a council of war, and appeared at table in
the royal robes instead of his mourning garments. You can fancy what
universal joy the idea of a war with Egypt excited. Even Croesus, who
you know is one of Amasis' well-wishers, and advises peace whenever
it is possible, had not a word to say against it. The next morning, as
usual, what had been resolved on in intoxication was reconsidered
by sober heads; after several opinions had been given, Phanes asked
permission to speak, and spoke I should think for an hour. But how well!
It was as if every word he said came direct from the gods. He has learnt
our language in a wonderfully short time, but it flowed from his lips
like honey. Sometimes he drew tears from every eye, at others excited
stormy shouts of joy, and then wild bursts of rage. His gestures were
as graceful as those of a dancing-girl, but at the same time manly and
dignified. I can't repeat his speech; my poor words, by the side of his,
would sound like the rattle of a drum after a peal of thunder. But when
at last, inspired and carried away by his eloquence, we had unanimously
decided on war, he began to speak once more on the best ways and means
of prosecuting it successfully."

Here Darius was obliged to stop, as Zopyrus had fallen on his neck in an
ecstasy of delight. Bartja, Gyges and Oroetes were not less delighted,
and they all begged him to go on with his tale.

"Our army," began Darius afresh, "ought to be at the boundaries of Egypt
by the month Farwardin, (March) as the inundation of the Nile, which
would hinder the march of our infantry, begins in Murdad (July). Phanes
is now on his way to the Arabians to secure their assistance; in hopes
that these sons of the desert may furnish our army with water and guides
through their dry and thirsty land. He will also endeavor to win the
rich island of Cyprus, which he once conquered for Amasis, over to our
side. As it was through his mediation that the kings of the island were
allowed to retain their crowns, they will be willing to listen to his
advice. In short the Athenian leaves nothing uncared for, and knows
every road and path as if he were the sun himself He showed us a picture
of the world on a plate of copper."

Oroetes nodded and said, "I have such a picture of the world too. A
Milesian named Hekataeus, who spends his life in travelling, drew it,
and gave it me in exchange for a free-pass."

[Hekataeus of Miletus maybe called "the father of geograp