Darius the Great

PREFACE.

In describing the character and the action of the personages whose histories form the subjects of this series, the writer makes no attempt to darken the colors in which he depicts their deeds of violence and wrong, or to increase, by indignant denunciations, the obloquy which heroes and conquerors have so often brought upon themselves, in the estimation of mankind, by their ambition, their tyranny, or their desperate and reckless crimes. In fact, it seems desirable to diminish, rather than to increase, the spirit of censoriousness which often leads men so harshly to condemn the errors and sins of others, committed in circumstances of temptation to which they themselves were never exposed. Besides, to denounce or vituperate guilt, in a narrative of the transactions in which it was displayed, has little influence in awakening a healthy sensitiveness in the conscience of the reader. We observe, accordingly, that in the narratives of the sacred Scriptures, such denunciations are seldom found. The story of Absalom's undutifulness and rebellion, of David's adultery and murder, of Herod's tyranny, and all other narratives of crime, are related in a calm, simple, impartial, and forbearing spirit, which leads us to condemn the sins, but not to feel a pharisaical resentment and wrath against the sinner.

This example, so obviously proper and right, the writer of this series has made it his endeavor in all respects to follow.

ENGRAVINGS.

Page

MAP OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE.

DARIUS CROSSING THE BOSPORUS Frontispiece.

THE ARMY OF CAMBYSES OVERWHELMED IN THE DESERT 35

PHÆDYMA FEELING FOR SMERDIS'S EARS 69

THE INDIAN GOLD HUNTERS 121

THE BABYLONIANS DERIDING DARIUS FROM THE WALL 156

MAP OF GREECE 232

THE INVASION OF GREECE 256

[Illustration: MAP OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE.]

DARIUS THE GREAT