“Have care!” roared Cambyses. “To the guard-house you go to-day and thence to the kitchen as scullion!”
The man prostrated himself and prayed for pardon. Royalty made no sign and he withdrew. Another came to take his place. After the bath, the King’s hair was combed, curled, and perfumed. The royal barber trimmed his whiskers deftly and carefully waxed them. Then he was arrayed in fine linen and purple. His breakfast was brought into the room, and he sat down to eat. He then sent a page to summon Prexaspes. The latter, elegantly dressed and well groomed as usual, soon appeared and, bending till his hands touched the floor, saluted.
“May the King live forever!”
In obedience to a wave of the King’s hand, the servants disappeared.
“See that none stand near the door! Let the guard move away to the outer room!” commanded the King.
Prexaspes saw that the orders were obeyed. Then, resuming his deferential attitude before his royal master, with bowed head, eyes to the floor, and hands crossed before him, he awaited the royal pleasure. The King, having eaten in silence some minutes, pushed away the remainder of the food.
“Prexaspes,” he said truculently, “I know you! I know you are faithful to me because you hope to win power and not because you love me. So be it! Royal place you cannot have owing to the accident of birth, but royal power you may win if you will. Are you ready to carry out all my wishes or must I seek another?”
He paused. Prexaspes raised his eyes and noted his master’s expression.
“Royal master,” he said quietly, “you read men with the eye of God! It is true I love power and riches and I know that both may be given me by you and none other. I am your slave to command.”
“Well said! I, who am descended from Jemshid and Kaiomurs, from Achæmenius and Cyrus, am able to make you great. Just as there may be one God in heaven, so I am the one God on earth. There is but one family fitted to rule the earth and that is mine. Is it not so?”