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Having so said, the king took a leathern thong, and tying sixty knots
in it, called together the Ionian tyrants, and spoke thus to them:
"Men of Ionia, my former commands to you concerning the bridge are
now withdrawn. See, here is a thong: take it, and observe my
bidding with respect to it. From the time that I leave you to march
forward into Scythia, untie every day one of the knots. If I do not
return before the last day to which the knots will hold out, then leave
your station, and sail to your several homes. Meanwhile, understand
that my resolve is changed, and that you are to guard the bridge with
all care, and watch over its safety and preservation. By so doing ye
will oblige me greatly." When Darius had thus spoken, he set out on
his march with all speed.
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