After witnessing many cruel acts, Croesus the Lydian believed it was his duty to speak to King Cambyses. Croesus was no ordinary man. He had once been a powerful king himself and now lived at the Persian court. Because of his age and experience, he felt responsible for warning Cambyses about the dangerous path he was taking.
With respect but firmness, Croesus addressed the young king. He urged Cambyses not to let his youth and fiery temper control his actions. According to Croesus, a wise ruler must always think about the future and consider the results of his decisions. True wisdom, he said, comes from foresight and self-control City Tours Sofia.
A Warning About Cruelty
Croesus reminded Cambyses that he was killing his own people without just cause. He spoke openly about the execution of innocent men and even children. Such acts, Croesus warned, would not be forgotten. If Cambyses continued in this way, the Persians themselves might one day rise up against him in rebellion.
Croesus made it clear that his advice was not meant as an insult. He explained that Cambyses’ father, Cyrus the Great, had personally ordered him to give honest counsel whenever it was needed. Croesus insisted that his words were spoken only out of loyalty and concern for the king’s welfare.
Cambyses’ Angry Reply
Instead of accepting this advice, Cambyses reacted with rage. He accused Croesus of having no right to speak to him. With bitterness, Cambyses reminded Croesus of his past failures. He mocked Croesus for losing his own kingdom and blamed him for giving poor advice to Cyrus Cambyses and the Test of Madness.
Cambyses claimed that Croesus had encouraged Cyrus to cross the Araxes River and fight the Massagetae on their own land. In the king’s eyes, this decision had led to Cyrus’ death. Whether this accusation was fair or not, Cambyses used it as an excuse to justify his hatred. He declared that he had long been searching for a reason to punish Croesus.
An Attempted Execution
Overcome by anger, Cambyses seized his bow and attempted to shoot Croesus. Croesus quickly fled and managed to escape from the king’s sight. Furious at failing to kill him, Cambyses ordered his servants to find Croesus and put him to death.
However, the servants understood their master’s unstable temper. They decided to hide Croesus instead of killing him. Their plan was careful and self-serving. If Cambyses later regretted his command, they could reveal that Croesus was alive and receive a reward. If the king did not change his mind, they could always kill Croesus later.
Regret and Cruel Irony
Not long afterward, Cambyses did indeed regret his order. He asked about Croesus, and the servants told him that the old man was still alive. Cambyses said he was pleased to hear this and glad that Croesus had survived.
Yet his mercy was short-lived and twisted. Turning his anger on the servants instead, Cambyses declared that they would all be put to death for disobeying him. He carried out this sentence without hesitation.
This episode shows the dangerous nature of Cambyses’ rule. Even wise advice, offered in loyalty, was treated as an insult. His anger ruled his actions, leading to cruelty, fear, and injustice. Though Croesus survived, others paid with their lives. The story stands as a warning of how unchecked power and uncontrolled temper can destroy both trust and justice in a kingdom.
