The historical library of Diodorus the Sicilian in fifteen books : the first five contain the antiquities of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece, the islands, and Europe : the last ten an historical account of the affairs of the Persians, Grecians, Macedonians and other parts of the world : to which are added the fragments of Diodorus that are found in the Bibliotheca of Photius : together with those publish'd by H. Valesius, L. Rhodomannus, and F. Ursinus / made English by G. Booth ..., Esq.

4. How the Sogdian Noblemen being led forth to be put to Death, were unexpect∣edly preserv'd. Curtius lib. VII. c. 10.

SOme of the Prisoners of the Sogdians of Noble Birth, and Proper Handsome Men were brought before the King; who as soon as they understood by an Interpreter that they were to die, they began to Sing, Skip and Dance as Men transported with joy, using many Lascivious gestures of their Bodies. The King admining the greatness of their Courage, at the approach of Death, commanded them to be brought to him, and as••t them why they were so Excessively m••••y, when Death was even before their Eyes? who

answer'd, that if they had been put to death by any others Command, they should have, been as Sad at the apprehension of death as other Men; but since they were sent out of the World by so great a King as was Conqueror of the World, they Celebrated their hono∣rable death (which all valiant Men wish for) with Songs of Mirth and Jollity, after the Custom and Manner of their Country: The King wondring at their Courage askt them, whether they would not be his Enemies, if he was so kind and generous as to suffer them to live. They answered, they never were his Enemies, but as Invaded, Oppos'd him to de∣fend themselves, and if any made trial of 'em by fair means, and not by Force and Injury, they would lay out themselves to the utmost, that none should exceed 'em in grateful Of∣fices of respect. Then he askt 'em what pledges they would give of Loyalty. They repli'd, their lives which they had receiv'd from him, and which they wou'd give him up again upon his demand. Nor did they sail him by Breach of promise: For they that re∣turn'd into their own Counrey, kept their Countrymen in due Obedience, Four of them which he kept for Squires of his Body, prov'd as true and faithful to the King, as any of the Macedonians.