I
Long, long ago, there lived in Persia a little prince whose name was
Cyrus. [Footnote: Cyrus (_pro_. si'rus).]
He was not petted and spoiled like many other princes. Although his
father was a king, Cyrus was brought up like the son of a common man.
He knew how to work with his hands. He ate only the plainest food. He
slept on a hard bed. He learned to endure hunger and cold.
When Cyrus was twelve years old he went with his mother to Media to
visit his grandfather. His grandfather, whose name was Astyages,
[Footnote: Astyages (_pro_. as ti'a jeez).] was king of Media, and very
rich and powerful.
Cyrus was so tall and strong and handsome that his grandfather was
very proud of him. He wished the lad to stay with him in Media. He
therefore gave him many beautiful gifts and everything that could
please a prince. One day King Astyages planned to make a great feast
for the lad. The tables were to be laden with all kinds of food.
There was to be music and dancing; and Cyrus was to invite as many
guests as he chose. The hour for the feast came. Everything was ready.
The servants were there, dressed in fine uniforms. The musicians and
dancers were in their places. But no guests came.
"How is this, my dear boy?" asked the king. "The feast is ready, but
no one has come to partake of it."
"That is because I have not invited any one," said Cyrus." In Persia
we do not have such feasts. If any one is hungry, he eats some bread
and meat, with perhaps a few cresses, and that is the end of it. We
never go to all this trouble and expense of making a fine dinner in
order that our friends may eat what is not good for them."
King Astyages did not know whether to be pleased or displeased.
"Well," said he, "all these rich foods that were prepared for the feast
are yours. What will you do with them?"
"I think I will give them to our friends," said Cyrus.
So he gave one portion to the king's officer who had taught him to
ride. Another portion he gave to an old servant who waited upon his
grandfather. And the rest he divided among the young women who took
care of his mother.