We are told in one of the Greek histories that the wife of on of the generals of Cyrus, ruler of Persia, was accused of treachery and was condemned to die. At first her husband didn’t know what was taking place. But as soon as he heard about it he rushed to the palace and burst into the throne room. He threw himself on the floor before the king and cried out, “Oh my Lord Cyrus take my life and let my wife go free.” Cyrus, who by all historical accounts was a noble and sensitive leader, was touched by this offer. He said, “Love like that must not be spoiled by death.” The he gave the husband and wife back to each other and let the wife go free. As they walked away happily the husband said, “did you notice how kindly the king looked at us when he gave you the pardon?” The wife replied, “I had no eyes for the king. I saw only the man who was willing to die in my place.”