The histories of Herodotus;

3-6] DEATH OF DARIUS 367
Lacedaemon. This man, having heard of the difference between
the sons of Darius, went to Xerxes, as report says, and
advised him to say, in addition to what he had already said,
that he was born to Darius after he had become king, and
whereas Arta-
was possessed of the empire of the Persians ;
bazanes was born to Darius while he was yet a private person;
wherefore it was not reasonable or just that any other
should possess that dignity in preference to himself, since in
Sparta also, Demaratus continued to suggest, this custom prevailed,
that if some children were born before their father
became king, and one was born subsequently when he had
now come to the throne, this last-born son should succeed to
the kingdom. Xerxes having availed himself of the suggestion
of Demaratus, Darius, acknowledging that he said
what was just, declared him king. But it appears to me that
even without this suggestion Xerxes would have been made
king; for Atossa had unbounded influence. Darius, having
appointed Xerxes to be king over the Persians, prepared to
march. However, after these things, and in the year after
the revolt of Egypt, it happened that Darius himself, while
he was making preparations, died, having reigned thirty-six
years in all ; nor was he able to avenge himself either on the
Egyptians, who had revolted, or on the Athenians. When
Darius was dead, the kingdom devolved on his son Xerxes.
Xerxes, however, was at first by no means inclined to make
war against Greece, but he levied forces for the reduction of
Egypt. But Mardonius, son of Gobryas, who was cousin to
Xerxes, and son of Darius's sister, being present, and having
the greatest influence with him of all the Persians, constantly
held the following language, saying : " Sir, it is not right that
the Athenians, having already done much mischief to the Persians,
should go unpunished for what they have done. However,
for the present, finish the enterprise you have in hand
and when you have quelled the insolence of Egypt, lead your
army against Athens ; that you may acquire a good reputation
among men, and any one for the future may be cautious
of marching against your territory." This language was used
by him for the purposes of revenge, but he frequently made
the following addition to it, that Europe was a very beautiful
country, and produced all kinds of cultivated trees, and
was very fertile, and worthy to be possessed by the king alone
of all mortals. He spake thus, because he was desirous of
new enterprises, and wished to be himself governor of Greece
in time he effected his purpose, and persuaded Xerxes to do
as he advised ; for other things happening favourably assisted
; :