THE ONE WHO WOULD DIE
In the ancient history of the Middle East, Cyrus was an important king. There is a beautiful and reportedly true story about Cyrus and a rebel chieftain named Caligula. Caligula held some land on the southern border of Cyrus’ kingdom. Cyrus defeated Caligula in battle, and, complying with their rules of war, Caligula and his wife were summoned before King Cyrus to receive the death sentence. Ordinarily the sentence would have been automatic. But Cyrus was impressed by Caligula as he stood before him strong and tall and courageous. So King Cyrus began to question him: “Caligula, what would you do if I spared your life?” Caligula replied, “Sir, I would return to my home with gratitude and remain for the rest of my life your obedient servant.” Then Cyrus said, “And what would you do if I spared your wife?” And Caligula answered, “Oh, Your Majesty, if you would do that, I would gladly die for you.”…
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