplendent, as it blinded all them who durst gaze upon it: the heat no lesse extream then the brightness, for it was so excessive, as the People thought all the earth set on fire.
In the mean while, he charged the Priests not to publish what they had told him; fearing that it might cause his ruin if they did: and that if his Sonne should come to the knowledge of it, he might chance think it no Crime to make bold with the Crown, since it seem'd to be the pleasure of the Gods to have it so: Therefore, he gave express command unto them, that they should tell the Prince his Sonne, and divulge it unto all the People, how this Eclipse had nothing extraordinary in it; that the Circumstance of Day upon which it happened, was a meer Casualty, from whence no ill consequences can be drawn; and that they should not cease their Prayers unto the gods for his good fortune: The Priests were obedient unto his commands, but he did not reap that profit from their obedience which he expected.
Mean while, Astiages is secure, finding his Sonne wondrous well pleas'd with his condition. Amidst this calm serenity and universall quietness, Astiages had a most odd and horrid Dream, which is talked on by every one. As he was in consultation again with his Priests, concerning the accidents of his Life; they told him, how they found, that all their former Prediction was in a likelihood to fail; but that infallibly, the Princess his Daughter should have a Sonne, who would make himself Master of all Asia, and by consequence should possess this Throne in lieu of his Sonne Ciaxares; and who, to conclude, should cause a generall Revolution.
In conclusion, Sir, not to lengthen my Story with what is absolutely necessary be pleased to know that the King of Medes resolved upon this Marriage, and presently propounded it unto Cambises, who resenting it with much joy, sent his Ambassadors unto Ecbatane to court the Princesse.
Astiages who himself procured the match, you may be sure would not refuse it, but presently consented, and sent the Princesse his daughter into Persia. A while after she complains of the Air in Ecbatan: and intends a request unto the King her Father, that she may return into Persia, or else that he would be pleas'd to permit her, to go unto a fair house in the Country, about some five miles from Ecbatan, conceiving that place was most fit to conceal her condition in: But as ill-luck would have it, one of the Physicians which came to visit her, discovered the truth, in spite of all her care to conceal it: for she often complained of so many untrue distempers, thinking thereby to delude them, and divert them from knowing the true cause, as made them more inquisitive.
You may see Sir, It had been an easie matter for Methridates living at the foot of a desart mountain far off, but towards the north of Ecbatane, and the Euxean bridge to have put this Childe to death, and never fear discovery in a place so rude and desart: And you know Sir, as well as I, that all the parts of Medea towards Aspires, are mountainous wilde forrests covered with woods, and fill'd with salvage beasts.
Thus you see Sir, the Sonne of a Shepherd in a Royal Sepulcher, and the Sonne of a great King in a Shepherds poor Cottage: Know also, how Astiages caused it to be divulged about the Court, that Mandanaes Sonne died of some disease, and told the same unto the Princess: he sent also unto Cambises to condole the loss: But poor Mandana all this while, although she did more then suspect the truth, yet she with much ado continued in her Constancy, and took no notice: And though the deep melancholy which dwelt in her eyes, did witness as much, yet since it could not be helped, she would not discover the cause, nor infuse any jealousies of it into her Husbands thoughts.
The better to colour her grief, she desired the second time leave to go into the Country, which now without any repugnance is consented unto: And Astiages sent afterwards unto her, to let her know, that if she pleased, she might return into Persia; for he had this conceit, that it was the first Sonne of Mandana, only whom he had to fear, which being secured, he was then glad to be rid of the Mother, whom if she should detain any longer, would by her extremity of sorrow draw a thousand reproaches upon himself.
As soon as this Liberty is obtained, she presently returns to Cambises, unto whom she opened not a syllable of her troubled soul, but attributed the alteration of her Complexion unto her absence from him, and her sorrowes for the death of her Sonne. In conclusion Sir, Astiages could not be satisfied, untill he sent for the Shepherd himself out of his Cottage, and asking him in a terrible tone, and with stern looks, where he got this Childe; the poor simple Methridates, thinking the King had known the passage, and being terrified with the Kings looks and question, confessed the whole story.
Cambises received him with unexpressible joy; and the wise Mandana gave as many thanks unto her Father Astiages, as ever she received causes of displeasure from him; though she had learned the truth of the story by the information of Harpagus, who was fled thither and told her all, in hopes thereby to procure himself Protection.
