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During the time that Xerxes abode at this place, he fell in love with
the wife of Masistes, who was likewise staying in the city. He
therefore sent her messages, but failed to win her consent; and he
could not dare to use violence, out of regard to Masistes, his
brother. This the woman knew well enough, and hence it was that she
had the boldness to resist him. So Xerxes, finding no other way
open, devised a marriage between his own son Darius and a daughter of
this woman and Masistes - thinking that he might better obtain his
ends if he effected this union. Accordingly he betrothed these two
persons to one another, and, after the usual ceremonies were
completed, took his departure for Susa. When he was come there, and
had received the woman into his palace as his son's bride, a change
came over him, and losing all love for the wife of Masistes, he
conceived a passion for his son's bride, Masistes' daughter. And
Artaynta - for so was she called - very soon returned his love.
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