The famous hystory of Herodotus Conteyning the discourse of dyuers countreys, the succession of theyr kyngs: the actes and exploytes atchieued by them: the lavves and customes of euery nation: with the true description and antiquitie of the same. Deuided into nine bookes, entituled vvith the names of the nine Muses.

HER ODOTVS HIS FIRST BOOKE INTI∣TLED CLIO. (Book 1)

HER ODOTVS beyng of the citye of Halicarnassus in Greece * 1.1 wrote and compiled an history to the end, that nether tract of time might ouerwhelme & bury in si∣lence the actes of humayne kynd: nor the worthye, and renowned aduentures of the Grecians and Barbarians, (as well other as chiefly those that were done in warre) might want the due reward of immortal fame. The Persian wryters witnes y^e first cause of debate & controuersie to haue comen by y^e pe∣ople * 1.2 called Phaenices who sayling from the redde sea into this of Greece, & inhabityng the selfe same regions which at this tyme also they holde and retayne: gaue themselues to long vagaries and continuall viages by sea. In which season by trade of marchaundise brought from Aegipt and Assyria, as in many other countries, so also they arryued at Argos. Argos at the same tyme was the most noble and famous city in Greece. Whither the Phaenices directyng their course, after they were come, and within the space of foure or fyue dayes, had made a good hand and riddaunce of their wares. It fortuned certayne women (in whose cō∣pany * 1.3 was the Kings daughter, whose name was Io. borne of Inachus) to approach the shore, in mynde to suruay and contemplate the wealth and substaunce of these outlandish Marchauntes. Now in the meane season whiles the womē were busye and attentiue in praising such thinges as their fancy lead them, the Phaenises ranne violently vppon them

and hauing caught Io with some others, they rest excee∣dingly affryghted, and flying through feare, incontinently wayghed ancōre and sayled into Aegipt. By these meanes the Persians record that Io first came into Aegipt, not as y^e Phaenices reporte, & that this was the first cause and be∣ginning of iniuryes. It chaunced afterward that certaine Greekes whase names they knew not taking shore, & lau∣ding at Tyrus, in like manner made a rape of the kinges daughter named Europa. These were the people of Crete, * 1.4 otherwyse called the Cretenses. By which meanes yt was cardes and cardes betwene them, the one beyng full meete and quit with the other.

But in processe of tyme, the seconde trespasse was also made and committed, by the Grecians, who passinge in a galley by the riuer Phasis to Aea, a city of Colchis, and ha∣uing finished the affayres and busines for which they came, caryed away Medea daughter to the King, whom the no∣ble * 1.5 gentleman her father eftsones reclayminge by an Ha∣rold of peace, and demaunding punishment and reuenge on the trespasser: the Grecians made answeare, that as by themselues no correction was done for the rape of Io. euen so would they also in this cause goe voyde of smart and es∣cape scotfree.

After this in the secōd age ensuing Alexander the sonne of Priamus hauing notise and aduertismēt of these thinges * 1.6 was greatly desyrous to steale and puruay himselfe a wife of the Grecians, notfearyng the rigour of Iustice, or anye manner pey, or chastisment, which they before had vtterly refused to beare and sustayne.

Hauing therfore gotten Helena, and conuayed her away it seemed good to the Greekes, to clayme by embassage, re∣stitution of the rape and iustice on the rauisher, vnto whom the stealth of Medea was obiected and answeare made that it was not meete for them to require eyther losse or law, which in former tyme would be ruled by neyther.

Thus the tyme hetherto passed on by mutuall pillage be¦tweene them. But of those things which insue and follow. Vpon these y^e Persians affyrme, the Grecians to haue bene the chiefe authors, who first inuaded Asia by the power of warre then euer themselues attempted the rule and domi∣minion * 1.7 of Europa. Reputing it the poynt of rude and grose iniury to steale away women, and the signe of a greater fol∣ly to pursue the losse of them: since no wyse man would set ought by those that without their owne assent and free wil could neuer haue bene stolne. For this cause the Persians alleadge how lightly they valued the losse of their Ladyes, whereas the Greekes on the other syde, for one silye danie of Lacedemonia, furnished a huge nauy and comming into Asia, subuerted and brought to ruine the kingdome of Pri∣amus. Since which tyme they haue alwayes thought of the Grecians as of their heauy frendes, esteeming themselues somewhat allyed to Asia and the nations of Barbaria, but the Grecians to be strangers, and alyens vnto them.

And as touching the course & proceding of these things, the Persians report on this manner, adding hereto that the first cause of tumult and contention betweene them arose by the ouerthrow and destruction of Troy.

With whose assertions the Phaenices agree not aboute the Lady Io. Whom they flatly denye to haue bene caryed by them into Aegipt in manner of a rape, shewinge, howe that in theyr abode at Argos, shee fortuned to close with the mayster of a Shippe, and feelynge her selfe to bee spedde: fearynge and doubtinge greatlye the feueritye, & cruell tyrannye of her Parentes, and the detection of her owne follye, Shee willynglye toke shyppe and fledde strayght awaye.

Such are the recordes of the Persians, and Phaenicians, of the truth wherof I meane not to discusse.

Onely whom I fynde to haue done the first harme and

iniurye to people of Greece of hym I determine to speake proceding orderly w^t the declaratiō aswell of small cityes & townes of meaner fortune as of those that are populous & wel frequented, for so much as many cityes which former ages haue knowne right ample and wel peopled, are now fallen to a low ebbe: and contrariwyse, those which in the compasse of our memory were greate haue heretofore bene much lesse: wherefore knowing the tenor of humayne feli∣city to be eftsones varyable, and neuer at one stay, my pur∣pose is to vse the examples of eyther kynd.

Craesus a Lidian born descended of Halyattes, was King of those countryes, that lye within the riuer Halis, which * 1.8 flowing from the South part of the worlde, betweene the Syrians and the Paphlagonians, right against the North wind breaketh into the sea called Euxinam. Of al the prin∣ces Barbarian of whom we haue vnderstanding this same Craesus was the chiefe that made some of the Greekes tri∣butary and other his friendes, he subdued the Iones, Aeoles and Dores that dwell in Asia: concluding with the Lace∣demonians a friendly league of amity. Wheras before him * 1.9 none of the Graecians were euer thrall, or in bondage to a∣ny. For as touching the voyage made by the Cymmerians agaynst Ionia, it happened long before the tyme of Craesus: wherein was vsed no sacking of cities, no dispoylinge of townes: but secret inuasions and seysing on the pray. And albeit in the countrey of this noble King Craesus the soue∣raygnty and chiefe rule were peculiare to the stock of Her∣cules * 1.10 which were called Heraclidae, yet was it in this order translated to the bloud of Craesus whose names were Mer∣nadae Candaules (whom the Greekes call Silos) was king of Sardis comming of the lyne and progenie of Alcaeus the sonne of Hercules. The first kyng of the family of Haeracli∣dans that raygned in Sardis beynge named Argon sonne of Niuus nephew of Belus sonne to the nephew Alcaeus and the last Candaules the sonne of Mirsus. Before Argon his

raygne, they which gouerned the countrey, were the of∣spring of Lydus the sonne of Atis, of whom the whole peo∣ple * 1.11 toke the name of Lydians beyng before tyme called the Meonyts, of these were the Heraclidans brought vp, be∣yng borue of Hercules & Iardana a bondmayd. Vnto these (by vertue of the oracle) was the seignory, and supreme go∣uernment translated, who held the same for terme of fyue hundred and fiue yeares, the sonne eftsones succeded hys fa∣ther, euen vnto Candaules the sonne of Myrsus. This Can∣daules was passing well affectioned to his wyfe, in so much * 1.12 y^t for the singuler loue he bare her, he thought her to excell al women in the comly feature of the body. And hereof be∣yng himselfe fully perswaded, hee fortuned to fall in talke with Gyges sonne of Bascylus, one of the chiefe and princi∣pall of his garde (whom also he especially fauoured, & not seeldome employed him in matters of greate weight) ad∣uauncing vnto him the seemly shape of his wife aboue mea∣sure. In short space after (for the euill hap haunted hym) meetinge with the aforesayde Gyges, hee beganne thus.

My faythfull seruaunt Gyges, wheras thou seemest not to credite the large vauntes and often bragges which I make of my Ladyes beauty and comlynesse (the eares of men beyng much more incredulous then their eyes) behold I wil so bring to passe, y^t thou shalt see her naked. Wherat the pore Gentleman greatlye abashed, and in no wyse wil∣lyng to assent therto, made answere as followeth. My Lord * 1.13 (quoth he) what māner of speech is this which vnaduised∣ly you vse in perswading me to beholde my ladyes secrets. for a womā you know, the more in sight the lesse in shame. Who togeather with her garmentes layth assyde her mo∣destye, honest preceptes haue bene deuised by our elders which wee ought to remember, Whereof this is one, that euery man ought to behold his owne. For myne own part I easily beleeue you, that of all women in the world, there is none comparable vnto her in beauty.

Wherfore I beseech your grace, to haue me excused, if in a case so heynous and vnlawfull, I somewhat refuse to obay your wil. Gyges hauing in this sort acquited himselfe, fea∣ring the daunger y^t might ensue. The King began a fresh to replye, saying, My good Gyges, take hart at grace, & feare not, least eyther my selfe do goe about to examine and feele thy meaning by the coloured glose of fayned speach, or that the Queene my Ladye take occasion to worke thy displea∣sure hereby. Pull vpp thy spirites, and leaue al to mee: it is I that wil worke the meanes, whereby shee shall neuer know any part of her selfe to haue bene seene by anye crea∣ture liuing. Listen then awhyle and geue eare to my coun∣sayle.

When night is come the dore of the chaumber wherein wee lye beyng wyde set open, I will couertly place thee be∣hynde the same: strayght at my entraunce thereinto, her cu∣stome is not to be long after mee, directly at her comming in, there standeth a bench, wherat vnclothing herselfe, shee accustometh to lay her garmentes vppon it, propoundinge her deuine and angelicall body, to bee seene and viewed for a long space, this done, as she turnes frō the bench to bed∣warde, her backe beyng toward thee, haue care to slip pri∣uily out of the dores least happily she espye thee.

The gentleman seynge hymselfe taken in a trap, that in no wyse he could escape without perfourmāce of his Lords folly, gaue his assent, and at an howre appoynted stood in a readines, whom Candaules closly brought into his chaum∣ber: and immediatly after came the Queene: whom Gyges hauyng beheld at his pleasure, when her back was turned crept out of the dore, yet not so secretly, but y^t the Queene had a glymse of hym, and perceyued, who hee was.

The Lady seyng the fond and vndiscrete treacherye of her husband made little adoe, and seemed as though shee had seene nothing. Albeit fully mynding to bee reuenged of the shameles foolish facte of her espoused Lord.

For with the Lydians, and welnygh also with the rest of the Barbarians, it is a greate reproach euen for a man to be seene vnclothed. How beit for the present tyme she kept si∣lence, makyng no semblaunce of my displeasure.

The day following, hauing assembled certayne of her hous∣hold seruauntes, in whom shee hadde especiall affyaunce, Gyges was sent for, who suspecting nothing lesse then that hys deceipt was knowen: spedely and with all diligence, adressed hym to come: beyng wont also at other tymes to come to the Queene as oft as yet pleased hyr to sende for him. Beyng entred the chaumber she began to assayle him in these worde. Now Gyges of two present wayes I geue thee free choyce which of them both thou wilt take: eyther to slay the King Candaules and enioy mee with the Kinge∣dome of Lydia: or thy selfe presently to leese thy lyfe. Lest in obayng thy Lord in that thou oughtest not, thou be hēse∣forth priuye to that which thou shouldest not.

There is no remedy y^e one of you both must to the pot, e∣ther the mayster or the man, ether hee which led thee here∣vnto, or thy selfe that sawest mee naked, and diddest those thinkes that wer vnlawful to be done. Gyges herewith a∣mazed beganne first to beseech her humbly, entreating her not to bynd him to so harde a condition. Neuerthelesse be∣ing not hable to perswade her, and seinge it necessarye ey∣ther to murther his Lord, or to be murthered by other, he deemed it the better choyse to lyue hymselfe, addressing his speech to the Queene in this wyse. My Soueraygne Lady (quoth he) Synce of necessity you compell mee to become guylty of the bloude of my Kinge, let mee heare by what meanes wee shall set vppon him: of a truth (sayd shee) our treason shall proceede from the same place from whence he bewrayed my shame. The assault shall be geuen when hee is a sleepe. The wretched Gentleman dryuen to so harde a strayght, that eyther hee must slaye or be slayne, made

no delay but followed the Queene into her bed chaumber, whom with a naked dagger in hys hand, she priuely placed behynd the same dore, from whence Gyges afterwardes a∣rysing * 1.14 bereaued Candaules of his life, and obtayned both hys wyfe and his kingdome. Whereof also Archilocus Pa∣rius who was liuing at the same tyme maketh mention in a verse named lambie. Trimeter. To bee short Gyges pro∣claymed himselfe kyng, and was established in the gouern∣ment * 1.15 by the oracle from Delphos. For when as the Lydi∣dians greatly disdayning at the heauy lotts of Candaules, arose, and were all in armoure, they came to agreement w^t them that mayntayned the cause of Gyges, that wherehe was pronoūced kyng by y^e oracle he should raygne in peace: if otherwyse the supreme authority should bee restored to y^e bloud of Hercules. Counsayle beynge demaunded of the o∣racle: * 1.16 the gouernment and principall authoritye was assyg∣ned to Gyges. Albeyt Pythia mīgling hony w^t gall threat∣ned a reuenge to come vpon y^e son of Gyges nephewes ne∣phew: or fift in line all discent from himselfe: which sayng neither the Lydians, nor their princes any thing regarded vntil such tyme as the end had confirmed it. Gyges beynge in full possession of the kyngdome, sent many giftes to Del∣phos to the Temple of Apollo, whereof the greater part were framed of siluer, and besides the siluer, a mightye summe of Gold. How beit amonges diuerse his presentes one is most worthy memory: to wit, 6 dishes of golde offred by hym wayghing thirty talentes, which were safely gar∣ded in the close treasurye of the Corynthians. Albeit (to speake truth) the treasure wee speake of, was not proper to the people of Corinth, but rather to Cypselus the sonne of Aetion. * 1.17

In this manner was Gyges the first king of the Barba∣rians (of whom we haue notice) that presented any gyftes at the temple of Delphos saue only Mydas sonne to the noble

Gordius, and king of Phrigia. For Mydas also consecrated a sumptuous chayre of estate, wherin he was accustomed to * 1.18 sit and administer iustice very princely and beautiful to be∣hold, which was kept and cōserued in the same place where y^e golden dishes of Gyges lay. The gold and siluer offred by Gyges was termed by the people of Delphos Gygeum, or Gygades, taking the name of the geuer. Beyng setled in hys emperiall dignitye he warred agaynst Myletus, and Smyrna, and toke the city Colophon by force of armes. neither any other act besides this was atchieued byhim, al∣beithe raigned thirty eyght years, we wil therfore passe frō him to hys some named Ardyis, who as heire apparaunt to the crowne, succeeded his father in the state royall. Ar∣dyis conquered the Prienensis and inuaded Miletus in the tyme of whose raygne the people called Cymmerians dis∣possessed of their owne seats by the Scithians, surnamed Nomades came into Asia, and aduēturing vpon Sardis the seate of prince Ardyis toke the Citye excepting onely the towre and chiefe castle of defence.

Ardyis hauyng ruled the kingdome forty nyne yeares, then left yt afterward vnto hys Sonne and Heire, called Sadyattes, who gouerned the same the space of twelue yeares.

After him the Scepter descended to Halyattes, who ioyned battayle with Cyaxares sonne of Beioces and hys people the Medes, banishing the Cymmerians out of Asia. Moreouer by the same was the Citye Smyrna surprised, lying neere vnto Colophon, lykewyse the famous Citye Clazomenae valyauntlye assayled, wherfore (notwithstan∣dynge) his noble courage was daunted, and he was forst to depart destitute of his hope, other thinges also were done by hym in tyme of hys warfare verye worthye of memory: which are these following. In his warre with the Milesi∣ans left vnto hym by hys father, he practised thys meanes in be••ieging the Citye.

In time of haruest the grayne beyng ready for the sickle, he sent in his army marching with the sound of fluites and pypes: which beyng comen into the fieldes of the ennemye, their houses they left vntouched, onely wasted the trees and fruictes of the region, which done, they eftsoones retyred to the place, from whence they came. For the Milesians hauing intelligence of their ennemyes approach, forsooke theyr city and dwelling houses, and fled to the Sea, so that it behoued not the ennemy to stay there: hys dryft and pur∣pose in not spoyling the mansion places of his aduersaryes, was onele this, that the Milesians hauing place wherin to dwell, might returne agayne from the Sea to till and sow the grounde, which might geue him occasion to r••enter with his power, and bring their labours to none effect.

In this manner hee inuaded the countrey, for terme of xi. yeares, wherein the Milesians suffred two notable foyles.

The first in Lemeneium, a place so called in their owne countrey. The second in a certayne field named Meander. Sixe of these eleuen yeares did Sadyattes the sonne of Ar∣dyis raygne in Lidya, and beginning the Milesian warre, troubled his enemyes by perpetuall inuasions, and often conflictes. For other fyue years hys sonne Halyattes main tayned the quarel receyued of his father. In all the tyme of this warre, none of the people of Ionia gaue succour to the Milesians, saue onely the inhabitauntes of Chios, who ha∣uing before tyme bene ayded by them in the battayle which they fought with the Erythaeans, shewing mutuall good∣wil, sent them now a supply in their like extremityes. In the xii. yeare Halyattes despoyling the fieldes in lyke sort, as before it chaunced that whyle the corne was on fyre, a great tempest arose & caried the flames violently to y^e tem∣ple of Minerua surnamed Assessia, & burnt y^e pallaice of y^e Goddesse welnigh to the ground. Which thing at that pre∣sent was lightly regarded of hym, but being with his army

returned to Sardis, he fell sicke, and beyng much enfeebled with the vehemency of his maladye, whether of his owne heade, or by the counsayle of others moued thervnto, sent to Dephos to the God for the recouery of his health & wel∣fare, when the messengers were come, Pythia refused to geue them answeare, before they had repaired the temple of Miuerua, which the fyer had consumed at Assessum. This I heard with myne owneares at Delphos, whyle I there soiorned. Hereunto y^e Milesians adde besydes, y^e Periander the sonne of Cypselius, hearing what answeare Haliattes had geuen hym by the oracle, in all hast possible dispatched a messenger to Thrasibulus thē King of Miletus his fayth∣ful & familiar frend to admonish him to workesome deuyse, how to delyuer himselfe & hys countrey from the perpetu∣al molestation of his enemyes. Halyattes hauing receiued these nowes, sent incontinent to Miletus for composition of a truce till such tyme as the temple was renewed and erec∣ted agayn. The ambassadoures being arriued Thrasibulus which knew the cause of their cōming and vnderstoode the purpose of Halyattes framed this deuise, what Corne soe∣uer was in the city ether of his owne, or in the possession of others, he commaunded it all to bee brought into the Mar∣ket place and there to be layed in one heape. This done he gaue in especial charge to all the citye at a priuye signe to fall to feasting, tipling and quaffing betweene themselues aboue measure. Which thing he deuysed, to the intent the Sardian embassadours beholding so greate plentye, and a∣boundance of grayne and vewing the people in such wise to disport them selues with al kynde of pleasure and delight, might make report therof to y^e kinge his soueraigne which fell out accordynglye. For the ambassadours taking di∣ligent view of all thinges they saw, and dispatching their ambassage to Thrasibulus made speedy recourse to Sardis. And as I am geuen to vnderstand, hereof onelye proceeded a conclusion of peace betwene them.

For Halyattes supposinge the Milesians to bee oppressed with greate want and penury of grayne, at the returne of hys legates hard other newes then hee looked for. After this, a league was established betweene them of mutuall hospitality and fellowship, and in steed of one temple, Ha∣lyattes, caused 2 other to be sumptiuously built at Assessū beyng after restored to hysful and perfect strength. Such was then the maner of the warre, that Halyattes mayn∣tayned agaynst the people of Miletus,

Periander the some of Sypselus who aduertised Thra∣sibulus of the oracle, was king of Corinth, in whose raigne * 1.19 there happened by report of hys people, with whom also y^e cityzens of Lesbos do iustly accord a miracle right straunge and wonderful, Arion Methimnaeus sitting on the backe of a Dolphine by safe and easy conduite, arryued at Taenaros, hauing the name to bee the most excellent and skylfull mu∣sition on the harpe of those ••yme••••, by whom also chieflye was inuented, named, and taught the kynde and forme of verse called Bi••hyrambus. The fame is, how this Aryon hauing a lōg tyme bene resident in the court of Periander, was greatly desyrous to passe the Seas into Italye, and Cicilie, wher beyng growen in wealth, and flowinge with infinite summes of money, was lead by a desire of retyring backe into hys owne countreye, and determyne to in ship himselfe at Tarentum, for the speciall credite and good ly∣king he had to the men of his owne nation, hyred a Corin∣thian barck to returne in: which hauing a gall of pleasant wynde, and beinge nowe without kenne of Lande, the Maryners were all in mind to haue borded Aryon, to en∣ioy his money: which thing y^e pore harper perceyuing free∣ly offred to depart from his wealth, if therewith satisfyed they would shew mercy on him selfe and spare his life. How beit finding thē cruelly bent, & not to bee moued with anye tears, but y^t either he must kil himselfe, & be buried on y^e lād or fling hīselfe hedlōg into y^e mids of y^e sea: he besought thē ••sibly y^t since it semed them best to deale so roughly w^t him

they would graunt him liberty in his richest aray, to sing a song, wherto they gladly yeldīg, as beyng not a little ioyful to lend their eares to the chiefest and most famous musitiō then liuing on the earth. He wēt from them apart into the middest of the shippe, wher hauing decked his body w^t most pretious and costlye furniture he framed his voyce to the sweete and melodious verse named Orthium, which no so∣ner had he brought to an end, but al his pompe & glorious arayment, he threw himselfe headlonge into the Sea: the shipmen held on their course to Corinth. Arion receyued by a Dolphin, was in perfect safety landed at Taenaros frō whence so arrayed as he was he framed his steps towarde Corinth to the seate and pallace of the king: wher hauing entred a discourse of his straūge case & incredible fortune, y^e king supposing him to ouer reach, cōmitted him immedi∣atly to close ward wher no mā might haue accesse vnto hī. After that diligent serch was made for the mariners, who beyng apprehended and curiouslye questioned with about Arion, made answere that his abode was aboute Italy and how at their comming from thence, they leaft him in flo∣rishing estate at Tarentum, at which words Arion presēt∣ly appearing, draue them into such a quandarye: that ha∣uing no colour of excuse, they were compelled perforce to confesse the truth. These thinges are verifyed by the men of Corinth, and Lesbos. Ther is yet to be seene at Taenaros a huge & massy monumēt wrought of brasse, Arion sitting on y^e back of a Dolphin. Howbeit, Haliattes prince of Ly∣dia hauing entred the warre with the Milesians, & gouer∣ned * 1.20 the kingdome 57 yeares finished his dayes: who second of that linage, after the due recouerye of his strength of∣fred at Delphos a piece of siluer plate of value incompara∣ble, and a smal dish of yron curyously wrought, a thinge no * 1.21 lesse wonderful to behold then ought that hath bene dedica∣ted in the temple of Apollo being the handy worke of Blau∣cus Chius, who first found out the meane to worke in yron.

After the death of Haliattes, the sceptor descended vnto Craesus his sonne, beyng then at the age of thirtye and three yeares. This Kyng mynding to haue a fling at the Greci∣ans began first of all, and encountred with the people of E∣phesus, who beyng inuyroned by hym with a siege: gaue theyr Citty to the Goddesse, tying a rope from the temple of Diana to the walles of the Towne. Betweene the olde citye that was besieged and the Temple was the space of 7. furlonges. These were the first that Craesus began to quarel with amonges the Grecians. After this he began by piecemeale to be doyng with the seuerall cityes of Ionia Aeolia, pretending agaynst each diuerse and sundrye causes some very weighty and of due regard, other meeretrifles and very friuolous.

Now when he had subdued the Grecians in Asia, and made them tributory to his seat, hee determined to furnish a nauy agaynst the inhabitauntes, of the Isles.

To the framing wherof when all things were in ready∣nesse, some say that Bias Prienaeus: other that Pittacus Mitylaeneus comming to Sardis, was demaunded of the Kinge what newes in Greece, who shaped him such an answeare, that it gaue him small courage to proceede in his enterprise.

The people of the Isles, O King (sayd hee) haue made prouision of a thousande horses, in full purpose to come a∣gaynst thee and thy citye Sardis. Craesus thinking he had spoken truth: Would God (quoth he) it might once take them in the brayne to war on horsebacke against the sonnes of the Lydians, who taking his talke by the end, proceeded saying.

Most noble Prince, it is thy desire to meete with these Sea fishes flooting on shore: and what dost thou think they more greedy wish and long after, then to take thee and thy Lidyans waueryng and tossing in the water, to gleike the one the other syde, for so many Grecians become subiect, &

pentionarye to thy kingdome. Wherwith Craesus verye much delighted, (for that he seemed to haue spoken wisely) chaunged his mynd, and made a friendly league with the people of Ionia that held the Isles: in processe of tyme hee became conquerour of al those which are within the ryuer Halis. For besydes the Cilisians, and Lisians, all the rest were subiect to the Empire of Craesus, which were these. The Lidians, Phrigians, Mysians, Mariandyns, likewyse the Chalibes, Paphlagonians, Thrasians, Oetimans, lastlye the Bithynians, Carians, Iones, Dores, Aeoles, Pamphyli∣ans, which beyng all subdued and the Gouernement of the Lydians greatly amplified by Craesus, there repayred to Sardis, beyng then in y^e flower of her fortune, as well other wyse men out of Greece, termed Sophisters, as also the * 1.22 most famous Solon, one of the citye of Athens, who at the instant prayers of his citizens hauinge tempered the com∣mon wealth, with good lawes, vnder coloure of visittinge straunge countreyes, willingly for terme of yeares abando∣ned his natyue soyle, that hee might not be forced to break the Lawes which he before had made, the Athenians them selues standing bound with a solemne and religious vowe for ten yeares space to obserue these statutes which Solon had inuented, aswel then for the maintenance of his lawes as to view and see forraine nations, he vndertoke a pilgri∣mage into Aegipt to King Amasis, and from thence to Sar∣dis to the court of Craesus, where in gentle and curteous manner beynge entertayned by the Kinge at the thirde or fourth daye, after his arriuall he was lead about the trea∣suryes to view the welth and riches of Craesus, beholdyng all the inestimable and blessed iewels that were contayned in them. After he had attentiuely beheld and with curious eye surueyed them at his pleasure. Craesus began to borde hym on this manner. You Gentleman of Athens, for asmuche as we hearde greate good wordes of your wise∣dome, beyng for knowledge and experience sake a pilgrim

from your countrey, wee haue deemd it conuenient to aske you a questiō, whether at any time you haue seene the hap∣piest man aliue: not mistrusting, but that the lotte woulde haue fallen to hym selfe to haue exceeded all others in bles∣sednes. Solō not mynding to double, as one altogeather vn acquaynted with pleasing phrases, deliuered his mynd in free speechin forme as followeth.

I haue seene O King (quoth he) Tellus, one of my coū∣triemen of Athens, a man surpassing all others in happye * 1.23 lyfe, wherat Craesus wondring, earnestlye required what cause made him thinke so highlye of Tellus.

For as muche (sayde hee) as in a wel ordered common wealth, heehadde children, trayned vp in vnitye, and ho∣nesty, euery of which hadde likewyse increase of his owne bodye, and yet all liuing. And hauing spent the course of his age, as wel as a man might, Fortune crowned his end with the perpetual renowne of a most glorious death. For the Athenians ioyning in battayle with their next neigh∣bours, Tellus comming with a fresh supplye, and putting his ennemies to flight: ended his life in the field, whom y^e people of Athens in the selfe same place where he had shed his bloud, caused to be entombed with immortall honour, Solon going forward in a large discourse as touching Tel∣lus was cut of by Craesus with a second demaunde, who as∣ked him the second tyme, whom in conscience he thoughte next vnto him, in full hope, that at the least his part had bene next: to whom he answeared in the next degree.

Most mighty Prince, I haue alwayes reputed Cleobis, and Biton two younge menne of the Countrey of Argos, of body so strong and actiue, that in all games they wanne the price, of whom these thinges are left to memorye.

The feast of Iuno beynge kept at Argos, the mother of these two young men was to bee drawne to the temyle by a yoke of bullocks, which whē the houre came beyng strayed and gone out of the way, the two young youthes yoked thē∣selues

and halyng the chariot forty fyue furlongs they came to the temple: which after they had done in the sight & view of the whole multitude in a lucky howre they dyed, wherby y^e Goddesse gaue vs to vnderstand how much better it was for man to die then liue. For when as the people flocking a∣bout extolled them to the heauens: the men praising y^e good nature and intent of the sonnes? the women commendinge the blessed chaunce of the mother, whom nature had indu∣ed with two such children: the good old mother almost out∣of hyr wyttes for ioy, what for the kynd deede of her sonnes and the goodly speech of the people, aduauncinge their vir∣tue: as shee stoode before the ymage of Iuno, besought the Goddesse with earnest prayers to rewarde the kindnes of hir children with the chiefe and most precious blessing that might happen vnto man. Her prayer made, and both the sa∣crifyce and feast ended: they gaue themselues to rest in the temple, but neuer after awaking, in the mornīg they were founde dead, whom the people of Argos by two carued mo∣numentes placed at Delphos commended to euerlastinge memory: for men of rare and excellēt vertue. To these men did Solon attribute the next step to perfect happinesse.

Craesus now beyng throughlye warmed and beginninge to storme: why then (quoth he) thou foolishe straunger of A∣thens is my wealth so base in thyne eyes that thou demest me not worthy to bee compared with two priuate men of Argos. Certes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king (sayd he) you demaund of me a que∣stion as one not altogeather ignorāt y^t the hyghest clymers haue the heauiest falles, the terme of mans life be threscore yeares and ten, which yeares consist of twentye fyue thou∣sande two hundred dayes, omitting to speak of that moneth which is giuen to some yeares in addition for the iust com∣passe and reuolution of the tyme. Howbeit if in euery other yeare we increase a moneth: for the due concordaunce and e∣uen course of times: to threscore and ten yeres we must adde 35 monethes conteining in themselues 1500 dayes.

Be it then in all these dayes (which in full cōputation are twenty sixe thousand two hundred and fifty) what thing do wee see lyke unto other? what rather not flatly vnlike, straūge & disagreyng from the former? so y^e mā (O Craelus is altogeather wretched and miserable, not w^tstanding, thy selfe art in wealth flourishing and a prince of many people: all this I deny not, and yet I cannot call thee hym whom thou wouldest be, til such tyme as I heare of thy fortunate death. For wherein is the rych man better then a begger, vnlesse the course of his happines continew to his graue.

Ther are many rych but few blessed, and many of a meane patrimony, yet very fortune. Two thinges there be wher∣in the infortunate rich excelleth those who in meaner sub∣staunce haue fortune their frende: by whom contrariwyse, they are excelled in many. The wealthy hath to glutte his desires: & to pay for his default when it happeneth. Both which though fortune haue denyed him y^t in baser wealth liueth well, yet in this he goeth beyond the other, y^e want of substaunce kepeth him from ryot, & care of well doyng frō security in offending: the same hauing no small thankes to yeeld to Fortune, y^t he hath his health, that hee is gauled & greeued with no calamity, that he is a father of verteous children, that he is garnished with the beauty and comelye shape of the body. Besides al which if his end be lucky: this is hee whom we seeke for: a man euery way worthy to bee counted happye. Neuertheles till the last gaspe I deeme him not blessed, but fortunate. Al which things I think it vnpossible to attayne to in this lyfe. For as one coūtrey cā¦not supply vnto it selfe all things, but flowing in some one thing it fayles in an other: or as the body of a man can not in euery point be absolute, but happily being fayre in y^e face is deformed in the foote, so standeth it also with the lyfe of man. Yet who so in euery kynd commeth neerest the mark & sealeth vp his fortune w^t a seasonable death, shal in maner of a king be renowned with the famous tytle of felicity.

