"a consideration of the least weight with you,) I say in respect of "those whom you so much esteem, can you act more wisely, than " in making a proper submission to the court? Will not Will not your rash"ness bring suspicions upon them, preclude the favours of the king, " and perhaps prove at last their ruin ?” "That is impossible (interrupted he with some eagerness). Their success will depend on "their own behaviour. CLEANDER, I am never angry with one who seems to wish me well; but I desire you would neither trouble yourself nor me any longer on this subject. You are an incompetent judge of my designs, as you are unacquainted with them ; "and to step back, when I am advanced so far, would be both timor"ous and inconsistent."

Such was our conversation, noble GOERYAS; such are often the suggestions of a generous mind, misled by youthful vanity, and unfortunately betraying its weakness, when it means to discover its strength. Thus the young ZOPYRUS, incapable of distinguishing betwixt perseverance and obstinacy, is bent on nothing but acting a consistent part, however indiscreet a one; as if uniformity, for the sake of uniformity, were not a mere imaginary beauty in a great character.

C.

LETTER CXXXIII.

I

CHARICLES to Cleander.

IMAGINE thou wilt not think I enter into an unnecessary detail, if, besides laying before thee an account of the manner in which I executed thy commissions at Susa, I enlarge my letter with some particulars of my journey thither, and of the state in which I found affairs at my arrival.

I had no sooner saluted my father HIPPIAS and his family at Ephesus, than I set out for Sardis; where, upon informing PISUTHNES, the governor, that I was sent express to court with dispatches from Athens, he gave me immediate orders for post-horses, and the best guides which the province afforded. Under their direction I proceeded forward through Phrygia, Cappadocia, Cilicia, Armenia, and Assyria, till I arrived at Susa, stopping no where any longer than was necessary to take refreshments, and change our horses, at the several publick stations, which, by the liberality of our monarchs, are erected in such numbers through the provinces for the accommodation of travellers, that (as thou must have observed) there are not less than an hundred and eleven in the road between SARDIS and SUSA*. Except the inconveniences arising from the fatigue of so long and continued a journey, it was not disagreeable to take a survey, though a transitory one, of countries varying in

* The erecting of post-offices for the conveyance of the king's and governor's dispatches was an institution of CYRUS's. For a further account of this matter, see ROLLIN'S Ancient History, vol. ii.

their situation, nature, and manners; to ascend mountains famous for their height and steepness; to cross rivers which visit different kingdoms in their passage; and to traverse plains with the peaceful retinue of a traveller, where the fate of empires has been decided. In particular, I could not help being struck with the contrast between Lydia and Cappadocia. The former entertains one with a view of well-cultivated extended plains, hills crowned with the finest woods, and watered by gentle rivulets. The latter presents one with rough craggy mountains, whose sides are worn by the torrents rolling down them; vallies surrounded with dreadful precipices, and rivers which, in the rapidity of their course, overflow their banks, and lay waste the country for many parasangs.. I met on the road the equipages of several young satraps, who have commands in the army which is to assemble near Sardis; and was grieved to find, that the number of covered litters and baggage-waggons, which tend to enervate the discipline of our troops, and retard their motions, was not decreased amongst them; but I have since heard, that upon the representation of HYDARNES, who is appointed general of those forces, strict orders have been issued to retrench the number of such magnificent encumbrances. On my arrival at Susa, I paid my first respects to the chamberlain HYDASPES, who, induced by that affectionate regard which he expresses for all who come recommended from thee, received me with open arms, and appointed me a lodging in the spacious apartments allotted him in the palace. I was by him introduced to GOBRYAS, whom we found dictating to the scribes about him dispatches to the different quarters, of the empire. There is a politeness and humanity in the countenance and address of HYDASPES, which even at first sight gives you a love for his person; but the penetrating eye and sensible look of GOBRYAS, his head grown grey in the service of his prince, and the dignity of his whole appearance, inspire a respect, not less due to the merits of his

character

character than the eminence of his station. That great minister after reading your letters, and expressing the satisfaction he always receives from them, entered into conversation with me for three hours on the posture of affairs in Greece. During the time it lasted, I was doubtful which most to admire, his condescension in hearing me discourse upon subjects wherein he was so much my superior, or the extent of his capacity, which presented every thing to his view; and the exactness of his judgment, which suffered no particular to escape him unexamined or unaccounted for. I find by the idea he had formed of CLEON's character, and the questions he asked me relating to him, he thinks that turbulent Athenian may either be brought over to the Persian interest, or at least made use of advantageously, in regard to the great project which he has in view, of establishing the tranquillity of the empire, by weakening the Grecian states through the means of one another. He seems extremely impatient for the arrival of the Lacedæmonian embassy, and apprehensive that if a blow is struck on either side before Persia has taken her part in the war, the contending republicks will conclude a sudden peace: but he added, that as the jealousies which occasioned this rupture would continue, he scarcely thought it would be durable. I endeavoured, in obedience to thy instructions, to discover how far he would comply with thy desire of being recalled from thy hazardous employment; but from the manner in which he received the hints I let fall, and the unanimous opinion of thy other friends, I think it by no means proper to press that affair any farther at present. When our conference was ended, he told me he hoped the court of Susa would afford pleasures sufficient to detain me here some time; not, added he, smiling, that we will keep you as an hostage for your uncle's fidelity; but since in two or three months we may have occasion to send him dispatches of the highest importance, I willingly secure so trusty and expeditious a mes

senger

senger as yourself to convey them. I replied, I should expect his permission and commands before I thought of returning to Athens; and so took my leave.

Amidst the variety of objects to engage my attention here, I have not been unmindful, as far as opportunity served, to inquire into the points which thou gavest me in charge; viz. the continuance of thy enemies' practices, and the state of parties at the court. As to the first, I am well assured, that the interest of GOBRYAS, so seasonably exerted in your behalf, and the expressions which the king himself used in your favour, were more than sufficient to confound their malevolent designs. But depend upon it, the malice of TERIBAZUS, whatever countenance he puts on, is by no means diminished; he still resents the disappointment of his chimerical alliance, which he attributes to thy artifice; and whenever his power can second his inclination, thou art like to feel the effects of his displeasure; so true is the old maxim, that those who commit an injury can never forgive. The animosities between him and GOBRYAS, which were carried on with great warmth on both sides, are now to all outward appearance subsided, in obedience to the king's express direction, who sent for them into his apartment, and exorted them to unite, at this important juncture, in carrying on his service; "And if there must be a contention between you, (said the king,) "let it be in promoting such measures as tend to my honour and "the publick welfare."

Your patron is thought to have carried a great point in bringing ARTAPHERNES into the council of seven, when the interest of TisSAPHERNES, master of the horse, was strongly espoused by TERIIn few words, I take the interests of these two ministers to lie thus: GOBRYAS is strongly supported by a personal share in

BAZUS.

the