CYROPAEDIA THE EDUCATION OF CYRUS By Xenophon Translated By Henry Graham Dakyns Revised By F. M. Stawell DEDICATION To Clifton College PREPARER'S NOTE This was typed from an Everyman's Library edition. It seems that Dakynsdied before Cyropaedia could be included as the planned fourth and finalvolume of his series, "The Works of Xenophon, " published in the 1890s byMacmillan and Co. The works in that series can all be found in ProjectGutenberg under their individual titles. The complete list of Xenophon'sworks (though there is doubt about some of these) is: Work Number of books The Anabasis 7 The Hellenica 7 The Cyropaedia 8 The Memorabilia 4 The Symposium 1 The Economist 1 On Horsemanship 1 The Sportsman 1 The Cavalry General 1 The Apology 1 On Revenues 1 The Hiero 1 The Agesilaus 1 The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians 2 Text in brackets "{}" is my transliteration of Greek text into Englishusing an Oxford English Dictionary alphabet table. The diacritical markshave been lost. INTRODUCTION A very few words may suffice by way of introduction to this translationof the _Cyropaedia_. Professor Jowett, whose Plato represents the high-water mark ofclassical translation, has given us the following reminders: "An Englishtranslation ought to be idiomatic and interesting, not only to thescholar, but also to the unlearned reader. It should read as an originalwork, and should also be the most faithful transcript which can be madeof the language from which the translation is taken, consistently withthe first requirement of all, that it be English. The excellence of atranslation will consist, not merely in the faithful rendering of words, or in the composition of a sentence only, or yet of a single paragraph, but in the colour and style of the whole work. " These tests may be safely applied to the work of Mr. Dakyns. Anaccomplished Greek scholar, for many years a careful and sympatheticstudent of Xenophon, and possessing a rare mastery of English idiom, he was unusually well equipped for the work of a translator. Andhis version will, as I venture to think, be found to satisfy thoserequirements of an effective translation which Professor Jowett laiddown. It is faithful to the tone and spirit of the original, and it hasthe literary quality of a good piece of original English writing. Forthese and other reasons it should prove attractive and interestingreading for the average Englishman. Xenophon, it must be admitted, is not, like Plato, Thucydides, orDemosthenes, one of the greatest of Greek writers, but there are severalconsiderations which should commend him to the general reader. He ismore representative of the type of man whom the ordinary Englishmanspecially admires and respects, than any other of the Greek authorsusually read. An Athenian of good social position, endowed with a gift of eloquenceand of literary style, a pupil of Socrates, a distinguished soldier, an historian, an essayist, a sportsman, and a lover of the country, herepresents a type of country gentleman greatly honoured in English life, and this should ensure a favourable reception for one of his chief worksadmirably rendered into idiomatic English. And the substance of the_Cyropaedia_, which is in fact a political romance, describing theeducation of the ideal ruler, trained to rule as a benevolent despotover his admiring and willing subjects, should add a further element ofenjoyment for the reader of this famous book in its English garb. J. HEREFORD. EDITOR'S NOTE In preparing this work for the press, I came upon some notes made by Mr. Dakyns on the margin of his Xenophon. These were evidently for his ownprivate use, and are full of scholarly colloquialisms, impromptu wordshumorously invented for the need of the moment, and individual turns ofphrase, such as the references to himself under his initials in smallletters, "hgd. " Though plainly not intended for publication, the notesare so vivid and illuminating as they stand that I have shrunk fromputting them into a more formal dress, believing that here, as in thebest letters, the personal element is bound up with what is most freshand living in the comment, most characteristic of the writer, and mostdelightful both to those who knew him and to those who will wish theyhad. I have, therefore, only altered a word here and there, and addeda note or two of my own (always in square brackets), where it seemednecessary for the sake of clearness. F. M. S. CYROPAEDIA THE EDUCATION OF CYRUS BOOK I [C. 1] We have had occasion before now to reflect how often democracieshave been overthrown by the desire for some other type of government, how often monarchies and oligarchies have been swept away by movementsof the people, how often would-be despots have fallen in their turn, some at the outset by one stroke, while whose who have maintained theirrule for ever so brief a season are looked upon with wonder as marvelsof sagacity and success. The same lesson, we had little doubt, was to be learnt from the family:the household might be great or small--even the master of few couldhardly count on the obedience of his little flock. [2] And so, one idealeading to another, we came to shape our reflexions thus: Drovers maycertainly be called the rulers of their cattle and horse-breedersthe rulers of their studs--all herdsmen, in short, may reasonably beconsidered the governors of the animals they guard. If, then, we were tobelieve the evidence of our senses, was it not obvious that flocks andherds were more ready to obey their keepers than men their rulers? Watchthe cattle wending their way wherever their herdsmen guide them, seethem grazing in the pastures where they are sent and abstaining fromforbidden grounds, the fruit of their own bodies they yield to theirmaster to use as he thinks best; nor have we ever seen one flock amongthem all combining against their guardian, either to disobey him or torefuse him the absolute control of their produce. On the contrary, theyare more apt to show hostility against other animals than againstthe owner who derives advantage from them. But with man the rule isconverse; men unite against none so readily as against those whom theysee attempting to rule over them. [3] As long, therefore, as we followedthese reflexions, we could not but conclude that man is by nature fittedto govern all creatures, except his fellow-man. But when we came torealise the character of Cyrus the Persian, we were led to a changeof mind: here is a man, we said, who won for himself obedience fromthousands of his fellows, from cities and tribes innumerable: we mustask ourselves whether the government of men is after all an impossibleor even a difficult task, provided one set about it in the right way. Cyrus, we know, found the readiest obedience in his subjects, thoughsome of them dwelt at a distance which it would take days and months totraverse, and among them were men who had never set eyes on him, and forthe matter of that could never hope to do so, and yet they were willingto obey him. [4] Cyrus did indeed eclipse all other monarchs, before orsince, and I include not only those who have inherited their power, butthose who have won empire by their own exertions. How far he surpassedthem all may be felt if we remember that no Scythian, althoughthe Scythians are reckoned by their myriads, has ever succeeded indominating a foreign nation; indeed the Scythian would be well contentcould he but keep his government unbroken over his own tribe and people. The same is true of the Thracians and the Illyrians, and indeed of allother nations within our ken; in Europe, at any rate, their condition iseven now one of independence, and of such separation as would seem tobe permanent. Now this was the state in which Cyrus found the tribes andpeoples of Asia when, at the head of a small Persian force, he startedon his career. The Medes and the Hyrcanians accepted his leadershipwillingly, but it was through conquest that he won Syria, Assyria, Arabia, Cappadocia, the two Phrygias, Lydia, Caria, Phoenicia, andBabylonia. Then he established his rule over the Bactrians, Indians, andCilicians, over the Sakians, Paphlagonians, and Magadidians, over ahost of other tribes the very names of which defy the memory of thechronicler; and last of all he brought the Hellenes in Asia beneath hissway, and by a descent on the seaboard Cyprus and Egypt also. [5] It is obvious that among this congeries of nations few, if any, could have spoken the same language as himself, or understood oneanother, but none the less Cyrus was able so to penetrate that vastextent of country by the sheer terror of his personality that theinhabitants were prostrate before him: not one of them dared lift handagainst him. And yet he was able, at the same time, to inspire them allwith so deep a desire to please him and win his favour that all theyasked was to be guided by his judgment and his alone. Thus he knit tohimself a complex of nationalities so vast that it would have taxed aman's endurance merely to traverse his empire in any one direction, eastor west or south or north, from the palace which was its centre. Forourselves, considering his title to our admiration proved, we setourselves to inquire what his parentage might have been and his naturalparts, and how he was trained and brought up to attain so high a pitchof excellence in the government of men. And all we could learn fromothers about him or felt we might infer for ourselves we will hereendeavour to set forth. [C. 2] The father of Cyrus, so runs the story, was Cambyses, a kingof the Persians, and one of the Perseidae, who look to Perseus asthe founder of their race. His mother, it is agreed, was Mandane, thedaughter of Astyages, king of the Medes. Of Cyrus himself, even now inthe songs and stories of the East the record lives that nature made himmost fair to look upon, and set in his heart the threefold love ofman, of knowledge, and of honour. He would endure all labours, he wouldundergo all dangers, for the sake of glory. [2] Blest by nature withsuch gifts of soul and body, his memory lives to this day in the mindfulheart of ages. It is true that he was brought up according to the lawsand customs of the Persians, and of these laws it must be noted thatwhile they aim, as laws elsewhere, at the common weal, their guidingprinciple is far other than that which most nations follow. Most statespermit their citizens to bring up their own children at their owndiscretion, and allow the grown men to regulate their own lives at theirown will, and then they lay down certain prohibitions, for example, notto pick and steal, not to break into another man's house, not to strikea man unjustly, not to commit adultery, not to disobey the magistrate, and so forth; and on the transgressor they impose a penalty. [3] But thePersian laws try, as it were, to steal a march on time, to make theircitizens from the beginning incapable of setting their hearts on anywickedness or shameful conduct whatsoever. And this is how they setabout their object. In their cities they have an open place or square dedicated to Freedom(Free Square they call it), where stand the palace and other publicbuildings. From this place all goods for sale are rigidly excluded, andall hawkers and hucksters with their yells and cries and vulgarities. They must go elsewhere, so that their clamour may not mingle with andmar the grace and orderliness of the educated classes. [4] This square, where the public buildings stand, is divided into four quarters whichare assigned as follows: one for the boys, another for the youths, athird for the grown men, and the last for those who are past the ageof military service. The law requires all the citizens to presentthemselves at certain times and seasons in their appointed places. Thelads and the grown men must be there at daybreak; the elders may, as arule, choose their own time, except on certain fixed days, when they tooare expected to present themselves like the rest. Moreover, the youngmen are bound to sleep at night round the public buildings, with theirarms at their side; only the married men among them are exempt, and neednot be on duty at night unless notice has been given, though even intheir case frequent absence is thought unseemly. [5] Over each of thesedivisions are placed twelve governors, twelve being the number of thePersian tribes. The governors of the boys are chosen from the elders, and those are appointed who are thought best fitted to make the best oftheir lads: the governors of the youths are selected from the grown men, and on the same principle; and for the grown men themselves and theirown governors; the choice falls on those who will, it is hoped, makethem most prompt to carry out their appointed duties, and fulfilthe commands imposed by the supreme authority. Finally, the eldersthemselves have presidents of their own, chosen to see that they tooperform their duty to the full. [6] We will now describe the services demanded from the differentclasses, and thus it will appear how the Persians endeavour to improvetheir citizens. The boys go to school and give their time to learningjustice and righteousness: they will tell you they come for thatpurpose, and the phrase is as natural with them as it is for us to speakof lads learning their letters. The masters spend the chief part of theday in deciding cases for their pupils: for in this boy-world, as in thegrown-up world without, occasions of indictment are never far to seek. There will be charges, we know, of picking and stealing, of violence, offraud, of calumny, and so forth. The case is heard and the offender, ifshown to be guilty, is punished. [7] Nor does he escape who is found tohave accused one of his fellows unfairly. And there is one charge thejudges do not hesitate to deal with, a charge which is the source ofmuch hatred among grown men, but which they seldom press in the courts, the charge of ingratitude. The culprit convicted of refusing to repaya debt of kindness when it was fully in his power meets with severechastisement. They reason that the ungrateful man is the most likely toforget his duty to the gods, to his parents, to his fatherland, andhis friends. Shamelessness, they hold, treads close on the heels ofingratitude, and thus ingratitude is the ringleader and chief instigatorto every kind of baseness. [8] Further, the boys are instructed intemperance and self-restraint, and they find the utmost help towardsthe attainment of this virtue in the self-respecting behaviour oftheir elders, shown them day by day. Then they are taught to obey theirrulers, and here again nothing is of greater value than the studiedobedience to authority manifested by their elders everywhere. Continencein meat and drink is another branch of instruction, and they have nobetter aid in this than, first, the example of their elders, who neverwithdraw to satisfy their carnal cravings until those in authoritydismiss them, and next, the rule that the boys must take their food, notwith their mother but with their master, and not till the governor givesthe sign. They bring from home the staple of their meal, dry breadwith nasturtium for a relish, and to slake their thirst they bring adrinking-cup, to dip in the running stream. In addition, they are taughtto shoot with the bow and to fling the javelin. The lads follow their studies till the age of sixteen or seventeen, andthen they take their places as young men. [9] After that they spend their time as follows. For ten years they arebound to sleep at night