Zopyrus stood rooted to the spot in horror, but the graceful unemotional figure of the Greek remained unchanged. To Zopyrus it seemed an eternity before the young man spoke, but in reality it was almost immediately. He drew nearer the throne by a couple of paces, and Zopyrus feared for his life in that proximity to the wrathful monarch.
“Listen, O Xerxes, if you would succeed in overwhelming your foes you must attack them from behind, but this you can not do since you are unacquainted with this wild, impassable country. I am a native Malian and well acquainted with this locality. If you could make it worth my while, I could show you a mountain pass that would lead you to the rear of Leonidas’ army unobserved.”
While the Greek was speaking Xerxes’ expression gradually changed from malice to pleased attention: “And suppose, friend Greek, I do not permit you to leave unless you reveal to me this pass!”
The Greek smiled. “It is impossible simply to tell of this secret way, for it is beset with many dangers, such as almost impenetrable growths of underbrush, impermeable morasses and almost inaccessible cliffs. A native guide is absolutely essential and I am that guide who will receive my pay before the journey commences.”
The king nodded in affirmation and sank back quite dazed from the effect of the interview. The Greek was still unmoved and continued: “I will lead your army tomorrow night, as it is safest to travel under cover of darkness. We shall probably reach the other side of the pass at a very favorable time of day, when the market-place of the town is filling. I will meet you here tomorrow at sunset in Persian uniform, and except to your most important commanders, I wish to remain unknown. Till then, O Zeus, farewell!”
He passed quickly out of the bewildered kingly presence, and Zopyrus took advantage of this moment to make a hasty and unseen exit at the rear of the royal tent.
CHAPTER II.
“Remember the Athenians.”
“Who at Thermopylæ stood side by side,
And fought together and together died,
Under earth-barrows now are laid at rest,