Xerxes : Complete

A kingdom, or an empire, was regarded, in ancient days, much in the light of an estate, which thesovereign held as a species of property, and which he was to manage mainly with a view to thepromotion of his own personal aggrandizement and pleasure.

A king or an emperor could havemore palaces, more money, and more wives than other men; and if he was of an overbearing orambitious spirit, he could march into his neighbors' territories, and after gratifying his love ofadventure with various romantic exploits, and gaining great renown by his ferocious impetuosity inbattle, he could end his expedition, perhaps, by adding his neighbors' palaces, and treasures, andwives to his own.