Bravery of the Persian Women

Frans Francken the Younger

(1581-1642)

Beating a frantic retreat, the Persian army led by Cyrus the Great sought to re-enter the city from whence it came, at the risk of bringing the pursuing enemy with it. Furious that they should be placed in danger, the women of the city ran out to meet the soldiers and lifted up their garments to shame them. Accusing their husbands of cowardice, the women urged them back into battle. Mortified, the Persians renewed their courage and returned to rout the enemy.

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