He caused the history of his deeds to be cut, (in the cuneiform character and in the Persian, Median and Assyrian languages), on the polished side of the rock of Bisitun or Behistan, not far from the spot where he saved Atossa’s life.  The Persian part of this inscription can still be deciphered with certainty, and contains an account of the events related in the last few chapters, very nearly agreeing with our own and that of Herodotus.  The following sentences occur amongst others:  “Thus saith Darius the King:  That which I have done, was done by the grace of Auramazda in every way.  I fought nineteen battles after the rebellion of the kings.  By the mercy of Auramazda I conquered them.  I took nine kings captive.  One was a Median, Gaumata by name.  He lied and said:  ’I am Bardiya (Bartja), the son of Cyrus.’  He caused Persia to rebel.”

Some distance lower down, he names the chiefs who helped him to dethrone the Magi, and in another place the inscription has these words:  “Thus saith the King Darius:  That which I have done was done in every way by the grace of Auramazda.  Auramazda helped me, and such other gods as there be.  Auramazda and the other gods gave me help, because I was not swift to anger, nor a liar, nor a violent ruler, neither I nor my kinsmen.  I have shown favor unto him who helped my brethren, and I have punished severely him who was my enemy.  Thou who shalt be king after me, be not merciful unto him who is a liar or a rebel, but punish him with a severe punishment.  Thus saith Darius the King:  Thou who shalt hereafter behold this tablet which I have written, or these pictures, destroy them not, but so long as thou shalt live preserve them, &c.”

It now only remains to be told that Zopyrus, the son of Megabyzus, continued to the last the king’s most faithful friend.

A courtier once showed the king a pomegranate, and asked him of what one gift of fortune he would like so many repetitions, as there were seeds in that fruit.  Without a moment’s hesitation Darius answered, “Of my Zopyrus.”—­[Plutarch]

The following story will prove that Zopyrus, on his part, well understood how to return his royal friend’s kindness.  After the death of Cambyses, Babylon revolted from the Persian empire.  Darius besieged the city nine months in vain, and was about to raise the siege, when one day Zopyrus appeared before him bleeding, and deprived of his ears and nose, and explained that he had mutilated himself thus in order to cheat the Babylonians, who knew him well, as he had formerly been on intimate terms with their daughters.  He said he wished to tell the haughty citizens, that Darius had thus disfigured him, and that he had come to them for help in revenging himself.  He thought they would then place troops at his disposal, with which he intended to impose upon them by making a few successful sallies at first.  His ultimate intention was to get possession of the keys, and open the Semiramis gate to his friends.