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1. God prosper long our noble king,Our lives and safeties all;A woful hunting once there didIn Chevy-Chase befall.2. The stout Earl of NorthumberlandA vow to God did makeHis pleasure in the Scottish woodsThree summer days to take—3. The chiefest harts in Chevy-ChaseTo kill and bear away.These tidings to Earl Douglas came,In Scotland where he lay;4. Who sent Earl Percy present wordHe would prevent his sport.The English earl, not fearing that,Did to the woods resort,5. With fifteen hundred bowmen bold,All chosen men of might,Who knew full well in time of needTo aim their shafts aright.6. The gallant greyhounds swiftly ranTo chase the fallow deer;On Monday they began to huntWhen daylight did appear;7. And long before high noon they hadA hundred fat bucks slain;Then, having dined, the drovers wentTo rouse the deer again.8. Lord Percy to the quarry went,To view the slaughtered deer;Quoth he, "Earl Douglas promisedThis day to meet me here;9. "But if I thought he would not come—No longer would I stay";With that a brave young gentlemanThus to the earl did say:10. "Lo, yonder doth Earl Douglas come—His men in armor bright,Full twenty hundred Scottish spearsAll marching in our sight."11. Earl Douglas on his milk-white steed,Most like a baron bold,Rode foremost of his company,Whose armor shone like gold.12. "Show me," said he, "whose men you be,That hunt so boldly here,That, without my consent, do chaseAnd kill my fallow-deer."13. The first man that did answer makeWas noble Percy he—Who said: "We list not to declare,Nor show whose men we be:14. "Yet will we spend our dearest bloodThy chiefest harts to slay."Then Douglas swore a solemn oath,And thus in rage did say:15. "Ere thus I will out-bravèd be,One of us two shall die!I know thee well, an earl thou art—Lord Percy, so am I.16. "Let you and me the battle try,And set our men aside.""Accursed be he," Earl Percy said,"By whom this is denied!"17. Then stepped a gallant squire forth,Witherington was his name,Who said: "I would not have it toldTo Henry, our king, for shame,18. "That e'er my captain fought on foot,And I stood looking on.You two be earls," said Witherington,"And I a squire alone.19. "I'll do the best that do I may,While I have power to stand;While I have power to wield my swordI'll fight with heart and hand."20. Our English archers bent their bows—Their hearts were good and true;At the first flight of arrows sent,Full fourscore Scots they slew.21. Yet stays Earl Douglas on the bent,As chieftain stout and good;As valiant captain, all unmoved,The shock he firmly stood.22. His host he parted had in three,As leaders ware and tried;And soon his spearmen on their foesBore down on every side.23. At last these two stout earls did meet;Like captains of great might,Like lions wode, they laid on lode,And made a cruel fight.24. "Yield thee, Lord Percy," Douglas said."In faith I will thee bringWhere thou shalt high advancèd beBy James, our Scottish king.25. "Thy ransom I will freely give,And this report of thee—Thou art the most courageous knightThat ever I did see."26. "No, Douglas," saith Earl Percy then,"Thy proffer I do scorn;I will not yield to any ScotThat ever yet was born."27. With that there came an arrow keenOut of an English bow,Which struck Earl Douglas to the heart—A deep and deadly blow;28. Who never spake more words than these"Fight on, my merry men all;For why, my life is at an end;Lord Percy sees my fall."29. Then leaving life, Earl Percy tookThe dead man by the hand,And said: "Earl Douglas, for thy lifeWould I had lost my land!30. "In truth, my very heart doth bleedWith sorrow for thy sake;For sure a more redoubted knightMischance did never make."31. A knight amongst the Scots there wasWho saw Earl Douglas die,Who straight in wrath did vow revengeUpon the Earl Percy.32. Sir Hugh Mountgomery was he called,Who with a spear full bright,Well mounted on a gallant steed,Ran fiercely through the fight;33. And past the English archers all,Without a dread or fear,And through Earl Percy's body thenHe thrust his hateful spear.34. So thus did both these nobles die,Whose courage none could stain.An English archer then perceivedThe noble earl was slain.35. Against Sir Hugh MountgomeryTo right a shaft he set;The gray goose-wing that was thereonIn his heart's blood was wet.36. This fight did last from break of dayTill setting of the sun;For when they rung the evening-bellThe battle scarce was done.37. Of fifteen hundred EnglishmenWent home but fifty-three;The rest in Chevy-Chase were slain,Under the greenwood-tree.38. The news was brought to Edinburg,Where Scotland's king did reign,That brave Earl Douglas suddenlyWas with an arrow slain.39. "Oh, heavy news!" King James did say;"Scotland can witness be,I have not any captain moreOf such account as he."40. Like tidings to King Henry cameWithin as short a space,That Percy of NorthumberlandWas slain in Chevy-Chase;41. "Now God be with him," said our king,"Since 'twill no better be;I trust I have within my realmFive hundred as good as he:42. "Yet shall not Scot or Scotland sayBut I will vengeance take;I'll be revengèd on them allFor brave Earl Percy's sake!"43. This vow full well the king performedAfter at Humbledown:In one day fifty knights were slain,With lords of high renown;44. And of the rest, of small account,Did many hundreds die:Thus endeth the hunting of Chevy-Chase,Made by the Earl Percy.45. God save the king and bless this landWith plenty, joy, and peace;And grant, henceforth, that foul debate'Twixt noblemen may cease!