The end of euery thing is to bee regarded what issue it is like to haue, because riches are lent by the Gods to many, * 1.24 whom afterward they bring to wrechednes.

Solon hauing thus freely and vnfaynedly layde open his opinion, within short space after departed y^e court, & trulye was accomted an vnwise mā, in y^t he counsayled euerye one not respecting his present estate, to beholde his end: After whose departure y^e heauy anger of the gods fel vpō Craesus, for y^t he was so puffed vp & exalted iu the vain & inestimable confidence of his own felicity. Who not long tyme after fel into a dreame, which rightly foretolde & shewed vnto him y^e * 1.25 great misfortune & misery was to lighte vpō his son. This noble Craesus had 2. sonnes, one of the which was dum and impotent, the other surpassing al of his age in what soeuer he betoke himselfe vnto, whom he called Atis. This Atis (as his dreame gaue him) beyng sore wounded w^t an heade or poynt of yrō, should so perish & come to his end. The king awaking out of his sound sleepe, began to grace vppon the meaning herof, & sorely agast at so straunge a visiō, sought w^tout delay to ioyne his sonne in maryage with some beau∣tifull lady of the countrey, and wheras his accustomed ma∣ner was to employ him in y^e field as a rīgleader of his hoste frō that time forward he neuer vsed him in y^e like affaires. And for the more assurance he caused al dartes, spears and such like weapons of warre that honge in his galeryes to be remoued into by romes and close lodgings of the court, that happily if any thing shoulde chaunce to fall, his sonne might be out of the reach and compasse of mishap.

In the meane while when the king was solemnizing y^e nup * 1.26 tials and maryage of his son, ther came to Sardis a certain young man very pore & miserable, defyled with bloudshed, a Phrigian borne, & descended of princely race. Enteryng y^e Pallace, he besought the king that it might be lawfull for him to purifye himselfe after the manner of his courte: which graunted, and in due order accomplished, Craesus

asked him whēce he came and what he was on this maner. My friend, what are you? from what place in Phrigia are you come to my court? what man or womā haue you slaine. To whō he answered. My Father (mighty prince) is Gor∣dius comen of the line of Midas: my name Adrastus: And for that vnwittingly I slew my Brother, I am cast out and exiled, from Country, Parents, and goodes. Craesus reply∣ing, said: Of a truth Adrastus thou art borne of our friēds, and art now comen to thy friends: abide in my house and thou shalt want nothing. No doubt but the present smarte of thy calamity will redounde to thy future gayne. Nowe whylst he made his abode in the kinges palaice. It chaūced that at Olympus in the country of Mysia there haunted a wyld bore of an huge and incredible bignesse, which com∣ming * 1.27 from the mountaine made wast, and spoyle of the la∣bours of the inhabitaunts. Whom the people sondry times indenouring to take did no hurt to him at al, but rather re∣ceyued harme by him. Tyll at lengthe dispatching messen∣gers to the court of Craesus they framed vnto him a sute in these wordes. There rangeth in our country (most famous and noble Prince) a wyld bore, straungely dismeasured & ouergrowne by whome our tyllage and husbandry is pite∣ously wasted and dispoyled. Neither can we by any meanes possible (seeking all meanes we can) remoue or rid him frō our borders. We humbly therfore beseech thy soueraygne highnesse to aforde vs thy some with a company of choyse and valiaunt youthes, with houn des and other necessaries to acquyte and deliuer our region of this pestilent beast. To which their ardent supplicatians Craesus callyng to mynde his former vision shaped this replie. Of my sonne to make any farther mention it were in vaine for I am not determi∣ned to send him with you, he is newly espoused to a wyfe so that in so short space he may not without some griese estra∣unge and alienate himself from the amorous embracemēts of his Lady. Otherwise for the most tryed and picked out

men of y^t Lydians, & such as are skilful in the chase of wyde beast accompanied w^t houndes for the purpose, I wil cause to returne w^t you with especial charge y^t they let passe no∣thing that may make to the speedy conquering of so cruel a monster. This aunswere geuen they semed therw^t greatly discontented, when as in the meane space y^e kings son com∣ming in presence, and hearyng both the request & humble suite of the Mysians, and the greeuous repulse geuen thē by the king his sire, brake silēce & said, deare father. Such things as before tyme wer cōmendable & glorious vnto vs * 1.28 to make profe & tryal of our selues, ether in exploits of chi∣ualry, or in excercise of chase, you haue cleane depriued me of both, nether for any shew of slouth, nor defect of courage. With what eies wil the people behold me going & cōming through y^e streets? your subiects & citezens what will they iudge of me? lastly what a one shal I seeme to bee vnto my Lady? wil she not thinke herselfe to be coupled w^t a cow: for which causes ether permit me to hunt & make one in y^• voi∣age, or alleage some more wayghty & seryous reason why you retayne me. To whō the king his father made answere saying. Myne owne good son, not for want of stomacke, nor for any dispeasure towardes thee do I thus: but being mo∣ued hereto by the straunge terroure of a vision, which fore∣shewed to me y^t thy dayes were short & sodainly to be ended by y^• pytiful dint of an yrō head. For this cause my son haue I hastned thy maryage, & restranyed thee of the sporte and pastime which is now in hande: for y^t my care is, whyle I am liuing to preserue thee from peril. Thon art mine on∣ly child sweete Atis, for so much as of thy deafe▪ brother I make non acoūt, thy life is my happines, thy death my mi∣sery. To which words the yoūg prince answered. Deare fa∣ther I hold you excused, if prouoked by a dreame so rare you be much more diligent & watchful ouer mee: yet in my fācy you cōceaued it not aright. It is needful then y^t sithēce your grace hath mist the blanke, I lay open vnto youthe true meaning and sence of the dreame.

This sleepy fantasie (say you) hath manased my death, by y^• poynt of yron. But why, in this voyage ther be no hands whom I neede to dread: neither any head of yron which you ought to feare, had I either bene to dye by a touth, or such lyke some cause ther were of doubting the worst, how beit, yt is the yron head that denounceth my death. For asmuch thē as we haue not to deale at this time w^t men ther semeth vnto me no iust cause of absence, but y^t togeather with the rest I may enter y^t chase. Thou hast wonne me my child ({quam} Craesus) I can no longer resist, wherfore as vanquished by thee I frankly yeeld and leaue it in thy power to proceede w^t them on hunting, which whē he had spokē, he called for Adrastus the Phrygian who appearing in presence was in these words assailed by hī. Sir Adrastus at what time you were afflicted w^t misery & defiled w^t impurity, I yelded sup¦ply to your wāts & repurged your wickednes hauing recea¦ued you of a straūger into myne own house. which things, I do not obiect you as vnthankfull for my bountye, or vn∣myndfull of my curtesye: But in that it behoueth you to deserue well of mee, y^t haue dealt so frendly with your selfe. I am in mynd to commit vnto thy tender care the safecon∣duit and diligent garde of my sonne, who is going to hunt, least by fortune you encounter with any theues or robbers that mynd your destruction. Besydes it is thy parte to at∣chieue renowne by valiant and worthye aduentures, as a thing natural to thy linage, and conueniēt for thy strēgth. To whō Adrastus answeared, were it in my choise O king (quoth he) I woulde not moue one fote out of thy court: for y^t I deeme it not meete for one in my case so miserable to kepe company with the happy and fortunat, from doing wherof, I haue hetherto alwayes refrayned my selfe. But for as much as it semeth good to your gracious highnes, whom I ought to gratify and shew my selfe thankefull for so great and infinite benefytes receaued, I am ready her in to obay your wil.

And for that you haue put me in trust with the health and welfare of the noble gentleman your sonne, I auouch and vndertake his safe and prosperous returne. Adrastus ha∣uing ended his talke all thinges beynge in a readynes, w^t approued men and youthes of syngular courage: likewyse, houndes and chaunters of the best kynd, they marched on their way.

Now when they were come to the hyll Olympus, they began to tract and sent the beast, whom hauyng spedily dis∣loged * 1.29 they flocked about him lyke bees, & with their darts on euery side threatned his death. In this gredy assault, y^• straūger lately clensed from blondshed, whom they called Adrastus, discharged his dart at the Bore, and deceyued of his ayme, in stid of him strake the sonne of Craesus, who be∣yng wounded to death by y^• yron point fulfilled his fathers vision. Immediatly one of the route retyred spedily to the court, & in short space arryuing at Sardis, declared vnto y^• king the great misfortune & death of his sonne: wherw^t the woeful father greatly affrighted, yet much more sorrowed for this that his sonne was slayne by the hands of him who by his meanes had bene lately sanctifyed and clensed from slaughter. And in the middes of his anguish calling vpon the sanctifyinge God Iupiter, made a piteous complaynt of the wrong done vnto him by a stranger. Inuocating like wyse the Goddes of hospitality and friendship. The one for because he entertayned a guest not knowing that he nouri∣shed the manqueller of his sonne: the other because hee had found him whō he appointed to be y^t tutor & defender of his child a most pernicious and deadly enemy. Scarsly had he ended his prayers, but the Lydians were at hand with the dead corse, after whom immediatly folowed Adrastus who beynge comen in presence, and standynge before the wan, & gastly carcas of Atis stretching forth his armes besought y^t king to slea him presēly vpon y^• body of his sonne, allead∣gīg y^t what for his former distres & euil misfortue in slayng

his cleanser there was no cause why any longer he shoulde liue. Craesus albeit in great dolour & vexation of mynd, yet maued with pitty toward Adrastus, sayd thus. Thou hast aboundantly satisfyed mee (O straunger) in that by thyne owne voyce thou hast craued death. Neyther art thou y^e cause of this heauy chaunce (saue that vnawares thou hast done it) but some one of the Gods which foreshewed vnto me, what was to come. After this Craesus caused his sō to be honourably and magnificially buryed. But Adrastus * 1.30 sonne of Gordius nephewe to Mydas the fatall enemye of his brother and his frend, when all was hush at the sepul∣cher, and euery man had yelded him pardon, yet beynge greuously afflycted & gauled in cōscience slew hymselfe mi∣serably vppon thecoffine.

For y^e cruel mishap & destenie of his beloued Atis, Craesus bitterly wailed & lamēted y^e space of 2 yeares, which griefe he aftewards ended: at what time the gouernement of the Medes whas translated from Astyages son of Cyaxares, to the valiant king Cyrus sprong of Cambyses, & that the state of the Persians begā to encrease. Reuoluing & castyng with himselfe what meanes he might vse to atchieue y^e go∣uernment of Persia, before it grew to be bigger. In this quādary it came into his brain to make trial of y^e profecies as wel of those in Greece, as y^e other in Affrica, dispatchīg messēgers euery way, som to Delphos, others to Dodona, thyrdly to Amphiara{us} & Trophoni{us}. Ther were also y^t put thēselues in voyage to Brāchidae in y^e borders of Miletus. & these were the oracles of Greece: wherunto Craesus sent for counsayle: others trauayled into Africa to the oracle of Ammon, to the same entent & purpose. Al had this ende to require y^e sentēce & aduyse of y^e Gods, y^t if they were foūd to accord & agree in truth, nextly he might sollicite then as touching his own affayres: whether they thoughte it expe∣dient for him to goe in expedition agaynst y^e Persiās. Here∣vpō beyng fully resolued, he gaue his ambassadours strat∣ly in charge y^t taking a note of the day of their egresse, and

setting forth from Sardis, they should kepe iust accompt of the tyme following: & euery day question w^t the oracle, de∣maunding of it what Craesus son of Haliattes king of y^t Li∣dyans did y^t day, & geuing diligent hede to their aunswers: to tell him at their returne, what answeare was made by y^e other rest of the oracles no mā reporteth: but at Delphos the Lydians hauīg entered the temple to aske of the oracle according as was geuen them in commaundement by the kīg incontinētly Pythia began to salute thē in these verses.

The depthe of raginge Seas, The number of the sande, The myndes intent (set woordes assyde) I easly vnderstand. * 1.31 A sauoure rancke that comes from hedgehogges flesh I smell, VVhich ioyntly with the fatte of Lambes is boylde in brasen kell. And as it bubbleth vp, and breathes in burning flame. There lies theron a lidd of brasse, that ouerwhelmes the same.

Which verses geuen by Pythia, and written of the Ly∣dians, they made speedy retyre to Sardis. When y^t rest also were come that Craesus had sent about: hee toke view of e∣uery mans notes & liked none of thē: till at lengch hearing the oracle geuen by Pythia he greatlye allowed and wor∣shipped it: of opinion that the only true prophecy and diui∣nation was at Delphos, which hadde hit him so pat in all thinges he did. For after the departure of his messengers * 1.32 one day aboue y^e rest he set his head a work about y^t finding out of som deuise y^t might be hard to tel, & most difficult to discry. Wherfore hauing shred the fleshe of an vrchine, or hedgehog together w^t the fat of a Lamb, he caused thē both

to be boyled in a brasen pot: the couer or lidde whereof was also of brasse. Such was the answere which Craesus recey∣ued from Delphos, what wordes were geuen by the oracle of Amphiaraus, and what sentence hee returned. I cannot affyrme, for asmuch as no other speach goeth thereof, saue that this Prophecye also was deemed by Craesus to very true.

In short tyme after he determined to do honour to the God of Delphos by greate and magnificall sacrifyce: ma∣king * 1.33 oblatiō of three thousand choise cattel, such as might lawfully be offered. Moreouer, he caused a greate stacke or pyle of wood to be made, wherein hee burnt bedstyds of siluer and gold, likewyse golden maysors with purple ray∣ment and coats of exceeding value, hoping thereby to pur∣chase to himselfe the gracious fauour and goodwill of the God. The lyke charge also hee layed vpon y^e Lydians, that euery man should consecrate those iewels which they pos∣sessed most costly and precious. From which their sacrifice when as streames of liquid and molten Golde distrayned in great aboundaunce, hee caused thereof to bee framed halfe slates, or sheardes, the longer sort as he entytled them, of sixe handfull, the shorter of three a hand breadth in thick∣nesse, amoūting to the number of an hūdred and seuentene. Wherof foure were of fayned gold wayghing twoo talents and a halfe, the rest of whighter golde, in wayght two ta∣lentes he made also the similitude of a Lyon in tryed and purged gold, waying tenne talentes: which Lyon at such tyme as the temple was on fyre fell downe from the halfe slates whereon it stood, and is now reserued in the treasu∣ry of Corinth, poysed at six talents and a halfe beyng mol∣ten from him. All which thinges when Craesus had finished & brought to perfection he sent them in waye of dedication to Delphos togeather with other giftes & presentes, which were these: two bookes very fayre and stately to see to, the one framed of gold the other wrough of syluer. Wherof y^e

first at the ingresse or entry into the temple was placed on the right hand. the other on the left, which at y^e same tyme that the temple was surprised by fire were taken downe, & the best and fayrest of them beyng of Gold, & wayghing 8. talents and a halfe, w^t a superplus & addition of 24 poūdes was curefully garded in the treasury of the Clazomaeniās. The other of syluer beyng kept vnder the eues of the tem∣ple at a certayne corner of the church contayning 600. Am∣phorae, wherin wine was mingled for the feast of Theopha∣nius wrought (as the men of Delphos testify) by Theodorus of Samos: which opinion I easily ascribe also for the singu∣ler workmanship therof. He presented besydes 4. siluer tunnes preserued by the Corinthians, amonges their trea∣sury. Furthermore two drinking cuppes the one of gold, y^e other of siluer, of the which two the most principal of Gold hath ingrauen in it a tytle whith doth argue yt to be y^e gift of the Lacedaemonians, albeit contrary to truth, being ge∣uen & dedicated by Craesus, howbeyt some one of Delphos (whose name though I very wel know, yet I will not des∣cry it) willing to gratify the Lacedaemonians, caused this posie to be entytled. True it is that the ymage of the boy, through whose handes the water powreth down in a trick∣lyng and gentle streame, was geuen to the temple by the Lacedaemonians, but neyther of the two cuppes are belō∣ging to thē. Other giftes also of no small price dyd Crae∣sus send at y^t same instant, to wit, siluer rynges, with the shape and forme of a woman 3. cubits in height, which y^e inhabitants of Delphos witnes to be y^e image of her whom Craesus in his court employed y^e office of baking, herewith also were offered the chaynes of the Queene his wyfe, not sparīg so much her girdles & wastbands, al which he caused to be dedicated at Dephos. in like maner to y^e oracle of Am¦phiaraus, of whose māhod & misfortune he had iointly bine enformed, he gaue a shield & speare of mere & solide golde, a quiuer also of the same metal, wel stored and replenished with dearth, both which, euen to our age wer reserued at y^e

city Thebes in y^e temple of Apollo Ismenius. They which were summoned to this famous ambassage & conueyance of y^e giftes to Delphos & Africa, had this in Items to inquire of y^t Gods: whether hemight direct an army against Persia or not, & in so doing to associate & ioyne vnto himselfe y^• aide * 1.34 & felowship of forrayn natiōs. The Lydians dismissed, wēt their way, & hauing attayned to their iorneys end, & made oblation of the presentes sent by the king, they demaunded y^e oracle on this wyse. Craesus king of the Lydians, & chiefe lord of many regions, beside esteeming these to be the onlye true & infallible prophecies amōg men, hath sent you gifts worthy your diuyne godhead: requiring you counsayle and aduise, whether it be safe for him to lead a power against y^• Persians vsing therin the helpe & company of other people. This questiō beyng framed both the oracles agreed in sen∣tence saying: that if so be he addressed an army agaynst the Persians he should subuert and ouerthrow a mighty king∣dome: counsayling him moreouer to seeke and procure the * 1.35 aide of the most puissāt & coragious people of the Graeciās. These answears geuen & receiued, Craesus was so puffed vp and exalted in courage, y^t already he swallowed and de∣uoured in hope the whole gouernment and empyre of Cy∣rus. Wherfore he returned a messēger w^t a fresh present to Pythia, and for euery one their abyding, (whom he hadde intelligence to be verie many) 2. ounces of Gold.

For which his magnificent bounty the people of Del∣phos to shew themselues thankefull agayne, yeelded hym the chiefe preheminece in counsayling the oracle, the princi∣pall place in sitting and a perpetuall priuilege of a voice & suffragie, for any man that should be adopted into the soci∣ety of Delphos on this maner. Craesus powred out his pre∣sente * 1.36 vppon the temple of Apollo, solliciting the God by a third demaund: for that hauing tryed the oracle to be true, hee now tooke his pentworthes in aduyse and counsayle. His question at this tyme was dyrected only to know how longe hee should enioy the kingdome of Persia.

whom Pythia answeared in these wordes.

VVhen seate and Scepter of the Medes vppon a mule shall light, To stony Hermus valiant lyde * 1.37 addresse thy speedy flight. It shall be then no shame to flye And yeld to such an enemy.

With these verses Craesus was much more delyghted then with the former, assuredly hoping that y^e tyme should neuer be wherin a Mule should gouerne the Medes in stid of a man and for the same cause neyther hee nor his heyres should at any tyme be driuen to forsake the kingdome. His next care was how make frendes and copartners of those which among thee Grekes were of greattest might, & no∣blest mind, whō by curious enquyry he foūd to be the Lace∣daemoniās & Athenians? y^t one beyng y^t most excelēt amōg y^•. Dores, y^• other in the Nation of the Iones, without cōpa∣rison chefest. Of these 2 nations ther hath ben an auncient and grounded opinion as concerning their virtue. Wherof the one toke their begynning and original of Pela••gos, the other of Helen, or Grece. The later of these two neuer al∣tered * 1.38 their soyle, but alwayes kept the same place of abode The other making often charge wandred very much.

For in the tyme of king Deucalion they helde a coast called Phthiotis and vnder Dorus the sonne of Hellen, a certayne region bounding vppon the mountaynes Ossa and Pyndus by name Istyaeotis, from whence beyng cast out and cha∣sed by the Cadmeans, they inhabited a place in Pyndus, which theycal Macedonus. How beit fleeting agayne from thence into Driopis, they came at length to Poloponesus, & were surnamed the nation Doricke. What toung or lan∣guage the Pelagians vsed, I cannot certaynly affyrme but

by gesse yt seemeth to haue bene the verye same that those Pelasgians vse, which somewhat aboue the Tyrrhenians possesse y^t city Crotona in time neighbours to them whom the now call Dores: at what tyme they peopled a region in Thessalye, the like may be gathered by those Pelasgiās, that built the city Plaecia and Sylax, and were in league & felowship with the Athenians. By these I saye wee may rightly coniecture, that y^e language which was then in vse which the Pelasgians was very grosse and barbarous. For the Cretoniatae & Platiens differ in speech from those that lye next them: but betweene themselues they vse both one toung, and euidently declare, that they kept the selfe same phrase and manner of talke, since their first comming into those countreys. So that if al the people of Pelasges were such, they also that dwelt in Attica, and the rest of the Pe∣lasgian cityes whatsoeuer that chaūged their name at their first arriual into Hellen, forgat also & let slip out of memo∣ry their mother tounge. But the Greekes themselues (as I iudge) haue without chaunge from the beginning retai∣ned * 1.39 the same kynd of language, and wheras beyng seuered & distinguished, from the Pelasgians, they wer very weake and feeble in might, of a smal and tender beginning: they grew to great increase, by concurse of many nations, and huge multitudes of the Barbarians repayring thither. In lyke sort I suppose that the people of Pelasgos beyng bar∣barous remayned at a stay without amplifyinge and aug∣menting their strength and gouermnent.

Craesus therfore had notice that the countrye of Attica was inhabited by these people and at that time iniuriously * 1.40 dealt withall, and kept in subiection by Pisistratus the son of Hipocrates who ruled then as a Tyrant at Athens, hys father beyng a priuate man and bearyng no rule in the cō∣mon weale, whilst he beheld the games at Olympus, yt chaunced hym to see a verye straunge and most wonderfull miracle.

For hauing prepared sacrifyce to the Goddes, the chal∣derne filled with flesh and water, without any fyre vnder it. boyled and played in such sort, that the water ran ouer the brymmes of the vessayl which thing Chilō a Lacedaemoni∣an vewing who then happily was present, gaue him coun∣sayle in no wyse to marye a wyfe that was a breeder or of a fruitful wombe: and if so be he were already maryed, hee willed him to forsake and renounce his wyfe: thyrdlye if by her he were indued with a man childe to make ryddaunce therof and conuay it away. But Hipocrates geuing litle care to his tale begat afterward Pisistratus, who in the broyle and controuersie betweene the inhabiters of y^t shore (chiefe wherof was Megacles sonne of Alcmaeon) and the people of the playne (who had to their captayne Lycurgus sprong of Aristolades) made a third tumult seeking and af∣fecting a tyrannicall and vnlawful gouernment, and gathe∣ryng togeather a company of rebellions and seditious per∣sons vnder pretēce of ayding the people of the mountains, wrought this subtiltye hauing wounded him selfe and hys mules he came flynging amayne into the market place w^t * 1.41 his charyot as on new escaped from his enemyes, whom they (as he fained) taking his iorney into y^• coūtrey, soughte for to haue slayne. For this cause he made humble sute and petition to the peoplefor y^• gard and defence of his body, ha∣uing tryed himselfe to be a valeaunt Captayne in the voy∣age, and setting forth agaynst Megara, at what tyme being generall of the army he toke Nysaea and atchieued other fa∣mous & valiant actes. The people of Athens induced to be∣leue hī appoynted for his sauegard & custody certain choise & tryed men of the citezens, who being armed not w^t spears but w^t clubs, were always wayting & attendant on him: w^t whō Pisistratu•• geuing a violent assault to y^• town, & chiefe hold of the city, toke it & by y^t means vsurped y^t empire of y^• Athenians. Neuertheles w^tout chaūge or alteratiō of ma∣gistraties or lawes, obseruing stil y^t same forme of gouern∣ment, he adorned & beautified the City in excellent manner.

But he had not long enioyed yt when as the souldiours of Megacles and Lycurgus came to a truce and conspiring * 1.42 togeather cast him out of the city. In this manner did Py∣sistratus, first aspire to the chiefe rule of Athens, which he was eftsones constrayned to leaue, before his tyrannye had taken roote. They tyme was not long after but hys ad∣uersaryes renewed their quarel, and fell at varyaunce and debate a fresh, wherwith Megacles being tyred, dispatched an harrold of peace to Pisistratus offring him his daugher in meryage with condition of the kingdome. Which hee not refusing, they deuysed a meanes to restore him againe (in myfancy) very fonde and ridiculous, especially yf these men (beyng of the number of the Athenians, who had the name to be the most wyse and prudent people of the Grae∣tians) pleased themselues onely with a deuise so foolish and base.

There lyeued in the Trybe of Paean a woman named * 1.43 Phya of stature foure cubits high, wanting three fingers. furnished with seemly beauty, whom hauing arayed in cō∣pleite harneis, they placed in a Charyot gallantly attyred to the shew, in which habite as she passed through y^• streets of the citye, there ranne some before hir cryinge: ye people of Athens receyue willingly Pisistratus againe, whom Mi∣nerua esteeming worthy the greatest honor amongest men, hath in her owne person brought back into the tower. The citezens supposing it had bene the Goddesse indede, bowed themselues and honouryng her admitting agayne Pisistra∣tus for their liefe soueraygne. Pysistratus hauinge in such sort recouered the kingdome vppon a couenant made with Megacles toke his daughter to wife. But hauing 2 yosig youthes to his sonnes, and hearyng moreouer the whole li∣neage of Alcmaeon to be atteinted and guilty of an hainous cryme agaynst y^• Goddesse: vnwilling for that cause to haue any children by his new wife, accompanied with her vnlaw∣fully and agaynst nature which beyng a long tyme by her

concealed and kept secrete: at last, eyther vppon demaund, or of her owne free will, she reuealed it to her mother, who also made her husband acquaynted with the matter. Mega∣cles taking in ill part the slaunder & contumelie done hym * 1.44 by Pysistratus, brought him in displeasure & hatred with y^• souldiours: which thing he perceiuing fled y^• coūtrey, and came to Eretria to aske counsayle of his sonnes. Amongest whom the sentence of Hyppias seeming to be the best wher by he was incited once again to lay clayme to the kingdom, they made a gathering throughout all cityes, with whom they had any smal acquayntance: many of the which made liberall contribution, & especially the Thebans. In fyne to comprise the matter in breefe, y^e time was come, & al things were in a readines for his returne. For ou•• of P••••oponne∣sus there resorted to him certaine Arguies marching vnder pay: & a captayne of Naxos named Lygdamis, who of his owne accord made offer of his seruice being very wel furni∣shed w^t men and money: which gaue thē great alacrity and encouragmēt to go forward in their attempts. In so much as setting forth from Eretria the II. yeare after his flighte from Athens, fyrst of all he toke the citie Marathon in At∣tica, wher hauing incāped his army, there repayred to him diuers seditious felowes out of the city, & out of al y^• tribes very many who liked better a tyrannical empyre thē a free state. Whlst Pisistratus leuied many for his affaires, & held himselfe at Marathon y^• Athenians which kept within the city, made light of the matter, vntil such tyme as hearing him to be dislodged frō thence, & to draw towardes y^e citye, they put themselues in array, and went forth to encounter hym. Wherfore with might and mayne they valiauntye set forward to mayntayne and defend their liberty agaynst the enemy. Likewyse Pisistratus and hys confederates came fiercely agaynst the city till both the armyes met ioyntlye in one fielde, where approachinge neere vnto the Temple of Mynerua Pallenis, and disposinge all hys Armye in

order there came vnto him Amphilytus Acarnen a pro∣phet, who being inspired with a deuine motiō, vttered this oracle in verse.

The bayte is layed, the nets are cast, The fish inclosde shall play apace * 1.45 VVhen Phoebe from the glistring Skyes In view reueales her golden face.

Which Pisistratus perceiuing to be a prophecye of hys good successe immediately gaue the ••••cet and encountered y^• Athenians which were come forth of the city, who hauing then newly dyned, and beyng partly set to dice, partly ta∣ken with sleepe, welny without resistaunce he put them to flight and wanne the field. Neuertheles in the pursuite he found out a way how nether the Athenians might be spoy∣led in such sort, neyther yet ioyne themselues and come to∣geather agayne to his further trouble. Wherefore hauing caused certayne of his seruauntes to mount on horsebacke, he sent them spedely after the people to bid thē bee of good courage, and euery one to depart to his own house. Wher∣vnto the willingly obaying, Pisistratus raygned the thyrd * 1.46 tyme in Athens, establishing & fortifyīg the tyranny as wel by supply of forrayne power, as by reuenues of hys money which he leuyed partly from his owne countrey men, and in part also from the riuer Strymon. In like manner the children of those men that yeelded not the fyrst, but bare the brunt of the battell, he toke in hostage and sent them ouer to Napos: which Isle after he had conquered & brought in subiection he committed the gouernment & administratiō therof to Lygdanus: hauing heretofore also halowed & pur∣ged the Isle Delos according to the oracle, which hee clen∣sed in this sort. Out of all those places that weare with

in the view and prospect of the temple he caused the corses and deade Bodyes to be digged vp and buryed in another place of the Island.

In this wise some if the Athenians beyng slayne in bat∣tayle, other fled away togeather with the houshold and fa∣mily of Megacles. Pisistratus obtained y^t seat roial: whom Craesus vnderstode at the same tyme to beare rule in A∣thens. He heard moreouer that the Lacedaemonians, ha∣uing escaped a scowring, were triumphant conquerous o∣uer y^• Tegeates. For in the raygne of Leon and Hegesicles princes of Sparta, the Lacedaemonians hauing right good euent in al their enterprises and affaires, were commonly repulsed and fayled by the Tegeates. The selfe same before tyme were the most disordered and lawlesse people of the Graetians, vsing no cōmunity or felowship eyther betwene themselues or with straungers.

Notwithstanding they were reduced to a more orderlye * 1.47 kynd of gouernment by Lycurgus a mā of approued virtue amongest the people of Sparta. Who comming to the ora∣cle at Delphos and being entered into the tēple, Pithya sa∣luted him in these termes.

VVelcome vnto my pallace noble knight, Beloued of Ioue and those that rule aboue: For God or man to blase thee out aright * 1.48 In doubtful waues my wandering mynd dothmoue. Yet to the first by force I do enclyne, And deme thy state not earthly but diuyne.

Some are of opinion y^t the lawes and statutes which are now in force with the Lacedaemonians, were vttered & told him by Pythia. Howbeit themselues affyrme that Lycur∣gus beyng both tutor and vucle to young Leobotu•• Kynge

of the Spartans brought these ordinances out of Crete. For no sooner was he instituted gouernour to the young prince, but he chaunged all the lawes and established new, making a diligent prouiso that no man should break them. He made also decrees for warre, ordayning the society of the twenty magistrates, likewyse the colledge or fellow of the thirtye men, so called. Lastly he distributed and deuyded the Citi∣zens into trybes and companies, not omitting the appoint∣ment of certayne protectours in defence of the commons a∣gaynst the noble named Tribuns of the people, erectinge moreouer y^• senate and counsayle of the Ephor, with an or∣der of other sages and wyse men. By this meanes the state of the Lacedaemonians was reformed by Lycurgus: whom after his death by the buildīg vp of a famous temple in his name, they honoured & reuerenced as a God. And beynge resident in a countrey verye populous and plentifull, they made an inrode and inuasion into other regions with very good fortune and lucky successe in battayle. Wherfore as professed enemyes to peace, supposing themselues to excell the Arcadians in might and courage they were in mind to denounce warre agaynst Arcadye askinge in that case the aduyse of the oracle.