Now Sir, to tell you how young Cyrus was educated would but abuse your Patience, for his high atchievements since, does sufficiently demonstrate it unto all the world: I shall only tell you, that both the King and Queens endeavours were with all possible care to infuse such good dispositions as now appears to be in him: For all men finde, in all his actions and all his words, something so sweet, so high, so complacentiall, and so full of goodnesse, as it is an absolute impossibility to know him and not to love him.
Perhaps you know, that in Persipolis there is a pleasant, spacious place, called the place of Liberty, in one Quarter thereof stands the Kings Palace: None inhabit within this square but Grandees, and wisest sort of Persians: for wisedom in that Nation is no lesse valued then Nobility by descent, which also is in very high esteem: It was within this famous Quadrangle, wherein none but Page 35 persons of great wisedom and Nobility did live, that the young Cyrus was educated.
I cannot yet think my self worthy of it, since my valour was never tried against any but Bear, Bores, Lions and Tigers? I am Sir said he one that is sent by the gods to tender you a brave opportunity of getting immortall glory. If all be true you say said Cyrus shew me the way I must take, and let it be as difficult as it can be, I will follow it with all alacrity.
It becomes not him to command replied Cyrus who hath not yet learnt how to obey, it is far fitter I should be their Companion then their Generall. Page 36 But I pray you Noble Stranger, whom I think I have seen before though not remember you tell me where this Army is, and who they are, also who is the Enemy, and what the Kingdom you would have me conquer.
Yes, said Cyrus. And by whom Noble Stranger can I be injured? I who have hardly yet begun to live, I who ever since I first breathed have been rockt in a Cradle of slumbering Peace, who never had enemies in all my life, and who never yet was enemy unto any, but such wilde beasts as these which infest the Forrests?
Sir replied Harpagus, who perceived severall Hunters to come from several Quarters of the Wood: If you please to go a little further into the wood, and lend me your audience, you shall understand that you have enemies, and more terrible ones then you imagine; such, as if you do not make open war upon them will make a secret one upon you, and that in such a manner as may perhaps become most fatal to you. Cyrus, according to his desire, stept some twenty or thirty paces into the Wood, and beckned with his hand unto those which followed, that they should not approach; Then looking most attentively upon Harpagus, Is it possible said he to him that what you tell me can be true?
And since you have told me who the Prince is, pray tell, who is his enemy? Sir answered Harpagus the King of Medes is he, who endeavoured to kill you, and who will yet kill you, if you kill not him first.
How said Cyrus, more amazed then before is Astiages my enemy? If it were their pleasure to have it so answered Cyrus sharply they can tell how to bring it to passe without my entermedling: However, I do not conceive it Just, and I am resolved never to wear a Crown upon unjust termes.
After these words, this miraculous Childe turned towards the company; and Harpagus being ravished with the wisdome of so young a Childe, accepted of his offer, only desired him that he would be pleased to acquaint the Queen his Mother, and know her pleasure, before he appeared in Court; which Cyrus did also promise him: thus Harpagus parted from him, and mingled with the multitude; and Cyrus also went away with intentions to follow the sports no longer.
I know not said I nor did I perceive he has had any mischance all this day: Perhaps said he to me the man whom I saw talking a long time with him in private, hath told him something which hath angred him.
He repented him though of his promise to protect Harpagus, and of presenting him unto the Queen his Mother; for, thought he, if she should know of her Father Astiages his cruelty, it would but become her torment, and it would be an infinite grief unto him, to be a cause of hers. Upon the whole matter she charged Cyrus to speak nothing of it unto the King his Father, since it was irrepairably past, and would but most unprofitably vex him.
Alas, alas said he what crosse Fate is this? Harpagus, as he is Rebel to my Father, should be my fo; but as he preserved my Sonne, must be my friend, and deserves protection. The King of Medes, as he is my Father, I owe him all obedience and love; but as he is my Sons enemy and would destroy him if I may say it, I do hate him. What think you Chrisantes?
Page 39 Ciaxares his Son was yet King only of Cappadocia, and had one only daughter. The Queen of Persia had also intelligence of all her fathers distempers; for as he had his Spies in Persipolis, so had she hers in Ecbatan, who every hour advertis'd her; and who upon this news renewed her sorrows. Your Advice good Chrisantes said he to me is very good: and it is not long since I did entreat Feraulas to assist me in contriving some ingemous waies, wherein I might more nobly imploy my time.
