THE BOY AND THE ROBBERS
In Persia, when Cyrus the Great was king, boys were taught to tell the
truth. This was one of their first lessons at home and at school.
"None but a coward will tell a falsehood," said the father of young
Otanes. [Footnote: Otanes (_pro._ o ta'n ez).]
"Truth is beautiful. Always love it," said his mother.
When Otanes was twelve years old, his parents wished to send him to
a distant city to study in a famous school that was there. It would
be a long journey and a dangerous one. So it was arranged that the boy
should travel with a small company of merchants who were going
to the same place. "Good-by, Otanes! Be always brave and truthful,"
said his father. "Farewell, my child! Love that which is beautiful.
Despise that which is base," said his mother.
The little company began its long journey. Some of the men rode on
camels, some on horses. They went but slowly, for the sun was hot and
the way was rough.
Suddenly, towards evening, a band of robbers swooped down upon them.
The merchants were not fighting men. They could do nothing but give
up all their goods and money.
"Well, boy, what have you got?" asked one of the robbers, as he pulled
Otanes from his horse.
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