At last Mithras appeared and shed his light upon the earth; the spirits of the night retired to their dens, and the Magi stirred up the sacred fire which had been carried before the army the whole way from Babylon, until it became a gigantic flame.  They and the king united in feeding it with costly perfumes, Cambyses offered the sacrifice, and, holding the while a golden bowl high in the air, besought the gods to grant him victory and glory.  He then gave the password, “Auramazda, the helper and guide,” and placed himself at the head of his guards, who went into the battle with wreaths on their tiaras.  The Greeks offered their own sacrifices, and shouted with delight on hearing that the omens were auspicious.  Their war-cry was “Hebe.”

Meanwhile the Egyptian priests had begun their day also with prayer and sacrifice, and had then placed their army in order of battle.

Psamtik, now King of Egypt, led the centre.  He was mounted on a golden chariot; the trappings of his horses were of gold and purple, and plumes of ostrich feathers nodded on their proud heads.  He wore the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, and the charioteer who stood at his left hand holding the reins and whip, was descended from one of the noblest Egyptian families.

The Hellenic and Karian mercenaries were to fight at the left of the centre, the horse at the extreme of each wing, and the Egyptian and Ethiopian foot were stationed, six ranks deep, on the right and left of the armed chariots, and Greek mercenaries.

Psamtik drove through the ranks of his army, giving encouraging and friendly words to all the men.  He drew up before the Greek division, and addressed them thus:  “Heroes of Cyprus and Libya! your deeds in arms are well known to me, and I rejoice in the thought of sharing your glory to-day and crowning you with fresh laurels.  Ye have no need to fear, that in the day of victory I shall curtail your liberties.  Malicious tongues have whispered that this is all ye have to expect from me; but I tell you, that if we conquer, fresh favors will be shown to you and your descendants; I shall call you the supporters of my throne.  Ye are fighting to-day, not for me alone, but for the freedom of your own distant homes.  It is easy to perceive that Cambyses, once lord of Egypt, will stretch out his rapacious hand over your beautiful Hellas and its islands.  I need only remind you, that they be between Egypt and your Asiatic brethren who are already groaning under the Persian yoke.  Your acclamations prove that ye agree with me already, but I must ask for a still longer hearing.  It is my duty to tell you who has sold, not only Egypt, but his own country to the King of Persia, in return for immense treasures.  The man’s name is Phanes!  You are angry and inclined to doubt?  I swear to you, that this very Phanes has accepted Cambyses’ gold and promised not only to be his guide to Egypt, but to open the gates of your own Greek cities to him.  He knows the country and