|
Darius, having so spoke, put no long distance between the word and
the deed, but as soon as day broke he summoned to his presence fifteen
Persians of note, and bade them take Democedes for their guide, and
explore the sea-coasts of Greece. Above all, they were to be sure
to bring Democedes back with them, and not suffer him to run away and
escape. After he had given these orders, Darius sent for
Democedes, and besought him to serve as guide to the Persians, and
when he had shown them the whole of Greece to come back to Persia.
He should take, he said, all the valuables he possessed as presents
to his father and his brothers, and he should receive on his return a
far more abundant store. Moreover, the king added, he would give
him, as his contribution towards the presents, a merchantship laden
with all manner of precious things, which should accompany him on his
voyage. Now I do not believe that Darius, when he made these
promises, had any guile in his heart: Democedes, however, who
suspected that the king spoke to try him, took care not to snatch at
the offers with any haste; but said, "he would leave his own goods
behind to enjoy upon his return - the merchant-ship which the king
proposed to grant him to carry gifts to his brothers, that he would
accept at the king's hands." So when Darius had laid his orders
upon Democedes, he sent him and the Persians away to the coast.
|
|