THALIA. 13

MM, are reported to be superior to all other men. in
the perfections of size and beauty: their manners and
customs, which differ also from those of all other na­
tions, have, besides, this singular distinction; the
supreme authority is given to him who excels all his
fellow-citizens in size and proportionable strength.

XXI. The Ichthyophagi on their arrival offered the
presents, and thus addressed the king: " Cambyses,
"sovereign of Persia, from his anxious desire of be-
"coming your friend and ally, has sent us to commu­
nicate with you, and to desire your acceptance of

* these presents, from the use of which he himself de-
" rives the greatest pleasure." The Ethiopian prince,
who was aware of the object they had in view, made
them this answer:—" The king of Persia has not sent
"you with these presents, from any desire of obtain-
" ing my alliance; neither do you speak the truth,
H who, to facilitate the unjust designs of your master,
" are come to examine the state of my dominions: if
"he were influenced by principles of integrity, he
" would be satisfied with his own, and not covet the
" possessions of another; nor would he attempt to

* reduce those to servitude from whom he has re­
ceived no injury. Give him therefore this bow,
" and in my name speak to him thus: The king of
" Ethiopia sends this counsel to the king of Persia—
" when his subjects shall be able to bend this bow with

* the same ease that I do, then with a superiority of
" numbers he may venture to attack the Macrobian
" Ethiopians. In the mean time let him be thankful
" to the gods, that the Ethiopians have not been in­
spired with the same ambitious views of extending
«their possessions."

XXII. When he had finished, he unbent the bow,
and placed it in their hands; after which, taking the
purple vest, he inquired what it was, and how it was
made: the Ichthyophagi properly explained to him
the process by which the purple tincture was commu­
nicated ; but he told them that they and their vests were
alike deceitful. He then made similar inquiries con­
cerning the bracelets and the gold chains for the neck:
upon their describing the nature of those ornaments,

B