Describe the character of Queen Tomyris.
Related questions
Question
Transcribed Image Text:Describe the character of Queen Tomyris.
At this time the Massagetae were ruled by a queen, named Tomyris, who at the death of her husband,
the late king, had mounted the throne. To her Cyrus sent ambassadors, with instructions to court her
on his part, pretending that he wished to take her to wife. Tomyris, however, aware that it was her
kingdom, and not herself, that he courted, forbade the men to approach. Cyrus, therefore, finding that
he did not advance his designs by this deceit, marched towards the Araxes, and openly displaying his
hostile intentions; set to work to construct a bridge on which his army might cross the river, and began
building towers upon the boats which were to be used in the passage.
While the Persian leader was occupied in these labours, Tomyris sent a herald to him, who said, "King
of the Medes, cease to press this enterprise, for thou canst not know if what thou art doing will be of
real advantage to thee. Be content to rule in peace thy own kingdom, and bear to see us reign over
the countries that are ours to govern. As, however, I know thou wilt not choose to hearken to this
counsel, since there is nothing thou less desirest than peace and quietness, come now, if thou art so
mightily desirous of meeting the Massagetae in arms, leave thy useless toil of bridge-making; let us
retire three days' march from the river bank, and do thou come across with thy soldiers; or, if thou
likest better to give us battle on thy side the stream, retire thyself an equal distance." Cyrus, on this
offer, called together the chiefs of the Persians, and laid the matter before them, requesting them to
advise him what he should do. All the votes were in favour of his letting Tomyris cross the stream, and
giving battle on Persian ground.
When Tomyris heard what had befallen her son and her army, she sent a herald to Cyrus, who thus
addressed the conqueror:-"Thou bloodthirsty Cyrus, pride not thyself on this poor success: it was the
grape-juice - which, when ye drink it, makes you so mad, and as ye swallow it down brings up to
your lips such bold and wicked words - it was this poison wherewith thou didst ensnare my child,
and so overcamest him, not in fair open fight. Now hearken what I
advise, and be sure I advise thee for thy good. Restore my son to me and get thee from the land
unharmed, triumphant over a third part of the host of the Massagetae. Refuse, and I swear by the sun,
the sovereign lord of the Massagetae, bloodthirsty as thou art, I will give thee thy fill of
blood." To the words of this message Cyrus paid no manner of regard. As for Spargapises, the son of
the queen, when the wine went off, and he saw the extent of his calamity, he made request to
Cyrus to release him from his bonds; then, when his prayer was granted, and the fetters were
taken from his limbs, as soon as his hands were free, he destroyed himself.
Tomyris, when she found that Cyrus paid no heed to her advice, collected all the forces of her
kingdom, and gave him battle. Of all the combats in which the barbarians have engaged among
themselves, I reckon this to have been the fiercest. The following, as I understand, was the manner of
it:- First, the two armies stood apart and shot their arrows at each other; then, when their quivers
were empty, they closed and fought hand-to-hand with lances and daggers; and thus they continued
fighting for a length of time, neither choosing to give ground. At length the Massagetae prevailed. The
greater part of the army of the Persians was destroyed and Cyrus himself fell, after reigning nine and
twenty years. Search was made among the slain by order of the queen for the body of Cyrus, and
when it was found she took a skin, and, filling it full of human blood, she dipped the head of Cyrus in
the gore, saying, as she thus insulted the corse, "I live and have conquered thee in fight, and yet by
thee am I ruined, for thou tookest my son with guile; but thus I make good my threat, and give thee
thy fill of blood." Of the many different accounts which are given of the death of Cyrus, this which I
have followed appears to me most worthy of credit.
Expert Solution
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
This is a popular solution!
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps
