Cyrupædia The institution and life of Cyrus, the first of that name, King of Persians. Eight bookes. Treating of noble education, of princely exercises, military discipline, vvarlike stratagems, preparations and expeditions: as appeareth by the contents before the beginning of the first booke. Written in Greeke by the sage Xenophon. Translated out of Greeke into English, and conferred with the Latine and French translations, by Philemon Holland of the city of Coventry Doctor in Physick. Dedicated to his most excellent Maiesty.

CHAP. VI.

By what meanes Cyrus graced and honoured his friends. The marriage of Gobryas his daughter, with Hystaspas one of Cyrus his Grand-Seigneurs.

AFTER that Cyrus had sacrificed, he made a feast for joy of his late victo∣rie, and thereto invited those friends, that openly had shewed their for∣wardnesse to advance his State most, and their willing minds to do him greatest honour. To whom he adjoyned Artabazus the Median, Tigranes the Armenian, the Hyrcanian Commaunder of the Cavallery, and Gobryas. As for Gadatas he became* 1.1 Ruler under him of the Scepter-bearers: and according to his direction, all the house-keeping of Cyrus was ordered. And when there were any at supper with Cyrus, Gadatas did not so much as sit downe, but tooke the charge of all, and waited: But if no guest were there, himselfe supped with him: For he tooke delight in his presence and company. In regard of which affecti∣on and diligence of his, he was highly esteemed of Cyrus, and of others in the Court likewise for Cyrus his sake. When guests invited to supper came, Cyrus placed them not one with another hand over head without respect: but whom he vouchsafed most honour, him did he set on his left hand, because the same hand is more exposed to daunger of wait-laying that the right: the second in dignity he placed on the right hand, the third againe on the left hand, and the fourth on the right. If there were any more, he marshalled them in the same order. And he thought it very expedient, to declare how he honoured each one. For, where men suppose, that he who surpasseth others in worthinesse shall receive neither praise nor prize, evident it is, that there is no emulation among them, who shall excell. But where the best is seene to be in the highest place and to have the precedency of the rest, there doe they all with exceeding ala∣crity enter into open strife and contention. And Cyrus verily after this manner shewed who were of greatest authority and reputation with him, beginning first with the order of their sitting with him and standing about him. Howbeit he would not that any man should challenge that place then assigned as his owne for ever: but he brought up this custome as a law, that according to their good and vertuous deeds, they should be advanced to an higher degree of honour, and as any one demeaned himself more basely, he should come down to a lower place. For, Cyrus thought it would redound greatly to his owne shame, in case any person promoted to the highest roome in sitting, should not be seene abroad for to enjoy many ornaments and favours by him. And as in Cyrus time these matters were thus carried, so in these daies, we understand the same order hol∣deth still. When they were at supper, Gobryas thought it no wonderous matter, that every thing was served up unto Cyrus in so great plenty, being a Prince so puissant, and the Ruler over so many: but he mervailed rather at this, that having afchieved so great exploits, if any toothsome and deinty cates came before him, he would not enjoy the pleasure thereof alone, but take the paines even to in∣treat his friends about him, for to receive part thereof. Nay, he saw him ma∣ny a time, to send unto some that were absent, such deinties as haply he had a speciall mind unto himselfe. Whereby it came to passe, that after they had