1. God prosper long our noble king,Our lives and safeties all;A woful hunting once there didIn Chevy-Chase befall.
2. The stout Earl of NorthumberlandA vow to God did makeHis pleasure in the Scottish woodsThree summer days to take—
3. The chiefest harts in Chevy-ChaseTo kill and bear away.These tidings to Earl Douglas came,In Scotland where he lay;
4. Who sent Earl Percy present wordHe would prevent his sport.The English earl, not fearing that,Did to the woods resort,
5. With fifteen hundred bowmen bold,All chosen men of might,Who knew full well in time of needTo aim their shafts aright.
6. The gallant greyhounds swiftly ranTo chase the fallow deer;On Monday they began to huntWhen daylight did appear;
7. And long before high noon they hadA hundred fat bucks slain;Then, having dined, the drovers wentTo rouse the deer again.
8. Lord Percy to the quarry went,To view the slaughtered deer;Quoth he, "Earl Douglas promisedThis day to meet me here;
9. "But if I thought he would not come—No longer would I stay";With that a brave young gentlemanThus to the earl did say:
10. "Lo, yonder doth Earl Douglas come—His men in armor bright,Full twenty hundred Scottish spearsAll marching in our sight."
11. Earl Douglas on his milk-white steed,Most like a baron bold,Rode foremost of his company,Whose armor shone like gold.
12. "Show me," said he, "whose men you be,That hunt so boldly here,That, without my consent, do chaseAnd kill my fallow-deer."
13. The first man that did answer makeWas noble Percy he—Who said: "We list not to declare,Nor show whose men we be:
14. "Yet will we spend our dearest bloodThy chiefest harts to slay."Then Douglas swore a solemn oath,And thus in rage did say:
15. "Ere thus I will out-bravèd be,One of us two shall die!I know thee well, an earl thou art—Lord Percy, so am I.
16. "Let you and me the battle try,And set our men aside.""Accursed be he," Earl Percy said,"By whom this is denied!"
17. Then stepped a gallant squire forth,Witherington was his name,Who said: "I would not have it toldTo Henry, our king, for shame,
18. "That e'er my captain fought on foot,And I stood looking on.You two be earls," said Witherington,"And I a squire alone.
19. "I'll do the best that do I may,While I have power to stand;While I have power to wield my swordI'll fight with heart and hand."
20. Our English archers bent their bows—Their hearts were good and true;At the first flight of arrows sent,Full fourscore Scots they slew.
21. Yet stays Earl Douglas on the bent,As chieftain stout and good;As valiant captain, all unmoved,The shock he firmly stood.
22. His host he parted had in three,As leaders ware and tried;And soon his spearmen on their foesBore down on every side.
23. At last these two stout earls did meet;Like captains of great might,Like lions wode, they laid on lode,And made a cruel fight.
24. "Yield thee, Lord Percy," Douglas said."In faith I will thee bringWhere thou shalt high advancèd beBy James, our Scottish king.
25. "Thy ransom I will freely give,And this report of thee—Thou art the most courageous knightThat ever I did see."
26. "No, Douglas," saith Earl Percy then,"Thy proffer I do scorn;I will not yield to any ScotThat ever yet was born."
27. With that there came an arrow keenOut of an English bow,Which struck Earl Douglas to the heart—A deep and deadly blow;
28. Who never spake more words than these"Fight on, my merry men all;For why, my life is at an end;Lord Percy sees my fall."
29. Then leaving life, Earl Percy tookThe dead man by the hand,And said: "Earl Douglas, for thy lifeWould I had lost my land!
30. "In truth, my very heart doth bleedWith sorrow for thy sake;For sure a more redoubted knightMischance did never make."
31. A knight amongst the Scots there wasWho saw Earl Douglas die,Who straight in wrath did vow revengeUpon the Earl Percy.
32. Sir Hugh Mountgomery was he called,Who with a spear full bright,Well mounted on a gallant steed,Ran fiercely through the fight;
33. And past the English archers all,Without a dread or fear,And through Earl Percy's body thenHe thrust his hateful spear.
34. So thus did both these nobles die,Whose courage none could stain.An English archer then perceivedThe noble earl was slain.
35. Against Sir Hugh MountgomeryTo right a shaft he set;The gray goose-wing that was thereonIn his heart's blood was wet.
36. This fight did last from break of dayTill setting of the sun;For when they rung the evening-bellThe battle scarce was done.
37. Of fifteen hundred EnglishmenWent home but fifty-three;The rest in Chevy-Chase were slain,Under the greenwood-tree.
38. The news was brought to Edinburg,Where Scotland's king did reign,That brave Earl Douglas suddenlyWas with an arrow slain.
39. "Oh, heavy news!" King James did say;"Scotland can witness be,I have not any captain moreOf such account as he."
