Each man possesses the hidden germ in his own heart.

A contented, patient mind, rejoicing much in all that is great and beautiful and yet despising not the day of small things; bearing sorrow without a murmur and sweetening it by calling to remembrance former joy; moderation in all things; a firm trust in the favor of the gods and a conviction that, all things being subject to change, so with us too the worst must pass in due season; all this helps to mature the germ of happiness, and gives us power to smile, where the man undisciplined by fate might yield to despair and fear." Amasis listened attentively, drawing figures the while in the sand with the golden flower on his staff.

At last he spoke: "Verily, Croesus, I the great god, the 'sun of righteousness,' 'the son of Neith,' 'the lord of warlike glory,' as the Egyptians call me, am tempted to envy thee, dethroned and plundered as thou art.

I have been as happy as thou art now.

Once I was known through all Egypt, though only the poor son of a captain, for my light heart, happy temper, fun and high spirits.