round the public buildings, as we said before, and this for two reasons, to guard the community and to practiseself-restraint; because that season of life, the Persians conceive, stands most in need of care. During the day they present themselvesbefore the governors for service to the state, and, whenever necessary, they remain in a body round the public buildings. Moreover, when theking goes out to hunt, which he will do several times a month, he takeshalf the company with him, and each man must carry bow and arrows, asheathed dagger, or "sagaris, " slung beside the quiver, a light shield, and two javelins, one to hurl and the other to use, if need be, at closequarters. [10] The reason of this public sanction for the chase is notfar to seek; the king leads just as he does in war, hunting in personat the head of the field, and making his men follow, because it is feltthat the exercise itself is the best possible training for the needs ofwar. It accustoms a man to early rising; it hardens him to endure headand cold; it teaches him to march and to run at the top of his speed; hemust perforce learn to let fly arrow and javelin the moment the quarryis across his path; and, above all, the edge of his spirit must needs besharpened by encountering any of the mightier beasts: he must deal hisstroke when the creature closes, and stand on guard when it makes itsrush: indeed, it would be hard to find a case in war that has not itsparallel in the chase. [11] But to proceed: the young men set outwith provisions that are ampler, naturally, than the boys' fare, butotherwise the same. During the chase itself they would not think ofbreaking their fast, but if a halt is called, to beat up the game, orfor any hunter's reason, then they will make, as it were, a dinner oftheir breakfast, and, hunting again on the morrow till dinner-time, theywill count the two days as one, because they have only eaten one day'sfood. This they do in order that, if the like necessity should arise inwar, they may be found equal to it. As relish to their bread theseyoung men have whatever they may kill in the chase, or failing that, nasturtium like the boys. And if one should ask how they can enjoy themeal with nasturtium for their only condiment and water for their onlydrink, let him bethink himself how sweet barley bread and wheaten cantaste to the hungry man and water to the thirsty. [12] As for the youngmen who are left at home, they spend their time in shooting and hurlingthe javelin, and practising all they learnt as boys, in one long trialof skill. Beside this, public games are open to them and prizes areoffered; and the tribe which can claim the greatest number of ladsdistinguished for skill and courage and faithfulness is given the meedof praise from all the citizens, who honour, not only their presentgovernor, but the teacher who trained them when they were boys. Moreover, these young men are also employed by the magistrates ifgarrison work needs to be done or if malefactors are to be tracked orrobbers run down, or indeed on any errand which calls for strength oflimb and fleetness of foot. Such is the life of the youth. But when theten years are accomplished they are classed as grown men. [13] And fromthis time forth for five-and-twenty years they live as follows. First they present themselves, as in youth, before the magistrates forservice to the state wherever there is need for strength and sound sensecombined. If an expedition be on foot the men of this grade march out, not armed with the bow or the light shield any longer, but equipped withwhat are called the close-combat arms, a breastplate up to the throat, a buckler on the left arm (just as the Persian warrior appears inpictures), and for the right hand a dagger or a sword. Lastly, itis from this grade that all the magistrates are appointed except theteachers for the boys. But when the five-and-twenty years are over andthe men have reached the age of fifty years or more, then they take rankas elders, and the title is deserved. [14] These elders no longer go onmilitary service beyond the frontier; they stay at home and decide allcases, public and private both. Even capital charges are left to theirdecision, and it is they who choose all the magistrates. If a youth ora grown man breaks the law he is brought into court by the governors ofhis tribe, who act as suitors in the case, aided by any other citizenwho pleases. The cause is heard before the elders and they pronouncejudgment; and the man who is condemned is disenfranchised for the restof his days. [15] And now, to complete the picture of the whole Persian policy, Iwill go back a little. With the help of what has been said before, theaccount may now be brief; the Persians are said to number somethinglike one hundred and twenty thousand men: and of these no one is bylaw debarred from honour or office. On the contrary, every Persian isentitled to send his children to the public schools of righteousnessand justice. As a fact, all who can afford to bring up their childrenwithout working do send them there: those who cannot must forego theprivilege. A lad who has passed through a public school has a rightto go and take his place among the youths, but those who have not gonethrough the first course may not join them. In the same way the youthswho have fulfilled the duties of their class are entitled eventuallyto rank with the men, and to share in office and honour: but theymust first spend their full time among the youths; if not, they go nofurther. Finally, those who as grown men have lived without reproach maytake their station at last among the elders. Thus these elders form acollege, every member of which has passed through the full circleof noble learning; and this is that Persian polity and that Persiantraining which, in their belief, can win them the flower of excellence. [16] And even to this day signs are left bearing witness to that ancienttemperance of theirs and the ancient discipline that preserved it. To this day it is still considered shameful for a Persian to spit inpublic, or wipe the nose, or show signs of wind, or be seen going apartfor his natural needs. And they could not keep to this standard unlessthey were accustomed to a temperate diet, and were trained to exerciseand toil, so that the humours of the body were drawn off in other ways. Hitherto we have spoken of the Persians as a whole: we will now go backto our starting-point and recount the deeds of Cyrus from his childhood. [C. 3] Until he was twelve years old or more, Cyrus was brought up in themanner we have described, and showed himself to be above all his fellowsin his aptitude for learning and in the noble and manly performance ofevery duty. But about this time, Astyages sent for his daughter and herson, desiring greatly to see him because he had heard how noble and fairhe was. So it fell out that Mandane came to Astyages, bringing her sonCyrus with her. [2] And as soon as they met, the boy, when he heardthat Astyages was his mother's father, fell on his neck and kissed himwithout more ado, like the loving lad nature had made him, as though hehad been brought up at his grandfather's side from the first and the twoof them had been playmates of old. Then he looked closer and saw thatthe king's eyes were stencilled and his cheeks painted, and that hewore false curls after the fashion of the Medes in those days (for theseadornments, and the purple robes, the tunics, the necklaces, and thebracelets, they are all Median first and last, not Persian; the Persian, as you find him at home even now-a-days, still keeps to hisplainer dress and his plainer style of living. ) The boy, seeing hisgrandfather's splendour, kept his eyes fixed on him, and cried, "Oh, mother, how beautiful my grandfather is!" Then his mother asked himwhich he thought the handsomer, his father or his grandfather, and heanswered at once, "My father is the handsomest of all the Persians, butmy grandfather much the handsomest of all the Medes I ever set eyes on, at home or abroad. " [3] At that Astyages drew the child to his heart, and gave him a beautiful robe and bracelets and necklaces in sign ofhonour, and when he rode out, the boy must ride beside him on a horsewith a golden bridle, just like King Astyages himself. And Cyrus, whohad a soul as sensitive to beauty as to honour, was pleased with thesplendid robe, and overjoyed at learning to ride, for a horse is a raresight in Persia, a mountainous country, and one little suited to thebreed. [4] Now Cyrus and his mother sat at meat with the king, and Astyages, wishing the lad to enjoy the feast and not regret his home, plied himwith dainties of every sort. At that, so says the story, Cyrus burstout, "Oh, grandfather, what trouble you must give yourself reaching forall these dishes and tasting all these wonderful foods!" "Ah, but, " saidAstyages, "is not this a far better meal than you ever had in Persia?"Thereupon, as the tale runs, Cyrus answered, "Our way, grandfather, ismuch shorter than yours, and much simpler. We are hungry and wish to befed, and bread and meat brings us where we want to be at once, but youMedes, for all your haste, take so many turns and wind about so much itis a wonder if you ever find your way to the goal that we have reachedlong ago. " [5] "Well, my lad, " said his grandfather, "we are not at allaverse to the length of the road: taste the dishes for yourself and seehow good they are. " "One thing I do see, " the boy said, "and that isthat you do not quite like them yourself. " And when Astyages asked himhow he felt so sure of that, Cyrus answered, "Because when you touch anhonest bit of bread you never wipe your hands, but if you take one ofthese fine kickshaws you turn to your napkin at once, as if you wereangry to find your fingers soiled. " [6] "Well and good, my lad, well andgood, " said the king, "only feast away yourself and make good cheer, and we shall send you back to Persia a fine strong fellow. " And with theword he had dishes of meat and game set before his grandson. The boy wastaken aback by their profusion, and exclaimed, "Grandfather, do you giveme all this for myself, to do what I like with it?" "Certainly I do, "said the king. [7] Whereupon, without more ado, the boy Cyrus took firstone dish and then another and gave them to the attendants who stoodabout his grandfather, and with each gift he made a little speech: "Thatis for you, for so kindly teaching me to ride;" "And that is for you, inreturn for the javelin you gave me, I have got it still;" "And this isfor you, because you wait on my grandfather so prettily;" "And this foryou, sir, because you honour my mother. " And so on until he had got ridof all the meat he had been given. [8] "But you do not give a singlepiece to Sacas, my butler, " quoth the grandfather, "and I honourhim more than all the rest. " Now this Sacas, as one may guess, was ahandsome fellow, and he had the right to bring before the king all whodesired audience, to keep them back if he thought the time unseasonable. But Cyrus, in answer to his grandfather's question retorted eagerly, like a lad who did not know what fear meant, "And why should you honourhim so much, grandfather?" Then Astyages laughed and said, "Can you notsee how prettily he mixes the cup, and with what a grace he serves thewine?" And indeed, these royal cup-bearers are neat-handed at theirtask, mixing the bowl with infinite elegance, and pouring the wine intothe beakers without spilling a drop, and when they hand the goblet theypoise it deftly between thumb and finger for the banqueter to take. [9]"Now, grandfather, " said the boy, "tell Sacas to give me the bowl, and let me pour out the wine as prettily as he if I can, and win yourfavour. " So the king bade the butler hand him the bowl, and Cyrus tookit and mixed the wine just as he had seen Sacas do, and then, showingthe utmost gravity and the greatest deftness and grace, he broughtthe goblet to his grandfather and offered it with such an air that hismother and Astyages, too, laughed outright, and then Cyrus burst outlaughing also, and flung his arms round his grandfather and kissed him, crying, "Sacas, your day is done! I shall oust you from your office, youmay be sure. I shall make just as pretty a cup-bearer as you--and notdrink the wine myself!" For it is the fact that the king's butler whenhe offers the wine is bound to dip a ladle in the cup first, and poura little in the hollow of his hand and sip it, so that if he has mixedpoison in the bowl it will do him no good himself. [10] Accordingly, Astyages, to carry on the jest, asked the little lad why he hadforgotten to taste the wine though he had imitated Sacas in everythingelse. And the boy answered, "Truly, I was afraid there might be poisonin the bowl. For when you gave your birthday feast to your friends Icould see quite plainly that Sacas had put in poison for you all. " "Andhow did you discover that, my boy?" asked the king. "Because I saw howyour wits reeled and how you staggered; and you all began doing what youwill not let us children do--you talked at the top of your voices, andnone of you understood a single word the others said, and then you begansinging in a way to make us laugh, and though you would not listen tothe singer you swore that it was right nobly sung, and then each of youboasted of his own strength, and yet as soon as you got up to dance, sofar from keeping time to the measure, you could barely keep your legs. And you seemed quite to have forgotten, grandfather, that you wereking, and your subjects that you were their sovereign. Then at last Iunderstood that you must be celebrating that 'free speech' we hear of;at any rate, you were never silent for an instant. " [11] "Well, but, boy, " said Astyages, "does your father never lose his head when hedrinks?" "Certainly not, " said the boy. "What happens then?" asked theking. "He quenches his thirst, " answered Cyrus, "and that is all. Noharm follows. You see, he has no Sacas to mix his wine for him. " "But, Cyrus, " put in his mother, "why are you so unkind to Sacas?" "Because Ido so hate him, " answered the boy. "Time after time when I have wantedto go to my grandfather this old villain has stopped me. Do please, grandfather, let me manage him for three days. " "And how would you setabout it?" Astyages asked. "Why, " said the boy, "I will plant myselfin the doorway just as he does, and then when he wants to go in tobreakfast I will say 'You cannot have breakfast yet: HE is busy withsome people, ' and when he comes for dinner I will say 'No dinner yet: HEis in his bath, ' and as he grows ravenous I will say 'Wait a little: HEis with the ladies of the court, ' until I have plagued and tormented himas he torments me, keeping me away from you, grandfather, when I want tocome. " [12] Thus the boy delighted his elders in the evening, and byday if he saw that his grandfather or his uncle wanted anything, no onecould forestall him in getting it; indeed nothing seemed to give himgreater pleasure than to please them. [13] Now when Mandane began to think of going back to her husband, Astyages begged her to leave the boy behind. She answered that thoughshe wished to please her father in everything, it would be hard to leavethe boy against his will. [14] Then the old man turned to Cyrus: "Myboy, if you will stay with us, Sacas shall never stop you from coming tome: you shall be free to come whenever you choose, and the oftener youcome the better it will please me. You shall have horses to ride, myown and as