40. Like tidings to King Henry cameWithin as short a space,That Percy of NorthumberlandWas slain in Chevy-Chase;
41. "Now God be with him," said our king,"Since 'twill no better be;I trust I have within my realmFive hundred as good as he:
42. "Yet shall not Scot or Scotland sayBut I will vengeance take;I'll be revengèd on them allFor brave Earl Percy's sake!"
43. This vow full well the king performedAfter at Humbledown:In one day fifty knights were slain,With lords of high renown;
44. And of the rest, of small account,Did many hundreds die:Thus endeth the hunting of Chevy-Chase,Made by the Earl Percy.
45. God save the king and bless this landWith plenty, joy, and peace;And grant, henceforth, that foul debate'Twixt noblemen may cease!
Old Ballad.
1. When Flora 'gins to deck the fieldsWith colors fresh and fine,Then holy clerks their matins singTo good St. Valentine.2. The King of France, that morning fair,He would a-hunting ride,To Artois Forest prancing forthIn all his princely pride.3. To grace his sports a courtly trainOf gallant peers attend,And with their loud and cheerful criesThe hills and valleys rend.4. Through the deep forest swift they pass,Through woods and thickets wild,When down within a lonely dellThey found a new-born child.5. All in a scarlet kerchief laid,Of silk so fine and thin,A golden mantle wrapt him round,Pinned with a silver pin.6. The sudden sight surprised them all,The courtiers gathered round;They look, they call, the mother seek—No mother could be found.7. At length the king himself drew near,And, as he gazing stands,The pretty babe looked up and smiled,And stretched his little hands.8. "Now, by the rood," King Pepin says,"This child is passing fair;I wot he is of gentle blood,Perhaps some prince's heir.9. "Go, bear him home unto my court,With all the care you may,Let him be christened Valentine,In honor of this day.10. "And look me out some cunning nurse,Well nurtured let him be;Nor aught be wanting that becomesA bairn of high degree."11. They looked him out a cunning nurse,And nurtured well was he;Nor aught was wanting that becameA bairn of high degree.12. Thus grew the little Valentine,Beloved of king and peers,And showed in all he spake or didA wit beyond his years.13. But chief in gallant feats of armsHe did himself advance,That, ere he grew to man's estate,He had no peer in France.14. And now the early down beganTo shade his youthful chin,When Valentine was dubbed a knight,That he might glory win.15. "A boon, a boon, my gracious liege,I beg a boon of thee:The first adventure that befallsMay be reserved for me."16. "The first adventure shall be thine,"The king did smiling say.Not many days, when lo! there cameThree palmers clad in gray.17. "Help, gracious lord," they weeping said,And knelt, as it was meet;"From Artois Forest we are come,With weak and weary feet.18. "Within those deep and dreary woodsThere dwells a savage boy,Whose fierce and mortal rage doth yieldThy subjects dire annoy.19. "To more than savage strength he joinsA more than human skill;For arms no cunning may sufficeHis cruel rage to still."20. Up then rose Sir ValentineAnd claimed that arduous deed."Go forth and conquer," said the king,"And great shall be thy meed."21. Well mounted on a milk-white steed,His armor white as snow,As well beseemed a virgin knight,Who ne'er had fought a foe—22. To Artois Forest he repairs,With all the haste he may,And soon he spies the savage youthA-rending of his prey!23. His unkempt hair all matted hungHis shaggy shoulders round;His eager eye all fiery glowed,His face with fury frowned.24. Like eagle's talons grew his nails,His limbs were thick and strong,And dreadful was the knotted oakHe bare with him along.25. Soon as Sir Valentine approached,He starts with sudden spring,And yelling forth a hideous howl,He made the forest ring.26. As when a tiger fierce and fellHath spied a passing roe,And leaps at once upon his throat,So sprang the savage foe.27. So lightly leaped with furious force,The gentle knight to seize,But met his tall uplifted spear,Which sank him on his knees.28. A second stroke, so stiff and stern,Had laid the savage low;But, springing up, he raised his club,And aimed a dreadful blow.29. The watchful warrior bent his head,And shunned the coming stroke;Upon his taper spear it fell,And all to shivers broke.30. Then, lighting nimbly from his steed,He drew his burnished brand;The savage quick as lightning flewTo wrest it from his hand.31. Three times he grasped the silver hilt,Three times he felt the blade;Three times it fell with furious force,Three ghastly cuts it made.
1. When Flora 'gins to deck the fieldsWith colors fresh and fine,Then holy clerks their matins singTo good St. Valentine.
2. The King of France, that morning fair,He would a-hunting ride,To Artois Forest prancing forthIn all his princely pride.
3. To grace his sports a courtly trainOf gallant peers attend,And with their loud and cheerful criesThe hills and valleys rend.
4. Through the deep forest swift they pass,Through woods and thickets wild,When down within a lonely dellThey found a new-born child.
5. All in a scarlet kerchief laid,Of silk so fine and thin,A golden mantle wrapt him round,Pinned with a silver pin.
6. The sudden sight surprised them all,The courtiers gathered round;They look, they call, the mother seek—No mother could be found.
7. At length the king himself drew near,And, as he gazing stands,The pretty babe looked up and smiled,And stretched his little hands.
8. "Now, by the rood," King Pepin says,"This child is passing fair;I wot he is of gentle blood,Perhaps some prince's heir.
