. Then they gave the word to one another and drawing their
daggers stabbed these men there upon the spot, who tried to stop them,
and themselves went running on towards the chamber of the men. 6601

78. Now the Magians happened both of them to be there within, consulting
about that which had been done by Prexaspes. So when they saw that the
eunuchs had been attacked and were crying aloud, they ran back 67
both of them, and perceiving that which was being done they turned to
self-defence: and one of them got down his bow and arrows before he was
attacked, while the other had recourse to his spear. Then they engaged
in combat with one another; and that one of them who had taken up his
bow and arrows found them of no use, since his enemies were close at
hand and pressed hard upon him, but the other defended himself with his
spear, and first he struck Aspathines in the thigh, and then Intaphrenes
in the eye; and Intaphrenes lost his eye by reason of the wound, but his
life he did not lose. These then were wounded by one of the Magians, but
the other, when his bow and arrows proved useless to him, fled into a
bedchamber which opened into the chamber of the men, intending to close
the door; and with him there rushed in two of the seven, Dareios and
Gobryas. And when Gobryas was locked together in combat with the Magian,
Dareios stood by and was at a loss what to do, because it was dark, and
he was afraid lest he should strike Gobryas. Then seeing him standing by
idle, Gobryas asked why he did not use his hands, and he said: "Because
I am afraid lest I may strike thee": and Gobryas answered: "Thrust
with thy sword even though it stab through us both." So Dareios was
persuaded, and he thrust with his danger and happened to hit the Magian.

79. So when they had slain the Magians and cut off their heads, they
left behind those of their number who were wounded, both because they
were unable to go, and also in order that they might take charge of the
fortress, and the five others taking with them the heads of the Magians
ran with shouting and clashing of arms and called upon the other
Persians to join them, telling them of that which had been done and
showing the heads, and at the same time they proceeded to slay every one
of the Magians who crossed their path. So the Persians when they heard
of that which had been brought to pass by the seven and of the deceit
of the Magians, thought good themselves also to do the same, and drawing