It would mean good for myself, I know." [11] "Listen, then," answered Cyrus: "I see that my soldiers have endured much toil and encountered many dangers, and now they are persuaded that they have taken the wealthiest city in all Asia, after Babylon.

I would not have them cheated of their recompense, seeing that if they win nothing by their labour, I know not how I can keep them obedient to me for long.
Yet I am unwilling to give them this city over to plunder.

I believe it would be utterly destroyed, and moreover I know full well that in plunder the worst villains win the most." [12] To this Croesus answered, "Suffer me then to tell what Lydians I please that I have won your promise that the city shall not be sacked, nor their women and children made away with.

[13] I promise you in return that my men will bring you willingly everything that is costly and beautiful in Sardis.

If I can announce such terms, I am certain there is not one treasure belonging to man or woman that will not be yours to-morrow.