herodotus

this way the things which Salmoxis said became credible to them. 96.Thus they say that he did; but as to this matter and the chamber underground, I neither disbelieve it nor do I very strongly believe, but Ithink that this Salmoxis lived many years before Pythagoras. However,whether there ever lived a man Salmoxis, or whether he is simply anative deity of the Getai, let us bid farewell to him now.97. These, I say, having such manners as I have said, were subdued bythe Persians and accompanied the rest of the army: and when Dareiosand with him the land-army arrived at the Ister, then after all hadpassed over, Dareios commanded the Ionians to break up the floatingbridge and to accompany him by land, as well as the rest of the troopswhich were in the ships: and when the Ionians were just about to breakit up and to do that which he commanded, Coës the son of Erxander, whowas commander of the Mytilenians, said thus to Dareios, having firstinquired whether he was disposed to listen to an opinion from one whodesired to declare it: "O king, seeing that thou art about to marchupon a land where no cultivated ground will be seen nor any inhabitedtown, do thou therefore let this bridge remain where it is, leaving toguard it those same men who constructed it. Then, if we find theScythians and fare as we desire, we have a way of return; and alsoeven if we shall not be able to find them, at least our way of returnis secured: for that we should be worsted by the Scythians in fight Inever feared yet, but rather that we might not be able to find them,and might suffer some disaster in wandering about. Perhaps some onewill say that in speaking thus I am speaking for my own advantage, inorder that I may remain behind; but in truth I am bringing forward, Oking, the opinion which I found best for thee, and I myself willaccompany thee and not be left behind." With this opinion Dareios wasvery greatly pleased and made answer to him in these words: "Friendfrom Lesbos, when I have returned safe to my house, be sure that thouappear before me, in order that I may requite thee with good deeds forgood counsel." 98. Having thus said and having tied sixty knots in athong, he called the despots of the Ionians to speak with him and saidas follows: "Men of Ionia, know that I have given up the opinion whichI formerly declared with regard to the bridge; and do ye keep thisthong and do as I shall say:--so soon as ye shall have seen me goforward against the Scythians, from that time begin, and untie a knoton each day: and if within this time I am not here, and ye find thatthe days marked by the knots have passed by, then sail away to yourown lands. Till then, since our resolve has thus been changed, guardthe floating bridge, showing all diligence to keep it safe and toguard it. And thus acting, ye will do for me a very acceptableservice." Thus said Dareios and hastened on his march forwards.*****