|
So when Xerxes heard of it he was full of wrath, and straightway gave
orders that the Hellespont should receive three hundred lashes, and
that a pair of fetters should be cast into it. Nay, I have even
heard it said that he bade the branders take their irons and therewith
brand the Hellespont. It is certain that he commanded those who
scourged the waters to utter, as they lashed them, these barbarian and
wicked words: "Thou bitter water, thy lord lays on thee this
punishment because thou hast wronged him without a cause, having
suffered no evil at his hands. Verily King Xerxes will cross thee,
whether thou wilt or no. Well dost thou deserve that no man should
honour thee with sacrifice; for thou art of a truth a treacherous and
unsavoury river." While the sea was thus punished by his orders, he
likewise commanded that the overseers of the work should lose their heads.
|
|