Jacob Abbott

Xerxes Jacob Abbott

The arrangements which Darius had made to fix and determine the succession, before his death, didnot entirely prevent the question from arising again when his death occurred. Xerxes was on thespot at the time, and at once assumed the royal functions. His brother was absent. Xerxes sent amessenger to Artobazanes[C] informing him of their father's death, and of his intention of assumingthe crown. He said, however, that if he did so, he should give his brother the second rank, makinghim, in all respects, next to himself in office and honor. He sent, moreover, a great many splendidpresents to Artobazanes, to evince the friendly regard which he felt for him, and to propitiate hisfavor. Artobazanes sent back word to Xerxes that he thanked him for his presents, and that he acceptedthem with pleasure. He said that he considered himself, nevertheless, as justly entitled to the crown, though he should, in the event of his accession, treat all his brothers, and especially Xerxes, with theutmost consideration and respect. Question of the succession again debated. Soon after these occurrences, Artobazanes came to Media, where Xerxes was, and the questionwhich of them should be the king was agitated anew among the nobles of the court. In the end, apublic hearing of the cause was had before Artabanus, a brother of Darius, and, of course, an uncleof the contending princes. The question seems to have been referred to him, either because he heldsome public office which made it his duty to consider and decide such a question, or else because hehad been specially commissioned to act as judge in this particular case. Xerxes was at first quiteunwilling to submit his claims to the decision of such a tribunal. The crown was, as he maintained, rightfully his. He thought that the public voice was generally in his favor. Then, besides, he wasalready in possession of the throne, and by consenting to plead his cause before his uncle, heseemed to be virtually abandoning all this vantage ground, and trusting instead to the mere chanceof Artabanus's decisio