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.

CONTENTS.

Chapter Page

I. CAMBYSES 13

II. THE END OF CAMBYSES 38

III. SMERDIS THE MAGIAN 59

IV. THE ACCESSION OF DARIUS 82

V. THE PROVINCES 99

VI. THE RECONNOITERING OF GREECE 123

VII. THE REVOLT OF BABYLON 144

VIII. THE INVASION OF SCYTHIA 167

IX. THE RETREAT FROM SCYTHIA 189

X. THE STORY OF HISTIAEUS 210

XI. THE INVASION OF GREECE 233

XII. THE DEATH OF DARIUS 264

ENGRAVINGS.

Page

MAP OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE.

DARIUS CROSSING THE BOSPORUS _Frontispiece._

THE ARMY OF CAMBYSES OVERWHELMED IN THE DESERT 35

PHAEDYMA 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

CHAPTER I.

CAMBYSES.

B.C. 530-524

Cyrus the Great.--His extended conquests.--Cambyses and
Smerdis.--Hystaspes and Darius.--Dream of Cyrus.--His anxiety and
fears.--Accession of Cambyses.--War with Egypt.--Origin of the war
with Egypt.--Ophthalmia.--The Egyptian physician.--His plan of
revenge.--Demand of Cyrus.--Stratagem of the King of Egypt.--Resentment
of Cassandane.--Threats of Cambyses.--Future conquests.--Temperament
and character of Cambyses.--Impetuosity of Cambyses.--Preparations for
the Egyptian war.--Desertion of Phanes.--His narrow escape.--Information
given by Phanes.--Treaty with the Arabian king.--Plan for providing
water.--Account of Herodotus.--A great battle.--D