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"Artabanus," answered Xerxes, "there is nothing in all that thou
hast said, wherein thou art so wholly wrong as in this, that thou
suspectest the faith of the Ionians. Have they not given us the
surest proof of their attachment - a proof which thou didst thyself
witness, and likewise all those who fought with Darius against the
Scythians? When it lay wholly with them to save or to destroy the
entire Persian army, they dealt by us honourably and with good faith,
and did us no hurt at all. Besides, they will leave behind them in
our country their wives, their children, and their properties - can
it then be conceived that they will attempt rebellion? Have no fear,
therefore, on this score; but keep a brave heart and uphold my house
and empire. To thee, and thee only, do I intrust my sovereignty."
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