S r said I to him, Feraulas deserves the honor of your love, and his advice is to be asked. Whilest we were thus in discourse, the Queen sent to enquire for Cyrus, so that the hunting and our Discourse both, were at this time prevented.
Why Sir said I to him do you say your unhappy condition? Are you not the Son of a great King and a great Queen? Doth not fortune so much smile upon you as that you are beloved of your Subjects and feared of your enemies? If I should continue this course of life long, posterity would not know that Cyrus ever lived: No no Chrisantes, I am not so happy as you think me, especially since the time that Harpagus talkt with me in the Forrest: Let me tell you, I have endured such anguish of soul ever since, as you would pity me if you knew it: and I would acquaint you with it, if you will promise to be faithfull and obey me; Sir said I to him I shall never fail in my fidelity, and I will promise ever to obey you so far as your commands are just.
Doth it repent you Sir? I am now of age wherein my valour may be suspected; and I shall never rest satisfied until by some honourable and dangerous adventure I have justified my self, and redeem'd my honor: This is it Chrisantes, I am infinitely weary of my idle, nor can I understand why you should commend me as you have done unlesse it were to rouse up my dull soul unto sprightly Action.
It hath been my Lesson never to be weary in any Action I shall undertake, and that delicacy is a crime: I have been taught that Valour is essentially requisite in a Prince: and how he ought to fight, to know the use of his Bow, his Spear, his Buckler, his Sword; but to what purpose are all these if he never use them?
What use can I make of my Valour, as long as I am lul'd in a lasie Peace? In short, Chrisantes not to conceal my soul from you I conceive the sapient documents and instructions, which have been infused into me, do all authorise the design which I resolve upon as soon as ever I can get an opportunity for it; And what is your design, said I to him?
I would answered he leave the lazy Court, and travel into Assiria, and from thence into Phrygia, or any place where I shall hear there is any war: I have a desire to instruct and improve my self to the best advantage, I would learn to know my self, and all the world. Cyrus pronounced these words with so much active animosity, and with such heroick violence, as I paws'd and wondered, and could not answer: his eyes more then ordiuary sparkling: his complexion more vermilion; every part so agile, and his discourse so positive, that there was no contradictions to be thought upon.
And though the Queen did well enough resent and understand all this, and confessed it, yet the presence of her Sonne was so deer unto her, as she could not fix upon this harsh resolution, however so full of reason. Let us go; let ut go upon any conditions; for as long as you shall demand nothing but what is just and honourable, be confident, I will never disobey. In conclusion Sir not too much to abuse your Patience, it was resolved, that Cyrus, and I, and Feraulas from whom he had not hid the design, and two other servants, should be all the number.
Now Sir, Cyrus must cease to be Cyrus; and under the Name of Artamenes you shall understand some of his glorious Acts. After we had layn three dayes in the wildred Forrest, where we chang'd our habits, and travelled three nights, we arrived at Susianes; that way seeming more safe then the other to passe into Assiria, of which you know Babylon is the Metropolis; a Town, then of the greatest splendor of any that ever was.
But Sir, it befits me not to speak of it before you, since you all, except Thrasibulus, contributed to the destruction of it, and therefore are not ignorant: I will only tell you, that though Artamenes had no intentions to take part with the Assirian against the Phrygian, because the Assirians were the old enemies of Astiages; yet we went thither to see the Court, which then was the greatest and most pompous in all Asia.
When we approached neer it; the object did much delight Artamenes. Certainly this Temple is a peece so magnificent, that it well deserves the name of the worlds wonder. This wise Prince whose wisedom was in highest esteem throughout all Greece, had so great a phansie unto Artamenes, as he forced me to promise him, as soon as our affairs would permit, to travell unto Corinth.
The Prince was much pleased with the sight, and went over all the Ruines, and Rocks, and over the Famous Rivers of Scamander and Simois. Periander to entertain him caused Arion that famous Musician as well for his excellency in that Art as for the Dolphin which preserved him to play before him.
In taking leave of Periander he told him how desirous he was to recompense the Graecians for the Civilities which he had received from them. Leather Bound. Reprinted in with the help of original edition published long back As these are old books, we processed each page manually and make them readable but in some cases some pages are blur or missing or black spots.
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