To whom Pythia made answeare.

You seeke to conquere Arcadye, Your suite is great, but all in vayne: VVhere many men contented lye, By acornes swage their hungars payne. As hott as fire, as hard as oke Vnfit to beare a forreine yoke: Yet since I cannot say thee nay, I freely yeeld into thy hand

A fertill coast and fit for pray * 1.49 The compasse of Tegea Land VVhere thou shalt measure by a rope The fruites of thy desyred hope.

This answeare geuen, the Lacedaemonians leauing the other partes of Arcadie leuied a power against the people of Tegêa, carying with them chaynes and fetters, in full hope (albeit deceaued by the double meaning of the oracle) to haue brought them into captiuity. Notwithstandinge, hauing coped in fight with the enemy they were forced to forsake the fielde and take themselues to their fete. Such of them as were taken in the chase alyue, fast bound & in∣chayned in the same gyues which they brought with them, were constrayned to measure out theire dwellinges in the playne of Tegêa with a rope ther to inhabite. The fetters wherwith they were clogged indured welny to our age, beyng hung vp in the temple of Minerua Alea in Tegêa. Thus in the former conflictes and battayles the Lacedae∣monians, had alwayes the worst hand of the people of Te∣gea sa••e in the tyme of Craesus, and vnder their rulers A∣naxandrydes and Ariston in whose raygne and dominion they ga••e the better of their enemyes in this sort. Aggree∣ued at their often foyles and continuall repulces receyued by their aduersaryes, they went in embassage to Delphos to witt, of the Oracle, which of all the Gods they might please, to become conquerours ouer Tegêa. The question propounded Pythia willed them to serch out the bones of Orestes sonne of Agamemnon, and translate them into their countrey.

But being ignorant in what par〈…〉〈…〉he world to make inquirye they e••tsones returned 〈…〉〈…〉essengers to re∣quire

of the God where, or in what place Orestes lay.

Whereto answer was made on this maner.

In Arcady there lyes an ample coast Tegêa hyght, VVhere two wyndes vse to blowe, * 1.50 and breath their blastes with raging might. VVhere forme to forme is foe, and blow to blow an enemy. Here doth Orestes lye, whom fynd and take the victory.

Which the Lacedaemonians hearyng were neuer y^• wy∣ser: who albeit they had made curious search aboute him neuertheles they found him not. Till at length one Lyches a Spartan of the number of those whiche are called free knightes, by good fortune escryed the Tombe. These free Knightes, are fyue souldiours of the Spartan horsemen, wel stricken in yeares, which annually haue a release from the field: who beyng in this wyse by the common consent of the horsemen priuileged and dismissed, may in no wyse for that yeare remayne idle, but are employed in iourneys and voyages, some one way, some another.

One of these was the forenamed Lyches, who by the helpe aswel of a currant and ready wyt as of a gratious and pro∣sperous happe, came to knowledge wher Orestes lay. For this beynge the yeare wherein the people of Tegêa and * 1.51 Sparta, hadde entercourse of marchaundise one with an other, by fortune comming into a smiths forge he behelde the smith himselfe working on yron, who on the other side perceauing Lyches to be very intentyue and in maruailing wyse to view his worke: a li••••e pausing, sayd.

Thou straunger of Lacedaemon, if this base worke in yron seeme so rare in thy sight: thou wouldest much more haue wondered to haue seene that which I did. For going about in this litle court to dig a well or pit for water, yt was my chaunce to light vpon a sepuicher 7 cubites long. Which when I saw, supposinge that men were neuer of greater stature then they are at these dayes. I opened the C••ffyne and found theriu a dead Carkasse of equall length: wherof hauing taken measure I couered it agayne. Lyches lifte∣ning to the discourse of the Smith, coniectured by the ora∣cle that it should be Orestes: construinge the smithes Bel∣lowes for the two mynds wherof the oracle spake, the ham∣mer and anuyle he thought to be the two formes to each o∣ther foes: and one blow en••••y to an other he t••ke to be the yron wroughte and beaten by the stroake of the hammer, consideryng that yron was found out to y^t h••••t and damage of men. Pouderyng these thinges with himselfe, he retur∣ned to Sparta and opened the matter to the Lacedaemoniās who perceiuing the case to be likely, wrought this pretēce, causing of set purpose a quest to proceede vppon their cici∣zen Lyches, they condemned him for some offence, and ba∣nished him the soyle, who incontinently retyryng to Tegêa, and lamenting his miserable case to the smyth, couenaun∣ted with him for the hyre of his base court, for asmuch as he refused altogeather to alienate it from himselfe, and sell it outryght. Wher hauing made his abode for certaine daies he discouered the sepulcher, and taking out Orestes bones, stale priuily away and came to Sparta. From that tyme for∣ward the Lacedaemonians ioyning battaile with Tegêa, re∣mayned victors, and alwayes after obtayned the glory of y^t field, hauing besydes a great part of Peloponnesus in their power and dominion.

Of al which thinges Cresus not ignoraunt, furnished an * 1.52 Ambassage to Sparta with greate giftes, to desyre theire ayde and felowship in war, whither beyng come they vsed

these wordes. We are sent from Craesus kyng of the Lydi∣ans and lord of other nations, who sayth thus. Ye noble La∣cedaemonians, wheras I am prouoked by the Gods to en∣ter league and frendship w^t the Graetians, amongest whom you haue the report to be the most warlike and valiaunt. I deemed it conuenient (without fraude or gūile, to desire your ayde and assistauuce in the enterpryse which I haue in hand. The Lacedaemonians right glad & ioyous of theyr arryuall and gentle entreaty, hauing also intelligence of the oracle, entered bands with them of perpetual hospitali∣ty and frendship. Beyng also not vnmyndful of the bounty of kyng Craesus shewed before tyme towards their nation. For hauing sent to Sardis for prouision of golde, to make the ymage of Apollo, which is situated in Thornax a part of the Lacons countrey. Craesus without counterchaunge freely bestowed the gold vppon them. For which cause, the Lacedaemonians in that also principally aboue the rest of y^t Craecians he had made choyse of their amity, willingly as∣sented and declared themselues to be readye at all assayes. Lykewyse to auoyd ingratitude: in lue of his presentes they returned vnto hym a brasen Vessell, wroughte about the brymmes wich the pictures of diuerse wylde beastes, con∣taining the measure of 30 Amphorae, which for one of these causes that we shal alleage, was neuer brought to Sardis. The Lacedaemonians testify, that the vessel beyng in voy∣age to Sardis, was intercepted by y^t people of Samos, wher they lay at rode. The Samians assayling them by a fleete of gallies. Contrariwise they of Samos affyrme, that the La∣cedaemonians beynge in the waye to Sardis, and hearyng newes that Craesus was takē, and the whole city sacked by the Persians, sold the vessel to certayne priuate: men of Sa∣mos, who made dedicatiō therof in the temple of Iuno. But immediatly returning to Sparta, they fayned themselues to be robbed by the Samyans, and the vessel to bee taken a∣way by force.

To make briefe, Craesus deluded by the oracle, prepared an armye agaynst Cappadocia, in hope to subdue Cyrus, and * 1.53 the whole power of Persia.

Whilest he was busied in these affayres, a certaine Ly∣dian named Sandanis a manne of singular regarde for hys wysedome, and for this sentence and aduise much more este∣med then before, coūsayled the king on this manner. Thou determinest a voyage agaynst those (O king) which are wrapped & clothed in beastes skynnes: not farynge as they would, but as they can, abyding in a region vnfruitful and barreyne. Their drink is water not wyne, their chiefe foode is figges: besides the which they haue nothīg good. From whom as thou canst take nothing if thou conquer, so consi∣der I beseech thee how much thou shalt leese if thou be con¦quered, if once they tast of our sweete, then they wil dayly swarme about vs, and wil neuer be driuen from vs. Truly I thanke the Gods that they neuer put into the heads of y^t Persians to inuade the Lydians. By which wordes, not∣withstanding he litle preuayled with Craesus. True it is, y^t * 1.54 the Persians before they vanquished Lydia, were far from all elegancy and sumptuous dayntines. Furthermore the Capadocians were called by the Greekes, Syrians. Who before the empyre came to the Persians, did homage to the Medes, but at that present acknowledged Cyrus for theyr Kinge. The dominion of the Medes, and Lydyans is deuyded and sundered by the ryuer Halis, which taking his * 1.55 beginning from the hill Armenus first washeth the Cilici∣ans, and secōdly the Maciens lying on the ryght hand, last∣ly the Phrygians declyninge towarde the least, after this, wynding to the North pole, that floweth betweene the Cy¦rians, Cappadocians, and Paphlagonians, waterynge the coast of Cappadocia on the right hande, and the borders of Paphlagonia on the lefte. In this sort the floud Halis doth part and distermine all thē hygh places of Asia, from the sea Cyprian, vnto the waters of the Euxine sea the backe,

and hinder part of this region is in length fyue dayes iour∣ney for a light and spedy footeman.

Craesus therefore speeding himselfe towarde Cappado∣cia, was greatlye desyrous both to ioyne vnto his owne kyngdome a land so battle and plentifull, and then also to * 1.56 reuenge Cyrus in the behalfe of Astyages sonne of Cyaxa∣res king of the Medes his nere kynsman: whom Cyrus ys∣sued of Cambyses had taken captiue in y^e field. The meanes wherby kynred and alliance grew betwene the two kinges Craesus and Astyages, were these. The grasiers of Scithia and such as were conuersant in reysing and breeding cattel * 1.57 falling to debate and sedition betweene themselues, a cer∣tayne company of them fledde into the lande of the Medes, at what tyme the Scepter was held by Cyaxares, sonne of Phraeortas nephew of Deioses. To whom the Scythians humbling themselues were at the begynninge much made of, and grewe in credite and fauoure with the kinge, in so much that he committed to their charge certayne younge ympes to instruct in the Scithian language, and to trayne vp in the art and facultye of shootinge. In tract of tyme the * 1.58 Scythians being accustomed daily to hunt, and for the most part wont to bryng home some thing with them for a pray, notwithstanding otherwhyles returned empty: which the king perceyuing (who in his rage was very fierce & ceuell, sharply rebuked them) and in reprochfull and tauntynge wordes toke them vp very short, wherat the Scythians sto∣mackes beyng moued supposing themselues to be hardlye dealt withall by the kyng, toke cou••sayle togeather, that hauing stayne some one of the children whom they taught, they might serue him vp to the kyng in lieu of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or some other wylde and sauage pray: which done, they would put themselues to flight to Sardis and become supplyaunts to Halyattes sonne of Sadyattes for theyr defence & safetye, which fell out accordingly. For aswel Cyaxares as others

that were present at the Table, tasted of the flesh, and the Scythians hauing committed the villanye, iucontinentlye fledde to Haliattes, whom Cyaxares rechalinging, & Hali∣attes refusing to surrender and yeelde them vp, ther arose warre betweene the Medes and Lydians which indured y^t space of v. yeares. In the which their broyle and discord the Medes sometime atchieuynge the conquest, it happened them to encounter in a night battell. For in the sixt yeares the armyes comming to the close and the fight being equal: sodeinly the day became nighte, which chaunge and altera∣tion * 1.59 of the day. Thales Milesius foretold to the people of Io∣nia presining the selfe same yeare wherein it should happē. The Medes and Lydians perceauing the day to be ouercast with darkenesse, abandoned the field: and by meanes of Sy∣ennesis of Cilicia, and Labynetus of Babilō were brought * 1.60 to accord and composition of peace, who hastening to haue them sworne, and to establish their agreement by the bands of affinitye, they decreed that Astyages sonne of Cyaxares should espouse and take to wyfe Ariena daughter of Haly∣attes. supposing the condition would not long remayn soūd and inuiolate, were it not confirmed by the sure and infol∣luble knot of alyaunce. In stricking league and concluding peace aswell other thinges vsuall to the Greekes, are ob∣serued * 1.61 by these nations, as also cutting their armes tyll y^t bloud issue out, which ech of them lycke vp and sucke toge∣ther.

This Astyages graūdfather to Cyrus by the Mothers side was by him held prysoner and went vnder custody, for such cause as in the sequele of this history shalbee declared: Craesus therefore moued with displeasure, requyred of the Oracle whether he might proclaime war agaynst Persia, & hauing receiued a double & deceitful answere, deeming it to make w^t him, went out w^t his army to assaile & fight a∣gainst a certain part of the Persiā dominiō. And approching neare to the Riuer Halis (as I iudge) hee trailed and con∣vewed

ouer his armye by brigges built vppon the water: but as some of the Graecians affyrme, hee passed the ryuer * 1.62 by the means of Thales Milesi{us} who deuised another way. For Craesus standīg at a bay, vncertayn what way to passe the water (for asmuch as the brygges which are now made for passage as then were none at al) Thales Milesius being then in the campe, inuented a meanes to chaūge the course of the water, and cause the ryuer that ranne on the righte side of the army to flow on left. Hee made therefore to bee dygged a mighty deepe trench or dytch, begynninge aboue the tentes, and procedinge in compas lyke a Mone on the backside of the host, whereinto the water hauing issue frō the proper chanel, became so low and fleet, that the ryuer on both partes was passable, & easy to be waded.

Some holde opinion that the olde course of the riuer was hereby wholly altered and became drye, from whom I dis∣sent. For by what meanes the regresse of Craesus into Ly∣dia could the armye haue retyred ouer. Craesus hauing re∣couered the other syde of Halis came into a part of Cappa∣docia named Pteria, safely situated and neere adioyning to the city Synopis that lyeth to the sea Euxinum, where ha∣uing encamped his whole power, hee spoyled, and foraged the mannours and ferme places of the Syrians, subduinge also and sacking the city Pteria. More ouer he vanquished many other cityes roūd about, casting out the Syrians that neuer offended hym: wherof Cyrus hauinge aduertisement gatheryng an armye of the myddle part of hys countrey, & came out to meete him, notwithstanding, first he sollicited the Iones to reuolt from Craesus, which they refusing, hee * 1.63 marched on forward, and encamped agaynst the Lydians.

Where the Armyes beyng in viewe, the one Armye to the other, and hauinge geuen signes of defyaunce, they ioyned in force and cruell battayle, wherein many beynge slayne on eyther syde, and Nyght drawyng very nere, they

blew the retrayte, the victory remayning on neyther part. But Craesus laying for his excuse the small number of his men (as farre exceeded by Cyrus in multitude of Souldi∣ours) the next day following (the Persians abstaining from battayle) he moued his campe and repayred backe to Sar∣dis, in mynd to summon and call out the Aegiptians accor∣ding to couenaunt, with whose king Amasis he had conclu∣ded a league before euer he attempted the Lacedaemoni∣ans, purposing besides to challenge the helpe of the Babi∣lonians promised and auowed to him by league and compo∣sition. Not forgetting also to clayme the assistaunce of the Lacedaemonians, appoynting them a day to bee present at Sardis: that hauing made a generall assembly of all his po∣wer, and taken his ease that winter, he might ymmediat∣lye at the beginninge of the next springe lay charge to the kingdome of Persia by a new and fresh assault. Whilst hee leueled at this mark, he sent abroad heroldes to his league fellowes and friendes, with earnest requeste that the fifte moneth after they would come togeather, and mete at Sar∣dis. Lyke wyse the souldiers stipendary, which hee hyred, and conducted to ayde him agaynst the Persians, he disseue∣red and sent away: nothing doubtinge least Cyrus (with whom so short tyme before he had fought euen hand & with out disuantage) should aduenture to come nere & approche to Sardis. In this sort reasoning the case and debating with himselfe yt fortuned that all the suburbes & places conter∣minate * 1.64 to the city were filled with aboundance of Snakes, and Adders: which the horse leauing their pasture & foode swallowed greedily and in moustruous sort eate vp and de∣uoured. Which Craesus adiudging (as it was) to be a tokē on premonstration of some 〈…〉〈…〉 to come, sente to the Southsayers & 〈…〉〈…〉. The mes∣sengers y^• went were 〈…〉〈…〉 y^• sence, and signification of 〈…〉〈…〉 they neuer

brought newes therof to Craesus, who before their returne to Sardis was taken captyne. The wyse men Telmisses de∣clared * 1.65 vnto them, y^• Craesus should be set vppon with a for∣rayne army, which shoulde vanquish and subdue the towne borne and natural people of the countrey, alleaging that y^• snake was the child of the earth, properly bred and ingen: dred of the groūd, but the horse, an enemy, and a forrainer. This meanyng and exposition the Telmisses sent backe a∣gayne to Craesus but now captiue, altogeather ignorant of these thinges which befell vnto hym, and also to hys Citye Sardis.

Cyrus a certayned of the determination of Craesus that presently after the conflict at Pteria hee was in purpose to disperse & scatter his army, thought it expedient in al hast possible to remoue hys host to Sardis, to intercept and pre∣uent his ennemy, or euer he could assemble the Lydians a∣gayne, which aduise he altogeather allowed, & put in prac∣tise and spedely arryuing into Lydia with his power was hymselfe a messenger unto Craesus of his comming. Crae∣sus cast into a greate pensiuenes, and anguish of mynd, to se himselfe so farre deceiued of his accompt: notwithstanding put the Lydians in array to battayle.

At that tyme there was no nation in the worlde, ney∣ther * 1.66 in value & might neyther in haughty courage & mag∣nanimity equall and comparable to the Lydians, who com∣monly warred on horseback as most expert & nymble in ry∣ding: weaponed with speares of a meruailous length.

The field wherin the fight was committed lyeth before the citye Sardis: through the which, both other ryuers haue a pleasaunt and delyghtsome course, and chieflye the famous ryuer Hellus, flowynge into the mayne streame called Hermus, which taking hys yssue and first head from the sacred Mountayne of the holye mother Dyndimena, ys caryed wholly into the Sea, not farre from the City Phocyas.

In this field Cyrus beholding the Lydians prepared to the battayle, and greatly dreading the prowesse and puissaunce of theyr horsemen, determined by the counsayle of Harpa∣gus the Mede, to put in execution this straunge deuise. ha∣uing * 1.67 gathered together all the Camelles that folowed the Army, and disburdened them of theyr loades of corne and vessels wherewith they wer charged, he caused certain mē to sit on them apparelled in a robe accustomably worne of of the Persian Horsemen. Whome in this sorte attyred hee gaue in charge to march in the forefronte of the battayle a∣agaynst the horsemen of the Lydians. After these inconty∣nently followed the footemen: and in the laste ranke were placed the horsemen, into whych order and aray hauing di∣rected and contryued his Armie, he straightly commaūded them to spare none of the Lydians, but whomesoeuer they found to make resistaunce, him to dispatch and slay present∣ly: Craesus onely excepted, towards whome he warned that no violence should be shewed how peruerslie soeuer he be∣haued himselfe.

This charge geuen, he caused his Camels to proceede forward agaynst the Lydian ryders, to this ende: for that a horse is very much afrayd of a Camell, and can neither a∣way * 1.68 with the sight of him, nor abyde his smel. Which pol∣licy he founde out to defeate Craesus of his greattest hope, whose chiefest confidēce he knew to be placed in the strēgth and virtue of his horsemen. Asigne of battayle beyng geuē, and the armies comming to the close: the Lydian coursers what with the sight and sent of the camels, fledd backe and retyred violently: which clean discouraged Craesus, and put him out of hope. But the Lydians nothing abashed therat as hauing learned the cause, alyghted spedily, and buckled with the Persians on foote, tyll at length manye fallyng on ether side, they were forced to flye and gard them selues with the walles of the city, beyng inuyroned by the Persiās with a siege: which siege Craesus supposing to put of and

delay for a long time, sent other messengers from y^e walles to his freyndes and confederates: hauinge by the first set downe and prefyned the fift moneth ensuinge for the tyme of their assembly. Contrariwise by these he requested and desyred mature and speedy ayde, beyng held at a baye, and inclosed within the walles and gates of hys citye. The mes∣sengers vndertoke a speedy course, as well to other nati∣ons as to the Lacedemonians his assured frendes.

It fortuned that at the same tyme, there fell a strife * 1.69 and contention betwene the men of Sparta and Argos, a∣bout a certayne field called Thyrea, which grounde, albeit properly belonging to the Arguies, was vnlawfullye helde backe and retayned by the Spartans. For what land soeuer in the mayne bendeth and inclyneth toward the West, as farre as Malea is peculier and appertinent to the Argiues with the tytle also and dominion of certayne Isles, in the number wherof is reckoned Cythera. Therfore the peo∣ple of Argos gathering an army for the recouerye of theire owne territory and freedome: they fel to condition for the matter to be tryed out by cōbratry of three hundred choise men on eyther syde consenting and agreeing that the right of the lande should follow the victorers.

Prouiding moreouer that both the armyes should for∣sake the field and retyre home: least beynge presente they might be moued to succour y^e part that was most distressed The couenant ratifyed and confirmed betwene them, they departed each to theyr owne cityes.

The partyes syngled out, and delected from both armyes, remayning behynd, gaue byter assault each to other, & con∣tinued the combate til such tyme as of sixe hundred, there were left but three men alyue the battayle beynge interup∣ted and broken of by the nere approach and comming of the euening. The remaynētes were these. Two of the Ar∣gyues, Aleinor, and Chromius, who in manner of conque∣rours hastened their steps to Argos one of the Lacedaemo∣nians

named Othryades who dispoyling the deade bodyes of the Argyues, caried their weapons to his tentes keping himselfe in his due order and array. The next day the cause beyng known, the people of both Cityes were present in y^e field laying equall clayme to the victory. The Argyues, for that the men on their syde escaped, and remayninge aliue were more in number. The Lacedaemonians, for that the Argyues fled the field, and their men onely abode behynde, taking the spoyle of his slayne enemyes. Incontinently fal∣lyng from sowre woordes to sad blowes, many were lost on both partes and the conquest atchieued by the Lacedaemo∣nians. Since which time the people of Argos shauing their heads (wheras of necessity before time they nourished their hayre) made a law with a solemne and religious vowe, ne∣uer to suffer their lockes to grow, or their women to weare gold before they had recouered the field of Thyrea. On the other side the Lacedaemonians decreed from that tyme for∣ward to goe long headed contrary to their former vse & cus∣tome. But Othryades the onely suruiuour of 300. Spar∣tans, moued with shame and greefe, that the rest of hys cō∣pany were vanquished by the Argyues w^t his owne handes ended his owne lyfe in the field of Thyrea.

Whyle these thinges were fresh at Sparta, the Lydian herauld arryued to intreat ayde and helpe for Craesus, whō they hauing heard, thought meete without delay to assyste, and succoure him. Wher••••ore puttynge themselues in a readines and being at the point to take shipping to Sardis: there came another messenger with newes, that the wall & bulwarke of the Lydians was scald, and Craesus himselfe takē alyue. Wherat the Lacedaemonians greatly greued esteeming themselues to haue suffered no small losse, alte∣red the intent of their purposed voyage.

Furthermore the conquest and winning of Sardis, was in this sort. * 1.70

Cyrus hauing layne at a siege the space of 14. dayes, sent

coursers about his army, and propounded a great reward to him that first scaled y^e city wall, which beyng oftentimes in vayne enterprysed by the whole armye: when the rest were quiet, a certain Mardane by name Hyraeades, sought speedy meanes to ascend and clymbe the wall on that part which was naked and vndefended of the Lydians: neuer fearyng or suspecting least the citye should be taken on that side, which for the roughnesse and craggines therof was de∣med inuincible. On which syde onely Meles first kynge of * 1.71 Sardis had not lead hys bastard sonne Leo: The wise men of Telmisses holding opinion that vppon what part of the walles soeuer this Leo passed, they shoulde become inex∣pugnable, and not to be vanquished. Meles therfore by all partes of the citye walles wherby any daungerous assault mighte laye to the Towne, lead and trayned hys vnlaw∣ful sonne: omitting that syde only which lieth toward Tmo∣lus, for that he thought it to be of power and strength suffi∣cient agaynst the vyolent charge and counterpease of the e∣nemy. From this part the Mardane Hyraeades hauinge marked a Lydian descending the day before to recouer his helmet thither tombled downe, considered with hymselfe, and began to attempt the lyke. After whom followed other of the Persians, who consequently wer pursued by the rest in great routes and multitudes. By which meanes y^e citye Sardis was taken and sacked.

Amids this distresse and 〈…〉〈…〉eame misery ther chaūced to Craesus a verye rare and straunge miracle: hauinge a dumbe sonne of whom wee made mention before, hee toke greate care and wroughte all meanes possible, whyle hys kingdome flourished to recure his malladye, approuinge and trying aswell other thinges, as also the aduyse and sen∣tence of the oracle. To whose demaund Pythia made this aunswere.

Thou vnaduysed Lydian King what makes thee take such care To yeeld vnto thy silent sonne the freedome of his toung? The gayne God wot is not so greate thou mayst it wel forbeare: The day drawes on when he shall speake, for which thou nedes not long,

Now the walles beynge taken a certayne souldiour of y^e Persians came vyolently towards Craesus to haue done him to death, not supposing him to haue bene the king. Whom he perceyuinge, neuerthelesse regarded not the daunger * 1.72 making no difference whether hee perished by sword or o∣therwyse. The dumbe sonne seeyng the imminent perill of the King hys father, and fearynge his death, brake out in these wordes sayinge.

Hold thy handes (Good fellow) slay not king Craesus. Which beyng the first wordes that euer he spake, hee had alwaies after the ready vse and practise of his toung. Thus Craesus and hys city Sardis, after he had raygned 14. years and abiden so many dayes siege, fell into the hands and po∣wer of the Persians: hauing lost a great kingdome, accor∣dyng * 1.73 to the voyce and sentence of the oracle, beyng in this sort apprehended, he was brought to king Cyrus, who cau∣sing his hands & feete to be clogged with great & waighty giues of yron, set him in y^e midst of a woodpile, made for the nonce accōpanied w^t 14. children of the Lydians: determinīg to offer these first fruites to y^e Gods ether for perfourmāce & accōplishment of some vow or for profe or tryall whether any of the Gods (vnto whose honor & seruice he vnderstode Craesus to be greatly addicted) woulde saue & deliuer hī frō y^e fyre. These things are cōmonly spred & reported of Cyrus.

In this most yrksome & lamentable case whiles y^e kynge * 1.74 of y^e Lydiās stode on y^e heape or pyle of fagots he bethought

hymselfe of the words and saying of Solon: who lead by the diuine instinct of some heauenly influence, had told hym be∣fore that in the number of the liuinge, there was no man so singular that might be named happy. Wherof beyng ad∣monished in his mynd, and fetching from the bottom of his hart a deepe and streyning sigh, by report wept bitterly, & three sundrye tymes cryed out aloude vppon the name of Solon, which Cyrus hearing willed the interpreters to aske hym whom he called vppon. To whom Craesus made no an sweare at all, vntil such tyme as beynge compelled by con∣straynt, he sayd. I named him whom I had rather then al the wealth in the worlde, hee had lykewyse talked with all those who beynge placed in the hyghest degree of honoure haue the chiefe gouernment of the kingdomes on Earth, which woordes for that hee vttered not halfe playnlye, and to the cleare and perfyt vnderstanding of those which were attentyue, and listened vnto hym, they vrged him a fresh to make a recytall therof agayne. At whose instant and im∣portunate halinge beynge now constrayned to begynne his speech anew, he told them how a long tyme synce Solon an Athenian, arriued at his court: who beholding his infinite treasure & aboundance of wealth made verye light accompt thereof as a thinge of smal and base value, in so much that whatsoeuer he had spokē and pronounced of hym, the same in due measure had fallen out and comen to euent. Which thinges neuerthelesse, were not peculiarly spoken by hym but generally of the whole nation and company of men: and chiefly of those which please themselues here on earth in a pleasaunt dreame and singular cōtentment of happy blisse. Whyles Craesus spake these thinges, and the fagottes had taken fyre on euery syde: Cyrus vnderstandynge by the ex∣positers * 1.75 of the Lydian toung what he had said, was moued with compassion, knowinge himselfe also to bee but a man who was now in hand to frye another to death by fyre, that of late dayes was nothinge inferiour to himselfe in power

and prosperitie. And fearing vengeaunce for the same and consydering the instable course and fickle flower of mans affayres, commaunded with all diligence the fyre to be ex∣tinguished and Craesus with the rest of his company to bee set free. But they stroue in vain the fyre hauing taken such * 1.76 vehement holde, that it seemed vnquencheable and not to bee ouercome. In this place the Lydians recounte that Craesus knowing kyng Cyrus his minde to be chaunged & seeing euery man endeuoure to abate the rage and furie of the flame howbeit nothing at all profiting: he lyfted vp his voyce & cryed to Apollo for succour: that if euer any giftes offered by him had ben pleasaunt in his sight, he would ac∣quite and deliuer him from this presēt daunger As he was pitifully shedding his teares in plainte and lamentation to the God, sodainly the skye being faire & the weather smoth and calme the daye was ouercaste and shadowed with the darke vale of dimme and duskie cloudes, which breakynge out into maine showres cleane put out and quenched y^e fire: Herby Cyrus perceiuing that Craesus was a vertuous mā and reuerenced the Gods he saued him from the fyre: & de∣maunded him the question saying. Tell me now O Craesus whose counsaile was it to inuade my country, and became of my friend myne enemy: Certes (quoth hee) G Kinge I haue done this to mine owne great losse and thy gayne the God of the Graecians incyting and leading me hereto, who was the cause that I warred agaynst thee. For no man is so franticke to desire warre rather then peace: when as in tyme of concorde the sonnes bury the fathers: but in warre the father carieth the sonne to hys graue. Howbeit it see∣med good to the God to bringe these things to passe, which * 1.77 hauinge saide. Cyrus placed him by, and hadde hym in great honour and reuerence, and stedfastlye beholding him greatly wondred with the rest of his company. All which while Craesus in a deepe muse and profound studye sat stil without speaking any worde.

But sodainly lifting vp his head and vewing the Persian souldiers spoyling and ryflyng the citye. Whether shall I speake my mynd (noble Cyrus sayde hee) and vtter that I thinke, or holde my peace at this present and say nothinge: But beyng lycenced to speake freely and without feare, he asked him saying. Wherin is al this company so busily cō∣uersaunt: or what seeke they to do: of a truth (quoth Cy∣rus) naught else but to pole, and dispoile the city, and make a hand of thy riches and treasure. To whom Cresus answe∣ryng: neyther do they wast my city mighty prince (sayd he) nor consume my goods, (for the righte of these thinges is no longer myne) but they are thy goods which they trayle and lugge aboute, and al this wealth pertayueth to thee: v∣pon which wordes the king aduysinge hymselfe drewe Crae∣sus asyde from the company, and demaunded of him what he thought meet to be done in this case. Who replyed say∣ing. For asmuch as it hath pleased the Gods to make mee thy ser〈…〉〈…〉. I hold it my duty whatsoeuer I shal perceiue more then thy selfe to make thee priuy and a counsaile ther∣to. The Persians (quoth he) are a croked generation, and of nature peruerse and stubburne: yet neuertheles, verye bare and beggerly, whom if in this sort thou securely per∣mit to ryg and ransacke cityes, and recouer store & plentye of wealth, I feare me that as euery one groweth to great∣test aboundaunce, hee will sonest slipp the coller, and be∣come of a true subiect, a trayterous rebell. Wherefore yf thou wilt follow my counsayle do this. Place at euery gate of the city certayn of thy gard with precise commaundemēt that no goods be caryed out of the Citye, pretending of the tenth parte therof to make an oblation and sacrifice to Iupi∣ter: which doing thou shalt neyther purchase their displea∣sure by takyng away the wealth: and themselues acknow∣leging the intent to bee good, wil easily condiscend, and bee pleased therwith.