many others as you like, and when you leave us you shall takethem with you. And at dinner you shall go your own away and follow yourown path to your own goal of temperance just as you think right. And Iwill make you a present of all the game in my parks and paradises, andcollect more for you, and as soon as you have learnt to ride you shallhunt and shoot and hurl the javelin exactly like a man. And you shallhave boys to play with and anything else you wish for: you have only toask me and it shall be yours. " [15] Then his mother questioned theboy and asked him whether he would rather stay with his grandfatherin Media, or go back home with her: and he said at once that he wouldrather stay. And when she went on to ask him the reason, he answered, sothe story says, "Because at home I am thought to be the best of the ladsat shooting and hurling the javelin, and so I think I am: but here Iknow I am the worst at riding, and that you may be sure, mother, annoysme exceedingly. Now if you leave me here and I learn to ride, when I amback in Persia you shall see, I promise you, that I will outdo all ourgallant fellows on foot, and when I come to Media again I will try andshow my grandfather that, for all his splendid cavalry, he will not havea stouter horseman than his grandson to fight his battles for him. " [16]Then said his mother, "But justice and righteousness, my son, how canyou learn them here when your teachers are at home?" "Oh, " said Cyrus, "I know all about them already. " "How do you know that you do?" askedMandane. "Because, " answered the boy, "before I left home my masterthought I had learnt enough to decide the cases, and he set me to trythe suits. Yes! and I remember once, said he, "I got a whipping formisjudgment. [17] I will tell you about that case. There were two boys, a big boy and a little boy, and the big boy's coat was small and thesmall boy's coat was huge. So the big boy stripped the little boy andgave him his own small coat, while he put on the big one himself. Now ingiving judgment I decided that it was better for both parties that eachshould have the coat that fitted him best. But I never got any furtherin my sentence, because the master thrashed me here, and said that theverdict would have been excellent if I had been appointed to say whatfitted and what did not, but I had been called in to decide to whom thecoat belonged, and the point to consider was, who had a right to it: Washe who took a thing by violence to keep it, or he who had had it madeand bought it for his own? And the master taught me that what is lawfulis just and what is in the teeth of law is based on violence, andtherefore, he said, the judge must always see that his verdict tallieswith the law. So you see, mother, I have the whole of justice at myfingers' ends already. And if there should be anything more I need toknow, why, I have my grandfather beside me, and he will always give melessons. " [18] "But, " rejoined his mother, "what everyone takes to bejust and righteous at your grandfather's court is not thought to be soin Persia. For instance, your own grandfather has made himself masterover all and sundry among the Medes, but with the Persians equality isheld to be an essential part of justice: and first and foremost, yourfather himself must perform his appointed services to the state andreceive his appointed dues: and the measure of these is not his owncaprice but the law. Have a care then, or you may be scourged to deathwhen you come home to Persia, if you learn in your grandfather's schoolto love not kingship but tyranny, and hold the tyrant's belief that heand he alone should have more than all the rest. " "Ah, but, mother, "said the boy, "my grandfather is better at teaching people to haveless than their share, not more. Cannot you see, " he cried, "how hehas taught all the Medes to have less than himself? So set your mindat rest, mother, my grandfather will never make me, or any one else, anadept in the art of getting too much. " [C. 4] So the boy's tongue ran on. But at last his mother went home, andCyrus stayed behind and was brought up in Media. He soon made friendswith his companions and found his way to their hearts, and soon wontheir parents by the charm of his address and the true affection he boretheir sons, so much so that when they wanted a favour from the kingthey bade their children ask Cyrus to arrange the matter for them. And whatever it might be, the kindliness of the lad's heart and theeagerness of his ambition made him set the greatest store on getting itdone. [2] On his side, Astyages could not bring himself to refuse hisgrandson's lightest wish. For once, when he was sick, nothing wouldinduce the boy to leave his side; he could not keep back his tears, andhis terror at the thought that his grandfather might die was plain forevery one to see. If the old man needed anything during the night Cyruswas the first to notice it, it was he who sprang up first to wait uponhim, and bring him what he thought would please him. Thus the old king'sheart was his. [3] During these early days, it must be allowed, the boy was somethingtoo much of a talker, in part, may be, because of his bringing-up. Hehad been trained by his master, whenever he sat in judgment, to give areason for what he did, and to look for the like reason from others. Andmoreover, his curiosity and thirst for knowledge were such that he mustneeds inquire from every one he met the explanation of this, that, andthe other; and his own wits were so lively that he was ever ready withan answer himself for any question put to him, so that talkativeness hadbecome, as it were, his second nature. But, just as in the body when aboy is overgrown, some touch of youthfulness is sure to show itselfand tell the secret of his age, so for all the lad's loquacity, theimpression left on the listener was not of arrogance, but of simplicityand warm-heartedness, and one would gladly have heard his chatter to theend rather than have sat beside him and found him dumb. [4] However, as he grew in stature and the years led him to the timewhen childhood passes into youth he became more chary of his words andquieter in his tone: at times, indeed, he was so shy that he would blushin the presence of his elders, and there was little sign left of the oldforwardness, the impulsiveness of the puppy who will jump up on everyone, master and stranger alike. Thus he grew more sedate, but hiscompany was still most fascinating, and little wonder: for whenever itcame to a trial of skill between himself and his comrades he would neverchallenge his mates to those feats in which he himself excelled: hewould start precisely one where he felt his own inferiority, averringthat he would outdo them all, --indeed, he would spring to horse in orderto shoot or hurl the javelin before he had got a firm seat--andthen, when he was worsted, he would be the first to laugh at his owndiscomfiture. [5] He had no desire to escape defeat by giving up theeffort, but took glory in the resolution to do better another time, and thus he soon found himself as good a horseman as his peers, andpresently, such was his ardour, he surpassed them all, and at last thethinning of the game in the king's preserves began to show what he coulddo. What with the chasing and the shooting and the spearing, the stockof animals ran so low that Astyages was hard put to it to collect enoughfor him. Then Cyrus, seeing that his grandfather for all his goodwillcould never furnish him with enough, came to him one day and said, "Grandfather, why should you take so much trouble in finding game forme? If only you would let me go out to hunt with my uncle, I could fancyevery beast we came across had been reared for my particular delight!"[6] But however anxious the lad might be to go out to the chase, he hadsomehow lost the old childish art of winning what he wanted by coaxing:and he hesitated a long time before approaching the king again. If inthe old days he had quarrelled with Sacas for not letting him in, nowhe began to play the part of Sacas against himself, and could not summoncourage to intrude until he thought the right moment had come: indeed, he implored the real Sacas to let him know when he might venture. Sothat the old butler's heart was won, and he, like the rest of the world, was completely in love with the young prince. [7] At last when Astyages saw that the lad's heart was really set onhunting in the open country, he gave him leave to go out with his uncle, taking care at the same time to send an escort of mounted veterans athis heels, whose business it was to keep watch and ward over him in anydangerous place or against any savage beast. Cyrus plied his retinuewith questions about the creatures they came across, which must he avoidand which might he hunt? They told him he must be on his guard againstbears and wild-boars and lions and leopards: many a man had foundhimself at too close quarters with these dangerous creatures, and beentorn to pieces: but antelopes, they said, and deer and mountain sheepand wild asses were harmless enough. And the huntsman, they added, oughtto be as careful about dangerous places as about the beasts themselves:many a time horse and rider had gone headlong down a precipice to death. [8] The lad seemed to take all their lessons to heart at the time: butthen he saw a stag leap up, and forgot all the wise cautions he hadheard, giving chase forthwith, noticing nothing except the beast aheadof him. His horse, in its furious plunge forward, slipped, and came downon its knees, all but throwing the rider over its head. As luck wouldhave it the boy managed to keep his seat, and the horse recovered itsfooting. When they reached the flat bottom, Cyrus let fly his javelin, and the stag fell dead, a beautiful big creature. The lad was stillradiant with delight when up rode the guard and took him severely totask. Could he not see the danger he had run? They would certainly tellhis grandfather, that they would. Cyrus, who had dismounted, stood quitestill and listened ruefully, hanging his head while they rated him. Butin the middle of it all he heard the view-halloo again: he sprang to hishorse as though frenzied--a wild-boar was charging down on them, and hecharged to meet it, and drawing his bow with the surest aim possible, struck the beast in the forehead, and laid him low. [9] But now hisuncle thought it was high time to scold his nephew himself; the lad'sboldness was too much. Only, the more he scolded the more Cyrus beggedhe would let him take back the spoil as a present for his grandfather. To which appeal, says the story, his uncle made reply: "But if yourgrandfather finds out that you have gone in chase yourself, he will notonly scold you for going but me for letting you go. " "Well, let him whipme if he likes, " said the boy, "when once I have given him my beasts:and you too, uncle, " he went on, "punish me however you choose, only donot refuse me this. " So Cyaxares was forced to yield:--"Have it your ownway then, you are little less than our king already. " [10] Thus it wasthat Cyrus was allowed to bring his trophies home, and in due coursepresented them to his grandfather. "See, grandfather, here are someanimals I have shot for you. " But he did not show his weapons intriumph: he only laid them down with the gore still on them where hehoped his grandfather would see them. It is easy to guess the answerAstyages gave:--"I must needs accept with pleasure every gift you bringme, only I want none of them at the risk of your own life. " And Cyrussaid, "If you really do not want them yourself, grandfather, will yougive them to me? And I will divide them among the lads. " "With all myheart, " said the old man, "take them, or anything else you like; bestowthem where you will, and welcome. " [11] So Cyrus carried off the spoil, and divided it with his comrades, saying all the while, "What fooleryit was, when we used to hunt in the park! It was no better than huntingcreatures tied by a string. First of all, it was such a little bit ofa place, and then what scarecrows the poor beasts were, one halt, and another maimed! But those real animals on the mountains and theplains--what splendid beasts, so gigantic, so sleek and glossy! Why, the stags leapt up against the sky as though they had wings, and thewild-boars came rushing to close quarters like warriors in battle! Andthanks to their breadth and bulk one could not help hitting them. Why, even as they lie dead there, " cried he, "they look finer than thosepoor walled-up creatures when alive! But you, " he added, "could not yourfathers let you go out to hunt too?" "Gladly enough, " answered they, "ifonly the king gave the order. " [12] "Well, " said Cyrus, "who will speakto Astyages for us?" "Why, " answered they, "who so fit to persuade himas yourself?" "No, by all that's holy, not I!" cried Cyrus. "I cannotthink what has come over me: I cannot speak to my grandfather any more;I cannot look him straight in the face. If this fit grows on me, I amafraid I shall become no better than an idiot. And yet, when I was alittle boy, they tell me, I was sharp enough at talking. " To which theother lads retorted, "Well, it is a bad business altogether: and if youcannot bestir yourself for your friends, if you can do nothing for usin our need, we must turn elsewhere. " [13] When Cyrus heard that he wasstung to the quick: he went away in silence and urged himself to put ona bold face, and so went in to his grandfather, not, however, withoutplanning first how he could best bring in the matter. Accordingly hebegan thus: "Tell me, grandfather, " said he, "if one of your slaves wereto run away, and you caught him, what would you do to him?" "What elseshould I do, " the old man answered, "but clap irons on him and set himto work in chains?" "But if he came back of his own accord, how wouldyou treat him then?" "Why, I would give him a whipping, as a warning notto do it again, and then treat him as though nothing had happened. " "Itis high time then, " said the boy, "that you began getting a birch readyfor your grandson: for I am planning to take my comrades and run away ona hunting expedition. " "Very kind of you to tell me, beforehand, " saidAstyages. "And now listen, I forbid you to set foot outside the palacegrounds. A pretty thing, " he added, "if for the sake of a day's huntingI should let my daughter's lamb get lost. " [14] So Cyrus did as he wasordered and stayed at home, but he spent his days in silence and hisbrow was clouded. At last Astyages saw how bitterly the lad felt it, and he made up his mind to please him by leading out a hunting-partyhimself. He held a great muster of horse and foot, and the other ladswere not forgotten: he had the beasts driven down into the flat countrywhere the horses could be taken easily, and then the hunt began insplendid style. After the royal fashion--for he was present in personhimself--he gave orders that no one was to shoot until Cyrus had huntedto his heart's content. But Cyrus would not hear of any such hindranceto the others: "Grandfather, " he cried, "if you wish me to enjoy myself, let my friends hunt with me and each of us try our best. " [15] ThereuponAstyages let them all go, while he stood still and watched the sight, and saw how they raced to attack the quarry and how their ambitionburned within them as they followed up the chase and let fly theirjavelins. But above all he was overjoyed to see how his grandson couldnot keep silence for sheer delight, calling upon his fellows