Kitap 8
4.13
But, asHystaspas asks for the daughter of Gobryas the banquet proceeded, Cyrus put this question to Gobryas: Tell me, Gobryas, said he, would you be more ready to consent now to give your daughter to one of my friends here than you were when first you joined us? Well, answered Gobryas, shall I also tell the truth? Aye, by Zeus, answered Cyrus; surely no question calls for a falsehood. Well, then, he replied, I should consent much more readily now, I assure you. And would you mind telling us why? asked Cyrus. Certainly not. Tell us, then.
4.14
Because, while at that time I saw them bear toils and dangers with cheerfulness, now I see them bear their good fortune with self-control. And to me, Cyrus, it seems harder to find a man who can bear good fortune well than one who can bear misfortune well; for it is the former that engenders arrogance in most men; it is the latter that inspires in all men self-control.
4.15
Hystaspas, did you hear that saying of Gobryas? asked Cyrus.Yes, by Zeus, he answered; and if he has many such things to say, he will find me a suitor for his daughter’s hand much sooner than he would if he should exhibit to me a great number of goblets.
4.16
I promise you, said Gobryas, that I have a great number of such saws written down, and I will not begrudge them to you, if you get my daughter to be your wife. But as to the goblets, said he, inasmuch as you do not seem to appreciate them, I rather think I shall give them to Chrysantas here, since he also has usurped your place at table.
4.17
And what is more, Hystaspas—yes, and youCyrus sets up a matrimonial bureau others here, said Cyrus, if you will let me know whenever any one of you is proposing to marry, you will discover what manner of assistant I, too, shall be to you.
4.18
And if any one has a daughter to give in marriage, said Gobryas, to whom is he to apply? To me, said Cyrus; for I am exceedingly skilled in that art. What art? asked Chrysantas.
