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And now when all was prepared - the bridges, and the works at
Athos, the breakwaters about the mouths of the cutting, which were
made to hinder the surf from blocking up the entrances, and the cutting
itself; and when the news came to Xerxes that this last was completely
finished - then at length the host, having first wintered at Sardis,
began its march towards Abydos, fully equipped, on the first approach
of spring. At the moment of departure, the sun suddenly quitted his
seat in the heavens, and disappeared, though there were no clouds in
sight, but the sky was clear and serene. Day was thus turned into
night; whereupon Xerxes, who saw and remarked the prodigy, was
seized with alarm, and sending at once for the Magians, inquired of
them the meaning of the portent. They replied - "God is foreshowing
to the Greeks the destruction of their cities; for the sun foretells
for them, and the moon for us." So Xerxes, thus instructed,
proceeded on his way with great gladness of heart.
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