[9] And now I must leave instructions about my kingdom, that there may be no dispute among you after my death.
Sons of mine, I love you both alike, but I choose the elder-born, the one whose experience of life is the greater, to be the leader in council and the guide in action.

[10] Thus was I trained myself, in the fatherland that is yours and mine, to yield to my elders, my brothers or my fellow-citizens, in the street, or in the place of meeting, or in the assembly for debate.

And thus have I trained both of you, to honour your elders and be honoured by those who are younger than yourselves.

These are the principles that I leave with you, sanctioned by time, ingrained in our customs, embodied in our laws.

[11] The sovereignty is yours, Cambyses; the gods have given it to you, and I also, as far as in me lies; and to you, Tanaoxares, I give the satrapy over the Medes and the Armenians and the Cadousians, these three; and though I leave your elder brother a larger empire and the name of king, your inheritance will bring you, I believe, more perfect happiness than his.