the Persians, because we desired to add to our
dominions, we should not take vengeance on the Hellenes who committed
wrong against us unprovoked. (a) Of what should we be afraid?--what
gathering of numbers, or what resources of money? for their manner of
fight we know, and as for their resources, we know that they are feeble;
and we have moreover subdued already their sons, those I mean who are
settled in our land and are called Ionians, Aiolians, and Dorians.
Moreover I myself formerly made trial of marching against these men,
being commanded thereto by thy father; and although I marched as far as
Macedonia, and fell but little short of coming to Athens itself, no man
came to oppose me in fight. (b) And yet it is true that the Hellenes
make wars, but (as I am informed) very much without wise consideration,
by reason of obstinacy and want of skill: for when they have proclaimed
war upon one another, they find out first the fairest and smoothest
place, and to this they come down and fight; so that even the victors
depart from the fight with great loss, and as to the vanquished, of them
I make no mention at all, for they are utterly destroyed. They ought
however, being men who speak the same language, to make use of heralds
and messengers and so to take up their differences and settle them in
any way rather than by battles; but if they must absolutely war with one
another, they ought to find out each of them that place in which they
themselves are hardest to overcome, and here to make their trial.
Therefore the Hellenes, since they use no good way, when I had marched
as far as the land of Macedonia, did not come to the resolution of
fighting with me. (c) Who then is likely to set himself against thee,
O king, offering war, when thou art leading both all the multitudes of
Asia and the whole number of the ships? I for my part am of opinion that
the power of the Hellenes has not attained to such a pitch of boldness:
but if after all I should prove to be deceived in my judgment, and they
stirred up by inconsiderate folly should come to battle with us, they
would learn that we are the best of all men in the matters of war.
However that may be, let not anything be left untried; for nothing comes
of itself, but from trial all things are wont to come to men."

10. Mardonios having thus smoothed over the resolution expressed by
Xerxes had ceased speaking: and when the other Persians were silent and
did not venture to declare an opi