Histories

Now it may perhaps be said that I say this for my own sake, because I want to remain behind; but it is not so; I only declare publicly the opinion that I think best for you, and I will follow you and do not want to be left here.”

Darius was very pleased with this advice, and he answered Cöes thus: “My friend from +Lesbos [26.333,39.166] (island), Lesvos, Aegean Islands, Greece, Europe Lesbos, do not fail to show yourself to me when I return to my house safe, so that I may make you a good return for your good advice.”

After saying this, he tied sixty knots in a thong, and summoning the Ionian sovereigns to an audience said to them:

“Gentlemen of Ionia (region (general)), Europe Ionia, I take back the decision which I delivered before about the bridge; now, take this thong and do as follows. Begin to reckon from the day when you see me march away against the Scythians, and untie one knot each day: and if the days marked by the knots have all passed and I have not returned, embark for your own homes.

But until then, since the plan is changed, guard the bridge, making every effort to keep and watch it. You will please me very much if you do this.” Having said this, Darius hastened to march further.