9. "Go, bear him home unto my court,With all the care you may,Let him be christened Valentine,In honor of this day.
10. "And look me out some cunning nurse,Well nurtured let him be;Nor aught be wanting that becomesA bairn of high degree."
11. They looked him out a cunning nurse,And nurtured well was he;Nor aught was wanting that becameA bairn of high degree.
12. Thus grew the little Valentine,Beloved of king and peers,And showed in all he spake or didA wit beyond his years.
13. But chief in gallant feats of armsHe did himself advance,That, ere he grew to man's estate,He had no peer in France.
14. And now the early down beganTo shade his youthful chin,When Valentine was dubbed a knight,That he might glory win.
15. "A boon, a boon, my gracious liege,I beg a boon of thee:The first adventure that befallsMay be reserved for me."
16. "The first adventure shall be thine,"The king did smiling say.Not many days, when lo! there cameThree palmers clad in gray.
17. "Help, gracious lord," they weeping said,And knelt, as it was meet;"From Artois Forest we are come,With weak and weary feet.
18. "Within those deep and dreary woodsThere dwells a savage boy,Whose fierce and mortal rage doth yieldThy subjects dire annoy.
19. "To more than savage strength he joinsA more than human skill;For arms no cunning may sufficeHis cruel rage to still."
20. Up then rose Sir ValentineAnd claimed that arduous deed."Go forth and conquer," said the king,"And great shall be thy meed."
21. Well mounted on a milk-white steed,His armor white as snow,As well beseemed a virgin knight,Who ne'er had fought a foe—
22. To Artois Forest he repairs,With all the haste he may,And soon he spies the savage youthA-rending of his prey!
23. His unkempt hair all matted hungHis shaggy shoulders round;His eager eye all fiery glowed,His face with fury frowned.
24. Like eagle's talons grew his nails,His limbs were thick and strong,And dreadful was the knotted oakHe bare with him along.
25. Soon as Sir Valentine approached,He starts with sudden spring,And yelling forth a hideous howl,He made the forest ring.
26. As when a tiger fierce and fellHath spied a passing roe,And leaps at once upon his throat,So sprang the savage foe.
27. So lightly leaped with furious force,The gentle knight to seize,But met his tall uplifted spear,Which sank him on his knees.
28. A second stroke, so stiff and stern,Had laid the savage low;But, springing up, he raised his club,And aimed a dreadful blow.
29. The watchful warrior bent his head,And shunned the coming stroke;Upon his taper spear it fell,And all to shivers broke.
30. Then, lighting nimbly from his steed,He drew his burnished brand;The savage quick as lightning flewTo wrest it from his hand.
31. Three times he grasped the silver hilt,Three times he felt the blade;Three times it fell with furious force,Three ghastly cuts it made.
Captive led to court"To court his hairy captive soonSir Valentine doth bring,And, kneeling down upon his knee,Presents him to the king."
"To court his hairy captive soonSir Valentine doth bring,And, kneeling down upon his knee,Presents him to the king."
"To court his hairy captive soonSir Valentine doth bring,And, kneeling down upon his knee,Presents him to the king."
32. Now with redoubled rage he roared,His eyeballs flashed with fire,Each hairy limb with fury shook,And all his heart was ire.33. But soon the knight, with active spring,O'erturned his hairy foe,And now between their sturdy fistsPassed many a bruising blow.34. But brutal force and savage strengthTo art and skill must yield;Sir Valentine at length prevailed,And won the well-fought field.35. Then binding straight his conquered foeFast with an iron chain,He ties him to his horse's tail,And leads him o'er the plain.36. To court his hairy captive soonSir Valentine doth bring,And, kneeling down upon his knee,Presents him to the king.37. With loss of blood and loss of strength,The savage tamer grew,And to Sir Valentine becameA servant tried and true.38. And, 'cause with bears he first was bred,Ursine they called his name—A name which unto future timesThe Muses shall proclaim.
32. Now with redoubled rage he roared,His eyeballs flashed with fire,Each hairy limb with fury shook,And all his heart was ire.
33. But soon the knight, with active spring,O'erturned his hairy foe,And now between their sturdy fistsPassed many a bruising blow.
34. But brutal force and savage strengthTo art and skill must yield;Sir Valentine at length prevailed,And won the well-fought field.
35. Then binding straight his conquered foeFast with an iron chain,He ties him to his horse's tail,And leads him o'er the plain.
36. To court his hairy captive soonSir Valentine doth bring,And, kneeling down upon his knee,Presents him to the king.
37. With loss of blood and loss of strength,The savage tamer grew,And to Sir Valentine becameA servant tried and true.
38. And, 'cause with bears he first was bred,Ursine they called his name—A name which unto future timesThe Muses shall proclaim.
Old Ballad.
Engraving of a king
1. Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, that which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.
2. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
3. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
4. By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots, I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar-trees thereof, and the choice fir-trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
5. I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
6. Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps.
7. Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on thehousetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
8. But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.
9. Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
10. And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.
11. And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.
12. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of Mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.
13. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.
14. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the Lord.
15. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
16. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand; and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
17. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
II Kings, xix, 20–36.
