A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Aspasia (2)
ASPASIA, or MILTO, Mistress of Cyrus. Born about 421 Years B. C. of free Parents, at Phocis, in Ionia,
Was brought up virtuously, though in poverty, and being very beautiful, with the singularity of fine light hair, naturally curling, attracted the notice of one of the satraps of Cyrus the younger, who forced her father to deliver her, against her consent, to him, for the seraglio of this prince. She was presented to Cyrus, with some others trained to please; but her modesty, dignity and grief, so affected him, that he applied himself seriously to gain her affections; equality was established between them; and their union, the fame of which was spread all over Greece, and even in Persia, was esteemed a marriage. In effect, the regularity of her manners and conduct, and the respect he paid to her understanding, by consulting her on the most important affairs (a confidence which he had never cause to repent) gave her all the consideration of a wife. Cyrus afterwards made her quit the name of Milto, which she had till then borne, and take that which Aspasia of Miletus by her wit and beauty had rendered so celebrated. A rich chain of gold being sent to him, of curious workmanship, he presented it to Aspasia, saying, 'it was worthy the wife or daughter of a king;' but she refusing it, advised him to send it to Parisatis, whose favourite son he was, who was so well pleased with her moderation, that she returned her many grand presents, and a large sum of gold—all of which Aspasia delivered to Cyrus, after praising the generosity of his mother. "It may be of service to you," said she, "who are my riches and my ornament." She availed herself only of the change in her fortune to rescue her father from the state of poverty in which he had formerly lived.
Excited by his mother and his own ambition, Cyrus attempted to dethrone his elder brother Artaxerxes, but perished in the trial. In the year 401, B. C. Aspasia was taken by the army of the conqueror, and, on his commanding her to be sought, they brought her before him loaded with chains. At this Artaxerxes was very angry, put her conductors in prison, and ordered her to be clothed in magnificent apparel. The tears of Aspasia flowed more abundantly than before. She had tenderly loved Cyrus, and regretted him sincerely; but at length was forced to accept the dresses which the king had sent her, and was soon ranked the first among his women. His wife Statira was still living; and as he could not therefore marry her, he bestowed on her nearly the same honours as a queen. But it was long before his attentions and respect could efface the remembrance of Cyrus from her heart.