Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/340

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310
HEADERTEXT
310

310 HERODOTUS

the emblem distinctly visible. In Ionia also, there are two representations of this prince engraved upon rocks, one on the road from Ephesus to Phocaea, the other between Sardis and Smyrna. In each case the figure is that of a man, four cubits and a span high, with a spear in his right hand and a bow in his left, the rest of his costume being likewise half Egyptian, half Ethiopian. There is an inscription across the breast from shoulder to shoulder in the sacred char- acter of Egypt, which says, " With my own shoulders I conquered this land." The conqueror does not tell who he is, or whence he comes, though elsewhere Se- sostris records these facts. Hence it has been ima- gined by some of those who have seen these forms that they are figures of Memnon ; but such as think so err very widely from the truth.

This Sesostris, the priests went on to say, upon his return home accompanied by vast multitudes of peo- ])le whose countries he had subdued, was received by his brother, whom he had made viceroy of Egypt on his departure, at Daphnae near Pelusium, and invited by him to a banquet, which he attended, together with his sons. Then his brother piled a quantity of wood all round the building, and having so done set it alight. Sesostris, discovering what had happened, took counsel instantly with his wife, who had accom- panied him to the feast, and was advised by her to lay two of their six sons upon the fire, and so make a bridge across the flames, whereby the rest might effect their escape. Sesostris did as she recommended, and thus, while two of his sons were burnt to death, he himself and his other children were saved.

The king then returned to his own land and took vengeance upon his brother, after which he proceeded