Histories

​As the number of those who came to him constantly increased, because people heard that his judgments turned out according to the truth, Deioces, realizing that everything depended on himself, no longer wished to sit where he used to sit beforehand to judge, nor did he say he would judge any longer. For he said it was not profitable for him, having neglected his own affairs, to judge for his neighbors all day long.

​So, since plunder and lawlessness became even more rampant throughout the villages than before, the Medes gathered together in one place and held council among themselves, speaking about the present state of affairs. And, as I think, it was Deioces’ friends who spoke most of all: ”For since we are not able to live in this country if we continue in our present way, come, let us set up a king over ourselves; and thus the country will be well-governed, and we ourselves shall turn to our works, nor shall we be driven from our homes by lawlessness.” By saying things of this sort, they persuaded themselves to be ruled by a king.