This counsayle greatly lyked king Cyrus: wherfore ha∣uinge in lyke sorte disposed and setled, his Garde as Crae∣sus had warned him, to him selfe he speake in termes as followeth.

My good Craesus, whereas thou art-a kinge, and by na∣ture * 1.78 framed both to do well and speake wysely, aske of me what seemeth thee good, and it shalbe geuen thee.

My soueraygne Lorde (quoth Craesus) I shall esteeme my selfe hyghlye benefyted by your Grace, yf by your ma∣iestyes leaue and sufferaunce I may sende these my letters to the Gods in Greece. Demaundinge whether it were lawful for him in this order to double with his freyndes.

But Cyrus requesting to know the cause y^t set him so farre out of fauour with Apollo: hee brake out, and rypt vp the matter from the begynning, declaryng vnto him the Ora∣cles which were geuen, and chiefly hys offeryngs wheron he presumed to denounce warre agaynst Persia.

After a large rehersal made as touching all these thinges, he returned to his former sute, requestyng the Kinge that it might be lawful for him to challenge the God for these matters, and cast them in his teeth. To whom Cyrus smy∣lyng, sayd. Not this onely (O Craesus) but what else soe∣uer shalbe gaunted to thee, and not at this tyme alone, but as oft as it shall lyke thee to make petition. Leaue obtay∣ned) he forthwith dispatched certayne men of the Lydyans to Delphos, with charge, that laying the gyues at the en∣try of the temple, they shoulde question with Apollo yf hee were not ashamed to delude and cousyne Craesus, with his fraudulent and deceitful Oracles: making him to assaulte the Persians in hope to vanquish the power of Cyrus, of which his hoped victory, these were the first fruites: com∣maunding them therw^t to shew him the manacles, with the which beyng first captiue, he had bene chayned. Moreouer to aske him, whether the Graecian Gods had a priuilege

and peculiar liberty, aboue the rest to bee ingrate and vn∣thankful to their friendes. The Lydians arryued at Del∣phos, and declaryng theyr messuage, Pythia made them * 1.79 aunsweare on this maner. The necessary euent of fatall de∣destiny, it is vnpossible for the Gods themselues to auoyd. Craesus layeth the disloyalty of the fift age before him, y^t is to say, of his great graūdfathers father: who beyng squyre of the body to y^e Heraclidans was induced by the fraud & * 1.80 deceypt of a woman to kill his Lorde, and was after inue∣sted with his dignity, which nothing appertayne•• to him.

Notwithstandinge Apollo by al meanes endeuouringe to cause the fal of Sardis to light on the posterity of Craesus, not vpon himselfe: for all this could not prolōg or alter the inchaungeable race of destenye: but dispensinge therewith as much as might be, in some part he requyted his curtesy by deferryng the battery and conquest of Sardis for terme of three yeares. It is meete therefore that Craesus knowe, how his seat imperiall came three years later to ruine then was determined and appoincted by fatall necessity. Agayne it was no small benefite that he saued him from frying at a stake, for as touthing the oracle he hath no cause to cōplain being forewarned by Apollo that furnishinge an armye a∣gainst Persia he should ouerturne and destroy a great Em∣pyre. Of this sayinge if in case he had bene better aduysed it was his part to haue enquyred of Apollo what empyre he meant, whether his owne gouernment, or the kingdome and principality of Cyrus. But the prophecy beyng neither sufficiently pondered by himselfe nor sought to be discussed, if any thing happened otherwyse then he would and wished for: let him thanke hym selfe and not blame the God.

Now for that he aleageth besydes the sentence of Apol∣lo as concerning the Mule: it was better sayd by the God, * 1.81 then considered by him. For by the Mule was kyng Cyrus vnderstode, whose parents were of dyuers nations, and his mother of a more noble progeny and lineage thē his father.

The one beyng a Mede, daughter to Astyages, kynge of y^e Medes. The other a Persian, and in homage and subiection to the Medes, who beyng a man of base account, and verye meane regard, neuerthelesse crept into fauour, and wedded the daughter of his soueraygne liege.

The Lydians thus aunsweared by Pythia, made their spedy regresse to Sardis declaring to Craesus what they had hearde. Wherby he came to confesse that the blame rested in his owne folly, and was vniustly and without cause im∣puted to Apollo. It suffyceth therfore to haue spoken this of the dominion and rule of Craesus, ann by what meanes hee first vanquished & subdued Ionia. Furthermore besides those which before are mentioned: many other notable pre∣sentes were offered by this king which are yet apparant, & to be seene in Greece. For at the Citye Thebs in Boaetia there is a table of three feete all of Gold dedicated vnto A∣pollo Ismenius. Certayne young heighfers also wroughte of Gold, with sundry pillers of the same kynde. Lykewyse in the entrey and porch of the temple there is to be seene an huge sheyld of solide golde. All which were extant, and re∣mayning euen vntil our age. Albeit, by length of tyme ma∣ny were consumed and brought to decay. As for the gyftes he bestowed at Branchidae (as farre as we can learne) they were nothinge inferiour to them in value which were sent to Delphos. Notwithstanding as wel those which hee pre∣sented at Delphos, as also the other that were geuen to the temple of Amphiaraus were of his owne propre and heredi¦tary substaunce, the first fruites of his fathers possessions: as for the rest which in lyke maner he consecrated were of the wealth and substaunce of his enemy: who before Crae∣sus aspyred to the crowne was of the secte and faction of * 1.82 Pantaleon. For this Pantaleon also had to father Halyat∣tes and was brother to Craesus but by sundrye women, the mother of Craesus beynge of Caria, the other of Ionia. no soner was Craesus indued with the soueraygntye but hee toke his enemy y^t constantly withstode him, & drawing hym

asyde into a fullers shoppe, he bereft hym of his life: whose goods before hand vowed to the immortal Gods hee made consecration of in those places wherereof wee spake before. And thus much as concerning his liberalitie and magnifi∣cency vsed toward the Gods.

Now as touching the countrey of Lydia, there is no∣thing therof recounted worthy admiration like as of other * 1.83 regions: saue that only out of the hyll Tmolus are digged small peeces of gold in manner of grauel. There is also a monumente by them erected the straungest that euer was heard or seene (onely excepted the maruaylous works done by the Egyptian••, and Babylonians) to witte, the tombe of Halyattes father to Craesus. The foundation or grounde wherof is of mighty greate stone, the rest of the sepulcher of earth and mould cast vp and heaped togeather in forme of a mount, finished and brought to perfection by the toyle and payne of certayn day men, and hyred labourers, beyng holpen therin and assisted by maydes of the countrey.

In the toppe or highest part of the Tombe ther appeared in our dayes fyue limits or seuerall precinctes and borders declaryng by letters therin ingrauen how much euery one had wrought and done, wherby it was euident by measure takē that the greatest part therof was built vp and framed by the labour and handyworke of the maides. For y^e daugh∣ters of y^e Lydiās, are al prostitute and common vntill such tyme as by the vse of their bodies they haue gayned and col¦lected * 1.84 a dowry wherwith they be placed out, & geuen in maryage, which is at theire owne choyse & arbitrement. The compasse of the sepulcher was sixe furlonges and two acres about, the bredth 13. acres, nere vnto the which there passeth a mayne riuer, which the Lydians hold opinion to be perpetuall, named by them Gygaeus, and thus much of the tombe. The lawes which the Lydians vse are almost * 1.85 all one with the statutes and ordinaunces of the Grecians saue that they set theyr virgins to open sale and cause them

to kepe publique stewes and brothel houses. These first of all (to our knowledge) broughte in vse the coine of siluer * 1.86 and gold, instituting shops of mercery, and marchaundise, and setting vp Tauernes and vittailinghouses. They chal∣lenge also to themselues the first inuention and deuyse of playes and games, which are iointly in vse and obseruation with the Grecians, alleaging that togeather, & at the same tyme they deuysed these thinges: and made a drauft and se∣questration of theire countreimen whom the sente to inha∣bite and possesse a part & portion of Hetruria The meanes also and occasion they affyrme to haue bene these.

In the tyme of Atis sonne of kinge Manes there was a great scarsity and dearth of vittayles, throughout y^e whole * 1.87 land of Lydia. In the beginning wherof the Lydians iustai¦ned themselues by day laboure, and continual toyle, but af∣ter fyndinge the famyne to encrease, they sought other shiftes and deuysed meanes whereby to allay and diminish the greate distresse & intollerable rage of hungar, whereof arose the gallaunt deuise of playinge at Chesses: also dyce * 1.88 playing, tenise, and such lyke, which the Lydians clayme and vendicate as proper to themselues, obseruinge this or∣der to delay and forget their hungar: one whole day they spent in play and gamīg, neuer seeking after any meate, a∣nother (leauing of to disport and recreate themselues) they made prouisiō of foode for the maintenance of their bodies. In which maner they liued the space of eyghtene yeares.

But hauing no release of their miserye, and perceiuing the dearth & penury nothing at all to surcease: the king de∣uyded * 1.89 his people into two parts: one of the which he allot∣ted to abyde and stay in their owne countrey, commaunding the other to abandon the lande. Ouer those that remayned stil in Lydia, & departed not the listes of their natiue coun∣trey, the king himself held the chiefe rule and gouernmēt: placing ouer the rest his sonne for their Lord and principal whom he called Terrhenus.

Furthermore they vnto whom the lot fell to relinquish and leaue the region, held their way to Smyrna: where hauing built shippes such as were fyttest and most conueniente for caryage: they toke the sea to seeke both seates and suste∣naunce. Vntil such tyme as hauing passed manye nations, they came to the Vmbrians, wher founding and building vp cityes they made their abode, and dwel their to this day * 1.90 Changinge the name of Lydians, with the name of theyr kinges sonne whom they had theyr prince and guide, be∣yng after called Tirrhenians.

But sufficeth it vs to know that the Lydians were sub∣duediand brought in subiection by the Persians. It resteth * 1.91 now that wee declare and expresse who that Cyrus was, which vanquished the power and subuerted the kyngdome of Craesus. Consequently by what meanes the Persians at∣chieued the principality and rule of Asia, wherin I wil al∣leage that of which the Persians themselues are authors: who set downe vnto vs a playne and euident truth, not see∣king by the vayne florysh and pompe of wordes to augment the noble and valiant actes of theyr famous kynge. Cyrus. Right wel knowing that alother historyans which make report of the same king are found to vary in three sundrye tales.

The Assyrians hauing held the dominion of Asia y^e high∣er for terme of 520 yeares, the fyrst that made insurrection * 1.92 and rebelled agaynst them were the Medes, who behauing themselues manfullye and couragiouslye in the behalfe of their liberty shoke of the yoke of bandage, & deliuered them selues from the slauery and seruitude of their gouerners, whose example also other nations immediatly followed & attempted the like, in so much y^t al the people of the mayne * 1.93 land became free, were ruled and gouerned by their owne lawes. Til at length they were made thral agayu by these meanes. Ther liued in y^e countrey of the Medes, a man of rare & singular virtue named Deioces sonne of Phraortes:

Who determining to atchieue y^e supremisie framed in his head this conceipte.

The Medes dwelling here and there, scattered by villa∣ges, Deioces in very good credite beforetyme began more strictly and seuerelye to obserue iustice, and follow equitye then earst he was accustomed: for that he saw the Medes vniuersally addicted to liberty and licentiousnes, and assu∣ryng him selfe that iniury and wrong were flatly contrary and repugnant to right. The people that dwelt in the same village takinge diligent heede to his manners, appoynted hym a iudge to decide their controuersies. But hee (as ha∣uing an eye to the seate royall and kingdome of the Medes kept the sincere rule of Iustice and swarued not one ynche from lawe and equity. Which doing, besydes that he rea∣ped no small prayse of his neyghbours and acquayntance, he had resort also and repayre to him by those that dwelt in other places, and in tyme welny frō all places of y^e realme, who moued with the good report, and fame of hys Iustice, came in flockes, adhibiting Deioces for an arbitratour in * 1.94 theyr causes, hauinge bene foyled and put to the worst, by the false sentence and iniurious verdite of others, and ad∣mitting no man to the lyke office and dutye.

When the numbers of his Clientes were encreased, kno∣wing all causes to be iustly determined and takē vp by him Deioces perceauinge himselfe to bee the onely man for the whole countrey, precisely refused ether to abyde any longer there where earst he was wont to administer iustice, or at all to intermedle and deale with anye causes, alleagynge y^e it was smally to hys profite to spend whole dayes in deter∣mination and arbitrement of other mens causes, omitting the care of his owne houshold, and priuate affayres.

Wherfore robbery spoyle, vyolence, and all kynde of villa∣ny beyng now more freely and with greater impunity in e∣euery place committed then euer before: the Medes assem∣blyng a general counsayle, begā to deliberate and consult

as touching the state and condition of theircommon weale. Where (as I am brought to thinke) the friends and fami∣liars of Deioces consideratlye and ofset purpose, spake in this sence. It cannot be (say they) that in this corruption & lewdnes of manners we should long enioy and abide in our countrey. Goe to then let vs appoynt and ordayne ouer vs a kinge, that our laude may bee gouerned by good lawes: wherby it may be free for euery man quietly to dispose of hys owne affayres and haue no cause to feare lest by the a••∣homination and outrage of wicked and pernicious maners we be cast out and dispossessed of our owne seats. By which woordes the Medes indured to couch & submit themselues to a kyng: they began to consider whom they might electe and chose for the soueraygne lord of their libertye. Which there doubt the name & remembrance of Deioces, straight wayes cut of, who by general consent and one voyce of the whole multitude was named and approued kynge. And be∣yng aduaunced to the chiefest dignity, he cōmaunded forth∣with a pallace to be erected and built vp seemly for the ma∣iesty and magnificient estate of a prince. Moreouer y^e choyse should be made of stronge and likelie men for the gard and preseruation of his body. Which the people of the Medes (willing to gratify him by their proue and ready obediēce) immediatly perfourmed raysing a mighty and sumptuous court notably fenced and garnished for his safe abode: situa∣ted also in y^e part of the countrey which he best fancyed, lea∣uing it free and his owne liberty to select and picke out of the whole countrey of y^e Medes such as he thought meete for the defence and care of hys health. Deioces in full au∣tority and power of a kyng compelled them also to founde a city, which beyng by them accordingly furnished & forti∣fyed, they might haue y^e lesse regard of their smal & homely cotages, which thinge the people willingly agreeynge to * 1.95 he enuyroned and fensed in a citye with stronge and mighty walies, which is now called Ecbatana, where one wall

••oundeth vpon an other in such manner that the onely com∣passe of the one cleane encloseth and whollye conteyneth the other euery one in lyke maner excedinge each other in height.

Whereunto the nature of the place gaue no small ad∣uauntage, as hauinge his reise and rearynge towardes the pitch of a hyll. How bee it, farre more greate was the helpe of art and industry of man, hauing wrought seuen se∣ueral closurs and countermures nere adioyning the one to the other. In the last circuit wherof was the pallace of the king togeather with the treasure of the city. The scope & compasse of the last and greatest incloseth welny as much, space or more as the wall of Athens. The batlement of the first wall is coloured with whyte: the seconde with blacke, the third with redde, the fourth also with blew: or skye co∣loured, the fyft with yellow, the two last beyng coped with battlementes, the one of siluer the other of gylt. The pal∣lace of the king beyng (as we haue heard) strengthned and corroborated with defence and munition, he commaunded the rest of the people to dwell assyde on euerye part rounde aboute prouiding moreouer that no mā at any time should haue accesse or entraunce to his person but that all thinges should be done by messages to and fro: in so much, that the king seldome or neuer came vnder view or sight to any. A∣boue this, it was held neyther seemely nor lawful for any man to laugh or spit in presence of the prince or anye other. These thinges are therefore practised and obserued by the Medes: that those which wer his equalles before of appro∣ued courage and valiancy: might not haue any cause by se∣yng hym to be greeued at his dignity, and consequentlye to * 1.96 brew treasō against hispersō: but cōtrarily being abridged of his sight & cōpany y^t might come into opinion y^t the king was no part of his people, but a mā singled & sequestredfrō y^e rest of the multitude. ••erew^t Deiocos hauinge garnished and set forth his maiesty, & in perfyte manner autorized, &

setled himselfe in his empyre, he ministred iustice w^t great rygor and seuerity. They which were in plea & controuer∣sye one with an other put their causes in wrytinge, and by a messenger sent them in to the king, which whē he had de∣termined he subscribed his iudgement, and sent them back agayne, executing iustice on this manner.

In other thinges he held another order, yf happily he had intelligēce of any that had done wrōg or iniury toan other, sending for him he put him to a payne accoring to the mea∣sure of his offence: to which end he had dispersed diuers es∣pyalles to prye and watch throughout the whole Realme. Thus the whole nation of the Medes fell to the rule & go∣uernment of Deioces, wherof himselfe was the only prin∣cipal. Appertinent to the tytle and seate of the Medes are thus many seuerall peoples. The Busans, Paratacenians, Struchates, Arizantyns, Budyans, Magians. All which * 1.97 were vnder the soueraignty of the Medes. After y^e decease of Deioces, whose raygne continued the terme of 53. yeares his sonne Phraortes tooke vppon him the gouernmente. Who not content to be kynge of the Medes alone, moued warre vppon the Persians, and made them subiect to the po∣wer of Media, and hauing the rule and dominion of both nations the people of the which were mighty and valyaunt he subdued also Asia, muadynge dyuers other countryes, now one and then another, tyll at length hee came to geue assault to the Assyrians, I meane those that whylom were chiefe of al the rest, but at that instant renounced and forsa∣ken of all theire Subiectes by rebellion. Neuerthelesse of themselues in very good estate. Agaynst whom Phraor∣tes vnder taking a voiage the 22. yerre of his raygne, was * 1.98 slayne in battel and the most parte of his armye put to the swoord.

After whose death Cyaxares hys sonne and Nephew to Deioces came to the crowne, who hadde the name to be of greater prowesse and might in warre then any of his aun∣cestors.

Wherfore he distinguished into ••andes & trowpes the people of Asia, and fyrst of all arranged his army into an order of Spearemen: horsemen and bowmen, whereas * 1.99 before all were confused and out of aray. This is hee who warred with the Lydians, at such time as the day was tur∣ned into night: and who hauinge purchased the fauour of all Asia that lyeth about the ryuer Halis, mustered a po∣wer of men agaynst the city Ninus, aswell to take reuenge of his fathers death as to vanquish and destroy the citye.

But in the meane tyme whyle hee foyled the Assyrians in the field, and held them at bay within the citye, hee was of a sodaine incountered with an huge army of the S••ythians lead and guided by Madyis their kinge, successor to his fa∣ther Protothias. Who hauinge driuen the Symmerians out of Europe brake from thence into Asia, and beynge in quest and persute of those whom they had flighted in battel came into Media.

The distaūce betweene y^e two riuers Maeotis & Phasis euē vnto the countreye of Colchis is 30. dayes iorney for a light footman: but betwene Colchis, & the land of the Medes the way is short, & the trauell easye, one onely region lying be∣twene them, which is the countrey of the people called Sas∣pires: which after wee haue passed, the next stepp is into Media. Notwithstāding the Scythiās toke not this course but fetcht a compasse about another waye, towardes the vpper regions leauing the mount Caucasus on their ryght hand. The Medes entring battell with the Scithians. were by them vanquished, and lost the tytle and superiority of all Asia. Wherfore the S••ythiās surprising y^e dominiō of Asia, went from thence the next way into Aegipt, but arryuinge in Siria Palaestina they were met by Psammiti••hus Prince of the Aegyptians by whose gentle intreaty and greate re∣wardes they were stayed from goyng anye further, where∣fore retyring backe agayne after they were come to y^e citye Ascalon in Syria, many of them passed by quietly, without

offer of damage or iniury, howbeit some drouping behynd rifled the chappel of Venus Vrania, beyng of greatest stan∣ding * 1.100 and antiquity, amonges all the temples that were e∣uer erected to that Goddesse: for the Pallace of Venus in Cyprus toke oryginal of this, as the Cyprians themselues testify. The temple also extant at Cythera was built by y^e Phaenicians, which were a progeny and ofspring of the Sy∣rians. But the Goddesse moued with wrath agaynst those that wrought the spoile and pillage of her temple, punished both themselues and all those which came of them with the feminine sicknes. Which thing the Scythians also graunt: who are easily brought to confesse that the cause was such, and none other why they are tainted and infected with this disease. Neither is it hard for those that trauayle into Scy∣thia, with their owne eyes to behold them, which are thus diseased, whom the Scythians call Enareas, that is, execra∣ble and accursed. Asia therfore was held by this people 28. yeares, for which tyme proudly and iniuriously exercysing * 1.101 gouernment they made wast and hauocke of al. For beside the ordinary pension of tribute, they exacted so much of e∣uery one seuerally as theyr pleasure was to rate them at.

Wherwith also hardly satisfied they committed spoyle and robberye throughout all the countrey. Wherfore Cyaxa∣res and his people the Medes, intertaining the most part of them with sumptuous feastes, and all sortes of delicious and dayntye fare: watching their time when the Scythians were ouerladen with drinke, they set vppon them and flue them. By which meanes recoueryng the empyre with all that they had before, they toke also the citye Nynus. The which in what sort it was by them taken, and howe they brought vnder their rule all the Assyriās, saue only Baby∣lon, it shall else where be declared.

Nowe when as Cyaxares had raygned 40. yeares and * 1.102 reclaymed the kyngdome from the Scythians, he ended his life, & Astyages hys sōne ruled in his stede: of whose loynes

issued a goodly gentlewoman named Mandâne: whom hyr father on a night dreamed to haue let her vryne in so great * 1.103 aboundāce, y^t to it filled the whole citye, and couered Asia w^t a maine floud. The meaning wherof after he had learned of the Magi (who had skil to lay opē & interprete dreames) atteynted with exceeding feare, hee resolued to marye his daughter (beyng now of ripe yeares) to none of the noble bloud of y^e Medes which might seeme worthy of her persō: but to a certayne Persian named Cambyses, whō he knew to be of a good house and of nature remisse and quiet. Al∣beit with him selfe in farre lesse accompt then a meane mā of the Medes. The same yeare he had placed his daughter with Cambyses, hee saw another vision no lesse straunge then the former: wherein ther seemed vnto hym out of the wombe of his daughter to grow a vyne that ouerspread & shadowed all Asia, and hauing knowledge what it meant, immediatly sent for his daughter from Persia, where shee abode: to whom beyng greate with childe, and neere the tyme of her deliuery, hee assygned a strayght and diligent watch, in full purpose to destroy that whatsoeuer shee had brought forth into the world: beynge geuen him to vnder∣stand by the wyse Magi, the interpretors of dreames, that the yssue of his daughter should raygne in hys ••leed.

Which thing Astyages carefully noting, presentlye at the byrth of Cyrus, sent for Harpagus his most familiar and faythfull counsayler, and the onely solicitor and dealer in al his affayres. To whom hee sayde on this manner: My good and trusty seruaunt Harpagus, I straightlye warne thee not to neglect y^e charge I shal lay vpon thee, nor in any wyse to delay the speedye dispatch and accomplishment of the same. Beware thou dost not deceiue me, and take hede, least reposing thy trust in other to do it for thee, thou bee a cause vnto thy selfe of grieuous reuenge.

Take this litle bratte of my daughter Mandâne, and,

tary it home with thee to thyne house, and slay it: which done, take order also by some secrete meanes to see it bury∣ed: to whom hee answered. Most noble Prince, your ma∣iesty at no time enioyned ought to Harpagus that he scorned to doe, and shall hee from henceforth neglect your hestes?

Be it your wil and pleasure, I shall do it: it is my dutye & deuoyre to perfourme it.

Which hauing sayd, the young infant was deliuered into hys handes in a rych and coastlye mantle whom hee recey∣uing departed home to his own house the teares trickling downe his cheekes for sorrow. Whether beyng comen hee opened to his wyfe all the wordes that had passed betwene himselfe and the king, who began to demaund him in these wordes. And what then my lord are you mynded to do?

Certes (quoth he) albeit I am commaunded by Astyages: yet whyle I liue wil I neuer be brought to commit so de∣testable a villany: be he neuer so madd, and tenne hundred times more enraged then he is at this present, both for that this pore seely brat is of myne owne kyndred and allyance, and then because Astiages himselfe is now olde and with∣out issue of a man child. After whose whose death if by for∣tune his daughter should aspyre to y^t crowne (whose sonne I am charged to bereaue of his life) what else could I hope for but the most cruel and miserable death that coulde bee deuysed? Neuerthelesse, for myne owne safetyes sake, I hold it necessarye this childe shoulde dye, yet not by anye of myne, but by some of the kinges owne seruantes. Hys talke ended, forthwith he sent a messenger to y^t heardman of Astyages whom he knew wost cōueniently to be resident in such pastors and hils as were haunted and frequented w^t wyld beastes. The heard mannes name was Mitradates: whose mate in bedde and fellow in seruice was a poore laye woman named in the Greeke toung Cyno, which signify∣eth a Bytch: in the Median lauguage Spaco, Spaca, in the commō vse of their speech being the right name for a vitch

The pastours where hee grased his cattell were borde∣ryng to the foote or bottom of a desert mountayne, lying to the North syde of Eobatana, and to the Euxine sea: al that coast of the land of Media which tendeth towardes the peo∣ple Saspires, beinge very hygh & full of hils and forrestes, but the rest much more low and playne. The heardman re∣ceyuing the messuage, and repayring to the house of Harpa∣gus after he was comen thither, he began to salute hym in these wordes. Gentle syria (quoth he) it is the kinges wil you take this litle infante and laye hym in the most wilde * 1.104 and desert place of the woods where he may soonest bee de∣uoured. Which wordes his maiesty cōmaunded me to say vnto you, with this greeting moreouer, that if in case thou make not speedy dispatch of it, but by some meanes saue it and kepe it aliue, thyselfe in sted therof shalt dye the death. Which thing also that it might be done without deceipt, he gaue me in precyse charge with myne owne eyes to behold the child dead, with which wordes the poore soule toke the babe, and returned the same way hee came to his base and simple cottage. Now it fortuned that all that day his wife laye in traueile of childbyrth, and (as the Gods would haue it) in the meane space whyle her husband went to the city, was deliuered of a sonne: beyng very sollicitous and careful one for another: Mitradates for y^t safe deliuerye of his wifet Cyno for the good successe of hyr husband, who besides cus∣tome was sent for by Harpagus. Beyng returned home, & with great ioy receaued of his sorrowful wyfe, she curyous∣ly demaunded of hym what the cause might be, that in such post hast he was summoned by Harpagus to come to the ci∣ty. To whom he sayde (my deare wyfe) at my comming to the city I both heard and saw that which I woulde to God I had neuer seene, nor it had bene done by our Lordes and maysters. All y^t house of Harpagus resounding with teares and yellyng with most pitifull outcryes and lamentation. Wherinto after I was entered all agast & astonied for fear

I beheld a comly younge chyld lying in the middes of the house quaking and cryng wrapped in a rich mantel of gold and diuerse colours, whom Harpagus (hauing espyed me) commaunded me to take by and by, and cast it out in the mayne forrest for a pray and spoyle to the sauage and raue∣nous beastes: addynge moreouer y^t Astyages charged me so to do, with great threats and men••cinges if I should do otherwyse. The child I toke and haue brought with mee supposing it to belong to some one of the court: for that I would neuer haue thoughte it to haue bene of the kinges owne bloud. Notwithstanding I maruayled much to see that so rychly arayed with gold and sumptuous attyre: as also what it might meane that Harpagus and all his fami∣ly so bitterly wayled in extreame wae and heauines. Now in the way I was acertay••ed of all the matter by a seruaūt that brought me out of the city, and deliuered the child in∣to my handes: who told me it was the sonne of Mandane our kinges daughter, begotten of Cambyses sonne of Cy∣rus,, and that Astyages commaunded it should bee slayne: and this is he. Wherwithall he vnfolden the mantle & she∣wed the child to his wyfe. The selye woman beholding the young babe to be fayre and beautiful and of body large and well proportioned, fell downe on her knees, and bathinge her husbandes feete w^t her lukewarme teares she besought him in no wyfe to imbrue his handes in the bloud of an in∣fant so goodly and well fauoured. Who alleaging that it could not be otherwyse, because that Harpagus would send his seruauntes to see it dead, and that himselfe should bee miserably tormented to death. The woman which by thys tyme had set abroach a new deuise begā a fresh to counsaile hym saying. If there be no remedye but needes thou must lay it out: yet heare me once agayne & follow my counsayle how thou mayst craftely dispense with the kings commaū∣dement and saue the childe. This day haue I brought forth a young infant which was stil borne and dead in y^t wombe.

Take yt therfore and saying it out in the desert: let vs kepe and foster this in the steed, so shall it neither be knowne y^t thou hast disobayed the king, and our selues shall gayne the heauenly ioy of so goodly an infant. By this meanes (my good husband) both our dead chyld cast out in this kynglye vesture shall enioy a royall and princely sepulcher: and this poore seely innocent that is assygned to dye shall be preser∣ued * 1.105 and kept aliue. Which deuyse fytted the neatheardes humoure so wel that without any longer deliberation, hee put it in practise. Wherfore giuinge to his wyfe the childe which he was mynded to haue slayne, his owne bratte that was still borne gallantly decked in the others aray, he toke and layd out in a most wilde and wast mountayne. Which done the 3. day after he had cast it forth (leauyng another to ouersee the neat) he posted him to the city to the house and mansiō place of Harpagus, geuing him to vnderstande that the child, was dead, and that for more assurance he myght behold it wher he lay: who sending with him certaine of his seruauntes in whom he reposinge geatest affyaunce willed them to take view thereof, who fyndyng it to be so (as they thought) in steede of Mendanes sonne toke the heardmās * 1.106 child, and buryed it. Now the other yoūg brat y^t was after called Cyrus was brought vp and cherished by y^t grasiers wyfe who notwithstanding, as yet did not call hym Cyrus, but by some other name. The child arryuing to the age of tenne yeares, descryed his progeny, and opened hymselfe by this deed, and sportyng in a village where the hearde gra∣sed, and beynge at sporte and playe with his equalles, hee chaunsed by the other children his playfellowes to be chosē kynge.

