“Rise up,” the king commanded; “you also need food and sleep. And in the morning—”
“What in the morning, lord?” cried the prince, now standing.
“In the morning you shall ride at the head of the van. But you have won the right to crave a boon—and ask it, whatsoever you will.”
“My king,”—Darius’s voice was trembling,—“you well know what I would ask.”
Whereupon Cyrus only smiled once more, and lifted his hand as in an oath.
“By the light of Ahura I swear it, that when we have conquered Babylon and plucked Atossa from the dæva’s clutch, you shall ask for her in marriage, and I will not say you nay.”
Three nights later the burghers of Babylon, when they mounted their house roofs, as was their wont in the cool of the evening, saw a light that stilled the bravest boasters. East, west, and north the horizon glowed with a redness which shone ever brighter, ever nearer, till it climbed the heavens. Rising smoke was blotting out the stars. Men spoke together in whispers, as they stared and shuddered at the brightness: “The host of Cyrus. All the country villages are burning. Marduk be praised, the walls are yet strong!”
At next morn the city folk saw a sight yet more terrible. The plains were covered with innumerable black tents and pavilions, and horsemen more than the sands of the sea. The king of the Aryans was at hand, and with him all the might of the far East. Imgur-Bel and Nimitti-Bel were put to proof at last.