supped themselves, Cyrus would send from the very table one way or other, all the dishes as many as they were, whereat Gobryas, I was of opinion heretofor••, quoth he ô Cyrus, that you surmounted all other men in military affaires and in leading an armie: but now I protest and sweare by the Gods, that in my con∣ceit you excell farre more in humanity than in martiall prowesse. So it is in truth quoth Cyrus, and verily a greater pleasure it is unto me, for to shew the deeds of courtesie than of chivalrie. And how so? quoth Gobryas: because, saith Cyrus, these must of necessity be seene in doing hurt unto men, the other in do∣ing them good. After this, when they had drunke moderately, Hystaspas pro∣pounded this question unto Cyrus and said, Sir, will you not be offended with me, if I aske you that which I desire to know? No verily, quoth Cyrus, but contrariwise I would be displeased with you, if you kept that in which you were minded to aske. Tell me then I pray you quoth he, whether at any time I came not to you when you called for me? Oh quoth Cyrus, no more of that, let us have no such words. Nay, but was I any whit slacke, said Hystaspas in com∣ming to you? No, neither quoth Cyrus, Commaunded you me at any time, that which I performed not accordingly? I can find no fault with you answered Cy∣rus. And whatsoever I did, could you ever perceive me to doe it not cheere∣fully, nor with delight and pleasure? No I assure you quoth Cyrus, For, herein of all other I can least find fault with you. What is it then, For the love of God quoth he, and wherein hath Chrysantas so prevailed with you, that hee should be preferred to a more honourable place than my selfe? Shall I tell you the reason saith Cyrus? what else, quoth Hystaspas? And will not you be angry, quoth Cyrus when you heare the truth? No verily saith Hystaspas, but rather very glad will I be, if I may know that I am not wronged. Goe to then, saith Cyrus, you shall understand, This Chrysantas here, first and formost, never ex∣pected untill I sent for him: but was alwaies present to attend and follow our affaires before he was called. Againe, he did not that onely which he was bid∣den, but whatsoever himselfe knew expedient for us to be done, that did he. Moreover, if at any time a matter was to be delivered by speech unto our Allies and Confederates, whatsoever he thought decent for me to say, therto he would advise me: But whatever he perceived, I was desirous that our Associats should know, but yet upon a bashfull modesty, loth my selfe to utter unto them, hee would declare the same in such termes, as if it had beene his owne opinion▪ So that in these cases, what can be alleadged to the contrary, but that he is more carefull for my good and commodity, than mine owne selfe. Furthermore, this is his saying that he stands alwaies contented with his present fortune as suffici∣ent for him, but for me he sheweth himselfe provident and forecasting in my behalfe, what good I may have by any thing added to my estate. To conclude, in my welfare, he taketh more joy and pleasure, than I doe my selfe. At these words, Hystaspas said, Now so love me, Lady Iuno, as it doth me good at the very heart, that I demaunded those questions of you. And why so especially•• I pray, quoth Cyrus: because saith he, I will endeavour what I can, to doe the same. But for one thing, I know not what to doe: namely, how, and in what sort I might shew my affection, when I rejoyce in your good fortune and wel∣fare? Whether I must clap my hands, or laugh, or what else I should do? Here∣at Artabazus, you ought then, quoth he, to daunce the Persian daunce. At which they all laughed a good. Now as the banquet went on still and they began to