The boy incontinentlye limittynge to euerye one hys * 1.107 propre charge, toke vppon him lyke a younge Prince in dede, ordaining strayght some of them to builde housen, and others to garde hys Bodye, and to attende vppon

his person, one for the steward of his court, another for his legate and ambassadour to forreine countries: lastly such a one as might controll and ouersee the rest: bynding euery man with a seuerall dutye. Among this company of litle wagges ther vsed to play a young boy the sonne of Artem∣bares, a man of great calling and principal respect among the Medes, whō Cyrus for that he refused to obay his au∣thority, and do as hee bade hym, caused the other boyes to take and lay hold on, which they doing, he beat him spight∣fully & without measure. The boy taking it heauily to be thus abused, was no soner escaped from them, but he rāne home crying to the city where his father dwelled and com∣playned of the wrong & vyolence done to hym by Cyrus: al∣beit not callīg him Cyrus (for as yet he had not that name) but the sonne of Astyages heardman. Artembar es transpor∣ted with choller, in a rage toke his sonne by the hande, and lead him to the kynge, where declarynge the intollerable misusage of hys child, opened his coate & shewed hys shoul∣ders, sayng. Is it meete (O kyng) that we be thus abused by the wretched brat of thy heardmā? Astyages willing to gratifye Artembares and do him honour by reuenging his sonnes quarel, caused the heardmas boy to be sent for: who bryng come, Astyages castyng towardes hym a sterue and frowning loke, began in this wyse: why syrra (quoth hee) you litle punion, is it for so base a brat as thy selfe, borne of a beggerly vassall, to scourge and whip in such sort a childe sprong of a noble house, whose father is one of the peeres and chiefe men of my realme? The boy beholdyng the king with a bold and stedfast countenaunce aunsweared thus. Why my Lord (quoth he) that which I haue done I haue done by iustice, for our towne boyes, in whose crew this * 1.108 was, appoynting me their king, as the meetest of them all to beare rule, this fellow would not obay me, and thought scorne to do as I bad him: for which cause according to hys

due desert I sharply punished him, and if I for so doyng be worthy to be beaten, here I am do with me what thou wilt. Whyles the boy spake these wordes, Astyages his hart be∣gan to rise: for he seemd to himself to acknowledge the coū∣tenaunce of the boy, callynge to mynde the forme and signes of his face, besydes, his stately and liberal gesture: the terme also of his yeares hit so pat with the time of his casting out, that he verily thought hym to be his yong nephewe. Wher∣at some what astonied he remained silent for a space, & hard∣ly at the length returning to himselfe (being desirus to send away Artembares, to the end he might talke alone with the heardman) he spake thus. My meanyng is O Artembares (quoth he) in such sort to deale in this matter that you shall thinke your selfe satisfyed, and your sonne haue no cause to complayne. With which wordes Artembares taking hys humble leaue of the king, Cyrus was lead into an inner par lour. Astyages beyng now alone with the heardman, began to parle with hym where he had the boy, or how he came by hym. Who thinking it best to stand to hys tacklinge affir∣med stoutly that he was his own sonne, and that his mother was liuing with hym at home at his house. To whom the king castyng an angry smyle: Certes (quoth hee) good fel∣low thou art not thyne owne freynd to runne wilfullye into the briers, and to be cause vnto thy selfe of a terrible death: and presently making a signe to hys gard to lay hold on him they toke him in purpose to haue lead hym awaye. But the miserable neatheard oppressed with extremity and driuē to so nere a strayght, resolued with hymselfe abandoning all fayned allegations to seeke refuge by confessynge the truth: wherfore openyng the whole matter from the first head and begynning, he fell downe on his knees, and humblye craued pardon of the kyng. Astyages hearyng hym without glose or colour to speake as it was, made light of his fault and let him goe, sending certaine of his court for Harpagus against whom hys stomacke was inflamed with greate wrath and

indignation, to whom appearing in prefence hee spake as followeth. Tell me Harpagus in truth (quoth he) by what death didst thou murder y^e childe that I gaue vnto thee be∣gotten & borne of my daughter Mandâne: who seeing Mi∣tradates the heardman present, thought it not best to dissē∣ble * 1.109 and conceale the matter by fayning, least he were taken vp for triping and conuicted of a lye: but framing this aū∣swere: he sayd. My soueraigne lord and King, after I had receiued the Infant at your graces hand, I cast in my head the best way & fittest meanes to obey and fulfill your wil: and that in such sorte also, that auoydinge your Maie∣styes displeasure, I might neyther be a minester of bloud∣shed to your princely selfe, nor to your noble daughter. For which consideratian I wrought thus. Sendinge for this heardman grasier of your maiesties Neat, I gaue into his handes the new borne brat, with a weighty and precise cō∣maundement from your gratious highnesse to put him to death: and in so saying I spake no more then truth, for so much as your pleasure was it should be so. In this sort I committed vnto him the babe with an earnest and carefull charge to lay it out in the desert chases of the wilde and in∣habitable rockes & mountaines, adding a hundred thousād threats of the most cruell and pestilent death in the worlde if in case he should let, or in y^e least point refuse to perfourm it with diligence. Which done by him and the infant beyng dead, of my most assured and trusty seruauntes I sent some to behold the child hauing nowe expyred and breathed forth hys last blast who fynding it cold, and without sence, layd it in the earth and buryed it. This standes the case O king and by this death the child perished. Now as touching this discourse of Harpagus his talke was directed and grounded on a flat and sincere truth.

But Astyages makinge no semblaunce of anger of that which had happened, began and told him fyrst of the heard

mans confession procedinge orderlye with the rest, till at length he came to say thus. For that the childe liueth and by the benefyte offortune and fauour of the Gods hath es∣caped death I greatly reioyce as beyng disquieted with no smal anguish and torment of conscience to consider the vil∣lany and wicked treeson wrought agaynstyt, and beyng of∣ten challenged by my daughter, for the priuy murder and concealed death of hyr child, I was not a litle gauled and astlicted in thought. But in that fortune hath turned all to the best: send me hether thy sonne to bee a playfellow and companion to my litle nephew, and see thou come thy selfe backe agayne and accompany me at supper. For the truth is I am in purpose to do sacrifyce to the Gods immortall for the safe recouery of the child, to whom the honour and chiefe prayse of this gracious and fortunate happe doth es∣specially belong.

Harpagus hearynge this, dyd hys humble reuerence to the kinge, exceedynge ioyous at the fauourable yssue and good euent of his fault, and not a litle glad besydes that as a fellow and companion of the kynges mirth and com∣fort he was inuyted to supper. Wherefore departing home he no sooner entred within the dores but with all speede he caused his sonne to be sought out, whom beyng of the age of 13. yeares he sent to the court willyng hym to do whatsoe∣uer he was commaunded by the kynge. Hymselfe as one ready to leape out of hysskynne for ioy, with mery coun teuaunce and smyling cheere declared to hys wyfe imediat∣ly the whole course and tenour of hys happye successe. Hys * 1.110 sonne arryued at the kyngs pallace: Astyages incontinent∣ly slew, and cutting and dismembringe him into small pee∣ces: part therof hee commaunded to bee rosted, and other part sodden: both excellently wel seasoned and relished, to be kept in a readines. At supper time y^e guestes beynge ga∣thered togeather, and amonges them Harpagus the kyng hymselfe with the rest were serued with messes of mutton

wherewith the borde was generally spred, saue only Har∣pagus, before whom were set the partes of his torne and mangled childe, except the head, the handes, and the feete, which were seuerally kept and set asyde in a basket.

Of these lamentable deintyes, after Astyages iudging hys guest to haue well fedde, hee demaunded hym the question * 1.111 how he lyked hys chere: who hauinge auouched hymselfe greatly delighted therewith as the sweetest and most delicat meate that euer he tasted: certayne appoynted for the nonce drew nere with the basket conteyning thehead, handes, and feete, who willing hym to open it, and choose of those things which were in it what liked him best, he discouered y^e maūd and beheld the residue of his murthered childe: wherewith somewhat abashed, yet patiently kept him selfe from open outrage. Now Astyages askyng hym whether he knew y^e head of that beast, of whose flesh he had fed so freshlye, hee made him answere, yea, & stood contented with that, what∣soeuer his maiesty should do at any tyme. Immediatly he a∣rose from the table and taking the remnauntes of his vnfor∣tunate and wretched bratt, framed his steps towardes hys owne house, in mynd (as I iudge) to interre and burye the remnauntes of that accursed and boucherlye acte. On this manner did king Astyages take reuenge of his faythful and beloued seruaunt Harpagus. After which entringe in∣to deliberation of Cyrus, hee called for the wyse men na∣med Magi, by whose meanes he came to knowledge of hys dreame, to whom after they were come he moued a questiō about the true construing and exposition of hys vision, who yeeldyng the same answeare that they dyd before, that it be∣houed the boy if he were liuing to raigne and be kyng. Asty∣ages * 1.112 tooke immediatlye theyr talke by the end, and goinge forward: Of a truthe (quoth hee) it is most certayne that the Chylde is liuinge, and fareth very well. And when as in the Countrye where hee was brought vppe, the children

of his owne village in wayof pastime had made him a king loke what they do that are kynges indeede, the selfee same in like maner did hee. For appoynting his wayghters, his porters, his messengers to goe to and froe with other such like dutyes and offices, hee bare himselfe amonges them lyke a young prince.

Now tel me therfore you that haue skill, what thinke you of this? If the chyld liue (say they) and haue already borne rule and that not aduysedly or of premeditate purpose but by chaunce & destinye. Be of good courage then (O king) wee warrant you hee hath taken his leaue and shal rule no more. For some of our prophecies, sothsayinges, and con∣iectures come to small effect: & as meere phantasies, and ydle dreames proue very light and fall to nothing. Sure∣ly (quoth the king) and I thinke no lesse beynge of this o∣pinion also that for asmuch as hee hath once bene named & held for a kyng, my dreame hath his end, and that wee haue no more need to feare him anye longer. Neuerthelesse I leaue it to your wysedome carefullye to cōsider what may befall, and geue me such counsayl and aduyse as may be sa∣fest both for the maintenaunce of my scepter and for the cō∣tinuaunce of your owne estates, to whom they aunswered. It is greatly to be wished and desyred of vs (O mightye Prince) that thy kyngdome perpetually indure, for other∣wyse if it should descend or be translated to this boy, which is a Persian what could wee loke for that are Medes and a∣liens, then to be held and kept vnder in bondage and slaue∣ry. Whereas on the other syde vnder thy gouernment (whose natural subiectes we holde an accompt ourselues) wee are in maner princes ouer them, and with thy selfe in great credite and honor. By how much y^e rather we ought to haue diligent respecte of thy prosperous raygne, and at this tyme also to aduertise and warne thee if wee sawe, or were priuye to oughte that might bee preiudiciall to thy royall person, but for as much as the vision is comen to so

slender proofe, that in euent it seemeth a tryfle, both our selues are in good hope, and wil your grace also not to dis∣payre, but to sende home the childe into Persia, to his pa∣rentes: wherat Astyages greatly reioysing, calling for Cy∣rus sayd vnto him: My sonne, albeit heretofore by meanes of a fond & friuolous vision, I did thee iniury: yet by thyne owne good fortune and happie desteny, thou art kept aliue. Now thefore ioyfully get thee home to the Persian▪ with those whom I haue appoynted to be thy guydes, wher thou shalt fynde a father not like to the heardman Mitradates, and a mother much better then thy nourse Cyno. With which wordes he toke his leaue of hym and sent hym away.

When they were come to the house of Cambyses, Cyrus was receiued of his parentes, who hauing knowledge that * 1.113 he was their sonne, kyssed and embraced hym a myllion of tymes, holding themselues the most happy and fortunate people in the world, for the sodayne and vnhoped recouery of their sweete sonne, whom they neuer thoughte to haue seene alyue. And curiously demaunding of him how, and by what meanes he escaped, he made them answeare, that til this tyme he neuer knew: beyng altogeather ignoraunt of hys kyndred & lineage, addyng moreouer y^t for ought he knew he was the very naturall and lawful child of Astya∣ges his heardmā, saue that onely in the way he had intelli∣gēce of his whole misfortune & straūge hap by those which were geuen him of Astyages for his safe cōduct into Persia. He declared therfore in what sort he was nourished, & kept vp by the field mans wyfe, whom in al his talke he greatly praysed and commended, in so much y^t alwayes at one ende of hys tale was his swete and dearly beloued Cyno: which * 1.114 name his parents hearing, to the end y^t deliuerance of their sonne mighte seeme more straunge & miraculous, they bla∣zed abroad y^• Cyrus was brought vp & cherished of a bitch: wherof consequently sprang and arose a fayned tale.

Cyrus growing in yeares and approaching nere to mās

estate, waxed of all equals the most valiant and hardye, & in passinge fauour & goodwill with al men, whō Harpagus oft tymes vrged by sundry gyftes and presentes to take re∣uenge of his graundfather Astyages. For seynge that by himselfe beynge a priuate man ther was no waye to repay the iniury done him by the king (Cyrus beyng now at ripe and mature age) he thought good to make him, who had all one cause to haue all one quarell. Furthermore, hee wrought this, at what tyme Astyages through the peuish∣nes of age dealt very cruelly, and lyke a tyraunte with the Medes. Harpagus clawing fauour, and insinuatynge him∣selfe with the Peeres of the realme, perswaded thē to de∣pryue Astyages of the supreme dignity, and make choyse of Cyrus for their high and soueraigne Prince. And seing his pretended treason pretily well to fadge & goe forward, wil∣lyng to make Cyrus of counsayle (which thing for that all the wayes into Persia were intercluded & garded by watch and warde, was hard to be done) he came in mynd of thys conceipt: hauing finely and cunningly drawen out the gar∣bedge of an hare, he conueied into her belly a letter wherin * 1.115 was set forth and declared hys whole mynd: which togea∣ther with the hare and nets deliuerynge to an huntsman, one of hys owne housholdseruauntes, whom he especiallye trusted, he sent into Persia, geuīg him in charge to deliuer it into Cyrus hys owne handes, and to request hym to cutt vp the hare secretely by hymselfe and without company. The fellow faythfully executing his maysters will, toke y^e hare to Cyrus, who opening her belly found the letter en∣closed, which he vnfolded and read in these termes.

Thou sonne of Cambyses (whom no doubte the Gods * 1.116 tender and regard, for otherwyse thou haddest neuer moū∣ted to so great estate) take vengeance now of Astyages, the seeker of thy vtter spoyle and destruction.

For by his desire thou haddest dyed the death, but by y^e fa∣uour of the Gods & by means of me, thou remaynest alyue.

All the course of which thy bagicall and vnhappye fortune I doubt not but thon knowest of olde: as also the villanye and execrable wickednes done to mee by Astyages, in that my selfe refusinge to kil the gaue the ouerinto the handes of his neathearde.

Now therfore if thou wilt listē to me, the whole kingdome of the Medes shall be subiect to thy power. Seke first of al to allure the myndes of the Persians to slippe choller, and rebell, which done put thy selfe in voyage agaynst the Me∣des, in full hope and assurance to enioy the crowne. For be it my selfe or any other of the nobles of Media whom y^e king shall assygne to come forth agaynst thee and geue the battell, wee haue all geuen handes with one consent to re∣bate the power of the Medes, and ioyninge auncientes to march vnder one banner, to the vtter ouerthrowe and de∣priuation of that cruell and malicious tyraunt. The ac∣count is cast, the reckning made, and nothinge wantinge, but that which we earnestly with for, and shortlye for, thy quicke and speedy arriuall. The letter read and perused, Cyrus cast with him self what sleight or art he might now vse to induce and moue the Persians to sedition and fynding * 1.117 one not altogeather vnfyt for his purpose, hee determined to make tryall therof, indytinge a letter in such wordes as hee thought best, after this he summoned a generall con∣course and meeting of the Persians, wher opening the let∣ter he signifyed to them that Astyages had apoynted him lieuetenaunt or principall of Persia. For which cause you Persians (sayd he) I will and commaunde you, to resort he∣ther euery man furnished and prouided of his hooke or bill, which charge geuen he brakevp the assembly.

Now it is meete wee knowe that many sorts of people are contayned vnder the generall name of Persians. Cer∣tayne wherof Cyrus callyng togeather intysed them to re∣bell, which were such that of them all the rest depended.

The names of the people be these.

The Arteatians, Persians, Pasargadians, Meraphians, Ma∣sians: of which number the Pasargadians are the most noble and renowmed: amonges whom is the stocke and familye of the Achaemenides, out of the which the kinges of Persia are alwayes chosen and elected. There be also other Persi∣ans besydes these, as the Parthelians, Derusians, Germa∣nians, addicted to the trade of tillage and manurynge the ground. Other also that haue principall regard of grasinge and feedyng cattel, to wit, the Dayans, Mardians, Drophi∣cians, Sagartians. All which ready prest with their sicles & hedging billes, Cyrus toke and lead into a field of 18. or 20 furlonges exceedyngly ouergrowen and pestered with bu∣shes, which in one dayes space they cleane cut vp and caried away. Wherfore the next day following hee commaunded them to be present agayne euery man handsomly and well arayed. Himselfe in the meane season gatheryng togeather whole heards of goats, sheepe and oxen, all that his father had, hee slew them to make prouision of a sumptuous and magnificent banquet wherwith to feast and entertayne the whole host and company of the Persians. The next day insu∣ing when (as Cyrus had commaunded) the Persians were assembled and comen togeather, he caused them to sit downe in a great and large field, where as mery as crickets, they fell freshly to those chats which in great plenty and aboun∣dance were set before them. At after dynner Cyrus demaū∣ded of them whether of the two they rather wished, the la∣bour past, or the pleasure present. To whom they replyed that there was no comparison or equality betweene them: for as no payne and misery was absent from the one: so no pleasure and felicity was wanting to y^e other. Which their answeare Cyrus takyng hold of presentlye went forwarde saying. My frendes and countriemen of Persia, euen so it fa∣reth with you, and at such choyse and electiō you now stand. For geuing your consent to obay and follow me: both these and many other infinite cōmodityes shal redound vnto you,

without the toylsome yoke of seruitude and slauerye, but refusing my coūsayle, a whole sea of miseryes do dayly thre∣aten you, not vnlyke the toyle and wretchednesse that yester day you abode. Be ruled then by me and attaine your free∣dome, for both I my selfe am prouyded by deuyne lotte and appoyntment of the Gods, by whose meanes you should en∣ter into this paradise of blessednesse, and you in nothinge (especially in martial courage) were euer accompted infe∣riour to the Medes. What resteth thē but that in defyaūce to Astyages and the tytle of the Medes, you cast of the yoke of seruitude, and become free.

The Persians long since moued with disdayne to see thē∣selues ouertopped and kept vnder by the Medes: hauing y^e * 1.118 oportunity of a captayne, with handes and feete (as they say) vowed themselues to obay Cyrus, and recouer their li∣berty. These thinges sounding in the eares of Astyages: Cyrus by a purseuant was cyted vp to appeare at y^e court: whom he returned backe agayne with this answeare, that his meaninge was to come verye spedily and somewhat to sone for his purpose. At which newes Astyages imediatlye prepared a power of the Medes, ouer whō in an ill hower he placed Harpagus generall, not mynding the iniurye hee had done vnto hym. The army prepared, and the Medes & * 1.119 Persians meeting in the field: they which were not priuye to the purpose of Harpagus, began to fight and bicker with the en••emy: the rest without offer of violence ioyning with them. Other there were, that with small resistaunce tur∣ned their backes to the Persians and fled amayne.

The host of Astyages beynge in this wyse dispersed and shronke in the wetting, newes was broughte thereof to the king, who in a greate heate of choller and outrage, mena∣cing * 1.120 Cyrus sayd. Let the traytour bee assured hee shall not thus escape. How be it, first of all apprehending the wyse men Magi, by whose counsayle hee was brought to let Cy∣rus depart, he hanged them vp euery man, not leauing one

aliue. After this he put in armour the rest of the Medes, y^t were in the city both young and old: with whom beyng pre∣sent in the fielde. After that for a whyle he had abidden the might and power of the Persians, he was driuen to flie, and * 1.121 in the flyght was taken alyue, with the losse and perdition of hys whole army. Ouer whom beyng now captiue, Har∣pagus his counsaylour greatlye insulted, with open scoffes and reproachful tauntes, omittyng nothing y^t might gaule and greeue him to the verye hart: laying in his teeth the supper wherin he hadde caused hym to seede of his sonnes flesh. For which cause hee had now made him of a kynge a vassal. Why then (quoth Astyages) dost thou now challēge the dead of Cyrus to thy selfe, who alleaginge on the other side that it was his deede and done by hym, for that Cyrus was moued ther unto by his letters. Astyages aunsweared that of all men he held hym most voyd of wit and goodwill to his countrey. The one, for that hauing power to be king hymselfe, he had yelded it ouer to an other: the other in that for malice of one supper he had brought his owne countrey into perpetuall thraldome. For had it bene necessarye to haue put ouer the kingdome from hymselfe to an other, it had bene much better to haue chosen a Mede then a Persiā wheras now the Medes being nothing giltye of that fact, were become of rulers, slaues, and y^e Persians that hether∣to had liued in bondage were now come to be lordes them∣selues.

On this manner king Astyages hauinge the space of 35. * 1.122 yeares borne rule in Media: was depryued of his seate: by whose cruelty and sore dealing the Medes came in subiecti∣on to the Persians after they had held the supremisye of all Asia aboue the floud Halis an hundred twenty eight years, sauinge the ••yme that the Scithians obtayned the empyre. Afterwardes the Medes repenting themselues of that they had done, reuolted from Darius, but beyng ouercome in battayle, they were agayne perforce driuen to obedience.

The Persians by whose meanes Cyrus vanquished his graundfather Astyages, hauing the chiefe rule and domi∣nion of Asia. Cyrus doinge no violence to Astyages, kepte him in his house to the houre of his death. Such therfore was the byrth and education of Cyrus, & the meanes wher∣by he atchieued the kyngdome: who not longe after tryum∣phed ouer kyng Craesus his professed enemy, of whom wee spake before: by which his victory he wan the ful title & pos∣session of all Asia.

Furthermore the rytes and customes which the Persiās vse I fynd to be these. First for ymages, temples, & aulters, they neuer build any, and accompt it great follye and mad∣nes in those that do builde them. For this cause as I iudge they think not the Gods to come of the progeny and lmeage of men, as the Graetians doe. Wherfore making choyse of the kighest and most lofty hyls of the coūtrey on the toppes of them they do sacrifyce vnto Iupiter by which name they vnderstand the whole cope and vaute of heauen, geuing al∣so lyke honor and reuerence to the Sunne, the Moone, the Earth the Fyre, the Water, and the Wyndes: imputing to these alone a deuyne nature and deity, which from the be∣ginnīg they haue had in honour. Notwithstāding in course of time they began to buckle and pray to Vrania: which ma∣ner they drew from the Assyrians and Arabians. Venus of the Assyrians is called Militta, in Arabia Alitta, by the Persians Metra. The ceremonies ordayned by them to bee kept and obserued in time of sacrifice are these. They ney∣ther set vp any aulter, or kyndle anye fyre at all, omittinge also to say or tast of the sacrifyce before the immolation. Pypes, Myters, saltcakes, they neuer vse. But as euerye one is purposed to make oblation to the heauenly powers, so leadyng his host or sacrifyce into a fayre and cleanē place, hee humbleth himselfe in prayer to some one of the Gods hauing his head decked with a nightcap vsuallye worne of the women of Persia, bounde about for the most parte, and

enuyroned with mirtle. Beyng alwayes prouided that the party which maketh the offeryng hold it not lawful to pray for hymselfe only or to make supplication for any priuate or peculiar commoditye of his owne, but vniuersallye for the whole realme and multitude of the Persians, and chiefly for the king. The sacrifycer hymselfe being a part and parcell of the whole number: so that in praying for all others hee prayeth for himselfe. This also: cutting and hewing y^e ha∣lowed beast into small and slender peeces, they incontinent∣ly boyld it: which done makinge diligent inquisition for the softest and smothest grasse they can find, and especially tri∣folly or three leaued grasse, they spred thereon the sodden flesh, ouer which a Magician yalpeth out a songe of the be∣ginning & childhod of y^e Gods, whichthey accompt a most forceable and valerous incantation. Without this Magi∣tian: They hold no sacrifice lawful or rightly perfourmed. After this the sacrifycer taketh the flesh, and applyeth it to what vse it seemeth him good. Of all the dayes in y^e yeare they obserue with greatest ioy and solemnitye theyr byrth * 1.123 day. Wherin, then at other tymes, they vse larger dyete with greater plentye and aboundaunce of meate: in so much that the richer and wealthier sorte set whole oxen, camels, horses, and asses vppon the borde, prepared and rosted in a fornace. Such as are of meaner ability and substance cele∣brate their natiuity w^t beastes of lesse quantity. Litle meat sufficeth them: the greatest part of theyr prouision consistīg in choise chats and iunkettinge dishes. And those not verye tothsome and daynty. Hereof it commeth that the Persians obiect to the Grecians their short meales & quicke dinners, for that (say they) they haue nothing pleasaunt, dilicate, or worth eatyng, whereby they may be allured to sitte longe at meate. Which if they hadde (no doubt) they woulde quatt theyr Stomakes to the full and seeldome or neuer aryse hungrye.

Moreouer the Persians generally are verye much geuen to wyne. Beyng notwithstanding forbidden by the law to per∣breake or vomite in company, or to make water wher they * 1.124 may be seene, which maner and custome they kepe as yet. Commonly when they haue typled so long they see a peece of the deuil, they by and by fall into question and consulta∣tion * 1.125 of graue and serious matters: and loke what is agreed vpon among their cuppes the same thenext day following is propounded by the host of the house where the Senate was held: and if in lyke manner they allow and thinke well of it beyng sober, they vse it, if otherwyse, they refuse it. On the other side what soeuer in time of sobriety hath bene determined by them, the selfe same they ruminate and run ouer a fresh, beyng wel mostned with wine.

If they meete one an other in the way it is no hard matter to know whether they be equalles or superiours ech to o∣ther. For beyng of like reputation they kysse each other on the mouth. If the one be somewhat the others superiour, after a more modest and bashfull fashion they kisse on the cheekes. If much more set by and of farre greater regard the base and vnnoble falleth flat on the earth in honour and reuerence to the other. Behauinge themselues with all dutifull demeanour and curteous vsage towardes them, which are nexte dwellers, and neyghbours vnto them.

In the second degree imbracing and making much of those who dwell nere also and border uppon their neighboures, and so consequently the nerer euery one is in place to them y^e greater he isin friendship and familiarity, esteeming thē∣selues of all men the best.

To those which are furthest seperate and disioyned from them in distaunce of place they disdayne to shewe the least poynt of ciuility, in ful accompt that of al men liuing there is none lyke vnto them selues in any thinge, and as euerye man hath nerest propinquity to them in place and neigh∣bourhod

so they deeme hym to excell others in vertue and good liuing, making least accompt of those that dwell fur∣thest of and most of themselues.

Furthermore in the tyme of the Medes empyre, certayn familyes exercised mutuall gouernment, that is, were ru∣lers ouer some and ruled by others, for the Medes gene∣rally weare rulers and chieflly ouer those that dwelt next them: who in like sort had the ouersight of such as bordered vpon them: to whom also in order was permitted the rule and moderation of others. Like to this manner of gouernment was the loue and familaritye that was also of the Pesians, alwayes louinge those best that were their neerest neighbours. Of all countryes in the world y^e Persi∣ans are most delighted with forrayne and outlandish ma∣ners: wherfore leauing their owne countrey vesture, they put themselues in Medish attyre, deeming it better & more seemly the••their owne, wearyng vpon their hands a kynd of placars or stomacher vsed of the Aegyptians. Moreouer they are drawen with all kynd of pleasure & delight which they can either inuent thēselues or learne of other: learning of the Grecians to be in loue w^t beautiful boyes. They wed many virgines, & woo more cōcubynes. In the next place to strenght & valiaunt courage, they make most of him y^t hath most childrē, whō anually y^e kīg indueth w^t a great reward as though he had atchined some notable act. Their childrē from 5. yere old til they come to 20. they trayne & bringe vp in 3 principal things in ryding, in shoting, & speaking truth The child neuer cōmeth into the fathers sight before he ••e 5 yeare old, but is brought vp priuily among the company of women, to the end y^t if the child dye before he aspyre to that age the father may conceaue no griefe or sorrow for y^e same. Which custome truly I greatly cōmend: as also this y^t it be not lawfull for the king for one offence to bereaue a man of hys lyfe: nor for any of y^t Persians to practise cruelty vpō his family beīg moued therto by one only transgressiō

But breathing vppon the cause if by good aduysemente he founde more and greater faultes committed then duties•• perfourmed: then to geue the brydle to hys anger & worke hys wil. Besides they are in opinion in y^t countrey, y^t no mā at anye tyme slew his owne father: but that the child so do∣ing vppon examination and tryal had of his byrth is awaies found to be a bastard and changling.

Thinkinge it a thinge vnpossible that the naturall childe should euer aduenture to brew the destruction of his owne and lawfull syre. Whatsoeuer is dishonest to do that also they esteeme vnseemly to speake. But of all thinges they accompt it most abhominable to lye: and next to that to bee much in debt: both for many other respectes, and chiefly be∣cause they thinke it skarse possible for him that oweth much not to dissemble and lye much, if any one be infected with le¦prosie, or otherwyse di••••eined with vncleannes of the body, he may not come within th•• citye, or vse the company of a∣ny Persian, alleaging that for offence and transgression a∣gaynst y^t sunne they were punished and attaynted with such diseases. And if happily it befall a straunger or forreyuer to be taken with such like sicknesse, they banish and expell him the countrey: for the same reason also chasting and skaringe all Pigeons and doues out of the circuite and compasse of theyr region. It is open blasphamy with the same people, (not onely repugnant to good maners and ciuility) to pisse or spitte into anye brooke or riuer, likewyse to wash his handes therein, or any such lyke, wherof the water may cō∣ceaue any maner fylth or corruption: verye deuoutlye and with great religion, yelding worship & honour to y^t flouds & riuers. This also is peculier to y^t Persiās, which not mar∣ked by them, is knowē of vs, y^t all the wordes in theyr lan∣guage which cō••ist of 4 or more sillables do commonly end in one letter: which letter the Dores cal San the Iones Sig∣ma. And if we loke more narrowlye into theire speech, and note that wel we shal fynd not onely some but all the names

of the Persians to haue their termination and endinge alyke which for y^t I know it assuredly I am not afraid to a••ouch it constantly, being in halfe a doubt in like sort to awarrant & beare out the truth of those things which the same people are sayd to obserue about the dead bodyes of their countri∣men, whom (as the rumor is) they neuer b••ryeor intumu∣late before such tyme as either by dogges or foules of the aire, they are drawen and haled about. Which thinges that their wisemen doe, whom they call Magi, I dare vndoubt∣tedly affyrme, because they manifestly do them. The Persi∣ans therfore inrowling and wrapping y^t dead body in waxe they afterwardes interrupt and lay it in the graue. The Magi do much dissent and differ from other men: beyng al∣so vnlyke and diuerse in their customes from the priestes of Aegipt. For the Aegyptian Priestes refuse to defyle and pollute themselues with the slaughter of any creature, sa∣uing of those which they sacrifyce to the Gods. But y^t Per∣sian Magi are not squemish or dainty to imbrew their hāds in the b••••••d of any liuing thing what soeuer, onely excep∣ted a man or a dogge esteeming it in maner of a conquest to be noted for a common kyller and destroyer of Ants, Ser∣pentes, byrdes, wormes and such lyke, wherin they great∣ly glory. Sufficeth it now of the Persian fashions and or∣der of liuing to haue spoken hetherto, eftsones making re∣course to that from the which we haue somwhat digressed.

The people of Ionia & Aeolia hearyng y^• Lydians with so smal endeuour and welny without blowes to be conquered * 1.126 by the Persians put in ambassage to Cyrus certayne of the chiefe peares of either coūtrey offring to stād at y^• same cō∣ditiōs to hym as they did before tyme to Craesus. To whose suite & humble petition Cyrus made answeare by this si∣militude or apology. A certayn fisher (quoth he) beholding in the sea great plenty of fyshe began to play very pleasūtly on his pype su••yosing y^• at the sweete sound of his harmo∣ny y^• ••ish would haue leaped out to the land: but frustrate of his hope, in a great heathe cast his nets into y^• sea & iuclus••g

a geate number drew to shore where seyng them leape and play vpon the dry ground: Nay now (quoth he) you daūce to late, seyng y^t when I pyped before, you refused to come. Which speech he vsed for that hauing before tyme disday∣ned his gentle offer beyng sollicited by him to reuolt from Craesus to the Persians: Now when they sawe the worlde chaunged, & the euent of thinges not answearable to their expectation, they made offer of their seruice, and signifyed themselues ready prest to do hys commaundements: wher∣fore moued with displeasure agaynst them with this briefe answeare he sent thē away. The people of Ionia hearyng this, repayred euery one to their owne cityes, to fortify and make strong their walles. Hauinge before by a generall counsayle or Synode assembled themselues in Panionium where they all mett sauing the Milesians whom Cyrus re∣ceyued into fauour, vnder the same condition as he had ta∣ken the Lydians, to the rest of the Ionians it seemed best by common consent to send legates into Sparta, aswel to certi∣fy the Lacedaemonians of their present estate as to craue & implore their assistance. The people of Ionia vnto whō the temple of Panionium doth belong, haue their places of re∣sidence and abode so pleasaunt and delectable, that what for the excellent temperature and myldnesse of the ayre and de∣uyne benefyte and commodity of the mountaynes, there is no people in all Greece comparable vnto them. For neither the hygher region nor the lower, nether y^e East cōmeth, nor y^e west approacheth any thing nere to y^e excellency therof, y^e one beyng for y^e most part very coulde or to much ouergone w^t water: y^e other (that is to say y^e higher coast) burnt vp & pestered w^t heat, and dust. The lāguage vsed in Ionia is not all one, but reduced and brought to 4 sundry propertyes & formes of speech Myletus y^e chiefe city amongs thē, boun∣ding to the south, & after y^t Myrus & Pryene situated in Ca∣ria vse all one tosig. But y^e cities in Lydia (to witt) Ephe∣sus, Colophō, Lebedus, Teos, Clazomenae, Phocaea: albeit they agree not in speach w^t the places forenamed, yet be∣tweene

themselues they speake alike. The residue which are three: two are Isles, Samus & Chios: one in the mayne called Erythrae, doe differ much in phrase and manner of wordes. Chios & Erithrae iumping in one, the other which is Samus challenging vnto it selfe a diuerse & straūge form of language from the rest: wherbyit is euident, that theyr speach is qualifyed by 4 sundrye differences.

