TERPSICHORE. 171

tion of distinguishing himself, expressed a desire of
entering the lists, the Greeks, who were his competi­
tors, repelled him with scorn, asserting, that this was
a contest, not of Barbarians, but of Greeks; but he
proved himself to be an Argive, and was consequently
allowed to be a Greek. He was then permitted to
contend, and was matched with the first combatant.

XXIII. I have related the facts which happened.
Megabyzus, taking the Pseonians along with him,
passed the Hellespont, and arrived at Sardis. At this
period, Histiseus the Milesian was engaged in sur­
rounding with a wall, the place which had been given
him by Darius, as a reward for his preserving the
bridge; it is called Myrcinus, and is near the river
Strymon. Megabyzus, as soon as he came to Sardis,
and learned what had been done with respect to His­
tiaeus, thus addressed Darius: " Have you, Sir, done
wisely, in permitting a Greek of known activity and
abilities, to erect a city in Thrace? in a place which
abounds with every requisite for the construction and
equipment of ships; and where there are also mines
of silver? A number of Greeks are there, mixed with
Barbarians, who, making him their leader, will be
ready on every occasion to execute his commands.
Suffer him therefore to proceed no farther, lest a civil
war be the consequence. Do not, however, use vio­
lent measures; but when you shall have him in your
power, take care to prevent the possibility of his re­
turn to Greece."

XXIV. Darius was easily induced to yield to the
arguments of Megabyzus, of whose sagacity he en­
tirely approved. He immediately therefore sent him
a message to the following purport: " Histiaius, king
Darius considers you as one of the ablest supports
of his throne, of which he has already received the
strongest testimony. He has now in contemplation a
business of great importance, and requires your pres­
ence and advice." Histiaeus believed the messenger,
and, delighted with the idea of being invited to the
king's councils, hastened to Sardis, where on his arri­
val Darius thus addressed him: " Histissus, my mo­
tive for soliciting your presence is this; my not seeing