hath dealt out vengeance to the contrivers of unjust and unlawful
things。〃
Such； then； was the issue of this conspiracy。 And now Ochus was high
in his hopes； being confident in the influence of Atossa； but yet
was afraid of Ariaspes； the only male surviving； besides himself； of
the legitimate offspring of his father； and of Arsames； one of his
natural sons。 For indeed Ariaspes was already claimed as their
prince by the wishes of the Persians； not because he was the elder
brother； but because he excelled Ochus in gentleness； plain dealing；
and good…nature； and on the other hand Arsames appeared； by his
wisdom； fitted for the throne； and that he was dear to his father
Ochus well knew。 So he laid snares for them both； and being no less
treacherous than bloody； he made use of the cruelty of his nature
against Arsames； and of his craft and wiliness against Ariaspes。 For
he suborned the king's eunuchs and favourites to convey to him
menacing and harsh expressions from his father； as though he had
decreed to put him to a cruel and ignominious death。 When they daily
communicated these things as secrets； and told him at one time that
the king would do so to him ere long； and at another； that the blow
was actually close impending； they so alarmed the young man； struck
such a terror into him； and cast such a confusion and anxiety upon his
thoughts； that； having prepared some poisonous drugs； he drank them；
that he might be delivered from his life。 The king； on hearing what
kind of death he died； heartily lamented him； and was not without a
suspicion of the cause of it。 But being disabled by his age to
search into and prove it； he was； after the loss of this son； more
affectionate than before to Arsames； did manifestly place his greatest
confidence in him； and made him privy to his counsels。 Whereupon Ochus
had no longer patience to defer the execution of his purpose； but
having procured Arpates； Teribazus's son； for the undertaking； he
killed Arsames by his hand。 Artaxerxes at that time had but a little
hold on life； by reason of his extreme age； and so； when he heard of
the fate of Arsames； he could not sustain it at all； but sinking at
once under the weight of his grief and distress； expired； after a life
of ninety…four years； and a reign of sixty…two。 And then he seemed a
moderate and gracious governor； more especially as compared to his son
Ochus； who outdid all his predecessors in blood…thirstiness and
cruelty。
THE END