He sprang from his horse, an example which was followed at once by his entire suite.  The attendants, with the speed of thought, spread a rich purple carpet on the highway, lest the foot of the king should come in contact with the dust of the earth, and then Cambyses proceeded to salute his friends and relations by offering them his mouth to kiss.

He shook Croesus by the right hand, commanding him to remount and accompany him to the carriage, as interpreter between himself and Nitetis.

In an instant his highest office-bearers were at hand to lift the king once more on to his horse, and at a single nod from their lord, the train was again in motion.

Cambyses and Croesus rode by the side of the carriage.

“She is beautiful, and pleases me well,” began the king.  “Interpret faithfully all her answers, for I understand only the Persian, Assyrian and Median tongues.”

Nitetis caught and understood these words.  A feeling of intense joy stole into her heart, and before Croesus could answer, she began softly in broken Persian and blushing deeply:  “Blessed be the gods, who have caused me to find favor in thine eyes.  I am not ignorant of the speech of my lord, for the noble Croesus has instructed me in the Persian language during our long journey.  Forgive, if my sentences be broken and imperfect; the time was short, and my capacity only that of a poor and simple maiden.”

     [Diodorus tells us that Themistocles learnt the Persian language
     during the journey to Susa.  We are not, therefore, requiring an
     impossibility of Nitetis.]

A smile passed over the usually serious mouth of Cambyses.  His vanity was flattered by Nitetis’ desire to win his approbation, and, accustomed as he was to see women grow up in idleness and ignorance, thinking of nothing but finery and intrigue, her persevering industry seemed to him both wonderful and praise worthy.  So he answered with evident satisfaction:  “I rejoice that we can speak without an interpreter.  Persevere in learning the beautiful language of my forefathers.  Croesus, who sits at my table, shall still remain your instructor.”

“Your command confers happiness!” exclaimed the old man.  “No more eager or thankful pupil could be found, than the daughter of Amasis.”

“She justifies the ancient report of the wisdom of Egypt,” answered the king, “and I can believe that she will quickly understand and receive into her soul the religious instructions of our Magi.”

Nitetis dropped her earnest gaze.  Her fears were being realized.  She would be compelled to serve strange gods.

But her emotion passed unnoticed by Cambyses, who went on speaking:  “My mother Kassandane will tell you the duties expected from my wives.  To-morrow I myself will lead you to her.  The words, which you innocently chanced to hear, I now repeat; you please me well.  Do nothing to alienate my affection.  We will try to make our country agreeable, and, as your friend, I counsel you to treat Boges whom I sent as my forerunner, in a kind and friendly manner.  As head over the house of the women, you will have to conform to his will in many things.”