A feeling of intense joy stole into her heart, and before Croesus could answer, she began softly in broken Persian and blushing deeply: "Blessed be the gods, who have caused me to find favor in thine eyes.

I am not ignorant of the speech of my lord, for the noble Croesus has instructed me in the Persian language during our long journey.

Forgive, if my sentences be broken and imperfect; the time was short, and my capacity only that of a poor and simple maiden." [Diodorus tells us that Themistocles learnt the Persian language during the journey to Susa.

We are not, therefore, requiring an impossibility of Nitetis.] A smile passed over the usually serious mouth of Cambyses.

His vanity was flattered by Nitetis' desire to win his approbation, and, accustomed as he was to see women grow up in idleness and ignorance, thinking of nothing but finery and intrigue, her persevering industry seemed to him both wonderful and praise worthy.