Page:History of Charles Jones, the footman (1).pdf/19

 PRIDE.

, king of Lydia, having expressed an extraordinary inclination to see Solon, that philosopher repaired to Sardis to pay him a visit. The first time he was presented, the king received him seated on his throne, and dressed on purpose in his most sumptuous robes; but Solon appeared not the least astonished at the sight of such a glare of magnifieeneemagnificence [sic].

'My friend,' said Crœsus to him, 'Fame has every where reported thy wisdom. I know you have seen many countries, but have you ever seen a person dressed so magnificently as I am?' 'Yes,' replied Solon, 'the pheasants and peacoekspeacocks [sic] are dressed more magnificently, because their brilliant apparel is the gift of nature, without their taking any thought or pains to adorn themselves.'

Such an unexpected answer very much surprised Crœsus, who ordered his officers to open all his treasures, and show them to Solon, as also his riehrich [sic] furniture, and whatever was magnifieentmagnificent [sic] in his palace. He then sent for him a second time, and asked him if he had ever seen a man more happy than he was. 'Yes,' replied Solon, 'and that man was Tellus, a citizen of Athens, who lived with an unblemished eharaetercharacter [sic] in a well regulated republic. HoHe [sic] left two ehildrenchildren [sic] muehmuch [sic] respected, with a moderate fortune for their subsistence, and at last had the happiness to die sword in hand, after having obtained a victory for his country. ThoThe [sic] Athenians have erected a monument to his memory on the spot where he fell, and have otherwise paid him great honours.'

Crœsus was no less astonished at this than at the first answer, and began to think Solon was not