Page:The land of enchantment (1907, Cassell).djvu/74

 to the sun and air, which harden them; while the Persians wear a turban from their youth, and thus the skull remains weak. Certain it is, too, that you see fewer bald men in Egypt than elsewhere.”

“I must have a look when I go there,” said Harry. “I'd better make some notes, Herodotus, or I’ll never remember everything. Please go on now.”

“After the battle the Egyptians fled to Memphis; but they were soon compelled to surrender, and Psammenitus was taken. Soon after Cambyses determined to test the fallen king’s spirit, so he first commanded his daughter to be clothed like a slave and to be sent, together with other high-born Egyptian maidens, to draw water. When they passed where Psammenitus and their fathers were seated, the poor girls wept bitterly. So did all the fathers, save Psammenitus, who, having gazed once, fixed his eyes on the ground.

“Next passed by Psammenitus′ son and 2,000 Egyptians of the same age, with halters round their necks and bridles in their mouths. The unhappy fathers knew they were bound to suffer death, and they wept very bitterly, all save the king, who sat motionless as before.

“Then there chanced to pass by a friend of Psammenitus′ youth—a dear friend who had been stripped of all he possessed, and now came begging from the soldiers. At this the fallen king burst into a passion of tears, and cried aloud to his friend in an agony of grief. Upon this, the messengers who had been told off to watch him hurried to Cambyses with news of this strange behaviour.”

“Poor Psammenitus, I′m even sorry for him. He had his good side, it seems.”

“Listen further,” said Herodotus. “Cambyses sent a messenger to Psammenitus to ask him why, when his daughter and his son went by he did not weep, but when his friend went by he was overcome with sorrow.

“Psammenitus replied: ‘O King, mine own griefs were too deep for tears, but the sorrows of my friend deserved them. When a man falls from position and wealth into beggary in his old age, tears are most meet.’

“Cambyses was much struck with this message, and Crœsus”

“Our old friend?” cried Harry.

“The same—he had come with Cambyses. Yes, Crœsus and the others standing round wept.”

“Fancy Crœsus being there. I’d almost forgotten him. Poor