1. The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold,And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.2. Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green,That host with its banners at sunset was seen;Like the leaves of the forest when autumn hath blown,That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.3. For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,And breathed on the face of the foe as he passed;And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,And their hearts but once heaved, and forever grew still.4. And there lay the steed, with his nostrils all wide,But through them there rolled not the breath of his pride;And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.5. And there lay the rider, distorted and pale,With the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail,And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.6. And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord.
1. The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold,And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
2. Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green,That host with its banners at sunset was seen;Like the leaves of the forest when autumn hath blown,That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
3. For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,And breathed on the face of the foe as he passed;And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,And their hearts but once heaved, and forever grew still.
4. And there lay the steed, with his nostrils all wide,But through them there rolled not the breath of his pride;And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
5. And there lay the rider, distorted and pale,With the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail,And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.
6. And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord.
Byron.
Destruction
1. When Glaucon, the son of Ariston, attempted to harangue the people, from a desire, though he was not yet twenty years of age, to have a share in the government of the state, no one of his relatives, or other friends, could prevent him from getting himself dragged down from the tribunal and making himself ridiculous; but Socrates, who had a friendly feeling toward him on account of Charmides, the son of Glaucon, as well as on account of Plato, succeeded in prevailing on him, by his sole dissuasion, to relinquish his purpose.
His bustSocrates.
Socrates.
2. Meeting him by chance, he first stopped him by addressing him as follows, that he might be willing to listen to him: "Glaucon," said he, "have you formed an intention to govern the state for us?" "I have, Socrates," replied Glaucon. "By Jupiter," rejoined Socrates, "it is an honorable office, if any other among men be so; for it is certain that, if you attain your object, you will be able yourself to secure whatever you may desire, and will be in a condition to benefit your friends; you will raise your father's house, and increase the power of your country; you will be celebrated first of all in your own city, and afterward throughout Greece, and perhaps, also, like Themistocles, among the barbarians, and, wherever you may be, you will be an object of general admiration." Glaucon, hearing this, was highly elated, andcheerfully stayed to listen. Socrates next proceeded to say: "But it is plain, Glaucon, that if you wish to be honored, you must benefit the state." "Certainly," answered Glaucon. "Then, in the name of the gods," said Socrates, "do not hide from us how you intend to act, but inform us with what proceeding you will begin to benefit the state." But as Glaucon was silent, as if just considering how he should begin, Socrates said: "As, if you wished to aggrandize the family of a friend, you would endeavor to make it richer, tell me whether you will in like manner also endeavor to make the state richer?" "Assuredly," said he. "Would it then be richer, if its revenues were increased?" "That is at least probable," said Glaucon. "Tell me then," proceeded Socrates, "from what the revenues of the state arise, and what is their amount; for you have doubtless considered, in order that if any of them fall short, you may make up the deficiency, and that if any of them fail, you may procure fresh supplies." "These matters, by Jupiter," replied Glaucon, "I have not considered."
3. "Well, then," said Socrates, "if you have omitted to consider this point, tell me at least the annual expenditure of the state; for you undoubtedly mean to retrench whatever is superfluous in it." "Indeed," replied Glaucon, "I have not yet had time to turn my attention to that subject." "We will therefore," said Socrates, "put off making our state richer for the present; for how is it possible for him who is ignorant of its expenditure and its income to manage those matters?"
4. "But Socrates," observed Glaucon, "it is possible to enrich the state at the expense of our enemies." "Extremely possible, indeed," replied Socrates, "if we be stronger than they; but if we be weaker, we may lose all that we have." "What you say is true," said Glaucon.
5. "Accordingly," said Socrates, "he who deliberates with whom he shall go to war, ought to know the force both of his own country and of the enemy, so that, if that of his own country be superior to that of the enemy, he may advise it to enter upon the war, but if inferior, may persuade it to be cautious of doing so." "You say rightly," said Glaucon.
A discussionSocrates and Glaucon.
Socrates and Glaucon.
6. "In the first place, then," proceeded Socrates, "tellus the strength of the country by land and sea, and next that of the enemy." "But, by Jupiter," exclaimed Glaucon, "I should not be able to tell you on the moment, and at a word." "Well, then, if you have it written down," said Socrates, "bring it, for I should be extremely glad to hear what it is." "But, to say the truth," replied Glaucon, "I have not yet written it down."
7. "We will therefore put off considering about war for the present," said Socrates, "for it is very likely that on account of the magnitude of these subjects, and as you are just commencing your administration, you have not yet examined into them. But to the defense of the country, I am quite sure that you have directed your attention, and that you know how many garrisons are in advantageous positions, and how many not so, what number of men would be sufficient to maintain them, and what number would be insufficient, and that you will advise your countrymen to make the garrisons in advantageous positions stronger, and to remove the useless ones."
8. "By Jove," replied Glaucon, "I shall recommend them to remove them all, as they keep guard so negligently, that the property is secretly carried off out of the country." "Yet, if we remove the garrisons," said Socrates, "do you not think that liberty will be given to anybody that pleases to pillage? But," added he, "have you gone personally and examined as to this fact, or how do you know that the garrisons conduct themselves with such negligence?" "I form my conjectures," said he. "Well, then," inquired Socrates, "shall we settle about these matters also, when we no longer rest upon conjecture, but have obtained certain knowledge?" "Perhaps that," said Glaucon, "will be the better course."
