|
Xerxes, when he heard these words, felt a sense of joy and delight,
like a man who is relieved from care. Answering Mardonius,
therefore, "that he would consider his counsel, and let him know
which course he might prefer," Xerxes proceeded to consult with the
chief men among the Persians; and because Artemisia on the former
occasion had shown herself the only person who knew what was best to be
done, he was pleased to summon her to advise him now. As soon as she
arrived, he put forth all the rest, both councillors and bodyguards,
and said to her:
"Mardonius wishes me to stay and attack the Peloponnese. My
Persians, he says, and my other land forces, are not to blame for
the disasters which have befallen our arms; and of this he declares
they would very gladly give me the proof. He therefore exhorts me,
either to stay and act as I have said, or to let him choose Out
300,000 of my troops - wherewith he undertakes to reduce Greece
beneath my sway - while I myself retire with the rest of my forces,
and withdraw into my own country. Do thou, therefore, as thou didst
counsel me so wisely to decline the sea-fight, now also advise me in
this matter, and say, which course of the twain I ought to take for
my own good."
|
|