Xerxes decided to prosecute the Egyptian campaign first, intending to postpone the conquest of Greece till he had brought the valley of the Nile once more under Persian sway. He deemed it dangerous to leave a province of his father's empire in a state of successful rebellion, while leading his armies off to new undertakings. Mardonius, who was the commander-in-chief of the army, and the great general on whom Xerxes mainly relied for the execution of his schemes, was very reluctant to consent to this plan. He was impatient for the conquest of Greece. There was little glory for him to acquire in merely suppressing a revolt, and reconquering what had been already once subdued. He was eager to enter upon a new field. Xerxes, however, overruled his wishes, and the armies commenced their march for Egypt. They passed the land of Judea on their way, where the captives who had returned from Babylon, and their successors, were rebuilding the cities and reoccupying the country. Xerxes confirmed them in the privileges which Cyrus and Darius had granted them, and aided them in their work. He then went on toward the Nile. The rebellion was easily put down. In less than a year from the time of leaving Susa, he had reconquered the whole land of Egypt, punished the leaders of the revolt, established his brother as viceroy of the country, and returned in safety to Susa.
All this took place in the second year of his reign.
DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED INVASION OF GREECE.
Counselors of Xerxes.--Age and character of Mardonius.--The avenues to renown.--Blood inherited and blood shed.--Character of Artabanus.--His advice to Xerxes.--The Ionian rebellion.--First invasion of Greece.--Xerxes convenes a public council.--His speech.--Xerxes recounts the aggressions of the Athenians.--Xerxes proposes to build a bridge over the Hellespont.--Excitement of Mardonius.--His speech.--Mardonius expresses his contempt of the Greeks.--Predictions of Mardonius.--Pause in the assembly.--Speech of Artabanus.--His apologies.--Artabanus opposes the war.--Repulse of Datis.--Artabanus warns Xerxes of the danger of the expedition.--Artabanus vindicates the character of the Greeks.--Xerxes's displeasure.--His angry reply to Artabanus.--Xerxes's anxiety.--He determines to abandon his project.--Xerxes sees a vision in the night.--The spirit appears a second time to Xerxes.--Xerxes relates his dreams to Artabanus.--Opinion of the latter.--Artabanus takes Xerxes's place.--The spirit appears a third time.--Artabanus is convinced.--The invasion decided upon.--Mardonius probably the ghost.