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Thus Cambyses (for so was the Persian called) wedded Mandane, and
took her to his home, after which, in the very first year, Astyages
saw another vision. He fancied that a vine grew from the womb of his
daughter, and overshadowed the whole of Asia. After this dream,
which he submitted also to the interpreters, he sent to Persia and
fetched away Mandane, who was now with child, and was not far from
her time. On her arrival he set a watch over her, intending to
destroy the child to which she should give birth; for the Magian
interpreters had expounded the vision to foreshow that the offspring of
his daughter would reign over Asia in his stead. To guard against
this, Astyages, as soon as Cyrus was born, sent for Harpagus, a
man of his own house and the most faithful of the Medes, to whom he
was wont to entrust all his affairs, and addressed him thus -
"Harpagus, I beseech thee neglect not the business with which I am
about to charge thee; neither betray thou the interests of thy lord for
others' sake, lest thou bring destruction on thine own head at some
future time. Take the child born of Mandane my daughter; carry him
with thee to thy home and slay him there. Then bury him as thou
wilt." "Oh! king," replied the other, "never in time past did
Harpagus disoblige thee in anything, and be sure that through all
future time he will be careful in nothing to offend. If therefore it
be thy will that this thing be done, it is for me to serve thee with
all diligence."
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