Cyrus

by

Theseustoo

Chapter 16, Part 2

Of all the Greek city-states, Boeotia alone thought to send ambassadors to the court of Cyrus to attempt to negotiate a peaceful treaty with him, which would allow trade to continue peacefully, as it always had between Boeotia and the newly-captured country of Lydia. Cyrus had accepted the embassy in friendship and in good faith. He personally thought it was a pity Aeolia and Ionia had not rebelled against Croesus as he had earlier demanded of them; for in truth he felt that trade with these nations was infinitely preferable to war with them.

Miletus had more than willingly accepted a treaty on the same terms exactly as those Cyrus had demanded of Aeolia and Ionia and now enjoyed increased trade and wealth as a result. He really had no intention of carrying out his threats; he had just wanted to make the Greeks sweat for a while before he finally granted them the alliances they sought, with perhaps a slightly increased rate of tribute; but Cyrus was always willing to negotiate.

And of course, now that Cyrus had conquered Sardis and her neighbouring Asian Greek cities, this gave him access to their trade routes, which would now allow Cyrus’ Medes and Persians to import an endless variety of Greek goods, such as wine, olive oil, and many other famous delicacies. It was with this in mind that Cyrus turned to the ambassador and asked, “I hear that Boeotia is famous for its eels… are they really as delicious as they say?”

The question was indeed innocent enough, for Cyrus did not realize that although it was indeed true that Boeotian eels were a very tasty delicacy, they were also used locally as a metaphor for a certain part of the male anatomy; and thus the eating of them was frequently used as a metaphor for certain sexual practices of which Cyrus was completely unaware.

The ambassador however, realizing that Cyrus was quite evidently ignorant of his accidental double-entendre, tactfully said nothing, contenting himself merely with exchanging a meaningful glance with his fellow Boeotians who both smiled stiffly as they tried hard to restrain their nervous amusement, while their ambassador replied, even more nervously,

“Hehehe… er… Yes your majesty; I can honestly say…“

Just at that moment, however, he was saved from further embarrassment by a sudden loud disturbance in the throne-room’s ante-chamber. The imposing figure of a tall and well-muscled Spartan suddenly burst into Cyrus’ throne-room, ignoring the still-protesting Lydian guards as they followed him in from the ante-chamber; still trying vainly to prevent the intruder from interrupting their king’s meeting. Cyrus noticed immediately that both guards, to their credit he thought, now sported serious black eyes; and through the open doors he also noticed their broken spears; this man was evidently not one to be trifled with.

The household guards, who stood on duty in this and all of his official chambers; posted at regular intervals around their walls; instantly moved forward and presented arms, thereby surrounding the intruder with a ring of spear-points; holding him at bay while they awaited further orders from their king. The intruder’s aging and well-worn scarlet cloak was thrown back over both his shoulders as he held up both of his hands to show that he was unarmed. Cyrus immediately recognized that although he carried no arms; he was obviously a very determined man with a very specific purpose. Since he had come unarmed he was obviously no assassin. The least he could do, Cyrus thought, was to listen to what this bold fellow had to say. With a gesture he ordered the guards to return to their posts as Lacrines started to speak:

“Cyrus, my name is Lacrines” the Spartan said grimly, “I am sent by the Lacedaemonians to give you this warning: Sparta prohibits you from turning your imperial ambitions on any Greek cities,” here he paused briefly for maximum effect before continuing emphatically “whether on the Peloponnese or here in Asia; Ionia and Aeolia must not be molested!”

Cyrus was astonished by the man’s rudeness. This man, he thought, must be afraid of nothing in the world if he could speak like that to him, the king of what had now become the greatest empire the world had ever known. Yet such a bold and deliberate display of bravado intrigued Cyrus; arousing his curiosity more than his anger. He turned to the Boeotian ambassador with whom he had just been speaking before Lacrines had so rudely interrupted them:

“Who are these Lacedaemonians?” he asked, “And what is their number that they dare to send me such a notice?”

The ambassador was immensely relieved that he was no longer required to give his personal opinion on the gourmet qualities of Boeotian eels, metaphorical or otherwise. Where he had been verging on hysteria just a moment before, now the ambassador’s face took on an almost unnatural gravity, as he soberly answered Cyrus’ query:

“Lord, the Lacedaemonians are the very toughest of all the Spartans; and the Spartans are by far the bravest and most valorous warriors in all Hellas. And though their numbers do not exceed ten thousand, it is said that the only walls their cities require are the spears of their young men!”

Cyrus raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had not been expecting their numbers to be quite so low; less than ten thousand men! And yet the ambassador had said their cities needed no walls, only the spears of their young men; these must be fierce warriors indeed. But Cyrus was determined not to allow himself to appear intimidated by anyone; not even this Lacedaemonian! He took a few steps forward, to stand directly in front of the intruding Spartan as, looking him levelly in the eye, the king said:

“I have never yet been afraid of any men who have a set place in the middle of their city where they come together to cheat each other and forswear themselves… If I live, the Spartans shall have troubles enough of their own to talk about, without concerning themselves with the Ionians.”

Though he was angered by the unfortunate reference to what he knew were common practices in virtually all Greek marketplaces, Lacrines restrained himself; refusing to allow his attention to be diverted from his mission by rising to the bait. Nevertheless he instantly recognized this manner of straight-talking from a fellow warrior who clearly would not be cowed; attempting to push him would do no good. Lacrines immediately realized that Cyrus was not going to be scared or intimidated into postponing whatever plans he had for the Asian Greek cities.

If Cyrus decided to postpone the attack, Lacrines realized it would not be out of fear of Sparta, but perhaps he might do so out of respect for her. Cyrus had not even indicated what his plans were; perhaps he didn’t even have any, Lacrines realized, feeling suddenly a little foolish; in which case, he decided, there was nothing at all to be gained by demanding what they were; and in any case, to do so now would seem weak. His ultimatum delivered; there was nothing more for him to do here. Of course, Lacrines thought to himself as he turned on his heels and left, Cyrus has to maintain a cool front; only time will tell whether or not my mission here has been successful.

***   *****   ***