by namewhenever he came up with the quarry, like a noble young hound, bayingfrom pure excitement. It gladdened the old man's heart to hear howgleefully the boy would laugh at one of his comrades and how eagerly hewould applaud another without the slightest touch of jealousy. Atlength it was time to turn, and home they went, laden with their mightytrophies. And ever afterwards, so well pleased was the king with theday's hunting, that whenever it was possible, out he must go with hisgrandson, all his train behind him, and he never failed to take the boysalso, "to please Cyrus. " Thus did Cyrus spend his early life, sharing inand helping towards the happiness of all, and bringing no sorrow to anyman. [16] But when he was about fifteen years of age, it chanced that theyoung Prince of Assyria, who was about to marry a wife, planned ahunting-party of his own, in honour of the bridal. And, having heardthat on the frontiers of Assyria and Media there was much game to begot, untouched and unmolested because of the war, the prince chose thesemarches for his hunting-ground. But for safety sake he took with hima large escort of cavalry and targeteers, who were to drive the beastsdown from their lairs into the cultivated levels below where it waseasy to ride. He set out to the place where the Assyrian outposts wereplanted and a garrison on duty, and there he and his men prepared totake their supper, intending to begin the hunt with the morrow's dawn. [17] And as evening had fallen, it happened that the night-watch, aconsiderable body of horse and foot, arrived from the city to relievethe garrison on guard. Thus the prince found that he had something likea large army at his call: the two garrisons as well as the troop ofhorse and foot for the hunt. And then he asked himself whether it wouldnot be the best of plans to drive off booty from the country of theMedes? In this way more lustre would be given to the chase, and therewould be great store of beasts for sacrifice. With this intent he rosebetimes and led his army out: the foot soldiers he massed together onthe frontier, while he himself, at the head of his cavalry, rode up tothe border fortresses of the Medes. Here he halted with the strongestand largest part of his company, to prevent the garrisons from sallyingout, and meanwhile he sent picked men forward by detachments with ordersto raid the country in every direction, waylay everything they chancedupon, and drive the spoil back to him. [18] While this was going on news was brought to Astyages that the enemywas across the border, and he hastened to the rescue at once, himself atthe head of his own body-guard, and his son with such troopers as wereready to hand, leaving word for others to follow with all despatch. Butwhen they were in sight of the Assyrians, and saw their serried ranks, horse and foot, drawn up in order, compact and motionless, they came toa halt themselves. [19] Now Cyrus, seeing that all the rest of the worldwas off to the rescue, boot and saddle, must needs ride out too, and soput on his armour for the first time, and could scarcely believe it wastrue, he had longed so often and so ardently to wear it all. And rightbeautiful it was, and right well it fitted the lad, the armour that hisgrandsire had had made for him. So he put on the whole accoutrement, mounted his charger, and galloped to the front. And Astyages, though hewondered who had sent the boy, bade him stay beside him, now that hehad come. Cyrus, as he looked at the horsemen facing them, turned tohis grandfather with the question, "Can those men yonder be our enemies, grandfather, those who are standing so quietly beside their horses?""Enemies they are too for all that, " said the king. "And are thoseenemies too?" the boy asked, "those who are riding over there?" "Yes, to be sure. " "Well, grandfather, a sorry set they look, and sorry jadesthey ride to ravage our lands! It would be well for some of us to chargethem!" "Not yet, my boy, " answered his grandfather, "look at the massof horsemen there. If we were to charge the others now, these friends oftheirs would charge us, for our full strength is not yet on the field. ""Yes, but, " suggested the boy, "if you stay here yourself, ready toreceive our supporters, those fellows will be afraid to stir either, andthe cattle-lifters will drop their booty quick enough, as soon as theyfind they are attacked. " [20] Astyages felt there was much in what the boy said, and thinking allthe while what wonderful sense he showed and how wide-awake he was, gaveorders for his son to take a squadron of horse and charge the raiders. "If the main body move to attack, " he added, "I will charge myself andgive them enough to do here. " Accordingly Cyaxares took a detachment ofhorse and galloped to the field. Cyrus seeing the charge, darted forwardhimself, and swept to the van, leading it with Cyaxares close at hisheels and the rest close behind them. As soon as the plunderers sawthem, they left their booty and took to flight. [21] The troopers, withCyrus at their head, dashed in to cut them off, and some they overtookat once and hewed down then and there; others slipped past, and thenthey followed in hot pursuit, and caught some of them too. And Cyrus wasever in the front, like a young hound, untrained as yet but bred froma gallant stock, charging a wild-boar recklessly; forward he swept, without eyes or thought for anything but the quarry to be captured andthe blow to be struck. But when the Assyrian army saw their friendsin trouble they pushed forward, rank on rank, saying to themselves thepursuit would stop when their own movement was seen. [22] But Cyrusnever slackened his pace a whit: in a transport of joy he called on hisuncle by name as he pressed forward, hanging hot-foot on the fugitives, while Cyaxares still clung to his heels, thinking maybe what his fatherAstyages would say if he hung back, and the others still followed closebehind them, even the faint-hearted changed into heroes for the nonce. Now Astyages, watching their furious onslaught, and seeing the enemymove steadily forward in close array to meet them, decided to advancewithout a moment's delay himself, for fear that his son and Cyrus mightcome to harm, crashing in disorder against the solid battalions of thefoe. [23] The Assyrians saw the movement of the king and came to a halt, spears levelled and bows bent, expecting that, when their assailantscame within range, they would halt likewise as they had usually donebefore. For hitherto, whenever the armies met, they would only charge upto a certain distance, and there take flying shots, and so keep up theskirmish until evening fell. But now the Assyrians saw their own menborne down on them in rout, with Cyrus and his comrades at their heelsin full career, while Astyages and his cavalry were already withinbowshot. It was more than they could face, and they turned and fled. After them swept the Medes in full pursuit, and those they caught theymowed down, horse and man, and those that fell they slew. There was nopause until they came up with the Assyrian foot. [24] Here at last theydrew rein in fear of some hidden ambuscade, and Astyages led his armyoff. The exploit of his cavalry pleased him beyond measure, but he didnot know what he could say to Cyrus. It was he to whom the engagementwas due, and the victory; but the boy's daring was on the verge ofmadness. Even during the return home his behaviour was strange; he couldnot forbear riding round alone to look into the faces of the slain, and those whose duty it was could hardly drag him away to lead him toAstyages: indeed, the youth was glad enough to keep them as a screenbetween himself and the king, for he saw that the countenance of hisgrandfather grew stern at the sight of him. [25] So matters passed in Media: and more and more the name of Cyrus wason the lip of every man, in song and story everywhere, and Astyages, who had always loved him, was astonished beyond all measure at the lad. Meanwhile his father, Cambyses, rejoiced to hear such tidings of hisson; but, when he heard that he was already acting like a man of years, he thought it full time to call him home again that he might completehis training in the discipline of his fatherland. The story tells howCyrus answered the summons, saying he would rather return home at onceso that his father might not be vexed or his country blame him. AndAstyages, too, thought it his plain duty to send the boy back, but hemust needs give him horses to take with him, as many as he would careto choose, and other gifts beside, not only for the love he bore himbut for the high hopes he had that the boy would one day prove a man ofmark, a blessing to his friends, and a terror to his foes. And when thetime came for Cyrus to go, the whole world poured out to speed him onhis journey--little children and lads of his own age, and grown menand greybeards on their steeds, and Astyages the king. And, so says thechronicle, the eyes of none were dry when they turned home again. [26]Cyrus himself, they tell us, rode away in tears. He heaped gifts on allhis comrades, sharing with them what Astyages had given to himself; andat last he took off the splendid Median cloak he wore and gave it to oneof them, to tell him, plainer than words could say, how his heart clungto him above the rest. And his friends, they say, took the gifts he gavethem, but they brought them all back to Astyages, who sent them to Cyrusagain. But once more Cyrus sent them back to Media with this prayer tohis grandfather:--"If you would have me hold my head up when I come backto you again, let my friends keep the gifts I gave them. " And Astyagesdid as the boy asked. [27] And here, if a tale of boyish love is not out of place, we mighttell how, when Cyrus was just about to depart and the last good-byeswere being said, each of his kinsmen in the Persian fashion--and to thisday the custom holds in Persia--kissed him on the lips as they bade himgod-speed. Now there was a certain Mede, as beautiful and brave a manas ever lived, who had been enamoured of Cyrus for many a long day, and, when he saw the kiss, he stayed behind, and after the others hadwithdrawn he went up to Cyrus and said, "Me, and me alone, of all yourkindred, Cyrus, you refuse to recognize?" And Cyrus answered, "What, areyou my kinsman too?" "Yes, assuredly, " the other answered, and the ladrejoined, "Ah, then, that is why you looked at me so earnestly; and Ihave seen you look at me like that, I think, more than once before. ""Yes, " answered the Mede, "I have often longed to approach you, but asoften, heaven knows, my heart failed me. " "But why should that be, " saidCyrus, "seeing you are my kinsman?" And with the word, he leant forwardand kissed him on the lips. [28] Then the Mede, emboldened by the kiss, took heart and said, "So in Persia it is really the custom for relativesto kiss?" "Truly yes, " answered Cyrus, "when we see each other after along absence, or when we part for a journey. " "Then the time has come, "said the other, "to give me a second kiss, for I must leave you now. "With that Cyrus kissed him again and so they parted. But the travellerswere not far on their way when suddenly the Mede came galloping afterthem, his charger covered with foam. Cyrus caught sight of him:--"Youhave forgotten something? There is something else you wanted to say?""No, " said the Mede, "it is only such a long, long while since we met. ""Such a little, little while you mean, my kinsman, " answered Cyrus. "Alittle while!" repeated the other. "How can you say that? Cannot youunderstand that the time it takes to wink is a whole eternity if itsevers me from the beauty of your face?" Then Cyrus burst out laughing in spite of his own tears, and bade theunfortunate man take heart of grace and be gone. "I shall soon be backwith you again, and then you can stare at me to your heart's content, and never wink at all. " [C. 5] Thus Cyrus left his grandfather's court and came home to Persia, and there, so it is said, he spent one year more as a boy among boys. At first the lads were disposed to laugh at him, thinking he must havelearnt luxurious ways in Media, but when they saw that he could takethe simple Persian food as happily as themselves, and how, whenever theymade good cheer at a festival, far from asking for any more himself hewas ready to give his own share of the dainties away, when they saw andfelt in this and in other things his inborn nobleness and superiority tothemselves, then the tide turned and once more they were at his feet. And when this part of his training was over, and the time was come forhim to join the younger men, it was the same tale once more. Once morehe outdid all his fellows, alike in the fulfilment of his duty, inthe endurance of hardship, in the reverence he showed to age, and theobedience he paid to authority. [2] Now in the fullness of time Astyages died in Media, and Cyaxareshis son, the brother of Cyrus' mother, took the kingdom in his stead. By this time the king of Assyria had subdued all the tribes of Syria, subjugated the king of Arabia, brought the Hyrcanians under his rule, and was holding the Bactrians in siege. Therefore he came to think that, if he could but weaken the power of the Medes, it would be easy for himto extend his empire over all the nations round him, since the Medeswere, without doubt, the strongest of them all. [3] Accordingly hesent his messengers to every part of his dominions: to Croesus, kingof Lydia, to the king of Cappadocia, to both the Phrygias, to thePaphlagonians and the Indians, to the Carians and the Cilicians. And hebade them spread slanders abroad against the Persians and the Medes, andsay moreover that these were great and mighty kingdoms which had cometogether and made alliance by marriage with one another, and unless aman should be beforehand with them and bring down their power it couldnot be but that they would fall on each of their neighbours in turn andsubdue them one by one. So the nations listened to the messengers andmade alliance with the king of Assyria: some were persuaded by what hesaid and others were won over by gifts and gold, for the riches of theAssyrian were great. [4] Now Cyaxares, the son of Astyages, was aware ofthese plots and preparations, and he made ready on his side, so far asin him lay, sending word to the Persian state and to Cambyses the king, who had his sister to wife. And he sent to Cyrus also, begging him tocome with all speed at the head of any force that might be furnished, ifso be the Council of Persia would give him men-at-arms. For by thistime Cyrus had accomplished his ten years among the youths and was nowenrolled with the grown men. [5] He was right willing to go, and theCouncil of Elders appointed him to command the force for Media. Theybade him choose two hundred men among the Peers, each of them to choosefour others from their fellows. Thus was formed a body of a thousandPeers: and each of the thousand had orders to raise thirty men from thecommons--ten targeteers, ten slingers, and ten archers--and thus threeregiments were levied, 10, 000 archers, 10, 000 slingers, and 10, 000targeteers, over and above the thousand Peers. The whole force was tobe put under the command of Cyrus. [6] As soon as he was appointed, his first act had been to offer sacrifice, and when the omens werefavourable he had chosen his two hundred Peers, and each of them hadchosen their four comrades. Then he called the whole body together, andfor the first time spoke to them as