|
And now the seven Persians, having resolved that they would attack
the Magi without more delay, first offered prayers to the gods and
then set off for the palace, quite unacquainted with what had been done
by Prexaspes. The news of his doings reached them upon their way,
when they had accomplished about half the distance. Hereupon they
turned aside out of the road, and consulted together. Otanes and his
party said they must certainly put off the business, and not make the
attack when affairs were in such a ferment. Darius, on the other
hand, and his friends, were against any change of plan, and wished to
go straight on, and not lose a moment. Now, as they strove
together, suddenly there came in sight two pairs of vultures, and
seven pairs of hawks, pursuing them, and the hawks tore the vultures
both with their claws and bills. At this sight the seven with one
accord came in to the opinion of Darius, and encouraged by the omen
hastened on towards the palace.
|
|