The Persians in their battles with the Scythians brought with
them from Europe in their train a great number of asses, as
beasts of burden, to transport the tents and the baggage of
the army. These asses were accustomed in times of excitement
and danger to set up a very terrific braying. It was, in fact,
all that they could do. And it was effective, for the Scythian
horses in their troops of cavalry, who would have faced spears
and javelins and the loudest shouts and vociferations of human
adversaries without fear, were appalled and put to flight at
hearing the unearthly noises which issued from the Persian camp
whenever they approached it. The battle was won by the braying
of asses.
Any political campaign might stand as a testimony of the power of
vociferation. But the really important issues of the world are never
decided by the braying of asses.
(3410)
=Voice=--See AUDIENCE, INSPIRATION FROM.