12
Then they must be very hard up in Heaven, if they have to send all the way to Lydia for their gold supply?
12
Where else is gold to be had in such abundance as with us?
12
Now is any iron found in Lydia?
12
Not much.
12
Ab; so you are lacking in the more valuable metal,
12
More valuable? Iron more valuable than gold?
12
Bear with me, while I ask you a few questions, and I will convince you it is so.
12
Well?
12
Of protector and protégé, which is the better man?
12
The protector, of course.
12
Now in the event of Cyrus’s invading Lydia—there is some talk of it—shall you supply your men with golden swords? or will tron be required on the occasion?
12
Ob, iron.
12
Iron accordingly you must have, or your gold would be led captive into Persia?
12
Blasphemer!
12
Ob, we will hope for the best. But it is clear, on your own admission, that iron is better than gold.
12
And what would you have me do? Recall the gold, and offer the God bars of iron?
12
He has no occasion for iron either. Your offering (be the metal what it may) will fall into other hands than his. It will be snapped up by the Phocians, or the Boeotians, or the God’s own priests; or by some tyrant or robber. Your goldsmiths have no interest for Apollo,
12
You are always having a stab at my wealth. It is all envy!
13
This blunt sincerity is not to the Lydian’s taste. Things are come to a strange pass, he thinks, if a poor man is to hold up his head, and speak his mind in this frank manner! He will remember Solon presently, when the time comes for Cyrus to conduct him in chains to the pyre. I heard Clotho, the other day, reading over the various dooms. Among other things, Croesus was to be led captive by Cyrus, and Cyrus to be murdered by the queen of the Massagetae. There she is: that Scythian woman, riding on a white horse; do you see?
13
Yes.
