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.”

“Though he be head over the house of the women,” answered Nitetis, “surely your wife is bound to obey no other earthly will than yours.  Your slightest look shall be for me a command; but remember that I am a king’s daughter, that in my native land the weaker and the stronger sex have equal rights, and that the same pride reigns in my breast, which I see kindling in your eyes, my lord and king!  My obedience to you, my husband and my ruler, shall be that of a slave, but I can never stoop to sue for the favor, or obey the orders of a venal servant, the most unmanly of his kind!”