Cambyses,  incited  by  the  ambition  to  extend  his  con-
quests farther  than  had  been  done  by  any  who  had
gone  before  him,  resolved  upon  the  subjugation  of
Ethiopia.  He  sent  ambassadors  into  the  country  with
presents,  whose  real  mission  was  to  act  as  spies.  The
king,  reading  the  purpose  which  lay  bexieath  the  show
of  respect  and  friendship,  bade  the  ambassadors  carry
back  his  bow,  with  the  message  that  when  their  master
could  bend  it  as  easily  as  he  himself  could  he  might
begin  the  war.  Cambyses  was  filled  with  rage.  He
invaded  the  country,  but,  in  attempting  to  lead  his  army
by  a  shorter  route  across  the  desert,  he  was  com-
pelled, after  his  troops  had  endured  the  most  terrible
sufferings,  to  make  an  ignominious  retreat.
