herodotus

with all monarchs." Then, since his words were of doubtful import,they asked again of that which he said; and as they were urgent withhim and gave him no peace, he told how once Solon an Athenian hadcome, and having inspected all his wealth had made light of it, withsuch and such words; and how all had turned out for him according asSolon had said, not speaking at all especially with a view to Crœsushimself, but with a view to the whole human race and especially thosewho seem to themselves to be happy men. And while Crœsus related thesethings, already the pyre was lighted and the edges of it round aboutwere burning. Then they say that Cyrus, hearing from the interpreterswhat Crœsus had said, changed his purpose and considered that hehimself also was but a man, and that he was delivering another man,who had been not inferior to himself in felicity, alive to the fire;and moreover he feared the requital, and reflected that there wasnothing of that which men possessed which was secure; therefore, theysay, he ordered them to extinguish as quickly as possible the firethat was burning, and to bring down Crœsus and those who were with himfrom the pyre; and they using endeavours were not able now to get themastery of the flames. 87. Then it is related by the Lydians thatCrœsus, having learned how Cyrus had changed his mind, and seeing thatevery one was trying to put out the fire but that they were no longerable to check it, cried aloud entreating Apollo that if any gift hadever been given by him which had been acceptable to the god, he wouldcome to his aid and rescue him from the evil which was now upon him.So he with tears entreated the god, and suddenly, they say, afterclear sky and calm weather clouds gathered and a storm burst, and itrained with a very violent shower, and the pyre was extinguished. ThenCyrus, having perceived that Crœsus was a lover of the gods and a goodman, caused him to be brought down from the pyre and asked him asfollows: "Crœsus, tell me who of all men was it who persuaded thee tomarch upon my land and so to become an enemy to me instead of afriend?" and he said: "O king, I did this to thy felicity and to myown misfortune, and the causer of this was the god of the Hellenes,who incited me to march with my army. For no one is so senseless as tochoose of his own will war rather peace, since in peace the sons burytheir fathers, but in war the fathers bury their sons. But it waspleasing, I suppose, to the divine powers that these things shouldcome to pass thus."88. So he spoke, and Cyrus loosed his bonds and caused him to sit nearhimself and paid to him much regard, and he marvelled both himself andall who were about him at the sight of Crœsus. And Crœsus wrapt inthought was silent; but after a time, turning round and seeing thePersians plundering the city of the Lydians, he said: "O king, must Isay to thee that which I chance to have in my thought, or must I keepsilent in this my present fortune?" Then Cyrus bade him say boldly