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The Persians weighed anchor and left Crotona, but, being wrecked on
the coast of Iapygia, were made slaves by the inhabitants. From this
condition they were rescued by Gillus, a banished Tarentine, who
ransomed them at his own cost, and took them back to Darius. Darius
offered to repay this service by granting Gillus whatever boon he chose
to ask; whereupon Gillus told the king of his misfortune, and begged
to be restored to his country. Fearing, however, that he might bring
trouble on Greece if a vast armament were sent to Italy on his
account, he added that it would content him if the Cnidians undertook
to obtain his recall. Now the Cnidians were dose friends of the
Tarentines, which made him think there was no likelier means of
procuring his return. Darius promised and performed his part; for he
sent messenger to Cnidus, and commanded the Cnidians to restore
Gillus. The Cnidians did as he wished, but found themselves unable
to persuade the Tarentines, and were too weak to attempt force. Such
then was the course which this matter took. These were the first
Persians who ever came from Asia to Greece; and they were sent to
spy out the land for the reason which I have before mentioned.
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