Histories

If the king's fortunes fare as you say, let my sons be slain, and myself with them; but if it turns out as I foretell, let your sons be so treated, and you likewise, if you return.

But if you are unwilling to submit to this and will at all hazards lead your army overseas to Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, then I think that those left behind in this place will hear that Mardonius has done great harm to Iran [53,32] (nation), AsiaPersia, and has been torn apart by dogs and birds in the land of Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens or of Sparta [22.416,37.83] (inhabited place), Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, Europe Lacedaemon, if not even before that on the way there; and that you have learned what kind of men you persuade the king to attack.”

Thus spoke Artabanus. Xerxes answered angrily, “Artabanus, you are my father's brother; that will save you from receiving the fitting reward of foolish words. But for your cowardly lack of spirit I lay upon you this disgrace, that you will not go with me and my army against Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas, but will stay here with the women; I myself will accomplish all that I have said, with no help from you.