[23] But afterwards, intoxicated by my wealth, cajoled by those who begged me to be their leader, tempted by the gifts they showered on me, flattered by all who said that if I would but lead them they would obey me to a man, and that I would be the greatest ruler in all the world, and that all their kings had met together and chosen me for their champion in the war, I undertook the generalship as though I were born to be the monarch of the world, for I did not _know myself_.
[24] I thought myself able to fight against you, you who are sprung from the seed of the gods, born of a royal line, trained in valour and virtue from your youth, while I--I believe that the first of my ancestors to reign won his freedom and his crown on the self-same day.

For this dull ignorance of mine I see I am justly punished.

[25] But now at last, O Cyrus," he cried, "now I _know myself_.

And tell me, do you think the god will still speak truth?
Do you think that, knowing myself, I can be happy now?
I ask you, because you of all men have it in your power to answer best.

Happiness is yours to give." [26] Cyrus answered, "Give me time to deliberate, Croesus.