Of these people were the MILESIANS who vnder coloure and pretence of feare came to league and couenant with Cyrus. As for those cityes that were incompassed by the sea, they had lesse cause to feare & more to liue in grea∣ter security then the rest. Both for y^t the Phaenecians were not yet tributory to the seat of Persia, and the Persians thē∣selues were vnaccustomed to sea battels & vsed no shippes. The same for no other cause then that they knew the Grae∣cians to be weake and mightles, and of all the rest, the Io∣nians to be of least power and smallest valure, withdrew & alienated themselues from the other cityes in Ionia. For∣as much as setting Athens aside there was noe citye of prin¦cipal fame in all that toast. So y^t both other regions there inhabitaunt, and also the Athenians flatly renounced to bee called Ionians many of them beynge ashamed of the name. wheras cōtrariwysethe 12 cities are not alitle proud ther∣of greatly vaunting themselues vnder the tytle of Ionians wherefore hauinge once called them selues Paninoi, they built also atemple, intytling it after their owne name Pa∣nionium, decreeyng and consenting neuer to admitte any o∣ther to the society and felowship of the same. Neyther was ther any very desyrous to be made pertakers therof sauing the Smyrneans. The lyke thing happened to the Dorien∣ses * 1.127 that inhabite Pentapolis which before was called Heya polis, who by the generall decree and ordinaunce of the rest, arenot suffred to inioy the libertyes of the palaice Triopium.

Excluding therfore certayne of theire owne natyue people

For the violation and breach of a law or priuilege belongīg to the temple. For in the games of Appollo Triopius cer∣tayne three footed stooles beynge appoynted for hym that wan the price (which neuertheles it was not lawful to cary out of the temple, but in the same place to make dedication therof to the god) one Agasicles of Halicarnassus attayning the victorye strayned cursye with the law, and taking away the stole with him caryed it home to his owne howse: For which deed y^e 5 other cityes, Lyndus, Ialissus, Cameirus, Cos, and Cindus. sequestred Halicarnassus beyng the sixt from the right and freedome of the temple: leuiyng a mu∣cle or peine vppon the whole citye, for the bold enterprise of their valerous champyon Agasicles howbeit the Ioni∣ans seeme vppon good ground and iust consideratiō to haue parted their countrey into 12 cityes refusing to amplify and augment the number beyng iust so maney partes of Pelo∣ponnesus, wherin that tyme they dwelt, euen as now also the Acheans, who draue and expelled the Iones out of theyr proper seat are iustlye deuyded into so many partes. The first and principall whrerof is named Pallena: after whiche are recounted Aegyrae and Aagae perpetually washed and moystned with the pleasaunt streame of the riuer Crathis which is also called Italicus. In the next place are reputed the cityes Bura and Helice, whether y^e Ionians discomfited in battayle by the Achoeans fledde for succoure, next vnto Helice are these Aegion with the people called Rhypes, also the Patrenses, Pharenses, and the city Olenus, by the which scowreth the swift and maine riuer Pyrus. Last of al Dyma and the Trytaeenses that dwell in the middle tracte of the region. These are the 12 seuerall and distinct parcels of Achaea: which afore tyme were held and possessed by the Ionians, who for the same cause onlye, and none other kept the number of twelue Cityes, without desyre to mul∣tiplye or increase the same. Whom precipuallye not∣withstandinge and aboue others to call Ionians yt were

great madnes, since the people Abantes also are of the pro∣per lineage and naturall stocke of Ionia, which neuertheles haue estranged themselues from the name of Iones Lyke∣wyse the Minyans intermedled and mingled with the Or∣chomenians, the Cadmaeans, Dryopians Phocenses, Mo∣lossians, Arcadyans, Pelasgians, Dores, Epidaurians, & many other nations confused and ioyned one with another. Of which number they that went out of the court or castell of Athens named Prytanêum and reputed themselues the noblest and most principal of the Iones (at what tyme, being singled from the whole multitude of the Athenians they went to dwel in an other prouince) had with them no wiues of their owne: in steed whereof they vsed certayne women of Caria, whose parentes they had before tyme slayne. By reason of which slaughter y^e dames of Caria, toke a solemne vow (which they likewyse caused their daughters diligētly to obserue) neuer to sit at meate with theyr husbandes, nor cal them by their own names. For that hauing cruelly mur∣thered their fathers, their first husbandes, & their sonnes: they had also haled thē poore widowes much agaynst their willes, to their vnchast and fylthy couches.

All which thinges were done at the city Miletus in Io∣nia.

Furthermore the kinges of Ionia and such as weare ad∣uaunced to the sumpreme regiment of the countreye: were partly of Lysia comen of the lyne of Glaucus sonne of Hip∣polochus, and partly selected and chosen out of the Citye Pylus, drawing theyr progeny from Codrus sonne of Me∣lanthus. Notwithstanding the name and tytle of the Ioni∣ans, they most willingly holde and embrace, of whom wee spake before: and in very deede are naturally so: how beit not they onely, but all the rest which comming of the Athe∣nians kepe and solemnize the festiuall dayes called Apatu∣ria, are subiect to the selfe same name. Which custome of celebration, is vniuersally held and obserued of all besydes

the Ephesians and Colophonians, who by means of a mur∣der committed, are prohibited and restrayned therefro. Now it is meete we know that Panyonium is a certayne holy and religious place in Mycale inclyninge to y^• North dedicated by the whole countrey of Ionia to Neptune, syr∣named Heliconius. Mycale is a promontory or high place lyinge in the firme lande towardes the sea, the wa••e syde wherof pertayneth to the ys••e Samus. To this mountayne the people called Iones assemble and gather togeather, to perfourme the ceremonies of immolation and sacrifyce, which they call by the name of the place Panionia. It is to be noted also, not onely in the solemnity of Ionia, but in the feastes & religious dayes of al the Graetians, how like vnto the name of the Persians they end all in a letter.

We haue heard then of the cityes of Ionia, what & how many in number they are, it followeth, that wee speake of * 1.128 those that are in Aeolia which are these Cumae, which is al∣so called Phryconis, Larissae, Newalle, Teuus, Cylla, No∣tium Aegyroessa, Aegaea, Myrina. Crynia. And these eleuē were the auncient cityes of Aeolia. Hereunto was added in in tyme past Smyrna, a city belonging to this regiō, which now hangeth as it were betwene the Ionians and Aeolians, and is reckned for part of neit her. Otherwyse (as we see) both the nations had bene equall in the number of cityes. All the townes of Aeolia are spred in the mayne in power and dominion going beyond the Iones but in the temperate calmnesse of the ayre comming farre behynde them. The * 1.129 occasion & meanes wherby they lost Smyrna was this. Ha∣uing entertained the Colophonians dryuen from their coū∣trey by ciuil tumult and sedition: the people of Ionia bea∣ryng grudge and malice towardes them, lay in diligente wayght to surpryse and take their city. Which thinge they did at such tyme as the Smyrneans were busied in the so∣lemnising of Bacchus festiuall, which they vsually kept w^t∣out the city. The Iones therfore when euerye one went out

stale priuely into the city, and shuttinge the gates held pos∣session by vyolence. Which thinge beyng knowen and spedy helpe yelded from al partes of Aeolia, they fel to condition y^• restoring to the Smyrneans all their necessaryes and mo∣uable goods, yt shoulde bee lawful for them to hold the city in peace: wherunto the contrary part hauing geuen theire consent it was agreed by the eleuen cityes of Aeolia to de∣uyde the rest betwene thē, eueryone making choyse of their owne citizens. Such therfore and so many in number are y^• cityes of the maine, excepting those that inhabite Ida, which are not referred to the former accompt.

This also: Lesbos is impeopled with fyue sea Ci∣tyes planted in ylandes: hauing once also possessed the sixte called Arisba, with the Methymneans, seduced and with∣drew from the rest, as alied to themselues in kyndred and lyneage.

There was also a citye founded in Tenedos, and an other in the place called the hundred Iles. Now the people of Les∣bos and Tenedos with the rest of the Graecians inuyroned by the sea, had no cause to bee dismayed or troubled. But the other cityes of the land determined to take such part as the Iones did and to follow them. Wherefore the ambassa∣dours of both nations in short space landing at Sparta: they chose one Pythermus a Phocaean to be the mouth of y^t rest, and to reueale their suite to the Lacedaemonians, who at y^t fame of the ambassadours arryuall flockinge together in greate heapes, Pythermus stoode forth & in many wordes moued the Lacaedemonians to imploy their ayd & assistance to succour the rest: but they geuing litle eare to his talke w^t out purpose to moue one foote in the behalfe of Ionia sente them away, Pythermus and his company in this wise re∣pulsed, made speedy returne to Ionia. Howbeit the Lacedae∣monians desyrous to vnderstand the successe of Cyrus, and the Graecians sent forth a bragandyne or shippe of espyall to prye and listen how all thinges wente.

Who beyng sodaynlye driuen to shore at Phocae a spyed one Lacrines the stoutest champyon in the rout of Sardis, wher king Cyrus made his abode to geue hym to witt from the Lacaedemonians that he should not endamage or abuse the Grecians any way vnder payne of theyr, heauye wrath and displeasure.

Cyrus hearyng the bold message of Lacrines, demaunded of certayne Grecians that stode about him, what maner of fellowes the Spartans were, and how manye in number, which after he vnderstode he made hym this answeare.

Verily (my friend sayde he) I neuer stode in awe or feare of those which in the middest theyr citye haue avoyde place wherby mutuall othes, fayned vowes, and protestations, they defraude & cosine each other: whom if the Gods spare me life I wil one day cause to leaue of the regarde of other mens miseryes and bewayle theire owne. Which wordes were vttered by Cyrus in mockage and derision to all the Grecians, for hauing such wyde and wast marketplaces, for open sale and marchaundise. For the Persians neyther haue any such place for exchaūge and chapmandry, neyther are troubled at any tyme with buyinge or selling.

After this leauing the rule and gouernment of Sardis to one Tabalus a Persian: and hauing in like maner geuē one Pactyas a man of the countrey of Lydia in charge with the goods of Craesus, and the rest of the Lydians accompanied with Craesus, he toke hys voyage toward Ecbatana, the chiefe citye of the Medes and hauing no greate regarde of Ionia, albeit they were fyrst to bee dealt withall (as scan∣ning more sedious in his heade touching the Babilonians, Bactrians, Sacans, Aegiptians, all which he determined to assayle by warre) hee sent agaynst the Iones some other of of his capteynes. Being newly departed from Sardis Pa∣ctias caused the Lydians to rebell from Tabalus, and the Persians, and hauing in hys custodye all the wealth and tre∣sure

of Sardis he toke sea and leauied a power of hyred soul∣diours, procuring the helpe and supply of all the cityes ly∣ing on the shore. Who beyng moued by his earnest intreaty ioyned with him: and remouing hys tentes to Sardis, forced Tabalus to take the tower for hys defence and sauegarde, where he planted his army in a siege against him. Tydings hereof beynge brought vnto Cyrus, who was yet in his iourney, he turned himselfe vnto Craesus, and spake on this maner. When wil it be O Craesus (quoth he) that I shall be quiet & haue nothing to do? wil the Lydiaus neuer leaue of to trouble me and themselues in such wyse? were I not best to make slaues of them and kepe them vnder by misera∣ble thralldome and bondage? For in this that I haue alre∣ady done I am not vnlike to hym that hauing slayne the fa∣ther, taketh pity on the children. Forasmuch as I haue led thee awaye captyue beynge more then a father to the Ly∣dians: and restored to themselues theyr city againe. So that I cannot but greatly maruayle what cause mighte moue them so sodaynly to cast of obedience and become disloyall. Craesus fearyng least in his fury he would haue beatē down and defaced the city: began thus (and sayde) most worthye Cyrus thou hast spoken very well and wisely: yet neuer the∣lesse it behoueth thee to moderate thyne anger, and not to suffer a citye of so great fame and antiquity to be wholly o∣uerthrowen: whiche (the Gods doe knowe) is all toge∣ather innocent both of the former offences that were done a∣gaynst thee & of the presente treason which is now in hand, the first trespasse (o kinge) I did my selfe, and I smart for it: the second hath Pactyas done, and let him feele the price of it. But to the Lydians (noble pr••••ce) shew mercy & com∣passyon, and fynd some meanes by infeebling their strength to preuent their courage, and to take from them all occasi∣on of treason heareafter.

Commaund therfore that no man amonges them be founde to keepe any war like weapons in his house: ordayninge be∣sides

that auorde their coats they weare cloakes, drawing on their feete pumpes and buskins, inioyne them to bringe vp their children in playing on the cithren, in singing, in ke∣ping of tauernes and vintninge houses: and vndoubtedlye thou shalt see that of valiant men and warlike people they will shortely become effeminate and like vnto women: y^t there shal be no cause to feare least euer hereafter they rise agaynst thee. These things Craesus put into his head, thir∣king it better for the Lydians to liue in this sort then to bee comonly solde for salues and vassals, knowing that if in case he had not framed a very reasonable deuyse, he could neuer haue remoued Cyrus from his purpose. It is also to bee thought that he feared least the whole nation of the Lydi∣ans should be cleane rooted out and destroied by the Persiās if escaping this at any tyme hereafter they sought to rebel. Cyrus right glad at the counsayle and deuyse of Craesus, gaue him promise to do thereafter, wherfore callinge vnto him Mazares a captayne of the Medes, hee warned him to charge the Lydians with the accomplishmēt and perfour∣mance of all those thinges that Craesus had told hym: with a straight cōmaundement to let none of those escape vnsold for bondmen which had accompanied the Lydians in the as∣sault of Sardis. As for Pactyas the principall, he commaū∣ded himto be taken and brought aliue. Which thinges af∣ter he had left to the discretion of Mazares, hee proceeded immediatly towardes Persia his natiue countrey. Nowe Pacyas hauing knowledge that the army drew nere, ray∣sed the syege and fled to Cumae, whom Mazares spedily ar∣riued at Sardis, and hearing him w^t the rest of his company to be vanished away. Fyrst of al bound the Lydians diligēt∣ly to perfourme all those things that Cyrus had commaū∣ded. In the next place sending messengers to Cumae to wil them to render and yeld vp Pactyas. The Cumaeans toke counsayle togeather & decreed to send Branchyde to y^e God inguiring of him what was best to be done. For as much as

in y^e place rested an oracle very auncient & of long continu∣ance, which sēblably y^e people also of sonia & Aeolia did vse and frequent. This prophecy was situate in a certayne field of the Milesi••ns about the hauen Panormus whether y^e Cu∣maeans at this time sent for aduise in their affayres, demaū¦ding what they might do in this case y^t might seme most ac∣ceptable and approued to the gods. Answere was made y^e Pactyas should be restored to y^e Persians: which the people hearyng and thinking it wisedome to obay the oracle, were fully mynded so to do. Howbeit, the more part of thē ben∣dyng & inclyning hereto one Aristodi••us borne of Heracli∣des, a man of no small accompt amongs thē, either for y^t hee beleued not y^e oracle or mistrusted y^e messengers y^t were sent vnto it, earnestly w^t stood it tooth & naile, in no wise suffring y^e Cumaeans to obay the voyce & suggestion of y^e God, wher∣vpon it came to passe y^e other messengers were sent the se∣conde tyme, to wit y^e priestes & religious mē of the citye, A∣ristodicus himselfe making one of the company, who beyng come to the place where the god held his seate, humbly be∣sought hym in these wordes. Ther came vnto vs (O king) a certayne Lydian named Pyctyas prostrate in all humili∣ty, pitifully crauing & beseeching vs to saue & assist him frō the vyolent & cruel hands of his spyteful & enraged enemies we (albeit dreading the might & power of y^e Persians:) yet haue not deliuered him, vntil we vnderstoode of thy diuine wisedome what pertained to vs to doe in so doubtful a case. Hauing ended his speach, he receaued y^e like answere as be∣fore, y^e Pactyas was to be yelded into y^e hands of the Persiās: wher w^t all Aristodicus being angry of set purpose wrought this fact. As he walked about y^e temple certain yoūg spar∣rowes & other birds y^t built there he toke out of their nests & sodaynly a voice was hard out of the inner part of y^e tem∣ple saying: thou wicked & malicious wretch what makes thee in this sort, to spoile y^e nests of my innocēt suppliantes, wherunto Aristodicus answeryng: (o king quoth hee) dost

thou so greatly fauour and regard those that flye vnto thee for succour, and yet biddest the Cumaeans to delyuer Pacty▪∣as into the handes of hys enemyes? To which the God re∣plying. Truly, sayd he, I bid you all goe to the deuil, and neuer hereafter to sollicite this oracle about the restoring of your suppliantes. The Cumaeans certifyed of this last answeare determined nether to giue vp Pactyas to be slayn of the Persians: nor yet by keeping him stil to bring Cyrus to the subersion and ruine of their citye. Wherefore they sent him secretly away to Mytelaeane. But Mazares in lyke sort making challenge of him from thence, the Mity∣linaeans couenaunted vppon a certayne pryce to surrender hym. Which notwithstanding I dare not auouch and veri∣fie for that the matter came not to full issue and perfection. The people of Cumae vnderstādyng in what distresse Pac∣ctyas was at Mytilaene, sent a barke to Lesbos, where hee went a borde and was spedely landed at Chyus, where ha∣uing taken sanctuary in the gardian temple of Minerua, he was neuertheles haled out violently by the Chians, & geuē to his ennemyes. The Peraeans gaue in reward to the citye Chius a certayne field of Mysia named Aetarnaeus right o∣uer agaynst Lesbos.

By this meanes was Pactyas in warre with the Persi∣ans, when oportunity serued to be geuen into the handes of Cyrus. Neuerthelesse of the fruites and increase of Atar∣naeus, for a longe tyme after the people of Chius, neyther made any barly cakes to offer to the gods, nor wrought any paast of y^e meale thereof for iunkets & banquetting dishes. And in briefe what soeuer the ground yeelded they flatly a∣bolished from the seruice and worship of the gods. Pactyas beyng betrayed by the Chians, Mazares without further delay lead his army agaynst those that had ministred ayde to hym in gettyng the city, and conqueringe the Pryenses, he began to wast and depopulate the fieldes of Maeander, geuing the whole pray and booty to his souldiours.

Which done, in semblable manner he gaue the onset to

Magnesia, and lastly attached with extremitye of sicknes, finished hys lyfe. In whose steed Harpagus, who was also * 1.130 a Mede, guyded the army. This was hee whom king Asti∣ages intertayned with a banket of his sonnes flesh: and by whose meanes Cyrus before tyme aspyred to the estate roy∣all. To hym the chiefe gouernment of the army was nextly committed: who comming into Ionia, intrenched many ci∣tyes and tooke them. For hauing first of all compelled thē to vse the refuge and defence of their walles, he raysed bul∣warkes agaynst their townes, and with small force caused them to yeelde. In which manner he wanne Phocaea, the chiefe city of the Iones, the people whereof first of all the Greciās wan••ered on y^e sea in long and ample voyages, fyn∣ding out and discrying both the countreyes themselues, A∣dria, Tyrrhenia, Iberia, Tartessus, and the nerest cu•••• also and rediest way of nauigation to the same. At which tyme they had in vse no beaked or snow••ed shippes armed with a pyke or stemme of iron, but smaller and lighter vessels dri∣uen with {is} oeres ap••ece. These at their first arryual to Tar∣tessus, were very welcome to y^e king whose name was Ar∣ganthonius and by whom the kingdome had bene gouerned 80 yeares, liuing by the space of 120.

Who made so passyng much of the Phocaeans; and shewed them so curteous intertaynment, that he left it in their po∣wer to chose any part of his kingdome to inhabite, where∣vnto not able to allure them by any perswations, and hea∣ryng by them how the power of Harpagus dayly increased, hee gaue them an infinite summe of moneye to inuyron and compasse about their citye with a wall. The circuit of their wall beyng no small number of furlongs in scope and com∣passe, framed & compacted of greate and huge stones layd togeather w^t singuler cunning: by this meanes was y^e wall of the Phocaeans builded. Agaynst whō Harpagus incāping his power gaue fierse & mightye assault to the city, giuing

them vnderstanding withall that it should suffyce and con∣tent him if they would throw downe but one fortres or gar∣dure of their wall for himself to build an house on. But the Phocaeans abhorryng nothing more then seruitude & losse of liberty, required of him one dayes deliberation in the cause, and for that whyle to reclayme his armye from the walles Harpagus (albeit as he sayd) hee verye well knewe what they meant to do neuerthelesse, graunted them space to breath and bethinke themselues. The army goyng from the city, forth with the people of Phocaea with their wiues and children and all their substaunce tooke sea, in shippinge besides all the ymages of theyr temples and gyftes offered to the gods, sauing those that were of iron or stone or onely paynted and wrought in colours. Which done with al their caryage they sayled into Chius▪ Phocaea left desolate with∣out any liuig creature in it was y^e next day takē by the Per¦sians. The people wher of hauing cheapened of y^e Chyans y^e Iles Oenusiae (who refused to sel them fearing least y^e mart and custome of marchandize shoulde bee translated from their owne Ile, thither) departed thence into Cyrnus.

Where twenty yeares before lead by a certayne prophecye they had founded a city named Aetalia. Whyle these things were doyng Argathonius the Tarcesian kyng dyed. But y^e Phocaeans holdyng their course toward Cyrnus turned out of the waye and came to their old citye where they s••ue the garison and power of the Persians planted there by Harpa∣gus for the possession and custody of the Citye. Cursinge & banning those with most blasphemous and execrable spea∣ches which should seeke to leaue theyr companye and turne behynd.

Wherewithall taking a fiery wedge of hoat iron, they cast it into the sea, deepely vowing neuer to returne to their ci∣ty Phocaea, before the iron rysinge from the bottome of the water should ••••ote aloft and swimme one the toppe. Howbe¦it launchinge towardes Corsica: the halfe part of the rowt

were moued with a great longing and desire of their coun∣trey, and the maners and customes therof, insomuch that many of them without regard of their oth, returned backe to Phocaea. Others lead with a greater care of theyr late ••ow, leauing the Iles Onusae, went strayght to Cyrnus.

Where beyng come on shore, for terme of 5 years they ioy∣ned felowship with other their countreymen which before tyme were shed from the city to inhabite that place, making ordinaunce and appoyntment of diume seruice and honoure to the Gods. Neuerthelesse beyng accustomed in manner of enimyes by open pillage to spoyle and destroy the fields of their neighbours round about: the Tyrrheniās and Car∣thaginians determined by common consent to encounter them by power of warre hauing furnished to the same end a fleete or Nauye of threscore shippes. The lyke number on the other syde beyng prouyded by the Phocaeans, wel sto∣red and replenished with souldiours they set forth to meete the enemy in the sea called Sardonium. Where ioyninge in battell the Phocaeans obtayned a victory much lyke vnto that of Cadmus. For of threscore vessels fourty beyng sunk and ouerwhelmed in the sea, the other twenty were so man∣gled and torne, and the noses and stemmes thereof blunted and beaten backe, that they serued afterwards to small vse. Retiring therfore to Aetalia they toke theyr wiues and chil∣dren with the rest of their wealth asmuch as coulde wel lye aborde and remoued from Cyrnus to Rhegium. The men wherewith the drowned shippes were filled, loke how ma∣ny escaped the water and came into the handes of their ene∣mies (which hapned to many) at their cōming to land wer stoned to death. Insuing which murder they cattell & peo∣ple of the Agilleans, as manye came into that place where the men of Phocaea were stonned were ether scorched and blased all with lightning or attached with extreame furye & madnes. For which cause the Agylleans willing to make

satisfaction for the offence, sent to Delphos, where Pythia commaunded them to do all those thinges which they hold and obserue to this houre: annuallye perfourminge to the Phocaeans that were stayne the solemne pompe of funerall exequies with a game of wrastling and exercise of the body. Such was the euent and successe of those people after they for sooke their countrey soyle. Of which rout and compa∣nye they which escaped the dynt of battel and cut the Seas to Rhegium, planted a city in y^e Fielde of Oenotria, called Hyêla: beyngtherto moued by the aduyse of one Posidonia∣tes, a manne very well esteemed and thoughte of in all the lande of Phocaea. In this manner did Fortune deale with those that dwelt in Ionia.

The very lyke thing chaunced to them that held the city Teios: whose towne by meanes of a vulwarke cast vp a∣gaynste the walles veynge at a poynte welnye vanquished and ouercome by Harpagus, they passed the seas into Thra∣cia, fynishinge the citye Abdêra in the same place: the foū∣dation and grounde whereof was fyrst layed by Temesius Clazom enius. How bee it, not inioyinge the fruite and due guerdon of his labour, hee was driuen thence and ex∣pelled by the Thracians. Albeit, the menne of Teios in the selfe same citye of Abdêra haue hym in honour and reputa∣••ion of halfe a God. These people onely of the whole natiō of Ionia moued with hate and disdayne of bondage, left the places, where they all were naturallye resyaunte, and soughte forrayne and straūge countries. The rest remay∣ninge (except the Milesians) tooke heart at grasse, and foughte both stoutlye and valtauntlye in the behalfe of their landes and liberty.

But the fortune of warre proceedynge agaynst them, they came into captiuitye. And abydinge still in theire owne seates, dyd as they were commaunded. Onely the Milesias (who were in league with Cyrus and the Persias)

as wee sayd before, were quiet and voyde of trouble. By this meanes was Ionia the second tyme bereaued & spoiled of theire libertye. The people of the Iles perceyuinge the mayne land to bee all vnder the dominion and rule of the Persians: fearyng the worst yelded themselues to Cyrus to be at his pleasure. Now the Ionians albeit in very misera∣ble estate and condition, yet osyng their olde haunte and ac∣customed meetinge at Panionium, the fame is that one Bias a Prienian gaue them such counsayle, as had they pursued it with diligence, they had liued in the most happy and blisseful estate of all the Greciās. His aduyse was this, that the people of Ionia abandoninge their owne howses & * 1.131 places of habitation, should imbarke themselues to Sardi∣nia, and there for their whole multitude to build and erect a city to be helde and inhabited by them al in general which doyng they might cast of the yoke of y^e Persians, and hauing in their dominion the griatest and most principall of all the Iles, might also hold y^e chiefe rule & dominion ouer all the rest. This was y^e coūsayl of Byas, to y^e pore afflicted Iones.

Not much inferyour to this was the graue aduise and sentence of Thales whereby he prouoked and styrred vp the people before their captiuity to the institution of one gene∣rall parliament to be cōmonly held at Teios both for that y^e city was fixed in the midle part of the region, and that the other Cityes rounde aboute, mighte neurrthelesse bee reckened as tribes appertinēt therto. This was y^e holesom doctrine & wyse coūsayl geuen by these 2 learned sages to y^e people of Ionia. Harpagus after his tryumph ouer Ionia, * 1.132 directed hys power agaynst the Caryans, Caunians, and Lysians, leading with him the Iones and Aeoles. Of which number the Carians forsoke the Iles to come dwell in the mayne. For in auncient tyme they were vnder the authori∣ty and gouernement of Minos, bearyng the name of Lela∣ges, at what tyme also they were resident in the Ilandes w^t∣out rent or pension of tribute, as far as I can learne by y^e diligent scrutiny (& hearsay) of times forepast & consumed.

onely they weare leauied at a certayne number of shyppes furnished and prepared with men of armes as often as it se∣med good to the Prynce.

Moreouer King Mynos inioying a very large & ample Oilion, very fortunate in the euent of warre. The nation of Ca••ia was exceedingly aduaūced aboue the rest in royall fame & dignity: of whom the Gretians borowed three prin∣cipall thinges, first found out and deuised by them. It was their inuestion to weare a Crest or Cope on their Helmets, to paynt and set forth their Targets in gallant shewe & bra∣uery of colours: last of all the steele or handle of the shielde came likewise frō thē, whereas, before they vsed no steeles, but hanging them about their neckes and right shoulders, with lystes and thonges of leather they moued and guyded them to and fro. Along time after the Caryans, the Dores also and Iones chaunged the Isles with the mayne or conti∣nent, and rows••ed thē there: all which things are affirmed of y^e Carians by the people of Creta. From whom the Cary∣ans themselues doe greatly dissent and swarue in opinion, cōstantly auouching how from the beginning and beyonde all memory, those seates haue bene helde by them without chaunge or mutation eyther of name or place. In testimony whereof they shewe the temple of Iupiter Carius, founded at Mylassus whereunto the Lydians also and Mysians haue common resorte as allyed to the Carians in neere kindred & affinity. For the Carian calleth the Mysian and Lydian bro∣ther, whereof it commeth that they vse all one place of pray∣er and worship to the powers deuyne. All other nations be∣side though in tongue they differ not from thy Carians, yet are they not ioyned wyth them in fellowship of sacrifice and seruice to the Gods.

The people Caunij, though they fetch theyr Progeny, from Crete, yet (as mee seemeth) they rowst now in theyr naturall Rest where in they haue alwayes bene resiaunt.

Theyr speach or forme of phrase they haue drawne from the Caryans, or the Caryans deriued theirs from them: where∣of I am not able to set downe an absolute and infallible sen∣tence. The lawes they vse are very dyuerse and straunge, both from the maners of Carya, and other Nations. For∣asmuch as with them it is a very laudable custome & hyghly commended accordinge to the respect and degree of age, for men, women and children to flocke together in companyes to open feastes and bankettinges. The state of theyr re∣ligion and maner of ceremonies accustomably vsed by them were first taken from forrayne Nations: wherewith after being wearyed and discontented, they tyed themselues to y^e Saynctes of theyr owne Countrey. The selfe same take∣ing Weapons in their handes marched forward like madde men till they came to the Calyndian hilles, beatinge and swynging y^e antes alleadging that they banished out of their coastes, straunge and forreyne Gods. Sutch were the ma∣ners and customes also of those people. But the Lycians most assuredly are an offpring and braunch of the Creten∣ses: for in the beginning Creta was inhabited by the Bar∣barians, but afterwardes the sonnes of Europa, Sarpêdon, and Minos, fallinge at variaunce for the Empyre, Minos gettinge the better of his brother, chased him and all his cō∣sederates out of the lande: who beinge dispossessed of their seates seysed vppon a Region in Asia called Mylias, which name at this day is sometime attributed to that place where the Lycians dwell. Mylias so properly called, hauinge at that time to name Solinij. During the rule and gouernance of Sarpêdon they were called by y^e name which they brought with them. Which is to say, Termiliae, which as yet is held and reteyned of those that lye next vnto them. Howbeit Ly∣cus the Sonne of Pandion beinge dryuen from Athens by the rigour and violence of his Brother Aegêus, and com∣ming to Sarpêdon Prynce of the Termilians: in continu∣aunce

of tyme it came to passe that they tooke the name of Lycus, and were called Lycians. They accustomed them selues to the lawes of Creta, and Caria. Albeit they haue one thinge of theyr owne proper and peculiar, wherby as by Badge, or cognizaunce they are seperated from other nations, in that they call them selues by the names of their Mothers not of their fathers: as if the question be demaū∣ded of any of them what he is, or whose sonne, the manner and vse is to blase hys pedegre from his mother, reher∣synge besydes his mothers mother and so vpward.

