Aglaitadas could not help smiling at this comparison; upon which Cyrus, with an air of counterfeited gravity, reproved the person who had spoken, saying that he had corrupted the most sober man in the company by making him smile, and that to disturb such gravity as that of Aglaitadas was carrying the spirit of mirth and merriment altogether too far. * * * * * These specimens will suffice. They serve to give a more distinct idea of the Cyropaedia of Xenophon than any general description could afford. The book is a drama, of which the principal elements are such narratives as the story of Panthea, and such conversations as those contained in this chapter, intermingled with long discussions on the principles of government, and on the discipline and management of armies. The principles and the sentiments which the work inculcates and explains are now of little value, being no longer applicable to the affairs of mankind in the altered circumstances of the present day. The book, however, retains its rank among men on account of a certain beautiful and simple magnificence characterizing the style and language in which it is written, which, however, can not be appreciated except by those who read the narrative in the original tongue. CHAPTER XII. THE DEATH OF CYRUS. B.C. 530 Progress of Cyrus's conquests.--The northern countries.--The Scythians.--Their warlike character.--Cyrus's sons.--His queen.--Selfish views of Cyrus.--Customs of the savages.--Cyrus arrives at the Araxes.--Difficulties of crossing the river.--Embassage from Tomyris.--Warning of Tomyris.--Cyrus calls a council of war.--Opinion of the officers.--Dissent of Croesus.--Speech of Croesus.--His advice to Cyrus.--Cyrus adopts the plan of Croesus.--His reply to Tomyris.--Forebodings of Cyrus.--He appoints Cambyses regent.--Hystaspes.--His son Darius.--Cyrus's dream.--Hystaspes's commission.--Cyrus marches into the queen's country.--Success of the stratagem.--Spargapizes taken prisoner.--Tomyris's concern for her son's safety.--Her conciliatory message.--Mortification of Spargapizes.--Cyrus gives him liberty within the camp.--Death of Spargapizes.--Grief and rage of Tomyris.--The great battle.--Cyrus is defeated and slain.--Tomyris's treatment of Cyrus's body.--Reflections.--Hard-heartedness, selfishness, and cruelty characterize the ambitious.