had once been the king's friend" was reduced to beggary. All these people were brought before Psamtik to test his reaction, and he only became upset after seeing the state of the beggar. Psamtik's compassion for the beggar caused him to be spared, but his son had already been executed. The deposed pharaoh was then raised up to live in the entourage of the Persian King. After a while, however, Psamtik attempted to raise a rebellion among the Egyptians. When Cambyses learned of this, Psamtik is reported by Herodotus to have drunk bull's blood and immediately died. References External links Cartouche of Psammetichus Herodotus histories 6th-century BC Pharaohs Pharaohs of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt Year of birth unknown 525 BC deaths 6th-century BC executions Dethroned monarchs