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And estimates almost to the same amount were made by the
superintendents in other cities. For the entertainment, which had
been ordered long beforehand and was reckoned to be of much
consequence, was, in the manner of it, such as I will now describe.
No sooner did the heralds who brought the orders give their message,
than in every city the inhabitants made a division of their stores of
corn, and proceeded to grind flour of wheat and of barley for many
months together. Besides this, they purchased the best cattle that
they could find, and fattened them; and fed poultry and water-fowl in
ponds and buildings, to be in readiness for the army; while they
likewise prepared gold and silver vases and drinking-cups, and
whatsoever else is needed for the service of the table. These last
preparations were made for the king only, and those who sat at meat
with him; for the rest of the army nothing was made ready beyond the
food for which orders had been given. On the arrival of the
Persians, a tent ready pitched for the purpose received Xerxes, who
took his rest therein, while the soldiers remained under the open
heaven. When the dinner hour came, great was the toil of those who
entertained the army; while the guests ate their fill, and then,
after passing the night at the place, tore down the royal tent next
morning, and seizing its contents, carried them all off, leaving
nothing behind.
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