drinke more liberally, Cyrus demaunded of Gobryas. Tell me, Gobryas, whe∣ther are you more willing now, to bestow your daughter in marriage upon one of these Gentlemen, than at your first acquaintance with us? And will you give me also leave quoth Gobryas to say a truth? Yea verily, saith Cyrus, For no que∣stion needs to be answered with a lye. Why then, saith Gobryas, know for cer∣taine, That much more willing I am now, than heretofore. And can you render a reason why? quoth Cyrus. Yea that I can answered Gobryas. Say on then quoth Cyrus. Because quoth he I saw them as then, to endure both paines and perils willingly, but now I perceive they can beare prosperity wisely, and with mo∣deration. And truely, ô Cyrus in my conceit, it is an harder matter to find a man to beare well the favouring, than to brooke the frowning of fortune. For, of the one may grow pride and insolency in many: but the other breedeth mo∣desty and temperance in all. How now Hystaspas, saith Cyrus, have you heard what an Apophthegme Gobryas hath delivered? Yes that I have quoth Hysta∣spas. And if he come out with many such sentences, he shall have me sooner to become a suiter unto his daughter, than if he shewed me many drinking cups. And I assure you saith Gobryas, Many of these and such like sayings of his, I have put in writing: of which I will not envy you the having, in case you es∣pouse my daughter. As for drinking cups, because me thinks you set no store by them, I wote not whether you should doe well to bestow them upon this Chrysantas here, because he hath stolen your seat from you. Then Cyrus, Certes Hystaspas and yee my friends here present, If yee tell me when any one of you will in hand with marriage, yee shall see in what good stead I also will stand you, in your wooing. Then Gobryas, If a man would marry forth his daughter, whom should he acquaint with that businesse? Whom but me! quoth Cyrus? For I am passing good at such a feat. What feat is that? quoth Chrysantas: even the skill to know what marriage is meet for each person. Then, for the love of God quoth Chrysantas, Tell me what kind of wife will best fit me, & be most sutable to my person? First, quoth Cyrus, a little woman; because you are but little your selfe. For if you should match with one of stature tall, you must bee faine to leap up to her, (as these little dogs doe) whensoever you would kisse her upright. In good faith quoth Chrysantas, very well considered of you, For I am nothing made at all for leaping. Then, quoth Cyrus, A woman with a flat nose were very meet for you. And why so, saith Chrysantas: because, quoth he, your selfe are* 1.2 hooke-nosed. For, you know very well, that flat noses and hooked, will couch and close best togither. Say you then, quoth Chrysantas, That when one hath supped well, as I now have▪ a wife that goeth supperlesse to bed, were meet to lye with him? yes verily quoth Cyrus. For they that are full, have round and copped bellies, but their bellies be flat that are empty, and have not had their suppers. But can you tell me for Gods sake, Cyrus, what manner of wife is good for a cold King? Herewith Cyrus laughed and so did the rest. And as they were altogither set a laughing, In this one point verily quoth Chrysantas I envie you especially, in your royall estate: And, what is that saith Cyrus, because quoth he being as you are so cold and dry your selfe, yet you can make us all to laugh. And would not you quoth Cyrus give a great deale, to have these things told you, and report made unto her of whom you desire to be so highly esteemed, that you are pleasantly conceited? Thus passed they the time skoffing and jesting merrily one with another. Then Cyrus

brought forth a sute of womans apparaile and ornaments thereto for Tigranes, which he willed him to give unto his wife, because she had borne her selfe man∣ly in this expedition, with her husband. To Artabazus he gave a cup of gold, and to the Hyrcanian Captaine a Courser, with many other faire and rich gifts. As for you, Gobryas, I will bestow upon you an husband for your daughter. Then, me you will give I trow quoth Hystaspas, that I may have those written sentences of his. Why, quoth Cyrus, have you any estate of your owne, answe∣rable to the dowry of the Damoisell? Yea, that I have quoth he, God be thank∣ed, and the same worth much more money. And where I pray you lyeth that wealth of yours? Even there, quoth Hystaspas, (pointing to Cyrus) where you sit that are my friend. And that is enough said Gobryas to content me. And therewith presently he raught forth his hand and said, Give me him Cyrus, for I am ready to receive him. Then Cyrus taking Hystaspas by the right hand, gave him unto Gobryas, who received him accordingly. After this, he bestowed up∣on Hystaspas many goodly gifts, to send unto the young Lady his spouse: and withall, taking Chrysantas close unto him, he kissed him. Then Artabazus, As Iupiter me helpe ô Cyrus quoth he, that cup which you gave unto me, and the gift which you bestowed upon Chrysantas, be not both of the same gold. But I will quoth Cyrus give you the like. And when? asked he: Thirty yeeres hence quoth Cyrus. See then quoth he, you order the matter so, and provide against that time; as from whom I will expect so much, and not dye in the meane while. Thus for that present, ended their feast and merry meeting. When they were risen, Cyrus also arose and accompanied them to the very gates.

Notes

• * 1.1

  or, Captaine.
• * 1.2

  or, Hawke∣••osed.