Neither the virtue of women nor the innocence of children were a protection to them.

The infant was slain before the very eye of the parent.

The sanctity of the hearth was invaded, and the matron ravished beneath her own roof-tree.

Spoil, it would seem, was disregarded in comparison with insult and vengeance; and the brutal soldiery cared little either for silver or gold, provided they could indulge freely in that thirst for blood which man shares with the hyena and the tiger.
The habits of the Medes in the early part of their career were undoubtedly simple and manly.

It has been observed with justice that the same general features have at all times distinguished the rise and fall of Oriental kingdoms and dynasties.