each with a garland on his head, performed a solemn sacrifice; and having declared that the gods assured him of certain victory, he dismissed them to take refreshment, to place themselves at the head of their respective squadrons, and to animate the soldiers by their exhortations and cheerful countenance. In the mean time the Assyrian forces, and their allies, defiled from their entrenchments. The king of Assyria himself, assisted by Croesus, the Lydian monarch, ranged the army in order of battle, driving through the ranks in their chariots, they encouraged their officers and men, by their presence and their words. Cyrus, then, in the front of his troops, set forward with rapid pace, and they followed him in admirable order, and full of courage. Before they were arrived within reach of missile weapons, Cyrus gave the war cry, "Jupiter the helper and guide," and ordered the hymn of battle to be raised; in which the soldiers joined, with loud and cheerful voices. The Assyrians who were to fight in chariots, mounted in confusion, and retired hastily to the main body, without waiting to receive the charge of the Persians. The archers and slingers made their discharges too soon, so that they did no execution. Cyrus, unable to restrain his ardour, began to run towards the foe, shouting aloud, "Where are the brave, who follow me? Who will be the first to overthrow an enemy?" These words repeated by those who were nearest to his person, spread from one to another, and quickly became one general outcry. The shock was so violent, that the Assyrians instantly gave

way and fled. The Persians pursued them closely, and killed great numbers, even in the very entrance of their camp. At the same time, the Assyrian cavalry fled before that of the Medes. The victory was complete.

ABRADATES AND PANTHEA.

As his share of the spoils of the Assyrian camp, a magnificent tent, and a woman of uncommon beauty, were allotted to Cyrus. She was the wife of Abradates, king of Susiana, who, when the camp of the Assyrians was taken and pillaged, was gone on an embassy from the Assyrian monarch to the king of Bactriana, to obtain his co-operation in the war. Cyrus committed the care of this interesting female to a young Median lord, named Araspes, who had been his justly esteemed friend from infancy, and of whose integrity and virtue he had the highest opinion. "Have you well considered this princess, whom you entrust to my guardianship," said Araspes." "No, (replied Cyrus,) for I have not even seen her." "But I have seen her, (rejoined Araspes,) and, at first sight, I determined to reserve her for you. When we entered her tent, we did not, at once, distinguish her from her women, in the midst of whom, and clothed like whom, she was seated on the ground. But, upon looking attentively, we soon perceived

the difference between her and the rest, though she was covered with a long veil, and kept her eyes fixed upon the earth. We desired her to rise; and all the others rose at the same instant; and then burst forth upon us, her great superiority of form, gracefulness, and beauty, and an indiscribable majesty of deportment. Take courage, and be consoled, (said the eldest of my companions to her.) We are not ignorant of your being the spouse of a virtuous prince; but know, that you are destined for a prince, who does not yield to him, either in power or virtue.' As soon as she heard these words, she rent her veil, and uttered loud lamentations, accompanied by the cries and tears of all her attendants. During this trouble, we had the opportunity of viewing her more narrowly, and we all agreed, that throughout Asia a woman of more perfect beauty could not be found. But you, yourself, will judge of this, when you behold her at your leisure." Cyrus refused to see her; but commanded Araspes to treat her with all possible respect. The young Satrap, who had boasted of his resolution and self-command, fell before the force of temptation, and behaved in such a manner towards the princess, that she was obliged to complain to Cyrus.

Cyrus would not punish his friend, for a weakness which he bewailed, rather than resented. To remove him from the danger, the noble Persian proposed to Araspes to pretend to escape from his service, to take refuge in Lydia, and to act there as a spy. This proposal he eagerly accepted, hoping to atone for his fault,

by rendering essential service to his benefactor. When Panthea was informed of the flight of Araspes, she sent a message to Cyrus, intreating him not to grieve for his loss, and promising to procure him a friend more faithful, and as useful. By permission of the prince, she wrote to Abradates her husband, informing him of the generous manner in which Cyrus had treated her, and desiring him to show his gratitude by joining his forces to those of the Medes and Persians. As soon as he received the letter, delighted and astonished, he instantly began his march, at the head of two thousand cavalry. When he arrived at the first Persian out-post, he caused Cyrus to be informed that he was there, who ordered him to be conducted to Panthea first, and then to be introduced to him. At this interview, Abradates expressed his thankful acknowledgment of the kindness he had experienced, and devoted himself to the friendship and service of the magnanimous conquereror. Perceiving that Cyrus was pleased with the chariots armed with scythes, he constructed a hundred of those instruments of destruction; dismounted a part of his cavalry to furnish horses; and resolved to lead them himself, in one having four poles, to which were harnessed eight horses abreast. Panthea caused magnificent arms to be made for him privately. The cuirass and helmet were of gold; and the barbs for his steeds were of brass. After having vanquished, or gained over, many nations, who were allies or subjects of Assyria, and braved its monarch before the walls of Babylon, his

capital, Cyrus pursued his enemy into Lydia, whither he had retreated, and there fought the decisive battle which crowned him with glory and dominion. When Abradates, arming himself for this, was about to put on his cuirass, which was made of quilted linen only, agreeably to the custom of his country, Panthea presented to him the armour she had prepared. When he saw the splendid casque of gold, surmounted with a purple plume, he exclaimed, "Hast thou, O Panthea, sold all thy jewels and ornaments to make me this present ?" "No, certainly," replied she, "for if others think of thee as I do, my most precious ornament still remains to me. Thus speaking she drew near, to put on his armour; and though she made every effort to command her emotions, yet large tears trickled down her cheeks. Being completely armed, Abradates took the reins into his hand, and advanced to mount his chariot, which was superbly lined, crying aloud, "Ye Gods, may I this day show myself worthy to be the husband of Panthea, and the friend of Cyrus." He then sprang into the car, and Panthea, being no longer able to embrace him, followed some paces on foot, wishing to kiss the very wheels which were bearing him away. Abradates saw her thus following him, and exclaimed, "Adieu, my dear Panthea; take courage, and now retire."

Her domestics bore her to her chariot, laid her therein at full length, and drew the curtains round her. The spectators had now leisure to admire the noble form of Abradates, and the

H