Histories

The day before, then, Hyroeades, this Mardian, had seen one of the Lydians come down by this part of the acropolis after a helmet that had fallen down, and fetch it; he took note of this and considered it.

And now he climbed up himself, and other Persians after him. Many ascended, and thus Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis was taken and all the city sacked.

I will now relate what happened to Croesus himself. He had a son, whom I have already mentioned, fine in other respects, but mute. Now in his days of prosperity past Croesus had done all that he could for his son; and besides resorting to other devices he had sent to Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi to inquire of the oracle concerning him.

The Pythian priestess answered him thus:

1. “Lydian, king of many, greatly foolish Croesus,
2. Wish not to hear in the palace the voice often prayed for
3. Of your son speaking.
4. It were better for you that he remain mute as before;
5. For on an unlucky day shall he first speak.”