BABYLON AND PERSIA

3o8MEDIA, BABYLON, AND PERSIA.soon after put him to death. (The Greeks mispro¬nounced his name Amasis, which form is the gener¬ally accepted one.) Nor did Kroisos content himselfwith human means to insure his success. He sentto the most famous Greek oracles to inquire whatwould be the result if he crossed the Plalys and at¬tacked the Persians. The replies were encouraging,especially that of the Delphic oracle. In the joyof his heart, Kroisos overwhelmed Apollo's templewith his giftsnot unmindful, very probably, of thegod's favorable reply to the suit of his forefatherGyges, but heedless of the ugly qualifying clause,and little thinking, at all events, that he was thefifth descendant appointed for the expiation of theancestral crime (see p. 189). The oracles had added"a recommendation to look and see who werethe most powerful of the Greeks, and to makealliance with them." This was patriotic advice, andthe object of it to bring Greece forward and opento her an influence in the affairs of the great politicalworid of the dayan altogether praiseworthy one.The Spartans were, at the time, unquestionably themost powerful among the Greek nations, so Kroisossent to them messengers " with gifts in their hands,"who informed them of the god's bidding, and de¬clared in the king's name: "Knowing that youhold the first rank in Greece, I desire to become yourfriend in all true faith and honesty." The Spartans,who were, moreover, grateful to Kroisos for somes-bstantial favors formeriy received df him, " werefull of joy at the coming of the messengens, and atonce took the oaths of friendship and alliance."