Histories

they brought it about that there should be a sworn agreement and a compact of marriage between them: they judged that Alyattes should give his daughter Aryenis to Astyages, son of Cyaxares; for without strong constraint agreements will not keep their force.

These nations make sworn compacts as do the Greeks; and besides, when they cut the skin of their arms, they lick each other's blood.

Cyrus had subjugated this Astyages, then, Cyrus' own mother's father, for the reason which I shall presently disclose.

Having this reason to quarrel with Cyrus, Croesus sent to ask the oracles if he should march against the Persians; and when a deceptive answer came he thought it to be favorable to him, and so led his army into the Persian territory.