9. "To the silver-mines, however," continued Socrates,"I know that you have not gone, so as to have the means of telling us why a smaller revenue is derived from them than came in some time ago." "I have not gone thither," said he. "Indeed, the place," said Socrates, "is said to be unhealthy, so that when it is necessary to bring it under consideration, this will be a sufficient excuse for you." "You jest with me," said Glaucon. "I am sure, however," proceeded Socrates, "that you have not neglected to consider, but have calculated, how long the corn which is produced in the country, will suffice to maintain the city, and how much it requires for the year, in order that the city may not suffer from scarcity unknown to you, but that, from your own knowledge, you may be able, by giving your advice concerning the necessaries of life, to support the city and preserve it." "You propose a vast field for me," observed Glaucon, "if it will be necessary for me to attend to such subjects."
10. "Nevertheless," proceeded Socrates, "a man can not order his house properly, unless he ascertains all that it requires, and takes care to supply it with everything necessary; but since the city consists of more than ten thousand houses, and since it is difficult to provide for so many at once, how is it that you have not tried to aid one first of all, suppose that of your uncle, for it stands in need of help? If you be able to assist that one, you may proceed to assist more; but if you be unable to benefit one, how will you be able to benefit many? Just as it is plain that, if a man can not carry the weight of a talent, he need not attempt to carry a greater weight?"
11. "But I would improve my uncle's house," said Glaucon, "if he would but be persuaded by me." "And then," resumed Socrates, "when you can not persuade your uncle, do you expect to make all the Athenians, together with your uncle, yield to your arguments?
12. "Take care, Glaucon, lest, while you are eager to acquire glory, you meet with the reverse of it. Do you not see how dangerous it is for a person to speak of, or undertake, what he does not understand? Contemplate, among other men, such as you know to be characters that plainly talk of, and attempt to do, what they do not know, and consider whether they appear to you, by such conduct, to obtain more applause or censure, whether they seem to be more admired or despised?
13. "Contemplate, again, those who have some understanding of what they say and do, and you will find, I think, in all transactions, that such as are praised and admired are of the number of those who have most knowledge, and that those who incur censure and neglect are among those that have least.
14. "If, therefore, you desire to gain esteem and reputation in your country, endeavor to succeed in gaining a knowledge of what you wish to do; for if, when you excel others in this qualification, you proceed to manage the affairs of the state, I shall not wonder if you very easily obtain what you desire."
Xenophon.
1. When Cyrus was twelve years old, his mother Mandana took him with her into Media to his grandfather Astyages, who, from the many things he had heard in favor of the young prince, had a great desire to see him. In this court young Cyrus found very different manners from those of his own country: pride, luxury, and magnificence reigned here universally. Astyageshimself was richly clothed, had his eyes colored, his face painted, and his hair embellished with artificial locks; for the Medes affected an effeminate life—to be dressed in scarlet and to wear necklaces and bracelets—whereas the habits of the Persians were very plain and coarse.
2. All this finery had no effect upon Cyrus, who, without criticising or condemning what he saw, was content to live as he had been brought up, and adhered to the principles he had imbibed from his infancy. He charmed his grandfather with his sprightliness and wit, and gained the favor of all by his noble and engaging behavior. I shall only mention one instance, whereby we may judge of the rest. Astyages, to make his grandson unwilling to return home, made a sumptuous entertainment, in which there was a vast plenty and profusion of everything that was nice and delicate. Cyrus looked upon all this exquisite cheer and magnificent preparation with great indifference, and, observing that it excited the surprise of Astyages, "The Persians," says he to the king, "instead of going such a roundabout way to appease their hunger, have a much shorter one to the same end: a little bread and cresses with them answer the purpose."
3. Astyages desiring Cyrus to dispose of all the meats as he thought fit, the latter immediately distributed them to the king's officers-in-waiting: to one, because he taught him to ride; to another, because he waited well upon his grandfather; and to a third, because he took great care of his mother. Sacas, the king's cup-bearer, was the only person to whom he gave nothing. This officer, besides the post of cup-bearer, had that likewise of introducing those who were to have audience with the king; and, as he could not possibly grant that favor to Cyrus as often as he desired it, he had the misfortune to displease the prince, who took this occasion to show his resentment.
4. Astyages, manifesting some concern at the neglect of this officer, for whom he had a particular regard, and who deserved it, as he said, on account of the wonderful dexterity with which he served him—"Is that all, father?" replied Cyrus; "if that be sufficient to merit your favor, you shall see I will quickly obtain it; for I will take upon me to serve you better than he." Cyrus immediately equipped as a cup-bearer, and advancing gravely with a serious countenance, a napkin upon his shoulder, and holding the cup nicely with three of his fingers, presented it to the king with a dexterity and a grace that charmed both Astyages and Mandana. When he had done he threw himself upon his grandfather's neck, and, kissing him, cried out with great joy: "O Sacas! poor Sacas! thou art undone; I shall have thy place!"
