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To this message Idanthyrsus, the Scythian king, replied: "This
is my way, Persian. I never fear men or fly from them. I have not
done so in times past, nor do I now fly from thee. There is nothing
new or strange in what I do; I only follow my common mode of life in
peaceful years. Now I will tell thee why I do not at once join
battle with thee. We Scythians have neither towns nor cultivated
lands, which might induce us, through fear of their being taken or
ravaged, to be in any hurry to fight with you. If, however, you
must needs come to blows with us speedily, look you now, there are our
fathers' tombs - seek them out, and attempt to meddle with them -
then ye shall see whether or no we will fight with you. Till ye do
this, be sure we shall not join battle, unless it pleases us. This
is my answer to the challenge to fight. As for lords, I acknowledge
only Jove my ancestor, and Vesta, the Scythian queen. Earth and
water, the tribute thou askedst, I do not send, but thou shalt soon
receive more suitable gifts. Last of all, in return for thy calling
thyself my lord, I say to thee, 'Go weep.'" (This is what men
mean by the Scythian mode of speech.) So the herald departed,
bearing this message to Darius.
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