II
The king's cupbearer, Sarcas, was very much offended because he was not given a share of the feast. The king also wondered why this man, who was his favorite, should be so slighted.
"Why didn't you give something to Sarcas?" he asked.
"Well, truly," said Cyrus, "I do not like him. He is proud and overbearing. He thinks that he makes a fine figure when he waits on you." "And so he does," said the king. "He is very skillful as a cupbearer." "That may be so," answered Cyrus, "but if you will let me be your cupbearer tomorrow, I think I can serve you quite as well."
King Astyages smiled. He saw that Cyrus had a will of his own, and this pleased him very much.
"I shall be glad to see what you can do," he said. "Tomorrow, you shall be the king's cupbearer."