After finishing his bold speech, the Ethiopian king unstrung the powerful bow and placed it into the hands of the messengers. This act was meant to underline his message to Cambyses. The bow was not only a weapon but also a symbol of strength. By giving it to the messengers, the king showed confidence in his people and challenged the Persians without fear Ephesus Guided Tours.
The messengers accepted the bow and stood ready to answer further questions, as the Ethiopian king now turned his attention to the gifts they had brought.
Questions About the Purple Robe
The king first examined the purple robe. He asked the messengers what kind of object it was and how it had been made. The Ichthyophagi answered honestly. They explained that the robe was dyed purple and described the skill of the craftsmen who produced such rich color.
After hearing this, the king made a sharp remark. He said that the men who brought the robe were deceitful, and that their clothing was deceitful as well. By this, he meant that the robe’s beauty hid the truth, just as the Persians hid their true intentions behind fine words and gifts.
The Gold Chain and Armlets
Next, the Ethiopian king took the gold chain and the armlets into his hands. He asked what purpose they served. The messengers explained that they were ornaments, worn for decoration and to show wealth and status.
At this, the king laughed. He thought the jewelry looked like chains used to bind prisoners. He said that the Ethiopians possessed much stronger chains than these. His laughter suggested that he saw Persian wealth not as something admirable, but as something unnecessary or even foolish The Mission to Ethiopia Begins.
The Myrrh and Its Meaning
The king then examined the alabaster box of myrrh. He asked how it was made and how it was used. The messengers explained that myrrh was a sweet-smelling substance, rubbed on the body to give fragrance.
The king replied with the same words he had used about the robe. Once again, he suggested that such luxuries were meant to deceive the senses rather than serve a true purpose.
Tasting the Persian Wine
Finally, the king turned to the cask of palm wine. He asked how it was made, and after hearing the explanation, he drank a portion of it. He found the drink very pleasing and enjoyed its taste greatly.
Because he liked the wine, he asked the messengers what the Persian king usually ate and how long the Persians lived. They replied that the Persian king ate bread made from wheat. They also said that the longest-lived Persians were known to reach about eighty years of age.
A Comparison of Ways of Life
The Ethiopian king responded with pride and confidence. He said that it did not surprise him that the Persians died so young if they lived on what he called “dirt,” meaning bread made from grain. He believed such food was poor compared to what his own people ate.
However, he added one important point. He admitted that the Persians likely lived as long as they did only because of the wine they drank. In this matter alone, he said, the Persians were superior to the Ethiopians.
This exchange showed the deep differences between Persian and Ethiopian values. The Ethiopian king rejected luxury, mocked Persian wealth, and took pride in the simple strength and long life of his people. His words were not only an answer to Cambyses, but also a strong defense of his own way of life.