5. Astyages embraced him with great fondness, and said: "I am highly pleased, my dear child; nobody can serve me with a better grace; but you have forgot one essential ceremony, which is that of tasting"; and, indeed, the cup-bearer was used to pour some of the liquor into his left hand, and to taste it, before he presented it to the king. "No," replied Cyrus, "it was not through forgetfulness that I omitted that ceremony." "Why, then," says Astyages, "for what reason did you not do it?" "Because I apprehended there was poison in the liquor." "Poison, child! How could you think so?" "Yes, poison, father, for not long ago, at an entertainment you gave to the lords of your court, after the guests had drunk a little of that liquor, I perceived all their heads were turned. They sang, made a noise, and talked they did not know what; you yourself seemed to have forgotten that you were king, and they that they were subjects; and when you would have danced you couldnot stand upon your legs." "Why," said Astyages, "have you never seen the same thing happen to your father?" "No, never," says Cyrus. "What, then? How is it with him when he drinks?" "Why, when he has drunk, his thirst is quenched, and that is all."
6. Mandana being upon the point of returning to Persia, Cyrus joyfully complied with the repeated requests his grandfather had made to him to stay in Media; being desirous, as he said, to perfect himself in the art of riding, which he was not yet master of, and which was not known in Persia, where the barrenness of the country and its craggy, mountainous situation rendered it unfit for the breeding of horses.
7. During the time of his residence at this court his behavior procured him infinite love and esteem. He was gentle, affable, beneficent, and generous. Whenever the young lords had any favor to ask of the king, Cyrus was their solicitor. If the king had any subject of complaint against them, Cyrus was their mediator; their affairs became his, and he always managed them so well that he obtained whatever he desired.
Rollin.
1. The King of Armenia who was vassal to the Medes, looking upon them as ready to be swallowed up by a formidable league formed against them, thought fit to lay hold of this occasion to shake off their yoke. Accordingly he refused to pay them the ordinary tribute, and to send them the number of troops he was obliged to furnish in time of war. This highly embarrassed Cyaxares,who was afraid at this juncture of bringing new enemies upon his hands if he undertook to compel the Armenians to execute their treaty.
2. But Cyrus, having informed himself exactly of the strength and situation of the country, undertook the affair. The important point was to keep his design secret, without which it was not likely to succeed. He therefore appointed a great hunting-match on that side of the country; for it was his custom to ride out that way, and frequently to hunt with the king's son and the young noblemen of Armenia. On the appointed day, he set out with a numerous retinue. The troops followed at a distance, and were not to appear till a signal was given. After some days' hunting, when they had nearly reached the palace where the court resided, Cyrus communicated his design to his officers; and sent Chrysanthes with a detachment, ordering them to make themselves master of a certain steep eminence, where he knew the king used to retire in case of an alarm, with his family and his treasures.
3. This being done, he sent a herald to the king of Armenia, to summon him to perform the treaty, and in the mean time ordered his troops to advance. Never was a court in greater surprise and perplexity. The king was conscious of the wrong he had done, and was not in a condition to support it. However, he did what he could to assemble his forces together from all quarters; and in the mean time dispatched his youngest son, called Stabaris, into the mountains, with his wives, his daughters, and whatever was most precious and valuable. But when he was informed by his scouts that Cyrus was closely pursuing, he entirely lost all courage, and all thoughts of making a defense.
4. The Armenians, following his example, ran away,every one where he could, to secure what was dearest to him. Cyrus, seeing the country covered with people that were endeavoring to make their escape, sent them word that no harm should be done to them if they stayed in their houses; but that as many as were taken running away should be treated as enemies. This made them all retire to their habitations, excepting a few that followed the king.
5. On the other hand, they that were conducting the princesses to the mountains fell into the ambush Chrysanthes had laid for them, and were most of them taken prisoners. The queen, the king's son, his daughters, his eldest son's wife, and his treasures, all fell into the hands of the Persians.
6. The king, hearing this melancholy news, and not knowing what would become of him, retired to a little eminence, where he was presently invested by the Persian army, and obliged to surrender. Cyrus ordered him with all his family to be brought to the midst of the army. At that very instant arrived Tigranes, the king's eldest son, who was just returned from a journey. At so moving a scene he could not forbear weeping. Cyrus, addressing himself to him, said: "Prince, you are come very seasonably to be present at the trial of your father." And immediately he assembled the captains of the Persians and Medes, and called in also the great men of Armenia. Nor did he so much as exclude the ladies from this assembly, who were there in their chariots, but gave them full liberty to hear and see all that passed.
7. When all was ready and Cyrus had commanded silence, he began with requiring of the king, that in all the questions he was about to propose to him, he would answer sincerely, because nothing could be more unworthy a person of his rank than to use dissimulation orfalsehood. The king promised he would. Then Cyrus asked him, but at different times, proposing each article separately, and in order, whether it was not true, that he had made war upon Astyages, King of the Medes, his grandfather; whether he had not been overcome in that war, and in consequence of his defeat had concluded a treaty with Astyages; whether by virtue of that treaty he was not obliged to pay a certain tribute, to furnish a certain number of troops, and not to keep any fortified place in his country.