follows:-- [7] "My friends, I have chosen you for this work, but this is not thefirst time that I have formed my opinion of your worth: from my boyhoodI have watched your zeal for all that our country holds to be honourableand your abhorrence for all that she counts base. And I wish to tell youplainly why I accepted this office myself and why I ask your help. [8] Ihave long felt sure that our forefathers were in their time as good menas we. For their lives were one long effort towards the self-same deedsof valour as are held in honour now; and still, for all their worth, I fail to see what good they gained either for the state or forthemselves. [9] Yet I cannot bring myself to believe that there is asingle virtue practised among mankind merely in order that the brave andgood should fare no better than the base ones of the earth. Men donot forego the pleasures of the moment to say good-bye to all joy forevermore--no, this self-control is a training, so that we may reap thefruits of a larger joy in the time to come. A man will toil day andnight to make himself an orator, yet oratory is not the one aim ofhis existence: his hope is to influence men by his eloquence and thusachieve some noble end. So too with us, and those like us, who aredrilled in the arts of war: we do not give our labours in order to fightfor ever, endlessly and hopelessly, we hope that we too one day, when wehave proved our mettle, may win and wear for ourselves and for our citythe threefold ornament of wealth, of happiness, of honour. [10] And ifthere should be some who have worked hard all their lives and suddenlyold-age, they find, has stolen on them unawares, and taken away theirpowers before they have gathered in the fruit of all their toil, suchmen seem to me like those who desire to be thrifty husbandmen, and whosow well and plant wisely, but when the time of harvest comes let thefruit drop back ungarnered into the soil whence it sprang. Or as if anathlete should train himself and reach the heights where victory may bewon and at the last forbear to enter the lists--such an one, I take it, would but meet his deserts if all men cried out upon him for a fool. [11] Let not such be our fate, my friends. Our own hearts bear uswitness that we, too, from our boyhood up, have been trained in theschool of beauty and nobleness and honour, and now let us go forward tomeet our foes. They, I know right well, when matched with us, will provebut novices in war. He is no true warrior, though he be skilled with thejavelin and the bow and ride on horseback with the best, who, when thecall for endurance comes, is found to fail: toil finds him but a novice. Nor are they warriors who, when they should wake and watch, give way toslumber: sleep finds them novices. Even endurance will not avail, if aman has not learnt to deal as a man should by friends and foes: such anone is unschooled in the highest part of his calling. [12] But with youit is not so: to you the night will be as the day; toil, your schoolhas taught you, is the guide to happiness; hunger has been your dailycondiment, and water you take to quench your thirst as the lion laps thestream. And you have that within your hearts which is the rarest of alltreasures and the most akin to war: of all sweet sounds the sweetestsound for you is the voice of fame. You are fair Honour's suitors, andyou must needs win your title to her favour. Therefore you undergo toiland danger gladly. [13] "Now if I said all this of you, and my heart were not in my words, I should but cheat myself. For in so far as you should fail to fulfil myhopes of you, it is on me that the shame would fall. But I have faith inyou, bred of experience: I trust in your goodwill towards me, and in ourenemy's lack of wit; you will not belie my hopes. Let us go forth with alight heart; we have no ill-fame to fear: none can say we covetanother man's goods unlawfully. Our enemy strikes the first blow in anunrighteous cause, and our friends call us to protect them. What is morelawful than self-defence? What is nobler than to succour those we love?[14] And you have another ground of confidence--in opening this campaignI have not been forgetful of the gods: you have gone in and out with me, and you know how in all things, great and small, I strive to win theirblessing. And now, " he added, "what need of further words? I will leaveyou now to choose your own men, and when all is ready you will marchinto Media at their head. Meanwhile I will return to my father and startbefore you, so that I may learn what I can about the enemy as soon asmay be, and thus make all needful preparations, so that by God's help wemay win glory on the field. " [C. 6] Such were his orders and they set about them at once. But Cyrushimself went home and prayed to the gods of his father's house, toHestia and Zeus, and to all who had watched over his race. And when hehad done so, he set out for the war, and his father went with him onthe road. They were no sooner clear of the city, so says the story, thanthey met with favourable omens of thunder and lightning, and after thatthey went forward without further divination, for they felt that no mancould mistake the signs from the Ruler of the gods. [2] And as they wenton their way Cyrus' father said to him, "My son, the gods are graciousto us, and look with favour on your journey--they have shown it in thesacrifices, and by their signs from heaven. You do not need another manto tell you so, for I was careful to have you taught this art, so thatyou might understand the counsels of the gods yourself and have no needof an interpreter, seeing with your own eyes and hearing with your ownears and taking the heavenly meaning for yourself. Thus you need not beat the mercy of any soothsayers who might have a mind to deceive you, speaking contrary to the omens vouchsafed from heaven, nor yet, shouldyou chance to be without a seer, drift in perplexity and know not how toprofit by the heavenly signs: you yourself through your own learning canunderstand the warnings of the gods and follow them. " [3] "Yes, father, " answered Cyrus, "so far as in me lies, I bear yourwords in mind, and pray to the gods continually that they may show usfavour and vouchsafe to counsel us. I remember, " he went on, "how once Iheard you say that, as with men, so with the gods, it was but natural ifthe prayer of him should prevail who did not turn to flatter them onlyin time of need, but was mindful of them above all in the heyday of hishappiness. It was thus indeed, you said, that we ought to deal with ourearthly friends. " [4] "True, my son, " said his father, "and because ofall my teaching, you can now approach the gods in prayer with a lighterheart and a more confident hope that they will grant you what you ask, because your conscience bears you witness that you have never forgottenthem. " "Even so, " said Cyrus, "and in truth I feel towards them asthough they were my friends. " [5] "And do you remember, " asked hisfather, "certain other conclusions on which we were agreed? How wefelt there were certain things that the gods had permitted us to attainthrough learning and study and training? The accomplishment of these isthe reward of effort, not of idleness; in these it is only when we havedone all that it is our duty to do that we are justified in asking forblessings from the gods. " [6] "I remember very well, " said Cyrus, "thatyou used to talk to me in that way: and indeed I could not but agreewith the arguments you gave. You used to say that a man had no right topray he might win a cavalry charge if he had never learnt how to ride, or triumph over master-bowmen if he could not draw a bow, or bringa ship safe home to harbour if he did not know how to steer, or berewarded with a plenteous harvest if he had not so much as sown graininto the ground, or come home safe from battle if he took no precautionswhatsoever. All such prayers as these, you said, were contrary to thevery ordinances of heaven, and those who asked for things forbiddencould not be surprised if they failed to win them from the gods. Even asa petition in the face of law on earth would have no success with men. " [7] "And do you remember, " said his father, "how we thought that itwould be a noble work enough if a man could train himself really andtruly to be beautiful and brave and earn all he needed for his householdand himself? That, we said, was a work of which a man might well beproud; but if he went further still, if he had the skill and the scienceto be the guide and governor of other men, supplying all their wants andmaking them all they ought to be, that, it seemed to us, would be indeeda marvel. " [8] "Yes, my father, " answered Cyrus, "I remember it verywell. I agreed with you that to rule well and nobly was the greatestof all works, and I am of the same mind still, " he went on, "wheneverI think of government in itself. But when I look on the world at large, when I see of what poor stuff those men are made who contrive to upholdtheir rule and what sort of antagonists we are likely to find in them, then I can only feel how disgraceful it would be to cringe before themand not to face them myself and try conclusions with them on the field. All of them, I perceive, " he added, "beginning with our own friendshere, hold to it that the ruler should only differ from his subjects bythe splendour of his banquets, the wealth of gold in his coffers, thelength and depth of his slumbers, and his freedom from trouble and pain. But my views are different: I hold that the ruler should be marked outfrom other men, not by taking life easily, but by his forethought andhis wisdom and his eagerness for work. " [9] "True, my son, " the fatheranswered, "but you know the struggle must in part be waged not againstflesh and blood but against circumstances, and these may not be overcomeso easily. You know, I take it, that if supplies were not forthcoming, farewell to this government of yours. " "Yes, " Cyrus answered, "and thatis why Cyaxares is undertaking to provide for all of us who join him, whatever our numbers are. " "So, " said the father, "and you really mean, my son, that you are relying only on these supplies of Cyaxares for thiscampaign of yours?" "Yes, " answered Cyrus. "And do you know what theyamount to?" "No, " he said, "I cannot say that I do. " "And yet, " hisfather went on, "you are prepared to rely on what you do not know? Doyou forget that the needs of the morrow must be high, not to speakof the outlay for the day?" "Oh, no, " said Cyrus, "I am well aware ofthat. " "Well, " said the father, "suppose the cost is more than Cyaxarescan bear, or suppose he actually meant to deceive you, how would yoursoldiers fare?" "Ill enough, no doubt, " answered he. "And now tellme, father, while we are still in friendly country, if you know of anyresources that I could make my own?" [10] "You want to know where youcould find resources of your own?" repeated his father. "And who is tofind that out, if not he who holds the keys of power? We have given youa force of infantry that you would not exchange, I feel sure, for onethat was more than twice its size; and you will have the cavalry ofMedia to support you, the finest in the world. I conceive there are noneof the nations round about who will not be ready to serve you, whetherto win your favour or because they fear disaster. These are mattersyou must look into carefully, in concert with Cyaxares, so that nothingshould ever fail you of what you need, and, if only for habit's sake, you should devise some means for supplying your revenue. Bear this maximin mind before all others--never put off the collecting of suppliesuntil the day of need, make the season of your abundance provide againstthe time of dearth. You will gain better terms from those on whom youmust depend if you are not thought to be in straits, and, what is more, you will be free from blame in the eyes of your soldiers. That in itselfwill make you more respected; wherever you desire to help or to hurt, your troops will follow you with greater readiness, so long as they haveall they need, and your words, you may be sure, will carry the greaterweight the fuller your display of power for weal or woe. " [11] "Yes, father, " Cyrus said, "I feel all you say is true, and themore because as things now stand none of my soldiers will thank me forthe pay that is promised them. They are well aware of the terms Cyaxareshas offered for their help: but whatever they get over and above thecovenanted amount they will look upon as a free gift, and for that theywill, in all likelihood, feel most gratitude to the giver. " "True, " saidthe father, "and really for a man to have a force with which he couldserve his friends and take vengeance on his foes, and yet neglect thesupplies for it, would be as disgraceful, would it not? as for a farmerto hold lands and labourers and yet allow fields to lie barren for lackof tillage. " "No such neglect, " answered the son, "shall ever be laid at my door. Through friendly lands or hostile, trust me, in this business ofsupplying my troops with all they need I will always play my part. " [12] "Well, my son, " the father resumed, "and do you remember certainother points which we agreed must never be overlooked?" "Could I forgetthem?" answered Cyrus. "I remember how I came to you for money to paythe teacher who professed to have taught me generalship, and you gave itme, but you asked me many questions. 'Now, my boy, ' you said, 'did thisteacher you want to pay ever mention economy among the things a generalought to understand? Soldiers, no less than servants in a house, aredependent on supplies. ' And I was forced to tell the truth and admitthat not a syllable had been mentioned on that score. Then you askedme if anything had been taught about health and strength, since a truegeneral is bound to think of these matters no less than of tactics andstrategy. And when I was forced to say no, you asked me if he had taughtme any of the arts which give the best aid in war. Once again I had tosay no and then you asked whether he had ever taught me how to kindleenthusiasm in my men. For in every undertaking, you said, there was allthe difference in the world between energy and lack of spirit. I shookmy head and your examination went on:--Had this teacher laid no stresson the need for obedience in an army, or on the best means of securingdiscipline? [14] And finally, when it was plain that even this had beenutterly ignored, you exclaimed, 'What in the world, then, does yourprofessor claim to have taught you under the name of generalship?' Tothat I could at last give a positive answer: 'He taught me tactics. 