Page:Xenophon by Alexander Grant.djvu/149

Rh waited upon Cyrus, and extending his right hand, said, "In return for the benefits that you have bestowed on us, Cyrus, I can say nothing more than that I give myself to you, as a friend, a servant, and an ally." Cyrus said, "I accept your kindness, and take leave of you for the present, that you may go to supper with your wife; at some other time I shall hope to receive you in my tent, together with your friends and mine."

Not long after this, it came about that Cyrus had to fight a great battle against the enemy, who were now an army of all nations under the command of Crœsus, king of Lydia. While the disposition of the forces was being made, Abradâtes, prince of Susa, obtained, partly by entreaty and partly by lot, a conspicuous position in the front line of Cyrus's army. He made a splendid figure, for he had a chariot with four poles, drawn by eight horses; and his wife Panthea had arrayed him in a golden helmet and golden arm-pieces which she had procured, and a purple robe reaching to his feet, which she had made. When he was preparing to mount his chariot, she bade him farewell, saying, "You know, Abradâtes, that if ever a woman loved her husband better than her own soul, I am such a one. And yet, loving you as I do, I love honour more, and would rather be buried with you, in your glory, than live with you if either of us were dishonoured. You will remember the debt of gratitude which we owe to Cyrus, and in this battle you will discharge it." Abradâtes laid his hand gently on her head, and, lifting his eyes to heaven, exclaimed, "May