Chapter XI
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Cyrus, Croesus, Solon
Original
Literary translation
§ 11.1
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Long ago, a king named Croesus ruled in Lydia, famous among all peoples for his wealth.
§ 11.2
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Lydia was a region of Asia, bordering Persia.
§ 11.3
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Not far away, across the Aegean Sea, Greeks were living.
§ 11.4
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Croesus worshipped the Greek gods and often sent very precious gifts to the Delphic oracle; he sent gold, silver, and other exceedingly valuable things, for he was the richest of all kings.
§ 11.5
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Therefore the Greeks liked Croesus, and travelers often sailed to the coast of Lydia.
§ 11.6
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Among the travelers, Solon, a very wise man, happened to arrive at Croesus's residence.
§ 11.7
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He was wiser than all the citizens of his own country.
§ 11.8
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When he had praised Croesus's riches and all his beautiful possessions, Croesus said, 'O guest, surely you call me the happiest of all men?
§ 11.9
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Surely I am happier than all the citizens of your country?'
§ 11.10
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But Solon replied, 'O Croesus, you are happy today, without doubt; someday, however, perhaps very serious troubles will afflict you.
§ 11.11
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I call no one happy while he is still alive.'
§ 11.12
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After a few years Cyrus, prince of the Persians, led troops into the lands of the Medes and rapidly conquered the entire region.
§ 11.13
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Thus he was king of both Media and Persia, a vast kingdom.
§ 11.14
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When the citizens reported Cyrus's deeds, Croesus said, 'If Cyrus, still a young man, conquered the Medes so quickly, surely I, a very great and very rich king, shall defeat Cyrus.'
§ 11.15
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So he quickly assembled his forces and led them into neighboring lands.
§ 11.16
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But he did not conduct the campaign well.
§ 11.17
.
The king's army did not withstand the enemy's assault for long.
§ 11.18
.
The Persians put Croesus's soldiers to flight.
§ 11.19
; ; .
They marched into Lydia and devastated the entire countryside with fire and sword; they killed people and burned villages and crops.
§ 11.20
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The terrified king made for the palace.
§ 11.21
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Cyrus entered there.
§ 11.22
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Cyrus, furious, asked, 'Why, O Croesus, did you bring war into my lands without cause?
§ 11.23
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Therefore you will pay me the severest penalty for your foolishness.
§ 11.24
; ; ."
My slaves will build a huge pyre of stout timbers; they will place you upon it, and then they will set fire to you and the pyre.'
§ 11.25
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Accordingly, in the morning the slaves prepared a great pyre and placed Croesus on it.
§ 11.26
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Then Croesus, when he understood his misfortune, gave a groan from the depths of his breast with a sorrowful expression and, remembering Solon's words, said, 'Solon, a wise man, spoke no falsehood.
§ 11.27
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For so many years I thought myself the happiest of all men.
§ 11.28
.
But now no one among all peoples is more miserable.
§ 11.29
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I am paying the price for my arrogance and folly.'
§ 11.30
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When Cyrus heard Croesus's words and noticed his sad expression, he said, full of compassion, 'I too am human.
§ 11.31
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I am fortunate today, but perhaps I shall not always prosper.
§ 11.32
.
Perhaps I too will someday seek mercy from the immortal gods.
§ 11.33
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So I will free the prisoner from chains and flames.'
§ 11.34
; .
But the slaves had already extended their blazing torches toward the timbers, and the flames were already nearly surrounding the pyre.
§ 11.35
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But Croesus, in extreme danger, stretched out his hands toward heaven and the immortal gods.
§ 11.36
, .
Apollo sent a rain shower from a clear sky and poured water upon the pyre.
§ 11.37
, .
Thus Cyrus freed his prisoner and for many years regarded Croesus as a dear friend.