The Twitter Herodotus

7.41 Xerxes, while they marched, sat now in his chariot, now in a covered carriage. Thousands followed him, including the 10,000 Immortals.

7.42 The army advanced from Lydia to Mysia, then north up the coast toward Troy. A storm killed many of them as they camped near Mt. Ida.

7.43 When the army reached Troy, Xerxes climbed the Trojan citadel and sacrificed a thousand cattle to Athena.

7.44 At Abydus Xerxes surveyed his entire host from a platform on the side of a hill and watched his ships race one another.

7.45 Seeing the Hellespont and its shores filled with his ships and men, Xerxes declared himself happy, then burst into tears.

7.46 He told Artabanus he was crying bc they'd all be dead in 100 yrs. Worse yet, said A, is that all men wish themselves dead b4 they die.

7.47 X asked A. if he'd still be anti-campaign if he hadn't seen the dream. I still have misgivings, A. said, as you face 2 formidable foes.

7.48 What? Xerxes asked. You think our army's not big enough? Or our fleet isn't up to snuff? Both? If so, let's call up more men.

7.49 Your foes are the land & sea, A said. The harbors are too small to protect your fleet, & you'll have less food the more land you take.

7.50 You worry too much, X said. You've got to take chances in life. No pain no gain. Plus, we've got food with us & the Greeks are farmers.