Then the king rode nearer and asked Crœsus, “Why do you call on the name of Solon?”
Crœsus was silent at first; but after Cyrus had repeated his question kindly, he told all about Solon’s visit at his palace and what he had said.
The story affected Cyrus deeply. He thought of the words, “No man knows what misfortunes may overtake you, or what misery may be yours in place of all this splendor.” And he wondered if some time he, too, would lose all his power and be helpless in the hands of his enemies.
“After all,” said he, “ought not men to be merciful and kind to those who are in distress? I shall do to Crœsus as I would have others do to me.” And he caused Crœsus to be given his freedom; and ever afterwards treated him as one of his most honored friends.
—James Baldwin.
From “Thirty More Famous Stories,” by permission of the American Book Company.
THE FROST SPIRIT
He comes—he comes—the Frost Spirit comes!—You may trace his footsteps now
On the naked woods and the blasted fields and the brown hill’s withered brow.