第 164 节
作者:孤独半圆      更新:2021-02-21 16:06      字数:1624
  thereupon。 As for the son of Artayctes; him they stoned to death before his eyes。     This done; they sailed back to Greece; carrying with them; besides other treasures; the shore cables from the bridges of Xerxes; which they wished to dedicate in their temples。 And this was all that took place that year。     It was the grandfather of the Artayctes; one Artembares by name; who suggested to the Persians a proposal which they readily embraced; and thus urged upon Cyrus:… 〃Since Jove;〃 they said; 〃has overthrown Astyages; and given the rule to the Persians; and to thee chiefly; O Cyrus! come now; let us quit this land wherein we dwell… for it is a scant land and a rugged… and let us choose ourselves some other better country。 Many such lie around us; some nearer; some further off: if we take one of these; men will admire us far more than they do now。 Who that had the power would not so act? And when shall we have a fairer time than now; when we are lords of so many nations; and rule all Asia?〃 Then Cyrus; who did not greatly esteem the counsel; told them;… 〃they might do so; if they liked… but he warned them not to expect in that case to continue rulers; but to prepare for being ruled by others… soft countries gave birth to soft men… there was no region which produced very delightful fruits; and at the same time men of a warlike spirit。〃 So the Persians departed with altered minds; confessing that Cyrus was wiser than they; and chose rather to dwell in a churlish land; and exercise lordship; than to cultivate plains; and be the slaves of others。
  THE END