Sweet aroma

       The image is the title page of my essay.  Am I showing off my good grade?  Yes.  But I also am showing you that I did a thorough job of my topic.  It is from twelve sources.  I will share them if you like.  Much of the material came from Jim Hicks, “The Persians”  Time-Life Books, New York, 1975.

       Cyrus’ birth and early life are not known in detail and is mixed with myth and lore – even to stories about his being raised by a wolf.  He was apparently about 17 when he became king of the Persian Empire.

       Although most of the Persians were crude and uneducated, they were wise military men, whose idea of the “good” life was to be conquerors for the pride of their king and their country.  This great king, Cyrus, was especially kind to his captives but stoic on demands of himself.  It is said that he was once advised to move his court to a place where the weather would be more pleasant.  He said he would stay where he was, responding that “Soft hands breed soft men.”  Cyrus with his forces settled on an Iranian plateau which imposed a rigorous life since it was surrounded by a ring of rugged 12,000’ high mountains with a central depression of salt deserts; one of the driest and most uncomfortable regions on earth.  The Persans, however, considered everything about their country to be the best.

       As Cyrus marched through Greek Asia Minor, he was sometimes welcomed but often challenged—always to win by Persian force or Persian gold.  Cyrus had a reputation of being an extremely kind conqueror.  He generally allowed the vanquished government officials to remain in their positions wisely believing that he would win their trust and friendship in that manner.

       Well, Readers, it is not my purpose nor likely your interest to copy too much of my essay, but I want to make note of some ways I think President Trump is like Cyrus.  Remember I wrote this essay almost twenty years ago—long before I knew the President.  So nothing is contrived to say what I want it to say.

       How do I see President Trump as being like Cyrus the Great in ways other than discussed yesterday as a man prepared by God to deliver/protect/help Israel?

1. First point. The two leaders think they have the best country in the world!

2. The two treat foreign leaders and countries with respect and mercy even if stern. Evidence is three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize as well as much criticism because the President is not hard enough; case in point, the North Korean leader.

3. Like Cyrus, DJT makes rigorous demands on himself.

4. Cyrus had a “border” policy. This excerpt after a discussion of a conqueror area—“There he build a series of seven fortresses to ensure his safe border.”

5. I chuckle now as I read about Cyrus’ personality. He is described thus: “Cyrus !! had an appealing personality, wisdom, enthusiastic spirit, guilelessness and physical charm that drew men to him.  He found it easy to raise a powerful military who were loyal to him.” Pres. Trump quickly raised a political force who are loyal to him even though he gets hammered at what is perceived as a lack of wisdom, plus.  😀    One more post on this subject I hope, in which I will discuss the President’s guilelessness.