8. It was impossible for the king to deny any of these facts, which were all public and notorious. "For what reason, then," continued Cyrus, "have you violated the treaty in every article?" "For no other," replied the king, "than because I thought it a glorious thing to shake off the yoke, to live free, and to leave my children in the same condition." "It is really glorious," answered Cyrus, "to fight in defense of liberty, but if any one, after he is reduced to servitude, should attempt to run away from his master, what would you do with him?" "I must confess," said the king, "I would punish him." "And if you had given a government to one of your subjects, and he should be found to misbehave, would you continue him in his post?" "No, certainly; I would put another in his place." "And if he had amassed great riches by his unjust practices?" "I would strip him of them." "But, which is still worse, if he had held intelligence with your enemies, how would you treat him?" "Though I should pass sentence upon myself," replied the king, "I must declare the truth; I would put him to death." At these words Tigranes tore his tiara from his head, and rent his garments; the women burst out into lamentations and outcries, as if the sentence had actually passed upon him.
9. Cyrus, having again commanded silence, Tigranes addressed himself to the prince to this effect: "Great prince, can you think it consistent with your wisdom, to put my father to death, even against your own interest?" "How against my interest?" replied Cyrus. "Because he was never so capable of doing you service." "How do you make that appear? Do the faults we commit enhance our merit, and give us a new title to consideration and favor?" "They certainly do, provided they serve to make us wiser; for wisdom is of inestimable value. Are either riches, courage, or address to be compared to it? Now it is evident, this single day's experience has infinitely improved my father's wisdom. He knows how dear the violation of his word has cost him. He has proved and felt how much you are superior to him in all respects. He has not been able to succeed in any of his designs; but you have happily accomplished all yours; and with such expedition and secrecy that he has found himself surrounded and taken before he expected to be attacked, and the very place of his retreat has served only to ensnare him."
10. "But your father," replied Cyrus, "has yet undergone no sufferings that can have taught him wisdom." "The fear of evils," answered Tigranes, "when it is so well founded as this is, has a much sharper sting, and is more capable of piercing the soul, than the evil itself. Besides, permit me to say, that gratitude is a stronger and more prevailing motive than any whatever; and there can be no obligations in the world of a higher nature than those you will lay upon my father—his fortune, liberty, scepter, life, wives, and children, all restored to him with such a generosity. Where can you find, illustrious prince, in one single person, so many strong and powerful ties to attach him to your service?"
11. "Well, then," replied Cyrus, turning to the king, "if I should yield to your son's entreaties, with what number of men, and what sum of money, will you assist us in the war against the Babylonians?" "My troops and treasures," says the Armenian king, "are no longer mine; they are entirely yours. I can raise forty thousand foot and eight thousand horse; and as for money, I reckon, including the treasure which my father left me, there are about three thousand talents ready money. All these are wholly at your disposal." Cyrus accepted half the number of the troops, and left the king the other half, for the defense of the country against the Chaldeans, with whom he was at war.
12. The annual tribute which was due to the Medes he doubled, and instead of fifty talents exacted a hundred, and borrowed the like sum over and above in his own name. "But what would you give me," added Cyrus, "for the ransom of your wives?" "All that I have in the world," replied the king. "And for the ransom of your children?" "The same thing." "From this time, then, you are indebted to me the double of all your possessions. And you, Tigranes, at what price would you redeem the liberty of your lady?" Now he had lately married her, and was passionately fond of her. "At the price," said he, "of a thousand lives if I had them." Cyrus then conducted them all to his tent, and entertained them at supper. It is easy to imagine what transports of joy there must have been upon this occasion.
13. After supper, as they were discoursing upon various subjects, Cyrus asked Tigranes what was become of a governor whom he had often seen hunting with him, and for whom he had a particular esteem. "Alas!" said Tigranes, "he is no more; and I dare not tell you by what accident I lost him." Cyrus pressed him to tellhim. "My father," continued Tigranes, "seeing I had a very tender affection for this governor, and that I was extremely attached to him, suspected it might be of some ill consequence and put him to death. But he was so honest a man, that as he was ready to expire, he sent for me and spoke to me in these words: 'Tigranes, let not my death occasion any dissatisfaction in you toward the king your father. What he has done to me did not proceed from malice, but only from prejudice, and a false notion wherewith he was unhappily blinded.'" "Oh, the excellent man!" cried Cyrus, "never forget the last advice he gave you."
14. When the conversation was ended, Cyrus, before they parted, embraced them all, as in token of a perfect reconciliation. This done, they got into their chariots, with their wives, and went home full of gratitude and admiration. Nothing but Cyrus was mentioned the whole way; some extolling his wisdom, others his valor; some admiring the sweetness of his temper, others praising the beauty of his person and the majesty of his mien. "And you," said Tigranes, addressing himself to his lady, "what do you think of Cyrus's aspect and deportment?" "I do not know," replied the lady, "I did not observe him." "Upon what object, then, did you fix your eyes?" "Upon him that said he would give a thousand lives to ransom my liberty."
The next day the King of Armenia sent presents to Cyrus, and refreshments for his whole army, and brought him double the sum of money he was required to furnish. But Cyrus took only what had been stipulated, and restored him the rest. The Armenian troops were ordered to be ready in three days' time, and Tigranes desired to command them.