from Delphi, he knew them all. And
so I resolved to consult him about my children. [19] At first he would
not so much as answer me, but I sent him many an offering, some of gold
and some of silver, and I propitiated him, as I deemed, by countless
sacrifices, and at last he answered me when I asked him what I must do
that sons might be born to me. He said they should be born. [20] And so
they were; in that he uttered no lie, but they brought me no joy. One
of them was dumb his whole life long, and the noblest perished in the
flower of his youth. And I, crushed by these sorrows, sent again to the
god and asked him how I could live in happiness for the rest of my days,
and he answered:

"'Know thyself, O Croesus, and happiness shall be thine.'

"And when I heard the oracle, I was comforted. [21] I said to myself,
the god has laid the lightest of tasks upon me, and promised me
happiness in return. Some of his neighbours a man may know and others
not: but every one can know himself. [22] So I thought, and in truth so
long as I was at peace I had no fault to find with my lot after my
son's death; but when the Assyrian persuaded me to march against you
I encountered every danger. Yet I was saved, I came to no harm. Once
again, therefore, I have no charge to bring against the god: when I
_knew myself_ incapable of warring against you, he came to my help
and saved mine and me. [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. Happin