par with that of the original founder of Parthian independence.

CHAPTER VII.

_Reign of Phraates II. Expedition of Antiochus Sidetes against Parthia.
Release of Demetrius. Defeat and Death of Sidetes. War of Phraates with
the Northern Nomads. His death and character._

Mithridates was succeeded by his son, Phraates, the second monarch of
the name, and the seventh Arsaces. This prince, entertaining, like his
father, the design of invading Syria, and expecting to find some
advantage from having in his camp the rightful occupant of the Syrian
throne, treated the captive Demetrius with even greater kindness than
his father had done, not only maintaining him handsomely, but even
giving him his sister Ehodogune, in marriage. Demetrius, however, was
not to be reconciled to his captivity by any such blandishments, and
employed his thoughts chiefly in devising plans by which he might
escape. By the help of a friend he twice managed to evade the vigilance
of his guards, and to make his way from Hyrcania towards the frontiers
of his own kingdom; but each time he was pursued and caught without
effecting his purpose. The Parthian monarch was no doubt vexed at his
pertinacity, and on the second occasion thought it prudent to feign, if
he did not even really feel, offence: he banished his ungrateful
brother-in-law from his presence, but otherwise visited his crime with
no severer penalty than ridicule. Choosing to see in his attempts to
change the place of his abode no serious design, but only the wayward
conduct of a child, he sent him a present of some golden dice, implying
thereby that it was only for lack of amusement he had grown discontented
with his Hyrcanian residence.

Antiochus Sidetes, the brother of Demetrius, had been generally accepted
by the Syrians as their monarch, at the time when the news reached them
of that prince's defeat and capture by Mithridates. He was an active and
enterprising sovereign, though fond of luxury and display. For some
years (B.C. 140-137) the pretensions of Tryphon to the throne gave him
full occupation; but, having finally established his authority after a
short war, and punished the pretender with death, he found himself, in
B.C. 137, at liberty to turn his arms against foreign enemies. He would
probably have at once attacked Parthia, but for the attitude of a nearer
neighbor, which he regarded as menacing, and as requiring his immediate
attention. Demetrius, before his departu