ENGLISH easier road between two evils, he can either die by law or survive by becoming a tyrant. Candaules’ wife, a nameless figure, but immensely bold, demonstrates that women can be agents over men.
The Histories translated by Sophie Dibben
Once upon a time, a man named Candaules, the present King of Lydia, fell madly in love with his own wife. And so in love with her was he that he believed her to be by far the most beautiful woman in the world. So maintaining this judgment, he praised her beauty beyond measure to Gyges, son of Dascylus, who was his absolute favourite bodyguard. He confided in Gyges the most significant secrets. Now, after not too much time has passed, Candaules, for he was doomed to debacle, spoke to Gyges with these words: “Gyges, it does not seem sufficient to me that you can only believe the words I state about the beauty of my wife. It is often the case that men place more faith in their eyes, so I can only conclude that you must behold her naked!” But hearing things of such a kind, Gyges protested loudly, afraid in case some evil should come to him from it. So he replied this, “Master, let’s be honest, that is quite a silly suggestion, that I should see my mistress naked! For at the same time as a robe is removed, a woman removes her chastity. Long ago, noble things have been discovered by virtuous men, rules have been established, which are necessary to learn. This is one you should perhaps re-examine, one should see only what is your own possession. I take your word that your queen is the most beautiful of all women, but please, I ask you not to ask me to do something that is lawless.” Gyges tried to resist this ridiculous request: he was terrified of the impending disaster that would inevitably occur. But Candaules pulled out of the bag some persuasive rhetoric; “Have courage, Gyges, and do not fear me, or that you will have any harm from my wife. I have already contrived a plan, a plan which means she will not learn that she has been a spectacle. I shall arrange it so you stand in the spot where we sleep, and you can creep alongside me and into the bedroom. There lies a special chair at the entrance. From there, she will undress her clothes, and in utter silence, the sight will be granted to you. Wherever she walks, you’ll be behind her. Just really 51
