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The army had begun its march, when Pythius the Lydian, affrighted
at the heavenly portent, and emboldened by his gifts, came to Xerxes
and said - "Grant me, O my lord! a favour which is to thee a light
matter, but to me of vast account." Then Xerxes' who looked for
nothing less than such a prayer as Pythius in fact preferred, engaged
to grant him whatever he wished, and commanded him to tell his wish
freely. So Pythius, full of boldness, went on to say:
"O my lord! thy servant has five sons; and it chances that all are
called upon to join thee in this march against Greece. I beseech
thee, have compassion upon my years; and let one of my sons, the
eldest, remain behind, to be my prop and stay, and the guardian of my
wealth. Take with thee the other four; and when thou hast done all
that is in thy heart, mayest thou come back in safety."
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