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ir 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.
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 HISTIÆUS 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
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 EM