Intaphernes

, one of the seven Persian noblemen who conspired against Smerdis, who usurped the crown of Persia. He was so disappointed for not obtaining the crown, that he fomented seditions against Darius, who had been raised to the throne after the death of the usurper. When the king had ordered him and all his family to be put to death, his wife, by frequently visiting the palace, excited the compa ion of Darius, who pardoned her, and permitted her to redeem from death any one of her relations whom she pleased. She obtained her brother; and when the king expre ed his astonishment, because she preferred him to her husband and children, she replied that she could procure another husband, and children likewise; out that she could never have another brother, as her father and mother were dead. Intaphernes was put to death. Hero dot us , bk. 3 .