The king's cupbearer, Sarcas, was very much offended because he was
not given a share of the feast. The king also wondered why this man,
who was his favorite, should be so slighted.

"Why didn't you give something to Sarcas?" he asked.

"Well, truly," said Cyrus, "I do not like him. He is proud and
overbearing. He thinks that he makes a fine figure when he waits on
you." "And so he does," said the king. "He is very skillful as a
cupbearer." "That may be so," answered Cyrus, "but if you will let me
be your cupbearer tomorrow, I think I can serve you quite as well."

King Astyages smiled. He saw that Cyrus had a will of his own, and
this pleased him very much.

"I shall be glad to see what you can do," he said. "Tomorrow, you shall
be the king's cupbearer."



III


You would hardly have known the young prince when the time came for
him to appear before his grandfather. He was dressed in the rich
uniform of the cupbearer, and he came forward with much dignity and
grace.

He carried a white napkin upon his arm, and held the cup of wine very