[31] And now, to come nearest to my own case, suppose some one paid such attention to your Persians that they learnt to follow him instead of you, would you reckon that man your friend?
No; but a worse enemy than if he had slain a thousand.

[32] Or again, say you spoke in all friendship to a friend and bade him take what he wished, and straightway he took all he could lay hands on and carried it off, and so grew rich with your wealth, and you were left in utter poverty, could you say that friend was altogether blameless?
[33] And I, Cyrus, I feel that you have treated me, if not in that way, yet in a way exactly like it.

What you say is true enough: I did allow you to take what you liked and go, and you took the whole of my power and went, leaving me desolate, and to-day you bring the spoil you have won with my forces, and lay it so grandly at my feet--magnificent! And you make my country great through the help of my own might, while I have no part or lot in the performance, but must step in at the end, like a woman, to receive your favours, while in the eyes of all men, not least my faithful subjects yonder, you are the man, and I--I am not fit to wear a crown.

[34] Are these, I ask you, Cyrus, are these the deeds of a benefactor?
Nay, had you been kind as you are kin, above all else you would have been careful not to rob me of my dignity and honour.

What advantage is it to me for my lands to be made broad if I myself am dishonoured?
When I ruled the Medes, I ruled them not because I was stronger than all of them, but because they themselves thought that our race was in all things better than theirs." [35] But while he was still speaking Cyrus broke in on his words, crying: "Uncle of mine, by the heaven above us, if I have ever shown you any kindness, be kind to me now.