Now, Cyrus, the great Persian king, thought he would like to own this rich country of Lydia with all its gold-mines, so he set out to conquer it.
When Cyrus was on the way Crœsus sent in a hurry to the oracle in Greece to ask what was going to happen and who was going to win. You will remember what I said about the oracle at Delphi and how people used to ask the oracle questions—to have their fortunes told, as nowadays some people ask the ouija board.
The oracle replied to Crœsus’ question:
“A great kingdom shall fall.”
Crœsus was delighted, for he thought the oracle meant that Cyrus’ kingdom would fall. The oracle was right, but not in the way Crœsus had thought.
A great kingdom did fall, but it was his own kingdom of Lydia and not Cyrus’ that fell.
But Cyrus was still not satisfied with the capture of Lydia, and so at last he attacked Babylon.
Now, the people in Babylon who thought of nothing but pleasure were busy feasting and drinking and having a good time. Why should they worry about Cyrus? Their city had walls that were so high and thick and was protected by such strong gates of brass that it seemed as if no one could possibly have captured it.
Delphic Oracle.