'And then you gave a little laugh and ran through your list point bypoint:--'And pray what will be the use of tactics to an army withoutsupplies, without health, without discipline, without knowledge of thosearts and inventions that are of use in war?' And so you made it clearto me that tactics and manoeuvres and drill were only a small part of allthat is implied in generalship, and when I asked you if you could teachme the rest of it you bade me betake myself to those who stood high inrepute as great generals, and talk with them and learn from their lipshow each thing should be done. [15] So I consorted with all I thought tobe of authority in these matters. As regards our present supplies I waspersuaded that what Cyaxares intended to provide was sufficient, and, asfor the health of the troops, I was aware that the cities where healthwas valued appointed medical officers, and the generals who cared fortheir soldiers took out a medical staff; and so when I found myself inthis office I gave my mind to the matter at once: and I flatter myself, father, " he added, "that I shall have with me an excellent staff ofsurgeons and physicians. " [16] To which the father made reply, "Well, my son, but these excellent men are, after all, much the same as thetailors who patch torn garments. When folk are ill, your doctors canpatch them up, but your own care for their health ought to go far deeperthan that: your prime object should be to save your men from falling illat all. " "And pray, father, " asked Cyrus, "how can I succeed in that?""Well, " answered Cambyses, "I presume if you are to stay long in oneplace you will do your best to discover a healthy spot for your camp, and if you give your mind to the matter you can hardly fail to find it. Men, we know, are forever discussing what places are healthy and whatare not, and their own complexions and the state of their own bodies isthe clearest evidence. But you will not content yourself with choosing asite, you will remember the care you take yourself for your own health. "[17] "Well, " said Cyrus, "my first rule is to avoid over-feeding as mostoppressive to the system, and my next to work off all that enters thebody: that seems the best way to keep health and gain strength. " "Myson, " Cambyses answered, "these are the principles you must apply toothers. " "What!" said Cyrus; "do you think it will be possible for thesoldiers to diet and train themselves?" "Not only possible, " said thefather, "but essential. For surely an army, if it is to fulfil itsfunction at all, must always be engaged in hurting the foe or helpingitself. A single man is hard enough to support in idleness, a householdis harder still, an army hardest of all. There are more mouths to befilled, less wealth to start with, and greater waste; and thereforean army should never be unemployed. " [18] "If I take your meaning, "answered Cyrus, "you think an idle general as useless as an idle farmer. And here and now I answer for the working general, and promise on hisbehalf that with God's help he will show you that his troops have allthey need and their bodies are all they ought to be. And I think, " headded, "I know a way by which an officer might do much towards traininghis men in the various branches of war. Let him propose competitionsof every kind and offer prizes; the standard of skill will rise, andhe will soon have a body of troops ready to his hand for any service herequires. " "Nothing could be better, " answered the father. "Do this, andyou may be sure you will watch your regiments at their manoeuvres with asmuch delight as if they were a chorus in the dance. " [19] "And then, " continued Cyrus, "to rouse enthusiasm in the men, therecan be nothing, I take it, like the power of kindling hope?" "True, "answered his father, "but that alone would be as though a huntsman werefor ever rousing his pack with the view-halloo. At first, of course, thehounds will answer eagerly enough, but after they have been cheatedonce or twice they will end by refusing the call even when the quarryis really in sight. And so it is with hope. Let a man rouse falseexpectations often enough, and in the end, even when hope is at thedoor, he may cry the good news in vain. Rather ought he to refrain fromspeaking positively himself when he cannot know precisely; his agentsmay step in and do it in his place; but he should reserve his own appealfor the supreme crises of supreme danger, and not dissipate his credit. " "By heaven, a most admirable suggestion!" cried Cyrus, "and one muchmore to my mind! [20] As for enforcing obedience, I hope I have had sometraining in that already; you began my education yourself when I was achild by teaching me to obey you, and then you handed me over to masterswho did as you had done, and afterwards, when we were lads, my fellowsand myself, there was nothing on which the governors laid more stress. Our laws themselves, I think, enforce this double lesson:--'Rule thouand be thou ruled. ' And when I come to study the secret of it all, Iseem to see that the real incentive to obedience lies in the praise andhonour that it wins against the discredit and the chastisement whichfall on the disobedient. " [21] "That, my son, " said the father, "is theroad to the obedience of compulsion. But there is a shorter way to anobler goal, the obedience of the will. When the interests of mankindare at stake, they will obey with joy the man whom they believe to bewiser than themselves. You may prove this on all sides: you may see howthe sick man will beg the doctor to tell him what he ought to do, how awhole ship's company will listen to the pilot, how travellers willcling to the one who knows the way better, as they believe, than they dothemselves. But if men think that obedience will lead them to disaster, then nothing, neither penalties, nor persuasion, nor gifts, will availto rouse them. For no man accepts a bribe to his own destruction. " [22]"You would have me understand, " said Cyrus, "that the best way tosecure obedience is to be thought wiser than those we rule?" "Yes, " saidCambyses, "that is my belief. " "And what is the quickest way, " asked Cyrus, "to win that reputation?" "None quicker, my lad, than this: wherever you wish to seem wise, bewise. Examine as many cases as you like, and you will find that what Isay is true. If you wished to be thought a good farmer, a good horseman, a good physician, a good flute-player, or anything else whatever, without really being so, just imagine what a world of devices you wouldneed to invent, merely to keep up the outward show! And suppose you didget a following to praise you and cry you up, suppose you did burdenyourself with all kinds of paraphernalia for your profession, whatwould come of it all? You succeed at first in a very pretty piece ofdeception, and then by and by the test comes, and the impostor standsrevealed. " [23] "But, " said Cyrus, "how can a man really and truly attain to thewisdom that will serve his turn?" "Well, my son, it is plain that where learning is the road to wisdom, learn you must, as you learnt your battalion-drill, but when it comes tomatters which are not to be learnt by mortal men, nor foreseen by mortalminds, there you can only become wiser than others by communicating withthe gods through the art of divination. But, always, wherever you knowthat a thing ought to be done, see that it is done, and done with care;for care, not carelessness, is the mark of the wise man. " [24] "And now, " said Cyrus, "to win the affection of those we rule--andthere is nothing, I take it, of greater importance--surely the path tofollow lies open to all who desire the love of their friends. We must, Imean, show that we do them good. " "Yes, my child, but to do good reallyat all seasons to those we wish to help is not always possible: only oneway is ever open, and that is the way of sympathy; to rejoice with thehappy in the day of good things, to share their sorrow when ill befallsthem, to lend a hand in all their difficulties, to fear disaster forthem, and guard against it by foresight--these, rather than actualbenefits, are the true signs of comradeship. [25] And so in war; if thecampaign is in summer the general must show himself greedy for his shareof the sun and the heat, and in winter for the cold and the frost, andin all labours for toil and fatigue. This will help to make him belovedof his followers. " "You mean, father, " said Cyrus, "that a commandershould always be stouter-hearted in everything than those whom hecommands. " "Yes, my son, that is my meaning, " said he; "only be wellassured of this: the princely leader and the private soldier may bealike in body, but their sufferings are not the same: the pains of theleader are always lightened by the glory that is his and by the veryconsciousness that all his acts are done in the public eye. " [26] "But now, father, suppose the time has come, and you are satisfiedthat your troops are well supplied, sound in wind and limb, well able toendure fatigue, skilled in the arts of war, covetous of honour, eager toshow their mettle, anxious to follow, would you not think it well to trythe chance of battle without delay?" "By all means, " said the father, "if you are likely to gain by the move: but if not, for my own part, themore I felt persuaded of my own superiority and the power of my troops, the more I should be inclined to stand on my guard, just as we put ourgreatest treasures in the safest place we have. " [27] "But how can a manmake sure that he will gain?" "Ah, there you come, " said the father, "to a most weighty matter. This is no easy task, I can tell you. If yourgeneral is to succeed he must prove himself an arch-plotter, a king ofcraft, full of deceits and stratagems, a cheat, a thief, and a robber, defrauding and overreaching his opponent at every turn. " "Heavens!" said Cyrus, and burst out laughing, "is this the kind of manyou want your son to be!" "I want him to be, " said the father, "as justand upright and law-abiding as any man who ever lived. " [28] "But howcomes it, " said his son, "that the lessons you taught us in boyhood andyouth were exactly opposed to what you teach me now?" "Ah, " said thefather, "those lessons were for friends and fellow-citizens, and forthem they still hold good, but for your enemies--do you not rememberthat you were also taught to do much harm?" "No, father, " he answered, "I should say certainly not. " "Then why were you taught to shoot? Or to hurl the javelin? Or to trapwild-boars? Or to snare stags with cords and caltrops? And why did younever meet the lion or the bear or the leopard in fair fight on equalterms, but were always trying to steal some advantage over them? Can youdeny that all that was craft and deceit and fraud and greed?" [29] "Why, of course, " answered the young man, "in dealing with animals, but with human beings it was different; if I was ever suspected of awish to cheat another, I was punished, I know, with many stripes. " "True, " said the father, "and for the matter of that we did not permityou to draw bow or hurl javelin against human beings; we taught youmerely to aim at a mark. But why did we teach you that? Not so that youmight injure your friends, either then or now, but that in war you mighthave the skill to make the bodies of living men your targets. So also wetaught you the arts of deceit and craft and greed and covetousness, notamong men it is true, but among beasts; we did not mean you ever to turnthese accomplishments against your friends, but in war we wished you tobe something better than raw recruits. " [30] "But, father, " Cyrus answered, "if to do men good and to do menharm were both of them things we ought to learn, surely it would havebeen better to teach them in actual practice?" [31] Then the father said, "My son, we are told that in the days of ourforefathers there was such a teacher once. This man did actually teachhis boys righteousness in the way you suggest, to lie and not to lie, to cheat and not to cheat, to calumniate and not to calumniate, to begrasping and not grasping. He drew the distinction between our duty tofriends and our duty to enemies; and he went further still; he taughtmen that it was just and right to deceive even a friend for his owngood, or steal his property. [32] And with this he must needs teachhis pupils to practise on one another what he taught them, just as thepeople of Hellas, we are told, teach lads in the wrestling-school tofence and to feint, and train them by their practice with one another. Now some of his scholars showed such excellent aptitudes for deceptionand overreaching, and perhaps no lack of taste for common money-making, that they did not even spare their friends, but used their arts on them. [33] And so an unwritten law was framed by which we still abide, biddingus teach our children as we teach our servants, simply and solely not tolie, and not to cheat, and not to covert, and if they did otherwise topunish them, hoping to make them humane and law-abiding citizens. [34]But when they came to manhood, as you have come, then, it seemed, therisk was over, and it would be time to teach them what is lawful againstour enemies. For at your age we do not believe you will break out intosavagery against your fellows with whom you have been knit togethersince childhood in ties of friendship and respect. In the same way we donot talk to the young about the mysteries of love, for if lightness wereadded to desire, their passion might sweep them beyond all bounds. " [35] "Then in heaven's name, father, " said Cyrus, "remember thatyour son is but a backward scholar and a late learner in this lore ofselfishness, and teach me all you can that may help me to overreach thefoe. " "Well, " said the father, "you must plot and you must plan, whatever thesize of his force and your own, to catch his men in disorder when yoursare all arrayed, unarmed when yours are armed, asleep when yours areawake, or you must wait till he is visible to you and you invisibleto him, or till he is labouring over heavy ground and you are in yourfortress and can give him welcome there. " [36] "But how, " asked Cyrus, "can I catch him in all these blunders?" "Simply because both you and he are bound to be often in some such case;both of you must take your meals sometime; both of you must sleep; yourmen must scatter in the morning to satisfy the needs of nature, and, for better for worse, whatever the roads are like, you will be forcedto make use of them. All these necessities you must lay to heart, andwherever you are weaker, there you must be most on your guard, andwherever your foe is most assailable, there you must press the attack. " [37] Then Cyrus asked, "And are these the only cases where one can applythe great principle of greed, or are there others?" "Oh, yes, there are many more; indeed in these simple cases any generalwill be sure to keep good watch, knowing how necessary it is. But yourtrue cheat and prince of swindlers is he who can lure the enemy onand throw him off his guard, suffer himself to be pursued and get thepursuers into disorder, lead the foe into difficult ground and thenattack him there. [38] Indeed, as an ardent student, you must notconfine yourself to the lessons you have learnt; you must show yourselfa creator and discoverer, you must invent stratagems against the foe;just as a real musician is not content with the mere elements of hisart, but sets himself to compose new themes. And if in music it is thenovel melody, the flower-like freshness, that wins popularity, stillmore in military matters it is the newest contrivance that stands thehighest, for the simple reason that such will give you the best chanceof outwitting your opponent. [39] And yet, my son, I must say that ifyou did no more than apply against human beings the devices you learntto use against the smallest game, you would have made considerableprogress in this art of overreaching. Do you not think so yourself?Why, to snare birds you would get up by night in the depth of winterand tramp off in the cold; your nets were laid before the creatures wereastir, and your tracks completely covered and you actually had birds ofyour own, trained to serve you and decoy their kith and kin, while youyourself lay in some hiding-place, seeing yet unseen, and you had learntby long practice to jerk in the net before the birds could fly away. [40] Or you