father many rich presents, and made him wealthy.  She lived continently all her life, as both the Grecian and Persian women affirm.  On a time a neck-lace was sent as a present to Cyrus from Scopas the younger, which had been sent to Scopas out of Sicily.  The neck-lace was of extraordinary workmanship, and variety.  All therefore to whom Cyrus shewed it admiring it, he was much taken with the jewel, and went immediately to Aspasia, it being about noon, finding her asleep, he lay down gently by her watching quietly while she slept.  As soon as she awaked, and saw Cyrus she embraced him after her usual manner.  He taking the neck-lace out of a box, said, “this is worthy either the daughter or the mother of a King.”  To which she assenting; “I will give it you, said he, for your own use, let me see your neck adorned with it.”  But she received not the gift, prudently and discreetly answering, “How will Parysatis your mother take it, this being a gift fit for her that bare you ? send it to her, Cyrus, I will shew you a neck handsome enough without it.”  Aspasia from the greatness of her mind acted contrary to other royal Queens, who are excessively desirous of rich ornaments.  Cyrus being pleased with this answer, kissed Aspasia.  All these actions and speeches Cyrus writ in a letter which he sent together with the chain to his mother; and Parysatis receiving the present was no less delighted with the news than with the gold, for which she requited Aspasia with great and royal gifts; for this pleased her above all things, that though Aspasia were chiefly affected by her son, yet in the love of Cyrus, she desired to be placed beneath his mother.  Aspasia praised the gifts, but said she had no need of them; (for there was much money sent with the presents) but sent them to Cyrus, saying, “To you who maintain many men this may be useful:  for me it is enough that you love me and are my ornament.”  With these things, as it seemeth she much astonished Cyrus.  And indeed the woman was without dispute admirable for her personal beauty, but much more for the nobleness of her mind.  When Cyrus was slain in the fight against his brother, and his army taken prisoners, with the rest of the prey she was taken, not falling accidentally into the enemies hands, but sought for with much diligence by King Artaxerxes, for he had heard her fame and virtue.  When they brought her bound, he was angry, and cast those that did it into prison.  He commanded that a rich robe should be given her:  which she hearing, intreated with tears and lamentation that she might not put on the garment the King appointed, for she mourned exceedingly for Cyrus.  But when she had put it on, she appeared the fairest of all women, and Artaxerxes was immediately surprised and inflamed with love of her.  He valued her beyond all the rest of his women, respecting her infinitely.  He endeavoured to ingratiate himself into her favour, hoping to make her forget Cyrus, and to love him no less than she had done his brother;