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Thus were the Magi slain; and the seven, cutting off both the
heads, and leaving their own wounded in the palace, partly because
they were disabled, and partly to guard the citadel, went forth from
the gates with the heads in their hands, shouting and making an
uproar. They called out to all the Persians whom they met, and told
them what had happened, showing them the heads of the Magi, while at
the same time they slew every Magus who fell in their way. Then the
Persians, when they knew what the seven had done, and understood the
fraud of the Magi, thought it but just to follow the example set
them, and, drawing their daggers, they killed the Magi wherever they
could find any. Such was their fury, that, unless night had closed
in, not a single Magus would have been left alive. The Persians
observe this day with one accord, and keep it more strictly than any
other in the whole year. It is then that they hold the great
festival, which they call the Magophonia. No Magus may show himself
abroad during the whole time that the feast lasts; but all must remain
at home the entire day.
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