Accordingly, the princes prepared such a decree, and presented it to Darius for his signature. Appealing to his vanity, they persuaded him that the carrying out of this edict would add greatly to his honor and authority. Ignorant of the subtle purpose of the princes, the king did not discern their animosity as revealed in the decree, and, yielding to their flattery, he signed it.

satraperne udfærdigede nu et sådant dekret og forelagde kongen det til underskrivelse. De appellerede til hans forfængelighed og hævdede, at denne forordning ville fremme hans ære og myndighed betydeligt. Kongen anede intet om satrapernes listige hensigt. Han gennemskuede ikke den fjendtlighed, som lå bag dekretet, men gav efter for deres smiger og skrev under.