Ouer and besydes, if a Woman free borne couple hirselfe in matrimony with a slaue or bondma:: neuerthelesse their Children and seede generallye shall be held and accomp∣ted free.

Contrariwyse if a man free by byrth and natiuitye shall ioyne in wedlocke with a forrayne woman, or one that is reputed for a scalant or common strumpit, their discent and yssue shalbe alway signed with the note of infamye, and ne∣uer be called to any degree of credite or estimation.

Furthermore the people wh••ch at those tymes held the do∣minion of Caria without atchieuaunce of any famous or no∣table act were conquered and ouercome by Harpagus. Nei∣ther were the Carians onely destitute of the glorye and re∣noune * 1.133 of noble dedes: but the rest also of the Gretians there about lurked in silence and had their name darkened and o∣uerwhelmed with obscurity. There kept resiaūtes in those places aswel others, as also the Cnydians, which were a remnaunt of the Lacedaemonians thither drawen and deri∣ued, whose region wyndeth to the sea called Tryopium and is almost on euery syde hemmed in by the sea. The North part beyng limitted with the salte waues of Ceraunium: the southside by the Rhodian and Simanian sea. The rest which is a very narrow strayght, not passinge fiue acres in breadth: the people of Cnydus (whyle Harpagus was busi∣ed in y^e affaires of Ionia) thought to haue digged a way, & in

so doyng to haue brought ther countreye into the forme of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iland geuing free course and passage to the sea on euery syde. For their whole territory was within the broken cir∣cle of the Sea: ioyninge to the mayne or firme lande in that strayght where the waters almost mette, which space they were in mynd to haue trenched throughout, wherby the sea in manner of a circle mighte haue his full scope and issue a bout the Ile, whereto employing their whole force and in∣deuour it chaunced them in the middest of their toyle to bee taken in manye partes of the bodye, and chiefly with an ex∣treme smarting and sorenes of the eyes. Wherupon resol∣uinge to send to Delphos to Apollo, they inquired of him what it might be that so greatly hyndred them to proceed in their enterprise.

To whom Pythia made answere in certayne verses cō∣sistyng of sixe feete after this maner.

Seeke not to saue your seate by trenche or heaped pyle. If mightye I oue had pleasde Your land had bene an Ile.

This answere receiued, the Cnydians made holiday, & attempted no further to delue the ground. Wherefore Har∣pagus inuading their countrey with his army they submit∣ted themselues without resistaunce. More then this, some what about Halicarnassus in the region dwell the Pedace∣ans: with whom at the shew or appearance of any daunger or misfortune either to themselues or their neighbours, it falleth out that Mineruas Priest hath continuallye a longe bearde: which happened vnto them three sundry tymes.

These alone of all the people in Carya kept Harpagus at lenghth of weapon, and defended their city a long tyme, fen∣cing

the mountayne Lyda with principall garde and muni∣tion, howbeit in y^e end they were driuen to yeeld. From thence Harpagus mouing hys tentes into y^e fieldes of Xan∣thus was encountered by the Lysians. Who albeit they were fewer in number, neuertheles hardened themselues to all extremity & with māful courage susteined the might and puissaunce of their ennemyes. Who preuayling against them at the last made thē to recoyle and take their Citye. Whereinto being entred, they toke their wiues Children, and all their substaunce and shut them vppe into the Tower or castle of the city, and setting fyre to the same without pity or regard they burnt them all. And immediately after bin∣ding themselues with a most horrible and dreadefull othe, they closed the seconde tyme with their enemyes: with whō they persisted in valiaunt fight: so longe as one man of their number remayned alyue.

All the Lycians which are called by the name of Xan∣thians, and forreiners and arriued from straunge places, except 40 familyes, which by fortune at y^e same tyme being oute of the city escaped death. By this meanes came Xan∣thus into the handes of the Persians. In like manner also the city Caunium was taken by them whose people for y^e most part followed the example of the Lycians. Harpagus therefore hauing added to the seate of Persia all the cityes the lower: the superiour and hygher partes thereof Cyrus by his owne proper Mart and valiauncy had ouercome and vanquished leauing no part of the same free and vnsubdu∣ed. Wherefore in presence we will leaue of to speake of the rest of their noble actes & deedes, letting passe many things wittingly for desire to reueale and displaye those thynges which to them selues were most labour some and difficulte and deserue to bee prynted in eternall memory.

Now when king Cyrus had brought into his power all the nations that lye in the mayne, he leuied his whole strē∣gth against the Assyrians. There be many and great cities

of Assyria, but aboue all one especiall and pryncipall, both in defence and dignitie surmounting the rest, by name Ba∣bylon, where after the occasion and ruine of Nynus was planted the seate and palace of the greate kinge. This citye had the foundation and being in a wonderful huge playne: and was builte and contriued into a foure square forme: e∣uery side thereof conteining in length an hundred and twen∣ty acres. Whereby it is euidente that the circuit and com∣passe of the whole city amoūted to the summe of 480 acres of grounde, so greate and of so huge bygnes and ampli∣tude was the mighty citye Babylon. Moreouer within the walles faire and beautifull passing measure, garnished & set forth with rych and sumptuous buildings, as no Citye whereof we haue notyce approacheth any thinge to the in∣comparable dignity of the same.

First of all it is cast about and incompassed with a wyde and deepe Ditch filled and implet with water, in the nexte place is raysed a wall 50 royall cubits in thyckenesse and 200 in heigth: a cubute royall contayninge three fyngers more then the vulgare & common cubyte, which we vsually follow in measuring. It shall not be impertinent to y^e mat∣ter to shew and declare to what vse & seruice the earth was imployed, which was cast and voyded out of the trench, as also in what maner and forme the wal was builte.

Of the clay cast out, and clensed from the ditche were drawed and framed certayne brickes, which arysynge at length to a great multitude they were dryed and burnte in a kill or fornace.

Afterwardes closing the same togeather with morter betwixt euery thirtith course or row of brickes they layd y^e ••oppes of canes or reedes dipped and steeped in boylyng lyme, and first of in this manner they curbed and garded about the brinckes of the mote w^t a list or hemme of brickes obseruing also the selfe same arte in the frame and worke∣manship of the wal.

On the toppe of the wall along the edges and margentes therof were built & cituated certaine smal howses one story hygh facing and ful opposite one to an other, betweene eue∣ry of the which was so much space and distance, as a carte might haue gone betweene them.

Through the walles ther opened an 100 broad gates for passage and ingresse into the citye all of brasse, with postes and hynges of the same. Eyght dayes iourney from Babilō is placed a city called Is, fast by the which floweth a riuer of no great bygnes, named also Is, caryinge his streme into y^e floude Euphrates: This seely brooke scowreth through his chanel greate plenty of lyme wherof they had principall vse in the buildyng of the walles of Babilon. Of the forme and description wherof sufficeth it thus to haue spoken. How be it, it behoueth vs to vnderstande that the citye Babylon, ys cutt and sundered in twayne by the mayne streame of the ri∣the xiuer Euphrates: which is very great deepe and swift of course and taking hys fyrst yssue from the mountaynes of Armaenia, breaketh at the length and emptyeth yt selfe into the red sea.

The partition of the walles made by the intercourse of y^e riuer shootes bppon the bankes on eyther syde, which are breasted out and fortifyed with a countremure of bricke to kepe the waters from flowing into the citye. The Citye it selfe is replenished with houses four storyes in heighte be∣yng also deuyded, & as it were chekered into sundry streets and lanes some leādyng long wayes, other some crosse and ouerthwort, at the end of one streete openeth a brasen dore through the wall and countergard of the ryuer, whereby the people haue accesse to the water. And this wall is in de¦fence of the citye agaynst the vyolence of the floud. Moreo∣uer in either part and region of the citye there is another wall, not much inferyour in strenghe (albeit in thicknesse somewhat lesse then the former. One of these in y^e one parte of the citye incloseth aboute the stately court and resyaunce

of the Prince exceeding strong, and of a mile compasse. Likewise in the other parte of the Citie is a wall, in the circle and closure whereof is conteined the Temple of Iu∣piter Belus, wherevnto entry is made through the wall by mighty brasen gates, standing yet in this our age, to the open view and beholding of trauaylers. This wall is built in maner of a quadrangle, foure-square, being on euery side two acres long. In the middest of the Temple standeth a towre of sound worke, very firme and solide, without vaut or holownesse, a furlong thicke, and as much high: on the top of the which was planted another towre, which in like manner vphelde and vnderpropped the third: wherevppon likewise were fiue other turrets placed, each taking hys ground and foundation from the top of another. On the outside of euery towre do winde certaine degrees of steps or stayres leading to the top or highest part of the same. In the midway vp the stayres are framed certayne seates or benches for those that go vp to rest and breathe by the way. In the top or supremity of the highest turret is ano∣ther Chappell, within the whiche is placed a bed decked with most costly and sumptuous furniture, besides the which standeth a beautifull table of fine gold. In this sa∣cred house or vestry no image is erected, neyther doth any creature lye in the same, saue one woman alone, beeing of the same countrey (as the Priests of Babylon affirme) and such a one, as it pleaseth the god to choose for his owne dy∣et. Who do also constantly reporte (albeit I am hardly brought to beleeue it) that the god himselfe entring into the Temple, taketh vp his lodging in that chamber. Like as also it falleth out at Thebes in Aegypt by the voyce and re∣cord of the Aegyptians, where in the oratory or place of ser∣uice dedicate to Iupiter Thebanus, a woman vseth to lye: who (as also the other of Babylon) is constantly auouched at no time to haue custome or fellowship with men. Such is also the prioresse or woman priest at Paterae in Lycia

when time or occasion ferueth, for there the Oracle is not continually held, but at such time as it approcheth, the Ab∣besse ouer night is fast lo••kt and included into the Church. In the temple of Babylon besides there is another temple somewhat lower, wherein is kept the famous monument of the god Iupiter wrought of golde, neere vnto the which adioyneth a table, which together with the frame and settle thereto belonging, is also of meere and solide gold, estee∣med of the Chaldaean priests at the summe and value of 800. talents. At the comming out of the chappell, there is also to be seene an aultar of cleane gold: not farre from the which standeth another of strange and wonderfull bignes, whereon are offered all such beastes as are of perfect age and ripe growth: contrarywise on the aultar of golde it is not lawfull to sacrifice any but sucklings, and such as are newly drawne and taken from the teate. On the greater of the two aultars, the Chaldaean Chaplaynes burne incense to the god, with expence of a C. M. talents of frankincense. In the same temple is also another image of. 12. cubites in length of massy and beaten golde, which albeit I sawe not with mine owne eies, yet presuming vpon the credit of the Chaldaeans, I haue aduentured to set it downe. This image Darius the sonne of Hystaspes, and King of Persia, would faine haue bin fingering, neuerthelesse, for feare of after∣claps, he was contente to coole his thirst, and forgoe the spoile, howbeit, Xerxes his sonne & heire in later daies rife∣ling the temple, made a booty therof, hauing done to death a chaplaine who stoutly forbad him to moue the image out of his place. With these & such like ornamēts was y^t temple of Babylon gorgeously adorned, besides an infinite number of gifts and presents, franckly geuen and bestowed to the po∣lishing and setting foorth of so rare & famous a monument.

Furthermore, the genealogy and succession of the Kings of Babylon is very manyfold and diuerse, of whome ioynt∣ly with y^t affaires & estate of Assyria we meane to intreate:

parse of these laid their wealth & treasure on the trimming & beautifying of the city walles: other spared no coast to in∣rich & adorne the temples & palaces of the gods. In the line∣all discent of the bloud royall, mention is made of two wo∣men: the one of these raigned fiue ages before the later, and was called Semiramis. This Queene caused to be cast vp & raised great mounts & mighty banckes, very wonderfull to be seene, which kept the riuer within the course of his na∣turall chanell, beeing wont before time to ouerflow & couer the whole plame. The second Queene named Nitocris was of wit more sharp & subtile, and of much more fiue inuenti∣on then y^e former, by whom both other things were brought to passe right woorthy memory, whiche wee purpose to re∣count: and chiefly this, that perceiuing the power and go∣uernement of the Medes to grow and increase, and as well other townes, as also the city Ninus to be vanquished by thē, she forethought all the meanes that could be deuised, to arme & defend hirselfe against the enemy. First of all the ri∣uer Euphrates that whilome by a streight & equall course streame throughout the towne, flowing in a right line to∣wards the sea by meanes of certaine trenches cast vp and digged for the streame, she drew into a confuse and intricate race, folding & winding many waies, insomuch that in three sundry places it hath eftsoones recourse vnto one little vil∣lage in Assyria called Arderica so that they which come frō the sea to Babylon by y^t riuer Euphrates, are cōstreined to ariue thrice at Arderica & that also in three seuerall dayes. This was also one worke of hers which she did about y^t ri∣uer, the borders wherof besides she hath hemmed & garded in with a banke so strōg & mōstrous, & what for y^t vnmeasu∣rable hignes & bignes of y^t same, it would greatly astonishe those that do view & behold it. Somewhat aboue the city, a little off from the riuers side, she caused a place to be cast & trenched for the receipt of a standing water or poble, which they digged so deepe, till they came to the water, extending

euery way in breadth the space of. 320. furlongs. The earth that was voyded heerefro was referred and employed to the bancking of the riuer. The edge and brinckes of the poole were layde aboute and paued with stone. In both which things, as well in turning the course of the water, as in deluing the trench or lake, she had this purpose, that the violēce of the floud being hindred by so many windings and turnings, might flowe in a more quiet and peaceable streame: then, that the passage from the maine sea to Ba∣bylon might be made more troublesome to the saylers, by the often creekes and circuites of the water: finally, that the next way and readiest path from Media to Babylon be∣ing shut vp, and intercepted by the mutable course of the riuer, the Medes hindered from mutable trade of Mer∣chandize with the Assyrians, might be ignorant and vn∣skilfull of hir assayres and counsayle. Thus did Queene Nitocris on the lower side of Babylon prouide for the safe∣tie and good estate of the Realme, hauing another mea∣ning in the fenne or marish which she caused the people to digge aboue the towne, for the City being separate and di∣uided into two partes, by meanes of the riuer which flo∣weth through the middes, vnder the raigne and dominion of other Princes, whosoeuer of the Citizens was desirous to go ouer on the other side, he was fayne to be feried ouer, and passe by a boate, whiche coulde not be voyde of greate toyle and trouble, of which extremity by the good inuenti∣on of Queene Nitocris, the City obteyned speedie release by one and the selfesame meanes, leauing behinde two fa∣mous monumēts of perpetual memory. Wherfore hauing turned the riuer into the maine gulfe or lake that was cast vp and digged in the plaine, she incontinently caused mighty stones to be hewed out, squared for y^e purpose. The floud hauing a breach and issue another way, within the compasse of his owne chanell became drye and voyde of wa∣ter, Nitocris therefore fenced the bankes and shores of the

riuer within the Citie, with a skirt or edge of bricke, to saue the water from abating and wearing the earth. In like maner the steppes leading downe from the brasen wickets to the water, she framed of bricke layd and mortered toge∣ther in like sorte as the walles. About the middest of the Citie she made a bridge ouer the water, built of stone cut and polished to the same ende, which she caused to be knit & mortered together with leade and iron. This bridge in the day time she couered with planckes of fouresquare forme, to giue passage & recourse to her subiects: which in the eue∣ning were continually drawne & remooued from thence, to the end all occasion of mutual theft and villany in the night might be foreseene & preuented. The worke being ended, she wrought the meanes for the water to returne to his proper course, eftsoones boyding the lake againe, which then by continuall feeding of the streame, drew to be full. Thus the end prooued the deluing of the fenne to be very profitable & cōmodious, by meanes whereof a bridge was made for the vse & benefit of the city. The same Nitocris also put in pra∣ctise this subtile and deceitfull inuention. Alost vppon the most stately and portlike gate of the City in open shew and appearaunce to all mē, she built her a Sepulchre, engrauen with this title or superscripcion: If any of the Kings of Ba∣bylon after me shall stand in neede or pen••ry of money, let him open the tombe and take as much as he will: but not vnlesse he be driuen by extremity, for it shall not be good for him. This Sepulchre was so long vnmoued, till the kingdome fell into the hands of Darius, who very much disdaining that he neither had vse of these gates (because that ouer them was placed a dead body, so that he counted it vnwholesome to go through them) nor any profit or com∣modity of the money, especially being allured and prouoked thervnto by the Epitaph and inscription, he brake open the monument and looked in, not finding one crosse nor ought else saue the dead carkesse & certaine letters, saying thus:

Vnlesse thou hadst bene an vnsatiable wretch, and gree∣dy of filthy gayne, thou wouldst neuer haue discouered the graues of the dead. These things are left to memory of the Queene Nitocris, against whose sonne Labynitus ha∣uing the name of his father, and the gouernement and prin∣cipality of all Assyria; Cyrus prepared his whole army, at whose approch the great King gathered a power of mē, hauing made aboundant prouision both of corne and cattell. Moreouer, great plenty of water was had in readinesse, brought from the floud Choaspis, running a little besydes S••sa, of which riuer alone the King is accustomably wont to drinke. The water of Choa••pis being first sodden and af∣ter reserued in vessels of siluer, is continually borne after the King whether soeuer he goeth by Chariots driuen on four wheeles, which follow his trayne in great number.

Cyrus therefore vndertaking a iourney to Babylon, af∣ter he came to the riuer Gyndes (whiche proceeding from the Mantien mountaynes necre vnto the people Darnei, meeteth with the riuer Tigris, whose streame passing by the City Opis, floweth into the red sea) he attempted to passe the water, which by no meanes can be gone ouer without shipping, where stepping foorth a lusty gallant of the army, and mounting on the backe of a milkewhite steede, sacred and holy to the gods, aduentured in a brauery to take the water, and go ouer, whome the floud winding and wreathing with in his streame, swallowed vp so that he was neuer after seene. But King Cyrus greatly agreeued at the vnkind and iniurious deede of the riuer, threatned the water in furious manner, saying, that the time should not be long erre he brought it so lowe, and to so scant an ebbe, that the very women of the countrey should dare to go ouer it, not weeting themselues to the knees, which thing for the vehemency of his rage he immediately put in practise, intermitting and leauing off hys voyage to Baby∣lon: wherefore diuiding his campe into two partes, hele∣uelled

out and drew by a line. 180. trenches on eyther side of the riuer, whereinto he determined to draine the water: which enterprise (as in so great a multitude) was at lēgth brought to passe, albeit he consumed the whole sommer in performance thereof. The mighty riuer Gyndes being in this sort shed and deriued into. 360. brookes at the approch of the next spring Cyrus renewed his purpose, and set foorth afresh towardes Babylon, whome the great Kyng with an hoast of men well prepared, exspected and looked for in the fielt. When he drewe neere to the city, signe of battell was giuen, and a fierce encountry made on both sides, but the Persians preuailing, compelled the contrary part to flie into the city, where the Babylonians (for that lōg before they perceyued King Cyrus to be of a busie & an vnquiet nature, giuen to controuersy & trouble, intermed∣ling & dealing with other nations) had made plentiful pro∣uision of vittailes, & all kind of sustenance for many yeares, for which they liued in security, nothing at all waying to be kept in and enclosed with a siege. Cyrus in like case hauing a long time layne at the walles without any successe or a∣uayle, was altogether ignorant of what wood to frame his arrowes, howbeit at last, eyther of his owne trayne, or by the counsayle and aduertisement of others, he cast about a∣nother way, and wrought thus: placing his army on eache side of the city, some on that part where the riuer entereth in, others on the backside where it floweth out, hee gaue commaundement, that at such time as they saw the water to fall and berome fleete and easy to be waded; they shoulde inuade the city by the chanell of the floud: leauing there∣fore his ariny in this order and aray, with the vnfittest and weakest part of his power, he withdrewe himselfe asyde to the poole, made by the handyworke of Queene Nitocris, whether beeyng come, looke what before time had bene wrought by her whyle the bridge was building, the selfe-same also dyd Cyrus, piercing the bancke of the

riuer; and geuing a vent to the water to passe into the fenne: whereby the streams decreasing, became very sha∣low, and without daunger to those that aduentured to passe through which thing being marked by those that stayd be∣hinde at the walles, they tooke the riuer, and wading very little aboue the knees with manfull and valiant courage, brake into the City: whome the men of Babylon (if in case they had foreknowne the fact of Cyrus) had not onely not permitted to take the Towne, but contrarywise had de∣stroyed them all by a miserable death: for hauing fast bar∣red the little gates that open to the riuer, and placed them∣selues p••rtly on the top of the wall, partly on the bankes without the City, they had pent and included them as it were in a ••aue or denne from whence they could neuer haue escaped aliue: wheras now the Persians stealing vpon them of a sudden, were at their elbowes before they were aware. In which their distresse (so huge was the City in ••ignesse) that (by report of those that dwelt next them) they which inhabited the middle part of the City, were flatly ignorant that the towne was taken. Wherefore being a festiuall day, they egerly persued their delight and pastime, disporting thēselues with dauncing, and all kind of pleasaunt recrea∣tion, vntill the case was too plaine that the enemies were within the walles. Such therfore were the meanes where∣by the City Babylon was first of all taken and surprised by warre. As touching the power and value whereof, we will shewe many testimonies, this one especiall and of manyfest euidency. The whole coast which is vnder the gouernance of the great King, being leuied at a certayne rent to finde the Prince and his armie (I meane besides those reue∣newes and pensions which euery moneth in the yeare are duely payde and yeelded to the Crowne) at the fourth part of thys rent or subsidie is the region of Babylon rated a∣lone, the other eyght partes beéing gathered and contribu∣ted out of the whole Countrey of Asia: so that the puissance

and hability of this region is equiualent and matchable to the third part of Asia. The seigniorie also and principali∣ty of this part (which the Persians call a Satrapy, that is, a Dutchy or Countey) doth in great measure exceede all other prouinces that are vnder the protection of the great King. For so much as Tritechmas sonne of Artabazus whome the King made his Lieutenant, and principall o∣uer this Countrey, had duely rendered vnto him for tri∣bute euery day in the weeke more then eyght gallons of sil∣uer, according to the Persian measure called Artaba, which exceedeth by three quarts the measure that is vsed in Atti∣ca, which they call by the name of Medimnus. Moreouer he had a stable of couragious and lusty coursers for the saddle, besides those which were purposely kept and mana∣ged for the vse of warre: to these were added eight hun∣dred stalions or stone horses, with sixteene thousand maares which were couered by those horses, one stalion being reser∣ued and admitted to the couering of twenty maares. Be∣sides all this, so great a multitude of dogs or mastifes com∣ming of the kinde and breede of India were belonging to him, that four great townes standing in the plaine of Baby∣lon, stoode at no other reuenue, then to find and maintayne a company of curres. All whiche things were peculiar and appertinent to him that was the viceroy or president of Ba∣bylon. In the countrey of Assyria they haue small store of rayne: suche graine as the land yeeldeth beeing euermore watered by the floud, not after the maner of Nilus in Ae∣gypt (which of his owne accord riseth ouer the bankes, and giueth moisture to the fields round about) but partly by the labour and hāds of men, partly also by brookes and ditches deriuing the water throughout their ground. For through all the region of all Babylon (euen as in Aegypt also) are drawne many trenches and ditches, the greatest whereof is nauigable, and caryeth ships, bearing to that coast where the sunne is at a stand in winter, and reacheth from Euphra-|

reacheth from Euphrates to the floud Tigris, neere vnto the which was planted and situated the city Ninus. This soyle for corne and all kinde of grayne, is the most battle and plentifull of all others, being very barren and naked of wood: wherein, especially the figge tree, vine, and olyue, could neuer prosper or come to any proofe, but for seede and tillage so fruitefull and aboundant, that it neuer fayleth to yeeld increase two hundred fold: and if the ground be very well taken, and the yeare fauourable, it multiplieth to three hundreth times as much as was cast into the earth. The eares of their wheate and barly are more then a handfull broade. Likewise y^e small seede of Millet or Hirse, together with the graiue of India called Sesamum, to what exceeding growth and tallnes they arise in this countrey, that almost they seeme in manner of mighty trees, albeit I assuredly know & could iustly affirme, yet I will rather keepe silence, knowing that those which hath bene already spoken of the greate encrease of their graine are suche, that they far sur∣mount aboue the cōmon credit and vsuall course of nature. They vse no kinde of oyle but such as is made of the seede Sesamum. Palme trees are cōmon with thē in euery place of the countrey, many of the which beare fruite & are very fertile. Parte of this fruite they turne and employ to foode and sustenaunce, making wine and honny of the rest. The trees themselues they prune and manure not vnlike theyr figge trees. Some of these palmes (as they vse also to do in other) the Graecians call male trees, the fruite wherof they eate not, but only bind it to the fruite of the female trees, whereof breedeth a small woorme or flye, which with her sharpe and forcked nebbe biteth through the fruite of the female palme, whereby it commeth to ripenesse and matu∣rity, being otherwise wont to drop off and decay before it arriue to full growth and perfection. For of the fruite of the male palme is bred and produced this little worme, such as come also of a wilde figge tree.

Let vs now proceede vnto that which next after the city it selfe, is (in my fancy) the straungest mirrour and wonder of the whole region. The vessels wherein they are accusto∣med to passe downe y^e streame to Babylon, are made circle∣wise, and of round compasse, drawne ouer on the outside, and couered with leather: for the people of Armenia, whose countrey lyes aboue the Assyrians, hauing hewed & smoo∣thed out of willow certaine round vessels very hollow and deepe, they cast ouer a paast or couering of leather, apply∣ing them both to the vse of houshold affayres to contemne li∣cour in & such like, and also to rowe in and passe the water. They haue neither head nor tayle that a man may poynt at with his finger, there to be the nose and forepart of the shippe, and heere the hinder part or sterne, but are contri∣ued into a circulare forme like a buckler or target. The bot∣tome of these vessels they matte and fence with strawe or rushes, wherevpon laying their chaffer and merchandise, they commit themselues to the water. Theyr chiefest ca∣riage is small roundlets or firkins of wyne, makyng the caske it selfe of the leaues of palme. The vessels are go∣uerned by two seuerall rothers, at the which, two men continually stande and are attendaunt, the one whereof drawes the ster••e towardes hym into the shippe, the other thrusteth from hym outwarde. These kynde of shippes are maruaylous greate, and very capable, albeit some of them be of smaler making then other. The greater sort are of power to carry the waight of fyue thousand talentes. In euery of which there is one liue Asse at the least, and in the bigger three or foure. Beeyng landed at Babylon, and hauyng made theyr marte of suche thynges as they broughte, they sell also the woodde of theyr Shyppes, wyth the strawe, rushes, and suche lyke, loadyng backe theyr Asses with the skinnes, which they driue home before them into Armenia: forsomuch as to saile vpwards against the course of the riuer, it is not possible for them, by reason

of the swiftnesse and violence of the strcame, which is the cause also that they make their vessels not of wood, but of skinnes. After they are returned to Armenia they make prouision of other ships, all one in similitude and fashion with the former: such are the vessels wherein the Assyri∣ans ferry downe the water to Babylon.

Now for their habite and attyre it is on this manner. Their vsuall custome is to go clothed in two garments, one of linnen downe to the feete, another of wollen drawne vp∣pon the same: aboute their shoulders they cast a cloake of whyte coulour. In their showes following the custome of the whole countrey, they vse all one fashion, not much vn∣like the Thebane slippers. Their hayre very long, tied and bound vp behinde with a coyfe. In all partes of their bodye embaulmed with sweete oyles and precious oyntmentes. On their fingers they we are a signet: bearing in their hāds a slender rod in forme of a scepter, very skilfully and artifi∣cially wrought, on y^e top whereof is carued either an apple, a rose, a lilly, an eagle, or some such like thing, being ac∣compted wickednesse with them, and against all lawe, to carry a rod or scepter without such an ensigne on the top. And thus much for their attyre.

The lawes which they vse are these. One most commen∣dable, and for the singulare wisedome and commoditie thereof greatly to be regarded. Likewise another, which (if I be not deceiued) the people Eneti comming of the Hlyri∣ans do commonly practise throughout their whole lande. Once in a yeare they obserued this custome. The virgins that were arriued to the due time and estate of marriage, they assembled all into one place, fast behind these stoode a great multitude of yong men and batchelers. When all were come and the company was hush, there arose vp a com∣mon cryer, proclayming seuerally the sale of euery one to suche as were minded to buy them, and in the first place shee that was the paragon and most beautifull damosell

of all the route, was in like manner first published and set forth to be sold, whom some one or other hauing purchased with a great summe of money, she that was next in beau∣tie to the fairest, was next priced, with a condition annexed, that they whiche bought shoulde also marry them. Suche therefore of Babylon that were of good wealth, and wan∣ted wines, bought vp the brauest wenches, euery one spee∣ding best for beautie that badde best for the beautifull. The basest sorte of yonkers that were not so deyntely toothed, contenting themselues with the homeliest lasses, chose ra∣ther to take a good nutbrowne wench with a dowrie, with whome to practise the daliaunces of Venus. The market being made of the best and fayrest, incontinently the most vggly and foulest drosse of the company was by the voyce of the crier cyted to appeare, whome he set foorth and pro∣pounded to the liking of any, who with the least expence and sinalest charge that might, woulde be contente with a wife. In which sort she standeth, til there step foorth a mate that will holde himselfe satisfied with a sluttishe wife and a slender dowrie, euermore making a gayne of those vppon whome nature and the heauens had largely bestowed theyr graces and treasures, whereas with the rest, that were ey∣ther impotent, lame, or in part of the body disfigured, or generally sluttish and ylfauoured, they endowed with a por∣tion of goodes the sooner to procure and get them hus∣bands. Neither was it free and indifferent for any man to place and dispose his daughter to whome he would: nor for the byer without sufficient warrant or suretie of his good vsage of hir to take hir away: but hauing brought such as should plight their faith and honestie in his behalfe, that he should vndoubtedly vse hir in place of his wife, he tooke hir with him, whereof if by fortune they coulde not agree, the law commaunded that the money whiche was geuen for price of the virgine should be eftsoones restored to the buy∣er: wherein the custome was not so strict and seuere, but

that a couple of contrary villages might match together, and enter the estate of mariage one with another, the man alwayes rendering a certaine summe and price for his wife if she were worth the buying. This law was very well and wisely ordeyned by them, which within a while after lost his force, and was vtterly neglected: albeit in later dayes they coyned a new deuise that no man should abuse or any way iniurie a woman, nor carry hir away into a strange ci∣tie, for the citie being taken, and themselues shamefully in∣treated by their enemies, in so much that the most part of them had wasted their goodes and substance, the poore lay people that were in great extremity and want of sustenāce, caused their stocke, y^e care of their honesty & chaste liuing set apart, to purchase lucre by the common vse of their bodies. Another law and statute they had of equal prayse and com∣mendation with the first, whereby it was prouided that all persons possessed with any griefe or disease, should be cary∣ed out and layd in the open market place, to the end that (v∣sing no Physicions) euery one might giue their verdit of their sicknesse and maladie. As euery one therefore appro∣cheth neare vnto the diseased, if at any time they haue had triall and experience of the like payne and distresse eyther in themselues or in other, they let not to minister connsaile to the sicke, & prescribe such order & dyet, as hath bin here∣tofore either profitable to themselues, or wholesome to o∣ther: vtterly abhorring from all lawe and ciuility, to passe securely & carelesly by the feeble, & not to enquire the state and maner of his griefe. They esteeme it no small blisse to them to be buried in sepulchers, resembling very narrow∣ly the custome of the Aegyptians in funerall sorrow and la∣mentation for the dead. As oft as they haue society and fel∣lowship with their wiues, placing themselues in seates one ouer agaynst another, the men take sweete perfume, and burneth it, the women likewise doing the very same. At the drawing neere of the euening they wash and wrinse

themselues very cleane, not attempting to touch any thing with their hands, before they haue thoroughly cleansed and purged the filth from their bodies, which thing is in vse likewise with the Arabians.

