22.] Hystaspes, the father of Darius, was an old man.

He answered: "It seems to me, that the messengers of this wandering tribe have left us no choice.

We cannot go to war against desert wastes; but as our host is already under arms and our swords have lain long in their scabbards, war we must have.

We only want a few good enemies, and I know no easier work than to make them." At these words the Persians broke into loud shouts of delight; but Croesus only waited till the noise had ceased to say: "Hystaspes, you and I are both old men; but you are a thorough Persian and fancy you can only be happy in battle and bloodshed.

You are now obliged to lean for support on the staff, which used to be the badge of your rank as commander, and yet you speak like a hot-blooded boy.