whom he gave nothing. This officer, besides the post of cup-bearer, had that likewise of introducing those who were to have an audience of the king; and as he did not grant that favour to Cyrus as often as he desired it, he had the misfortune to displease the prince, who took this occasion to show his resentment. Astyagcs testifying some concern at the neglect of (1) this officer, for whom he had a particular regard; and who deserved it, as he said, on account of the wonderful dexterity with which he served him : "Is that all, sir?” replied Cyrus ; "if that be (2) sufficient to merit your favour, you shall see I will quickly obtain it; for I will take upon myself to serve you better than he." Immediately Cyrus, equipped as a cup-bearer, advanced slowly, with a serious countenance, a napkin upon his shoulder, and holding the cup nicely with three of his fingers, he presented it to the king, with a dexterity and grace that charmed both Astyages and his mother Mandane. (1) Some concern at the neglect of, quelque peine de ce qu'il négligeait, de ce qu'il oubliait (2) If that be, si cela est. When us had done, he flung himself upon his grandfather's neck, and kissing him, cried out with great joy: "O Sacras! poor Sacras! thou art undone I shall have thy place." Astyages embraced him with great fondness, and said, "I am mighty well pleased, my son; nobody can serve with a better grace; but you have forgotten one essential ceremony, which is that of tasting." And in fact the cup-bearer was used to pour some of the liquor into his left hand, and to taste it, before he presented it to the king. "No," replied Cyrus; "it was not through (1) forgetfulness that I omitted that cerc mony." "Why then ?" says Astyages; what reason did you omit it ?"—" Because I apprehended there was "Poison, child, how "for poison in the liquor." could you think so?" "Yes, poison, papa: for not long ago (2), at 부 an entertainment you gave to the lords of your court, I perceived all their beads were turned; (1) Through, par. (2) Not long ago, naguère, il n'y a pas longtemps. they sang, made a noise, and talked they did not know what (1); you yourself seemed to have forgotten that you were a king, and they, that they were subjects; and when you wished to dance, you could not stand upon your legs.""Why?" says Astyages, "have you never seen the same thing happen to your father ?"-"No, never," says Cyrus.-"What then! how is it with him when he drinks ?"- "Why! when he has drunk, his thirst is quenched, and that is all." FRIENDSHIP. Poor is the friendless master of a world: YOUNG. 38. When Damon was sentenced by Dionysius (2) the tyrant of Syracuse, to die on a certain day, he begged permission to retire, in the mean (1) To talk one does not know what, ne savoir ce qu'on dit. (2) Dionysius, Denis. time (1) to his own country, to set the affairs of his disconsolate family in order (2). This the tyrant intended most peremptorily to refuse, by (3) granting it, as (4) he conceived, on the impossible condition of procuring some one to remain as hostage for his return, under equal forfeiture of life (5). Pythias heard the condition, and instantly offered himself to be confined ir the place of his friend, and Damon was ac cordingly set at liberty. The king and all his courtiers were astonished at this action, as they could not account for (6) it on (7) any allowed principles.-Self-interest, in their judgment, was the sole mover of human affairs; and they looked (8) on virtue, friendship, (1) Mean time, intervalle. (2) To set in order, arranger, mettre en ordre. (3) By, en. (4) As, à ce que. (5) Under equal forfeiture of life, en engagean sa vie à la place de la sienne. (6) Account for, se rendre raison de. (7) On, d'après. (8) To look on, considérer. benevolence, love of country, and the like (1), as terms invented by the wise to impose upon (2) the weak. They, therefore, imputed this act of Pythias to the extravagance of his folly, to a defect of understanding merely, and nowise to any virtue or good quality of his heart. When the day of execution drew near (3), the tyrant had the curiosity to visit Pythias in his dungeon. Having reproached (4) him for the extravagance of his conduct, and rallied him some time on his madness in presuming that Damon, by his return, would prove (5) as romantic (6) as himself" My lord," said Pythias, with a firm voice and noble aspect, "I would it were (7) possible for me to suffer a thousand deaths, rather (1) And the like, sous-entendez virtues. (3) Drew near, prétérit de to draw near, s'approcher. (4) To reproach (one) for a (thing), reprocher .(une chose) à (quelqu'un). (5) Would prove, conditionnel de to prove, se montrer. (6) Romantic, extravagant. (7) I would it were, je voudrais qu'il fût. |