appears to have had a son, of the same name with himself, who attained to manhood while his father was still reigning.

This prince, who was generally regarded, and who, of course, viewed himself, as the heir-apparent, was no favorite with the Persian nobles, whom he had perhaps offended by an inclination towards the literature and civilization of the Greeks.

It must have been upon previous consultation and agreement that the entire body of the chief men resolved to vent their spite by insulting the prince in the most open and public way at the table of his father.

The king was keeping his birthday, which was always, in Persia, the greatest festival of the year, and so the most public occasion possible.

All the nobles of the realm were invited to the banquet; and all came and took their several places.