might be out after hares, and for a hare you had two breedsof dogs, one to track her out by scent, because she feeds in the duskand takes to her form by day, and another to cut off her escape and runher down, because she is so swift. And even if she escaped these, shedid not escape you; you had all her runs by heart and knew all herhiding-places, and there you would spread your nets, so that they werescarcely to be seen, and the very haste of her flight would fling herinto the snare. And to make sure of her you had men placed on the spotto keep a look-out, and pounce on her at once. And there were you at herheels, shouting and scaring her out of her wits, so that she was caughtfrom sheer terror, and there lay your men, as you had taught them, silent and motionless in their ambuscade. [41] I say, therefore, that ifyou chose to act like this against human beings, you would soon have noenemies left to fight, or I am much mistaken. And even if, as well maybe, the necessity should arise for you to do battle on equal terms inopen field, even so, my son, there will still be power in those artswhich you have studied so long and which teach you to out-villainvillainy. And among them I include all that has served to train thebodies and fire the courage of your men, all that has made them adeptsin every craft of war. One thing you must ever bear in mind: if you wishyour men to follow you, remember that they expect you to plan for them. [42] Hence you must never know a careless mood; if it be night, you mustconsider what your troops shall do when it is day; if day, how the nighthad best be spent. [43] For the rest, you do not need me to tell younow how you should draw up your troops or conduct your march by day ornight, along broad roads or narrow lanes, over hills or level ground, orhow you should encamp and post your pickets, or advance into battleor retreat before the foe, or march past a hostile city, or attack afortress or retire from it, or cross a river or pass through a defile, or guard against a charge of cavalry or an attack from lancers orarchers, or what you should do if the enemy comes into sight when youare marching in column and how you are to take up position against him, or how deploy into action if you are in line and he takes you in flankor rear, and how you are to learn all you can about his movements, whilekeeping your own as secret as may be; these are matters on which youneed no further word of mine; all that I know about them you haveheard a hundred times, and I am sure you have not neglected any otherauthority on whom you thought you could rely. You know all theirtheories, and you must apply them now, I take it, according tocircumstances and your need. [44] But, " he added, "there is one lessonthat I would fain impress on you, and it is the greatest of them all. Observe the sacrifices and pay heed to the omens; when they are againstyou, never risk your army or yourself, for you must remember that menundertake enterprises on the strength of probability alone and withoutany real knowledge as to what will bring them happiness. [45] You maylearn this from all life and all history. How often have cities allowedthemselves to be persuaded into war, and that by advisers who werethought the wisest of men, and then been utterly destroyed by thosewhom they attacked! How often have statesmen helped to raise a city or aleader to power, and then suffered the worst at the hands of those whomthey exalted! And many who could have treated others as friends andequals, giving and receiving kindnesses, have chosen to use them asslaves, and then paid the penalty at their hands; and many, not contentto enjoy their own share of good, have been swept on by the craving tomaster all, and thereby lost everything that they once possessed; andmany have won the very wealth they prayed for and through it have founddestruction. [46] So little does human wisdom know how to choose thebest, helpless as a man who could but draw lots to see what he shoulddo. But the gods, my son, who live for ever, they know all things, thethings that have been and the things that are and the things that are tobe, and all that shall come from these; and to us mortals who ask theircounsel and whom they love they will show signs, to tell us what weshould do and what we should leave undone. Nor must we think it strangeif the gods will not vouchsafe their wisdom to all men equally; nocompulsion is laid on them to care for men, unless it be their will. " NOTES [This work concludes the translation of Xenophon undertaken by Mr. Dakyns. ("The Works of Xenophon, " with maps, introductions, and notes, Vols. I. -III. , Macmillan. ) From references in the earlier vols. (e. G. Vol. I. Pp. Lvii. , lxx. , xc. , cxiii. , cxxxi. ; Vol. III. Part I. Pp. V. -vii. ) it is plain the translator considered that the historicalromance of the _Cyropaedia_ was written in Xenophon's old age (completed_circa_ 365 B. C. ) embodying many of his own experiences and his maturestthoughts on education, on government, on the type of man, --a rare type, alone fitted for leadership. The figure of his hero, Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian empire, known to him by story and legend, ismodelled on the Spartan king Agesilaus, whom he loved and admired, andunder whom he served in Persia and in Greece (op. Cit. Vol. II. , seeunder _Agesilaus_, Index, and _Hellenica_, Bks. III. -V. _Agesilaus_, _an Encomium_, passim). Certain traits are also taken from the youngerCyrus, whom Xenophon followed in his famous march against his brother, the Persian king, up from the coast of Asia Minor into the heart ofBabylonia (see the _Anabasis_, Bk. I. , especially c. Ix. ; op. Cit. Vol. I. P. 109). Clearly, moreover, many of the customs and institutionsdescribed in the work as Persian are really Dorian, and were still invogue among Xenophon's Spartan friends (vide e. G. _Hellenica_, Bk. IV. , i. S28; op. Cit. Vol. II. P. 44). ] C2. 4. Qy. Were these tribal customs of the Persians, as doubtless of theDorians, or is it all a Dorian idealisation? C2. 13. Good specimen of the "annotative" style with a parentheticcomment. The passage in brackets might be a gloss, but is it? C3. 3. When did Xenophon himself first learn to ride? Surely this is aboyish reminiscence, full of sympathy with boy-nature. C3. 12. Beautiful description of a child subject to his parents, growingin stature and favour with God and man. C4. 2. Perhaps his own grandson, Xenophon the son of Grylus, is theprototype, and Xenophon himself a sort of ancient Victor Hugo in thismatter of fondness for children. C4. 3. Contrast Autolycus in the _Symposium_, who had, however, reachedthe more silent age [e. G. _Symp_. , c. Iii. , fin. Tr. Works, Vol. III. Part I. P. 309]. C4. 4. The touch about the puppy an instance of Xenophon's {katharotes}[clear simplicity of style]. C4. 8. Reads like a biographical incident in some hunt of Xenophon, boyor father. C4. 9-10. The rapidity, one topic introducing and taken up by another, wave upon wave, {anerithmon lelasma} ["the multitudinous laughter of thesea"]. C4. 12. The truth of this due to sympathy (cf. Archidamus and his fatherAgesilaus, _Hell_. , V. C. Iv. ; tr. Works, Vol. II. P. 126). C4. 22. Cyaxares recalls John Gilpin. C4. 24. An Hellenic trait; madness of battle-rage, {menis}. Something ofthe fierceness of the _Iliad_ here. C5. 7. Cyrus. His first speech as a general; a fine one; a spiritof athleticism breathes through it. Cf. _Memorabilia_ for a similarrationalisation of virtuous self-restraint (e. G. _Mem_. , Bk. I. C. 5, 6;Bk. III. C. 8). Paleyan somewhat, perhaps Socratic, not devoid of commonsense. What is the end and aim of our training? Not only for an earthlyaim, but for a high spiritual reward, all this toil. C5. 10. This is Dakyns. C5. 11. "Up, Guards, and at 'em!" C6. This chapter might have been a separate work appended to the_Memorabilia_ on Polemics or Archics ["Science of War" and "Science ofRule"]. C6. 3-6. Sounds like some Socratic counsel; the righteous man'sconception of prayer and the part he must himself play. C6. 7. Personal virtue and domestic economy a sufficiently hard task, let alone that still graver task, the art of grinding masses of men intovirtue. C6. 8, fin. The false theory of ruling in vogue in Media: the _plus_ ofease instead of the _plus_ of foresight and danger-loving endurance. Cf. Walt Whitman. C6. 30. Is like the logical remark of a disputant in a Socratic dialogueof the Alcibiades type, and §§ 31-33 a Socratic _mythos_ to escapefrom the dilemma; the breakdown of this ideal _plus_ and _minus_righteousness due to the hardness of men's hearts and their feebleintellects. C6. 31. Who is this ancient teacher or who is his prototype if he is anideal being? A sort of Socrates-Lycurgus? Or is Xenophon thinking of theSpartan Crypteia? C6. 34. For _pleonexia_ and deceit in war, vide _Hipparch_. , c. 5 [tr. Works, Vol. III. Part II. P. 20]. Interesting and Hellenic, I think, the mere raising of this sort of question; it might be done nowadays, perhaps, with advantage _or_ disadvantage, less cant and more plainbrutality. C6. 39. Hunting devices applied: throws light on the date of the_Cyropaedia_, after the Scilluntine days, probably. [After Xenophon wasexiled from Athens, his Spartan friends gave him a house and farmat Scillus, a township in the Peloponnese, not far from Olympia. See_Sketch of Xenophon's Life_, Works, Vol. I. , p. Cxxvi. ] C6. 41, init. Colloquial exaggerated turn of phrase; almost "you couldwipe them off the earth. " BOOK II [C. 1] Thus they talked together, and thus they journeyed on until theyreached the frontier, and there a good omen met them: an eagle sweptinto view on the right, and went before them as though to lead the way, and they prayed the gods and heroes of the land to show them favour andgrant them safe entry, and then they crossed the boundary. And when theywere across, they prayed once more that the gods of Media might receivethem graciously, and when they had done this they embraced each other, as father and son will, and Cambyses turned back to his own city, butCyrus went forward again, to his uncle Cyaxares in the land of Media. [2] And when his journey was done and he was face to face with him andthey had greeted each other as kinsmen may, then Cyaxares askedthe prince how great an armament he had brought with him? And Cyrusanswered, "I have 30, 000 with me, men who have served with you before asmercenaries; and more are coming on behind, fresh troops, from the Peersof Persia. " "How many of those?" asked Cyaxares. [3] And Cyrus answered, "Theirnumbers will not please you, but remember these Peers of ours, thoughthey are few, find it easy to rule the rest of the Persians, who aremany. But now, " he added, "have you any need of us at all? Perhapsit was only a false alarm that troubled you, and the enemy are notadvancing?" "Indeed they are, " said the other, "and in full force. " [4] "How do you know?" asked Cyrus. "Because, " said he, "many deserters come to us, and all of them, in onefashion or another, tell the same tale. " "Then we must give battle?" said Cyrus. "Needs must, " Cyaxares replied. "Well, " answered Cyrus, "but you have not told me yet how great theirpower is, or our own either. I want to hear, if you can tell me, so thatwe may make our plans. " "Listen, then, " said Cyaxares. [5] "Croesus the Lydian is coming, wehear, with 10, 000 horse and more than 40, 000 archers and targeteers. Artamas the governor of Greater Phrygia is bringing, they say, 8000horse, and lancers and targeteers also, 40, 000 strong. Then there isAribaius the king of Cappadocia with 6000 horse and 30, 000 archersand targeteers. And Aragdus the Arabian with 10, 000 horse, a hundredchariots, and innumerable slingers. As for the Hellenes who dwell inAsia, it is not clear as yet whether they will send a following or not. But the Phrygians from the Hellespont, we are told, are mustering in theCaystrian plain under Gabaidus, 6000 horse and 40, 000 targeteers. Wordhas been sent to the Carians, Cilicians, and Paphlagonians, but it issaid they will not rise; the Lord of Assyria and Babylon will himself, I believe, bring not less than 20, 000 horse, and I make no doubt as manyas 200 chariots, and thousands upon thousands of men on foot; such atleast has been his custom whenever he invaded us before. " [6] Cyrus answered: "Then you reckon the numbers of the enemy to be, inall, something like 60, 000 horse and 200, 000 archers and targeteers. Andwhat do you take your own to be?" "Well, " he answered, "we ourselves can furnish over 10, 000 horse andperhaps, considering the state of the country, as many as 60, 000 archersand targeteers. And from our neighbours, the Armenians, " he added, "welook to get 4000 horse and 20, 000 foot. " "I see, " said Cyrus, "you reckon our cavalry at less than a third of theenemy's, and our infantry at less than half. " [7] "Ah, " said Cyaxares, "and perhaps you feel that the force you arebringing from Persia is very small?" "We will consider that later on, " answered Cyrus, "and see then if werequire more men or not. Tell me first the methods of fighting that thedifferent troops adopt. " "They are much the same for all, " answered Cyaxares, "that is to say, their men and ours alike are armed with bows and javelins. " "Well, " replied Cyrus, "if such arms are used, skirmishing at long rangemust be the order of the day. " "True, " said the other. [8] "And in thatcase, " went on Cyrus, "the victory is in the hands of the larger force;for even if the same numbers fall on either side, the few would beexhausted long before the many. " "If that be so, " cried Cyaxares, "thereis nothing left for us but to send to Persia, and make them see that ifdisaster falls on Media it will fall on Persia next, and beg them fora larger force. " "Ah, but, " said Cyrus, "you must remember that even ifevery single Persian were to come at once, we could not outnumber ourenemies. " [9] "But, " said the other, "can you see anything else to bedone?" "For my part, " answered Cyrus, "if I could have my way, I wouldarm every Persian who is coming here in precisely the same fashion asour Peers at home, that is to say, with a corslet for the breast, ashield for the left arm, and a sword or battle-axe for the right hand. If you will give us these you will make it quite safe for us to closewith the enemy, and our foes will find that flight is far pleasanterthan defence. But we Persians, " he added, "will deal with those who dostand firm, leaving the fugitives to you and to your cavalry, who mustgive them no time to rally and no time to escape. " [10] That was the counsel of Cyrus, and Cyaxares approved it. He thoughtno more of sending for a larger force, but set about preparing theequipment he had been asked for, and all was in readiness just about thetime when the Peers arrived from Persia at the head of their own troops. [11] Then, so says the story, Cyrus called the Peers together and spoketo them as follows: "Men of Persia, my friends and comrades, when Ilooked at you first and saw the arms you bore and how you were all onfire to meet the enemy, hand to hand, and when I remembered that yoursquires are only equipped for fighting on the outskirts of the field, I confess my mind misgave me. Few and forlorn they will be, I said tomyself, swallowed up in a host of enemies; no good can come of it. Butto-day you are here, and your men behind you, stalwart and stout oflimb, and to-morrow they shall have armour like our