and Darius and his army were worn out with weariness, because they were not able to storm the city; for after using every (kind of) artifice and every contrivance, Darius had gained no advantage. He had tried moreover, both other kinds of artifices, and also that one by which Cyrus had taken the citythat is to say, by attempting to enter the city by the bed of the Euphrates; but the Babylonians kept watch so carefully that they could be caught in no way.
Coming events cast their shadow before.
113.There, then, when the twentieth month was being spent, the following portent occurred to a certain Zopyrus. One of his own she mules brought forth young. So, remembering the words of that Babylonian who had said, ‘When mules shall have brought forth, then shall Babylon be taken,’ he rejoiced greatly. Going to Darius he asked of him, ‘Dost thou not wish to take Babylon?’ To whom (said) the king, ‘I certainly desire it greatly.’
Zopyrus mutilates himself.
114.Then Zopyrus took counsel with himself, for he wished to take the city by himself; for among the Persians success is rewarded with great honours. But this seemed possible to be done in no other way except by mutilating himself, and thus deserting to the Babylonians. Thereupon, then, thinking little of it, he cuts off his nostrils and ears, and having been torn by whips, goes to the king.
He presents himself before the king.
115.Darius, on seeing a most noble man thus mutilated, being greatly moved, said, springing up from his throne, ‘Who has mutilated thee thus, and for what reason?’ And Zopyrus replied to him, ‘0 king, I did this myself, being wroth at Assyrians mocking Persians.’ Then (said) Darius, ‘But how, thou fool, through this will the enemy be the quicker brought under our power? Art thou mad, (thou) who hast thus ruined thyself?’
