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204 BOOK OF THE A. ASD A. RITE.
to the grandees of our kingdom, and to this we invite
you and your associates. Previous to which we wish
you to pronounce your opinion on a certain question
that shall be propounded for discussion.
Satrap of Assyria, do you state the question, and
the reward we have promised to him who shall answer
it in the most satisfactory manner.
Sat: of A.: The King of Kings, wishing to dis-
pense his favors with a liberal hand, has deigned to
promise the second place near his august majesty,
the privilege of being clothed in purple, wearing a
golden baldric, and being seated on a golden throne,
to him who shall be able in the most satisfactory
manner to resolve the question :
" What is that which
"
holds the most powerful sway over mortals '?
Can it be possible that a question like this can for
one moment be a subject of doubt or deliberation to
any one who adverts to thee, thou Son of the Sun ?
You have this day, composing your court, one hun-
dred and twenty-seven potentates of the most distant
nations. Peace and war are in your hands. The life
and death of your subjects depend upon your will.
A word from your lips is a decree to all the earth.
All we possess belongs to thee. Our very persona
are yours. The universal world has no master but
you. There cannot be a more puissant, than Darius,
King of all the East— Sovereign of Sovereigns.
Therefore I say, " The King Darius."