Patatheites shook his head.
“No, it would mean your overthrow. The Persians and Bactrians are restless because you have seen fit to give freedom to the Magi; and they only await a leader to rise against you. They yet look for Bardya to return and raise the standard of rebellion. They think you have him imprisoned. If he could return they would that instant join him. If harm befall the Prince of Iran, remember that his old lion of a father reigns at Bactra, and that he has three hundred thousand of Cyrus’s veterans under his immediate command. The son is the apple of the old man’s eye, the center of his soul; and, in spite of his oath to Cyrus, which pledged him to your support, he would tear even you from your throne should you harm the Prince. You have nothing to fear from that young man. His oath binds him to you. He is such a stickler for faith and truth that he will not break it, even though you should refuse him the hand of your sister. But there is a plan whereby you may move in accordance with the advice of the gods, yet inflict on that Prince most grievous suffering if you will.”
“What is this plan? I would go far to harass him. What mean you?”
“The King has two sisters, both fair to look upon. There is none in all the world to equal them in birth save the King. Why not do as the ancient Egyptian kings used to do—marry these two sisters yourself?”
Cambyses stared at his interlocutor with open mouth. Such an idea had never entered his brain. It was contrary to Aryan law that one should marry any one closer than a cousin in blood relationship. He swore a great oath of astonishment. He looked down at his sisters, the one in all the glory of well-developed womanhood, the other just emerging from childhood to womanhood, both beautiful and of royal carriage.
“Which of these sisters shall mother a king?” he demanded of the Magian, presently.
“It was not said. But why should the King choose? Is not the King of Kings above the laws of the Medes and Persians and may he not do as he will? Is not the King’s word and his decree law? If the King decree that he marry both his sisters, is it not law? Bah! The customs of the Aryans must give way to your divine will. I have spoken. Let the King act on my advice!”
The King was silent. He contemplated his sisters. He turned again to the Magian, but the latter had disappeared. He looked about. He had not heard him go. This uncanny habit of Patatheites in appearing and disappearing at will made the King shiver. This new idea of taking his sisters in marriage, however, was a novel one and worthy of thought. He slowly descended by steps from the balcony to the earth and walked towards the group of women. As soon as the latter noticed his approach, there was a hasty movement among the women, some of whom departed. The sisters of the King arose as he approached, and stood in respectful attitude.
“Hail, sisters!” he said, attempting to speak graciously. “I trust you are enjoying this pleasant weather. Winter approaches and we shall soon go down to Susa.”
They bowed in reply. He looked them over critically. Yes, they were very beautiful. The younger he did not dislike so much as the elder. He had hated the elder with the same jealous hatred that he had felt towards his brother; but the younger had been a child and had not incurred his displeasure, nor had she ever said bitter words to him. He was surprised when Athura sank to her knee, saying, “I have a petition, O King!”