TERPSICHORE. 169

with us Persians, whenever we have a public enter­
tainment, to introduce our concubines and young
wives. Since, therefore, you have received us kindly,
and with the rites of hospitality, and have also ac­
knowledged the claims of Darius, in giving him earth
and water, imitate the custom we have mentioned."
" Persians," replied Amyntas, " our manners are very
different, for our women are kept separate from the
men. But since you are our masters, and require it,
what you solicit shall be granted." Amyntas there­
fore sent for the women, who on their coming were
seated opposite to the Persians. The Persians observ­
ing them beautiful, told Amyntas, that he was still
defective: " for it were better," they exclaimed, " that
that they had not come at all, than, on their appearing,
not to suffer them to come near us, but to place them
opposite, as a kind of torment to our eyes." Amyn­
tas, acting thus under compulsion, directed the wo­
men to sit with the Persians. The women obeyed,
and the Persians, warmed by their wine, began to put
their hands to their bosoms, and to kiss them.

XIX. Amyntas observed this indecency with great
vexation, though his awe of the Persians induced him
not to notice it. But his son Alexander, who was also
present, and witnessed their behaviour, being in the
vigour of youth, and hitherto without experience of
calamity, was totally unable to bear it. " Sir," said he
to Amyntas, being much incensed, " your age is a suf­
ficient excuse for your retiring; leave me to preside at
the banquet, and to pay such attention to our guests
as shall be proper and necessary." Amyntas could
not but observe that the warmth of youth prompted
his son to some act of boldness; he accordingly made
him this reply: " I can plainly see your motive for so­
liciting my absence; you desire me to go, that you may
perpetrate somewhat to which your spirit impels you ;
but I must insist upon it, that you do not occasion our
ruin by molesting these men ; suffer their indignities
patiently. I shall however follow your advice, and
retire." With these words, Amyntas left them.

XX. Upon this, Alexander thus addressed the Per-
rians: "You are at liberty, Sirs, to repose yourselvet

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