The selfesame Babylonians acquaint themselues wyth an order full of all abhomination and wickednesse. All the women of their nation once in their whole liues, resort to the Temple of Venus, where abandoning their chastity, they giue vp themselues to be defiled and corrupted by straungers: howbeit, such women as are of great reputati∣on, and haue wealth at will, disdeining to sit and accompany with the rest, are drawne to the temple in charlots or lit∣ters cast ouer and couered with a vale of leather: whether being come, leauing the trayne of their meyny and seruants behinde them, they place themselues in seates before the gates of the palace, which is the common vse of all such as are of high degree. Within the Churche they sit in greate multitudes, bound about the temples of the head with gar∣lands of sweete and pleasaunt flowres, some of them are comming, others going, for certayne passages and wayes seuerally made by cords & lines, leade and direct the stran∣gers to such as they fancy best and haue moste minde to. Moreouer, hauing once taken her seate in the Temple, she neuer returneth home vntill some one or other of foreigne countreys hath geuen her money, and reapt her chastitie, who approching neere to his lady whome he liketh, sayeth thus: The goddesse Militta be fauourable and gracious vnto thee. By this name Militta is Venus called with As∣syrians, neither is it lawfull to despise the money which is geuen, how much or how little soeuer it be, being applied to a sacred & holy vse. Neither may y^e womā be her own car∣uer to reiect any y^t commeth to her, but whosoeuer is her first chapman him she immediately followeth w^tout respect of persons: with whome, after she hath accompanyed for a while, hauing made her offring to y^e goddesse, she returneth

home, for the time to come not to be allured by mountaynes of gold to acquaint themselues with any in the like sort. Of this noble route such as are most prayseworthy for beautie and comely proportion of the body, haue soonest made theyr market and are gonne, the grosser and baser sort being held by the law to remaine there so long, till they haue accom∣plished the rites and customes of the Countrey, so that it chaunceth thē otherwhiles to abide in the Temple a yeare or two, yea sometimes three, before the poore soules can be acquit of their seruitude. The like ordinaunce is of force & vertue in some part of Cyprus. These are the lawes of the people of Babylon, of whome there be three sortes, some which liue only by fish, whiche beeing purged and dried a∣gainst the sunne, they vse in this manner, first they powne & bray it in a morter, which done, they preserue and keepe it in linnen sheetes, whereof they take at their pleasure, and putting thereto liquour, they kneade and bake it in maner of bread.

The Persian prince Cyrus hauing obteyned the victorie ouer all the countrey of Babylon, was pricked with desire to bring into his power the people of the Massagetes; a na∣tion very large, and in armes couragious and valiaunt, ha∣uing their habitation in the East towardes the morning sunne beyond the floud Araxes, right ouer against the Isse∣donians, and being (as some men suppose) a part of Scy∣thia. The Riuer Araxes is both greater and lesse then the mighty streame called Ister, wherein also are many Iles not inferiour in compasse to the Iland Lesbus. The people of those Iles liue in the sommer time by all kinde of rootes whiche themselues plucke vp and gather, reseruing the fruite of their trees that is ripe and ready to be eaten for their winter foode and sustenance. By these people were found out and deseryed certayne trees, whose fruite beeing cast into the fire (which they vse to kindle swarming toge∣ther in great flockes) doth no lesse incharme and make

drunken the senses of those that fit by, with the sauour and smell proceeding therefro, then their wyne doth intoxicate the heads of the Grecians, being so much the more idle in their braynes by how much y^e more they burne of the afore∣said fruite: euen so farre at length, that they fall to singing, dauncing and leaping past measure. Now the floude A∣raxes (like as also y^e ryuer Gyndes which Cyrus broached and deuyded into 360 trenches) beginneth at the Mantien hylles parting it selfe into sixty seuerall streames, the rest (one only excepted) haue their endinges in fennes and ma∣rishe groundes: where certayne people are sayde to make their abode, which are nourished by rawe fishes, being clo∣thed and apparelled in Seale skinnes. The other parte of Araxes continueth his course vnto the sea called Caspium, which is a sea of it selfe, not permixt and mingled with any other, for aswell the salte water through the which y^e Gre∣cians vse to saile, as also the other without y^e pyllers called Atlanticum, finally, y^e red sea & it do meete each with other and are all one: but the Caspian waters are hemmed in & inclosed with their owne shores, being in length 15. dayes sayle for a light shippe that goeth with oares: in bredth such that the widest parte (which is toward the west) may be passed ouer in eyght dayes. The west side of this sea is edged in by the mountayne Caucasus, being of incompara∣ble height and greatnesse: vpon this hill one people of all sortes inhabyting: very many & diuerse susteyned by wilde foode and fieldishe reliefe. The leaues which their trees beare are much like vnto ours in shew, though different in nature: these they beate to powlder, and rempering them with a quantity of water they make of them a certayne co∣lour of such force and vertue that paynting therewith vp∣pon their garments the similitudes of sundry wilde beasts, it neuer chaungeth hue, but euen as if the pictures had bene wouen and wrought in the cloth: so together with y^e woolle it selfe they weare out and decay. These men after the ma∣ner

of brute beastes meddle and accompany with their wo∣men in open sight. Now the West parte of the sea Caspian being inuyroned by the hill Caucasus, y^e side which extēdeth toward the Easte beateth vpon a large, spacious, & ample playne. The most parte of this playne is possessed by the Massagets, whom Cyrus for diuerse & waighty causes was styrred vp and prouoked to assaile by warre. First by the re∣membraunce of his birth and infancie, whereby he was mo∣ued to thinke and imagyne him selfe to bee more then halfe a god, farre aduaunced aboue the mortall estate of humane kinde. Againe not a litle puffed vp and emboldned by y^e luck and prosperous atchieuaunce of all his aduentures wherein fortune shewed him so amiable a countenaunce, that against what nation soeuer hee set his force, the same hee caused eyther to bend or breake, alwayes hauing the better hande of his enemyes.

The kingdome of the Massagets after the decease of the prince hir husband was held by the most noble and vertuous Queene Tomyris, vnto whom Cyrus addressinge certayne messengers in fained glose of deceiptfull words, demaunded hir mariage: but the prudent and couragious lady percei∣uing his bent, how not for the loue of hir selfe, but for desire of the kingdome he had couloured a sute of dissembled ma∣trimony, flatly forbadde him to come within the lystes and boundes of hir countrey. Cyrus seeing his pollicie to be in vayne, lead his power to the ryuer Araxes, in open and pro∣fessed wise, threatning vengeance and all kinde of cruelty a∣gainst the realme of the Massagets: wherefore hauing co∣uered the ryuer with certayne bridges, whereby to trayne and conu••y his army ouer the water hee fortified the same with defence & munition of towers builte by y^e help & ayde of ships which he made for y^e purpose: to whom being diligent∣ly cōuersant & busied in these affaires, Tomyris dispatched an Herauld of peace w^t a message as followeth. Thou king of the Medes, leaue of to trouble thy selfe in those matters

which y^e hast taken in hand, vncertayne what gayne y^t shalt reape by this thine enterprise: be quiet therefore & be king of thine owne, suffring vs to inioy these borders whereof we haue the right & chiefe dominion. But what? disdaynest y^• my coūsaile? preferrest thou al things before peace & quiet∣nesse? Be it then, if thy hart burne to be dealing with y^e Mas∣••agets, cease thy buyldings & either follow vs 3. dayes iour∣ney into our countrey, or departe our coasts & receiue vs in∣to thine. Cyrus hauing heard this greeting, assembled to∣gether the chiefe of y^e Persians & propounded y^e matter to be scanned among them: who being all of one mynde & consen∣ting in one opinion made it no cōtrouersie, but y^t it behoued rather Tomyris with hir army to be receyued into Persia & them selues to retyre into their owne lande: against whom Craesus being of a contrary iudgment began to reason & ar∣gue in this maner. Truly (O king) as I sayd before, since it hath pleased the mighty Iupiter to delyuer mee into thy hands: whatsoeuer I shall marke to be amisse in thy house the same to the most of my power I will study to amend: for myne owne fortune albeit an vnthankfull mistresse, yet hath she bene a lesson and schooling vnto me: if thou thinke thy selfe a god, and thy army immortall, my counsaile is not for thee, my sentence cannot auayle thee: but if y^e acknowledge thy selfe to be mortall, and to rule ouer those that be subiect to death, learne this first, that y^e affayres of men are placed as it were in a circle, which being rowled and turned about ne permitteth the same man to bee alwayes fortunate: as touching therefore the question propounded I vary in opy∣on from all thy counsaile: for geuing liberty to thy enemies to come into thine owne realme, it is to be feared least at the same time thou leese both the victory and thy kingdome. thinkest thou the Massagets if they get the better, will straight wayes depart without spoyle of thy countrey? con∣trarywise, if thou vanquishe them what canst thou winne? Certes (O Kynge) not comparably to that as if thou

beate these Cockes one their owne dunghilles, so mayste thou followe them presently vpon the spurres and set them besides their owne pearches. Consider this (noble prince) and if thou seeme to like it, seeke to follow it, and fly not one foote before thou performe it: that hauing done this fonde girle to vnderstande thy inuincible force and prowesse, thou mayste follow thine enimyes at the hard heeles euen into y^e gates and walles of their city. For shame let it not be sayd at any time, that Cyrus the sonne of Cambyses did aban∣done the fielde and geue place to a woman. I thinke it good therefore to goe so farre forward, vntill they prouyde them¦selues, and come forth to meete vs: wherein also we haue fit occasion to vse a pollicy. It is not vnknowne to you that the Massegets are vnacquainted with the stately dyet and mag∣nificency of the Persians: for which cause hauing left behind vs in our tentes all store of delightesome and pleasaunte meates, with great plenty and aboūdance of sweete wines, let vs leaue the weakest parte of our army there, and with∣draw our selues aside to y^e ryuer: our enemyes glutted with ryot, and bereaued of their right senses by excesse of wine; what may hinder vs to take them vnwares, causing them to pay the pryce of their dinner with the losse of their lyues. These opinions were vttered as concerning the cause. But Cyrus refusing to be ruled by the Persians, betoke him selfe wholly to follow the aduise of Craesus. Wherefore he gaue significations to Tomyris to retyre back, delaring him self to be ready to follow & geue her battle at home in her owne countrey. The Queene according as shee had determyned withdrew her selfe backe into the middes of the region.

Now king Cyrus hauing committed to his sonne Cam∣byses the gouernaunce and administration of the realme, he delyuered into his hands Craesus king of y^e Lydians, ear∣nestly charging him vpon the duty & obedience of a sonne, y^t if his luck in battle were worse then he loked for, he should let passe no parte of courtesie, honour, & liberality towards

him: which when he had sayd he sent them away into Persia passing y^e water him selfe with his whole power. The same night after hee had trayned his host ouer the streame of A∣raxes there befell vnto him a straunge vision, wherein be∣ing on sleepe he seemed to beholde the eldest sonne of Hysta∣spes hauing on his shoulders two wynges, with one of the which he shadowed all Asia, with the other all Europa. Hy∣staspes (comming of the princely house of y^e Persian Ache∣menides and borne of Arsaces) had a sonne named Darius, superiour in yeares to the rest of his children, being at that time welnigh twenty yeares olde, whom his father for that hee was too younge for the campe, left at home in his owne conntrey. Cyrus awaked from his dreame, began to waigh and ponder with him selfe the drift and intent of his vision, and supposinge it to bee of no smale moment called for Hy∣staspes with whom in secret wise hauing remoued all com∣pany he cōmoned thus. Thy sonne Hystaspes hath wrought treason, against me and my kingdome, which his disloyall & malicious trechery. I came to knowe by this meanes. The heauenly powers whose prouidence is a buckler to mee a∣gainst all aduersity hauing chiefe care and regarde of my health, haue shewed me all things that are to come. No lon∣ger ago then this last night I beheld in my sleepe the eldest of thy children, bearing on each shoulder a mighty winge, and couering with the one all Asia, with the other Europa, whereby I assuredly coniecture his treason which hee co∣uertly tendeth against the crowne: hence then, dispatch and speede thee into Persia, reserue him safely to my nexte re∣t••urne, that calling him to his tryall. I may see by what meanes he can quit himselfe of trechery. These things sayd Cyrus for that hee assuredly thought that Darius had ten∣ded mischiefe to his person and priuily sought to vndermine him in his kingdome. But hee reckned without his host, & was farre deceyued of his accounte: for the gods did fore∣shew, and signifie to him how in that place he should finishe

his life, and that his kingdome at the length should descend to Darius. Hystaspes shaping an answere to y^e kings words began and sayd. The gods forbid (O mighty prince) that a∣ny one of the Persian bloud should eyther malice thy person or impeach thy Maiesty: who if he were knowne a thowsand M. deathes were to easy for him. By whom, but onely by thy ayde (most gratious king) were we made of slaues fre∣men, of subiects and vassals lordes and rulers ouer other? If the gods haue accused my childe of treason, take him, he is thine owne, I yeelde him vp to bee dealt withall as it sée∣meth thee best. His talke finished hee immediatly tooke his passage ouer the ryuer Araxes, into Persia, for farther as∣suraunce and charge of his sonnes appearaunce at y^e Kings pleasure.

Cyrus hauing gayned the other side of Araxes, and mar∣ched forward one dayes iourney, forthwith he did as Crae∣sus had counsayled him, leauing in his tents the feeblest and most vnapt souldiers of his whole number, and departed thence with the rest to the shores and banckes of Araxes, being lightly harneysed and addressed for the purpose. The seely remnaunte of the Persians appointed to stay behinde in defence and munition of the tentes, were assayled by the third parte of the Massagets power: where vsing al meanes to saue the tentes and succour them selues, they were mise∣rably foyled and slayne. The enemy entering the campe and perceyuing all places to be furnished with sumptuous pro∣uision of dainty and delicious meates, toke the benefit of so good and fauourable fortune, and fel freshly to the banquet, in so much that hauing there stomacks forced with bittayls and their heads inchaūted with wyne, they were taken with a profounde & heauy sleepe: when of a sudden the Persians returning from their ambush, came vpon them vnwares & putting the most parte to the sword, the rest they tooke and apprehended alyue. Among these was the sonne of Queene Tomyris named Spargapises, to whom was geuen and cō∣mitted

the guiding of the army. Tomyris aduertised of hir sonnes misfortune together with the chaunce and losse of hir subiects, full of stomacke and displeasure, sent hir Legate y^e second time, and saluted Cyrus on this wise.

Thou insatiable and bloudy boutcher boast not thy selfe of this thou hast done, for if by the fruite and sappe of the Vyne (wherewith thy selfe otherwhyles being filled to the very eyes art free from no madnesse, vyce, and blasphemy) if herewith I say, thou hast taken and inchaunted my sonne: it is thy pollicy, not thy power: thy craft, not thy courage that hath gotten thee the victory. Well then: once agayne heare mee, and bee ruled by my counsayle: get thee hence yet, and bee speedily packinge, release my sonne whom thou hast in hold: for if in case thou refuse and stay but one mo∣ment, I sweare by the Sunne the god and king of the Mas∣sagets, I will glut that greedy pawnch of thine with aboū∣daunce of bloude, wherewith thou seemest to bee insatura∣ble and neuer to be satisfied. These words with Cyrus came in at one eare and went out at the other, lighter in value then the wynd in waight.

Notwithstandinge, seely Spargapises sonne to the stoute and couragious Queene. Tomyris, being throughly awa∣ked and come to him selfe, perceyuing the case he was in, hū∣bly besought Cyrus to loose him & take of his bondes: which done, and hauing his hands at liberty, hee pawnched him selfe into the belly with a Iauelyne, and so dyed. Such was the end and heauy desteny of poore Spargapises y^e Queenes sonne. Whom his mother greatly lamenting, and seeing hir counsayle to take no place, gathered a mighty power & fought with king Cyrus in such sorte, that of all battayles & combatryes of the Barbarians there was neuer any so blou∣dy, fell, and cruell on both sides as this. The fight and bat∣tayle it selfe was in this maner. First of all being distant one from another a certayne space, they assaulted each o∣ther by shotte of Arrowes, which beinge spente & consu∣med, so feirce a close was geuen on both parts w^t Swords,

Daggers, and Iauelynes, that the very fire sparkled out by the force and might of their blowes. Thus the battayle re∣mayned equall a greate space, neither parte yeelding the breadth of a hayre to his enemy, till at the length the Mas∣sagets preuailing, made a great slaughter of the Persians: wherein Cyrus himselfe hauing raygned thirty yeares saue one, made a finall ende and conclusion of his dayes: whom the wrathfull Queene Tomyris seeking oute amonge the slayne and mangled bodyes of the Persians, toke his head & throwing it into a vessell filled with bloud, in vaunting and glorious wife insulted ouer it in these words. Thou Bout∣••herly tyrant, my sonne thou tokest by craft and kylledst by cruelty, wherefore with thy selfe I haue kept touch. Now therefore take thy fill bloudy caitife, sucke there till thy belly cracke. In this maner dyed the noble King Cyrus: of whose death and ende since many and sundry thinges are bruted, it stein••d vs good to followe that, which among the rest founded neerest to truth.

The Massage••s are very like the Scythians both in ly∣uing and attyre. There maner is to fighte both on foote and horse backe, in both kindes exceeding valiaunt. There wea∣pons which they vse are Arrowes, Speares, & short Dag∣gers after the maner, and custome of the countrey: all their Harnesse and furniture is garnished and adorned both with Golde and Brasse: vsinge to their Speares Duyuers and Daggers, Spangs and bullions of brasse: their Costlets, Belts, and the rest of their armour beinge gallauntely set forth and beautified with Golde. In like maner also the cu∣rets of their horse are layde & embossed with curious worke of Golde: wherewith also are done and beset their raynes, brydles, and trappinges: being altogether vnacquainted with the vse of Siluer, or Iron. For the land yeelding vn∣to them inestimable plenty of Gold and Brasse, yet of Sil∣uer and Iron it is quite voyde and destitute.

Moreouer their maners are these. Euery one marieth

a wyfe, which notwithstanding is common and indifferente to all. For that which the Grecians affirme to bee done by the Scythians, the selfe same, not they, but the Massagets doe cōmonly vse and practise: being of a very certainety, y^t as oft as any of the Massagets is moued with desire of Wo∣men, he maketh no more adoe but hanging his quyuer vpon the pinne of his wayne, goeth openly to worke without any regard. They haue no certaine ende or terme of their liues: but as euery one is arryued to the pits brinke, & growne to extremity of age, him his kinsfolkes and acquaintance take with certayne cattell and sacrifice him to the gods, whose fleshe being afterwardes boyled in a Chaldern, they make thereof a solemne feaste or banquet. Which kinde & maner of death is esteemed with them the most blessed and glory∣dus death that can possibly happen to man. Such as dye through any disease or malady, they neuer eate, but ouer∣whelm and couer them with mouldes, holding him vnhap∣py and accursed that lyued not to the diuine dignity and ho∣nour of sacrifice. They sowe not one foote of grounde, but mayntaine them selues and liue by fish, great aboundaunce whereof the riuer Araxes doth yeelde vnto them. Their on∣ly drinke is milke, besides the which they vse nothinge. A∣mong the gods they geue honour to the Sunne alone, vnto whom they consecrate and offer vp horses: which manner of oblation they ordayned for this reason: that to the quickest, and swiftest of all the gods, they might likewise offer the most flight and swifte creature that lyueth on the earth.

K. v.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The contrey of the author.
• * 1.2

  The first cause of discention betvvene the Grecians and Barbarians.
• * 1.3

  The rape of Io. and her ariual into Aegipt
• * 1.4

  Europa stolen by the Greeks in reuenge of Io.
• * 1.5

  Medea caried avvay by Iasō, at vvhat tyme, he vvonne the golden fleecè at Colchis.
• * 1.6

  The rape of Helen vvherof arose the Tro∣yan vvarre.
• * 1.7

  By so much the greater is their folly that fight for vvo∣men, by hovv much the grea¦ter their liber∣ty is to be vvel ridde of them.
• * 1.8

  The pleasaunt history of Craesus sonne of Haliattes the first of the Barbariās that cōquered any part of Grece,
• * 1.9

  Greece consi∣sted of foure kind of people the Iones, Aeoles, Dorus Laccdemoniās
• * 1.10

  The right Aeres ap∣parant to the crovvne of Li∣dia vvere the Heraclidans Mernade vver the family and succession of those kinges vvherof Cresus came.
• * 1.11

  The royall family of the kinges of Lidia before the Heraclidans came of Lydus of whō the countrey was named Lydia. The Parentes of the Heraclidans. Hercules, & Iarda¦na.
• * 1.12

  By what meanes the empire came to the stocke of Crae••ns.
• * 1.13

  The best poynt of a Woman to be vnknowne
• * 1.14

  A due revvard of doting.
• * 1.15

  The diuil in old tyme a di∣poser of king∣domes & since the Pope.
• * 1.16

  Pythia a vvo∣mā that serued the deuil in his temple at Del¦phos & gaue out oracles to such as demaū∣ded them.
• * 1.17

  Delphos a city in the coūtrey of Phosis one a moūtayne of Grece, called Pa••nass{us}, here
• * 1.18

  vvas the fa∣mous temple of Apollo vvher the de∣uil gaue cra∣racles. The Actes of Giges vvrought by him in tyme of his raygne. The yeares of his raygne. 38 Ardyis sonne of Gyges se∣cond king of the stocke of the Mernadans The tyme of his raygne 49. yeares. Sadiat••es 3. king raygned 12. yeares. Haliattes king 4. The actes and aduentures of Halyattes.
• * 1.19

  The Story of Arion.
• * 1.20

  Haliattes ray∣ned 57 yeares.
• * 1.21

  Glancus Chi∣us the first that inuented to vvorke in iron
• * 1.22

  Solon trauay∣ling frō Grece came into Li∣dia to the court of Crae∣sus, of vvhose vvealth and fe∣licity hee gaue iudgement as follovveth.
• * 1.23

  The example of an happy Tellus
• * 1.24

  The Gods of∣fended at the insolency of Craesus berea∣ued him of his deare son Atis
• * 1.25

  The dreame of Craesus as con∣cerninge his sonnes de〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.26

  Adrastus for killing his bro¦ther vvas exi∣led his coūtry.
• * 1.27

  A vvylde Bore haunting in Mysia.
• * 1.28

  VVhom deste∣nies vvil haue die he shal be the busie vvor ker of his ovvue peril.
• * 1.29

  Atis s••ayne by Adrastus.
• * 1.30

  Adrastus slevv himselfe vpon the tombe of Atis.
• * 1.31

  Apolloin these verses telles the ambassa∣dours vvhat their kinge did that day.
• * 1.32

  The meaning of the oracle.
• * 1.33

  The sacrifice of Craesus to A pollo & his giftes also vvhich he dedi¦cated in the ••a••ple.
• * 1.34

  Craesus demaū ded of the ora∣cle vvhether he might make vvarre a gaynst Persia or not.
• * 1.35

  A doubtful ansvveare the meanīg vvher∣of is expoun∣ded in the next page.
• * 1.36

  He is some∣vvhat to hasty that leaps ouer the st••le before he comes at it.
• * 1.37

  The meaning of this oracle is expressed.
• * 1.38

  The originall of the Lacedae monians, and Athenians.
• * 1.39

  The miracle of the Greeke nation.
• * 1.40

  Pi〈…〉〈…〉 a 〈…〉〈…〉 rauntin Athēs by vvhatdeuise he attay〈…〉〈…〉d the gouern••ēt
• * 1.41

  The subtilty of of Pisistratue to attayne the kingdome.
• * 1.42

  Pisistratus de∣priued of his kingdome.
• * 1.43

  A deuise made by Pisis∣tratus to reco∣uer the king∣dome.
• * 1.44

  Pisistratus bani shed out of A∣thēs the se••d tyme.
• * 1.45

  A prop••••cy of Pisistratus ••••s victory.
• * 1.46

  Pisistratus the 3 time king.
• * 1.47

  Lycurgus the lavvgeuer of the Lacedaemo¦nians.
• * 1.48

  An oracle in the prayse of Lycurgus.
• * 1.49

  A deceyptful oracle that fell out othervvise thē the vvords import.
• * 1.50

  An oracle des∣cribing the place vvhere Orestes vvas buryed.
• * 1.51

  The meanes hovv the tomb vvas diseried.
• * 1.52

  The story of Craesus beyng interrupted.
• * 1.53

  The vvise coū∣sayle of Sarda∣nis geuen to king Craesus in his settinge forth agaynst Persia.
• * 1.54

  The riot ofth Persiās vvhēce it came.
• * 1.55

  The limites of Media and Ly∣dia.
• * 1.56

  Th. causes of Craesus his voi age agaynst Persia.
• * 1.57

  A prety dis∣course shevvīg the meanes hovv Craesus & Astyages came to be of a kinne.
• * 1.58

  The Scythians excellent in shoting.
• * 1.59

  The day tur∣ned into night
• * 1.60

  Labynetus sonne of Ni∣tocijs.
• * 1.61

  The māner of makīga league betvvene the Lydians and Medes The meaning of this place of Astyages his captiuity is de∣clared more at large.
• * 1.62

  The deuyse of Thales Mile∣sius to passe the riuer.
• * 1.63

  Cōpare vvith this place the apologi of Cy¦rus to the am∣bassadour of Ioma.
• * 1.64

  A miracle for∣shevving the destruction of Sardis.
• * 1.65

  The meaning of the miracle.
• * 1.66

  The Lydians couragious in battaile and expert in ridīg.
• * 1.67

  A singuler de∣uise of Harpa∣gus to van∣quish the Ly∣dian ryders.
• * 1.68

  A horse very fearful of a ca¦mel.
• * 1.69

  A ariefe dis∣course of a cō∣bat fought be∣tveene the Ar¦gyues and La∣cedaemonians for a piece of ground.
• * 1.70

  Thevvynnīg of thcitye Sar∣dis.
• * 1.71

  The cause vvhy the vvals of Sardis vvere inuinci∣ble.
• * 1.72

  Craesus his dumbe sonne spake to saue his father.
• * 1.73

  The oracle ve∣rifyed. Fol. 15.
• * 1.74

  Craesus ac∣knovvlegeth novv the sen∣tence of Solon to true, that no man is perfyte happy that maye bee miserable.
• * 1.75

  The vvisedom and merciful nature of Cy∣rus in yeldinge Craesus pardō.
• * 1.76

  Apollo by a shovvre of rained deliuered Craesus from the fire.
• * 1.77

  A reason vvhy peace is more to be desired. then vvarre.
• * 1.78

  Craesus seynge to vvhat passe the oracle had brought him desireth leaue of Cyrus to chide vvith the deuil.
• * 1.79

  Apollo his an∣svvere to Crae∣sus his accusa∣tion.
• * 1.80

  Craesus is puni¦shed for the fact of Gyges that slue Can∣daules his mayster.
• * 1.81

  Applye to this place theora¦cle geuen fol. 25.
• * 1.82

  Pantaleō Crae∣lus his brother by the fathers syde sought to defeat him of the kingdome
• * 1.83

  Of the coūtrey of Lydia, a briefe narratiō of such things as therin are vvorthy memo¦ry Halyattes his tombe in Ly∣dia.
• * 1.84

  The maydes in Lydia get their ovvne dov••••ye by continuall vvhoredome.
• * 1.85

  The lavves of the people of Lydia.
• * 1.86

  The first coy∣ners of siluer & gold.
• * 1.87

  A famine in Lydiacontinu∣ing the space of 18 yeares.
• * 1.88

  Chesse play, dice, and te••••se deuised by the Lydians.
• * 1.89

  A colonye dravvne & sene into Hetruria
• * 1.90

  The people Tyrrheni in Vmbria sprōg of the Lydians.
• * 1.91

  The genology of the kinges of Media from Deioces to Cyrus.
• * 1.92

  Media held by the Assyrians.
• * 1.93

  The pollicy of of Deioces to get the king∣dome of Me∣dia.
• * 1.94

  Nothingvvin∣••e: heredite so sonne asiustice and vpright dealyng.
• * 1.95

  The buildinge of the famous city Ecbatana.
• * 1.96

  The reason vvhy no man might haue accesse to the king of the Medes.
• * 1.97

  The seuerall countries of Media are these 6. Deioces raig∣ed ••3 yeares. Phrao••••es the 2. King. The Persians made subiect to the Medes by Ph••aortes: restored to their liberty by Cyrus.
• * 1.98

  Phraortes slayne by the Assyrian•• the 22 yeare of his raygne. C••axares 3.
• * 1.99

  The day tur∣ned into night
• * 1.100

  The most aun∣cient temple of Venus.
• * 1.101

  Asia held by the Scythians 28. yeares.
• * 1.102

  Cyaxaresraig∣ned 40. yeares. Astyages 4. vn.
• * 1.103

  der vvhose raygne is con∣teyned the fa∣mous story of Cyrus. The 2. dreams of Astyages conce••ning his daughter.
• * 1.104

  Harpagus de∣liuereth the child to the kinges neat∣heard to lay out in the de∣sert.
• * 1.105

  Mitradates mo¦ued by his vvife laid out a dead child of his ovvne in s••eed of Cyrus.
• * 1.106

  Cyrus brought vp by the gra∣siers vvife.
• * 1.107

  Cyrus descry∣eth his proge∣ni and causeth himselfe to be knovven.
• * 1.108

  Cyrus his bold ansvveare to A∣stiages.
• * 1.109

  Harpagus exa∣mined about Cyrus.
• * 1.110

  Harpagus his sonne slayne &•• dressed in a barket.
• * 1.111

  Harpagus fee∣ding of his ovvne childe.
• * 1.112

  Cyrus by the counsayle of the vvisemen vvas senthome to his parentes
• * 1.113

  Cyrus recei∣ued of his pa∣rentes.
• * 1.114

  The cause of the fable that Cyrus vvas said to be brought vp of a Bytch.
• * 1.115

  Harpagu••con∣uayghed a let∣ter to Cyrus in the belly of an hare.
• * 1.116

  The letter.
• * 1.117

  The deuyce of lying to moue the Persians to rebellion.
• * 1.118

  The Persians rebell.
• * 1.119

  Harpagus lea∣ding the army of the Medes ioyneth his vvhole povver vvith Cyrus a∣gaynst Astya∣ge••.
• * 1.120

  Astyages han∣geth the vvise men for coun∣sayling him to let Cyrus goe.
• * 1.121

  Astyages takē captiue
• * 1.122

  Astyages rayg∣ned 35. yeares.
• * 1.123

  The celebrati∣on of their birth day in Persia.
• * 1.124

  The regard of good maners
• * 1.125

  The maner of their consulta∣tion.
• * 1.126

  The people of Greece offer themselues to Cyrus todoho∣mage.
• * 1.127

  The difference of speach in Io∣nia.
• * 1.128

  Of the cityes of Aeolia
• * 1.129

  The losse of Smyrna.
• * 1.130

  Mazares dyīg; Harpagusvvas made generall in his steed
• * 1.131

  The counsai of Byas to th people of Io∣nia.
• * 1.132

  A discourse the Carians.
• * 1.133

  The people of G••ydus their originall.