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Such was the revenue which Darius derived from Asia and a small part
of Libya. Later in his reign the sum was increased by the tribute of
the islands, and of the nations of Europe as far as Thessaly. The
Great King stores away the tribute which he receives after this
fashion - he melts it down, and, while it is in a liquid state, runs
it into earthen vessels, which are afterwards removed, leaving the
metal in a solid mass. When money is wanted, he coins as much of this
bullion as the occasion requires.
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