own. None could findfault with their thews and sinews, and as for their spirit, it is forus to see it does not fail. A leader must not only have a stout hearthimself; he must see to it that his followers are as valiant as he. " [12] Thus Cyrus spoke, and the Peers were well satisfied at his words, feeling that on the day of battle they would have more to help them inthe struggle. [13] And one of them said, "Perhaps it will seem strangeif I ask Cyrus to speak in our stead to our fellow-combatants when theyreceive their arms, and yet I know well that the words of him who hasthe greatest power for weal or woe sink deepest into the listener'sheart. His very gifts, though they should be less than the gifts ofequals, are valued more. These new comrades of ours, " he went on, "wouldrather be addressed by Cyrus himself than by us, and now that they areto take their place among the Peers their title will seem to themfar more secure if it is given them by the king's own son and ourgeneral-in-chief. Not that we have not still our own duties left. We arebound to do our best in every way to rouse the spirit of our men. Shallwe not gain ourselves by all they gain in valour?" [14] So it came about that Cyrus had the new armour placed before himand summoned a general meeting of the Persian soldiery, and spoke tothem as follows: [15] "Men of Persia, born and bred in the same land as ourselves, whoselimbs are as stout and as strong as our own, your hearts should be asbrave. I know they are; and yet at home in the land of our fathers youdid not share our rights; not that we drove you out ourselves, butyou were banished by the compulsion that lay upon you to find yourlivelihood for yourselves. Now from this day forward, with heaven'shelp, it shall be my care to provide it for you; and now, if soyou will, you have it in your power to take the armour that we wearourselves, face the same perils and win the same honours, if so be youmake any glorious deed your own. [16] In former days you were trained, like ourselves, in the use of bow and javelin, and if you were at allinferior to us in skill, that was not to be wondered at; you had notthe same leisure for practice as we; but now in this new accoutrement weshall have no pre-eminence at all. Each of us will wear a corslet fittedto his breast and carry a shield on his left arm of the type to which weare all accustomed, and in his right hand a sabre or a battle-axe. Withthese we shall smite the enemy before us, and need have no fear that weshall miss the mark. [17] How can we differ from one another with thesearms? There can be no difference except in daring. And daring you mayfoster in your hearts as much as we in ours. What greater right have wethan you to love victory and follow after her, victory who wins for usand preserves to us all things that are beautiful and good? Why shouldyou, any more than we, be found lacking in that power which takes thegoods of weaklings and bestows them on the strong?" [18] He ended: "Now you have heard all. There lie your weapons; let himwho chooses take them up and write his name with the brigadier in thesame roll as ours. And if a man prefers to remain a mercenary, let himdo so; he carries the arms of a servant. " [19] Thus spoke Cyrus; and the Persians, every man of them, felt theywould be ashamed for the rest of their days, and deservedly, if theydrew back now, when they were offered equal honour in return for equaltoil. One and all they inscribed their names and took up the new arms. [20] And now in the interval, before the enemy were actually at hand, but while rumour said they were advancing, Cyrus took on himself athree-fold task: to bring the physical strength of his men to thehighest pitch, to teach them tactics, and to rouse their spirit formartial deeds. [21] He asked Cyaxares for a body of assistants whoseduty it should be to provide each of his soldiers with all they couldpossibly need, thus leaving the men themselves free for the art of war. He had learnt, he thought, that success, in whatever sphere, was only tobe won by refusing to attempt a multitude of tasks and concentrating themind on one. Thus in the military training itself he gave up the practice with bowand javelin, leaving his men to perfect themselves in the use of sabre, shield, and corslet, accustoming them from the very first to the thoughtthat they must close with the enemy, or confess themselves worthless asfellow-combatants; a harsh conclusion for those who knew that they wereonly protected in order to fight on behalf of their protectors. [22] Andfurther, being convinced that wherever the feeling of emulation canbe roused, there the eagerness to excel is greatest, he institutedcompetitions for everything in which he thought his soldiers should betrained. The private soldier was challenged to prove himself promptto obey, anxious to work, eager for danger, and yet ever mindful ofdiscipline, an expert in the science of war, an artist in the conductof his arms, and a lover of honour in all things. The petty officercommanding a squad of five was not only to equal the leading private, hemust also do what he could to bring his men to the same perfection; thecaptain of ten must do the same for his ten, and the company's captainfor the company, while the commander of the whole regiment, himselfabove reproach, must take the utmost care with the officers under him sothat they in their turn should see that their subordinates were perfectin all their duties. [23] For prizes, Cyrus announced that the brigadierin command of the finest regiment should be raised to the rank ofgeneral, the captain of the finest company should be made a brigadier, the captain of the finest squad of ten captain of a company, and thecaptain of the best five a captain of ten, while the best soldiers fromthe ranks should become captains of five themselves. Every one of theseofficers had the privilege of being served by those beneath him, andvarious other honours also, suited to their several grades, while amplerhopes were offered for any nobler exploits. [24] Finally prizes wereannounced to be won by a regiment or a company or a squad taken as awhole, by those who proved themselves most loyal to their leaders andmost zealous in the practice of their duty. These prizes, of course, were such as to be suitable for men taken in the mass. Such were the orders of the Persian leader, and such the exercises ofthe Persian troops. [25] For their quarters, he arranged that a separateshelter should be assigned to every brigadier, and that it should belarge enough for the whole regiment he commanded; a regiment consistingof 100 men. Thus they were encamped by regiments, and in the mere factof common quarters there was this advantage, Cyrus thought, for thecoming struggle, that the men saw they were all treated alike, andtherefore no one could pretend that he was slighted, and no one sink tothe confession that he was a worse man than his neighbours when it cameto facing the foe. Moreover the life in common would help the men toknow each other, and it is only by such knowledge, as a rule, that acommon conscience is engendered; those who live apart, unknowing andunknown, seem far more apt for mischief, like those who skulk in thedark. [26] Cyrus thought the common life would lead to the happiestresults in the discipline of the regiments. By this system all theofficers--brigadiers, company-captains, captains of the squads--couldkeep their men in as perfect order as if they were marching before themin single file. [27] Such precision in the ranks would do most to guardagainst disorder and re-establish order if ever it were broken; just aswhen timbers and stones have to be fitted together it is easy enoughto put them into place, wherever they chance to lie, provided only thatthey are marked so as to leave no doubt where each belongs. [28] Andfinally, he felt, there was the fact that those who live together arethe less likely to desert one another; even the wild animals, Cyrusknew, who are reared together suffer terribly from loneliness when theyare severed from each other. [29] There was a further matter, to which he gave much care; he wishedno man to take his meal at morning or at night till he had sweated forit. He would lead the men out to hunt, or invent games for them, orif there was work to be done, he would so conduct it that they did notleave it without sweat. He believed this regimen gave them zest fortheir food, was good for their health, and increased their powers oftoil; and the toil itself was a blessed means for making the men moregentle towards each other; just as horses that work together growgentle, and will stand quietly side by side. Moreover the knowledge ofhaving gone through a common training would increase tenfold the couragewith which they met the foe. [30] Cyrus had his own quarters built to hold all the guests he mightthink it well to entertain, and, as a rule, he would invite such of thebrigadiers as the occasion seemed to call for, but sometimes he wouldsend for the company-captains and the officers in command of the smallersquads, and even the private soldiers were summoned to his board, andfrom time to time a squad of five, or of ten, or an entire company, oreven a whole regiment, or he would give a special invitation by way ofhonour to any one whom he knew had undertaken some work he had at hearthimself. In every case there was no distinction whatever between themeats for himself and for his guests. [31] Further he always insistedthat the army servants should share and share alike with the soldiersin everything, for he held that those who did such service for the armywere as much to be honoured as heralds or ambassadors. They were bound, he said, to be loyal and intelligent, alive to all a soldier's needs, active, swift, unhesitating, and withal cool and imperturbable. Norwas that all; he was convinced that they ought also to possess thosequalities which are thought to be peculiar to what we call "the betterclasses, " and yet never despise their work, but feel that everythingtheir commander laid upon them must be fit for them to do. [C. 2] It was the constant aim of Cyrus whenever he and his soldiersmessed together, that the talk should be lively and full of grace, andat the same time do the listeners good. Thus one day he brought theconversation round to the following theme:-- "Do you think, gentlemen, " said he, "that our new comrades appearsomewhat deficient in certain respects simply because they have not beeneducated in the same fashion as ourselves? Or will they show themselvesour equals in daily life and on the field of battle when the time comesto meet the foe?" [2] Hystaspas took up the challenge:--"What sort of warriors they willprove I do not pretend to know, but this I do say, in private life someof them are cross-grained fellows enough. Only the other day, " he wenton, "Cyaxares sent a present of sacrificial meat to every regiment. There was flesh enough for three courses apiece or more, and theattendant had handed round the first, beginning with myself. So when hecame in again, I told him to begin at the other end of the board, andserve the company in that order. [3] But I was greeted by a yell fromthe centre: one of these men who was sitting there bawled out, 'Equalityindeed! There's not much of it here, if we who sit in the middleare never served first at all!' It nettled me that they should fancythemselves treated worse than we, so I called him up at once and madehim sit beside me. And I am bound to say he obeyed that order with themost exemplary alacrity. But when the dish came round to us, we found, not unnaturally, since we were the last to be served, that only a fewscraps were left. At this my man fell into the deepest dudgeon, and madeno attempt to conceal it, muttering to himself, 'Just like my ill-luck!To be invited here just now and never before!' [4] I tried to comforthim. 'Never mind, ' I said, 'presently the servant will begin again withus, and then you will help yourself first and you can take the biggestpiece. ' Just then the third course, and, as it proved, the last, cameround, and so the poor fellow took his helping, but as he did so itstruck him that the piece he had chosen first was too small, and he putit back, meaning to pick out another. But the carver, thinking he hadchanged his mind and did not want any more, passed on to the next manbefore he had time to secure his second slice. [5] At this our friendtook his loss so hard that he only made matters worse: his third coursewas clean gone, and now in his rage and his bad luck he somehow managedto overset the gravy, which was all that remained to him. The captainnext to us seeing how matters stood rubbed his hands with glee and wentinto peals of laughter. And, " said Hystaspas, "I took refuge in a fitof coughing myself, for really I could not have controlled my laughter. There, Cyrus, " said he, "that is a specimen of our new comrades, asnearly as I can draw his portrait. " [6] The description, as may be guessed, was greeted with shouts oflaughter, and then another brigadier took up the word: "Well, Cyrus, "said he, "our friend here has certainly met with an absolute boor: myown experience is somewhat different. You remember the admonitions yougave us when you dismissed the regiments, and how you bade each of usinstruct his own men in the lessons we had learnt from you. Well, I, like the rest of us, went off at once and set about instructing one ofthe companies under me. I posted the captain in front with a fine youngfellow behind him, and after them the others in the order I thoughtbest; I took my stand facing them all, and waited, with my eyes fixed onthe captain, until I thought the right moment had come, and then I gavethe order to advance. [7] And what must my fine fellow do but get infront of the captain and march off ahead of the whole troop. I criedout, 'You, sir, what are you doing?' 'Advancing as you ordered. ' 'Inever ordered you to advance alone, ' I retorted, 'the order was givento the whole company. ' At which he turned right round and addressed theranks: 'Don't you hear the officer abusing you? The orders are for allto advance!' Whereupon the rest of them marched right past their captainand up to me. [8] Of course the captain called them back, and they beganto grumble and growl: 'Which of the two are we to obey? One tells us toadvance, the other won't let us move. ' "Well, I had to take the whole matter very quietly and begin again fromthe beginning, posting the company as they were, and explaining that noone in the rear was to move until the front rank man led off: all theyhad to do was to follow the man in front. [9] As I was speaking, up camea friend of mine; he was going off to Persia, and had come to ask me fora letter I had written home. So I turned to the captain who happened toknow where I had left the letter lying, and bade him fetch it for me. Off he ran, and off ran my young fellow at his heels, breast-plate, battle-axe, and all. The rest of the company thought they were bound tofollow suit, joined in the race, and brought my letter back in style. That is how my company, you see, carries out your instructions to thefull. " [10] He paused, and the listeners laughed to their hearts' content, aswell as they might, over the triumphant entry of the letter under itsarmed escort. Then Cyrus spoke: "Now heaven be praised! A fine set they are, these new friends of ours, a most rare race! So grateful are they for any little act of courtesy, you may win a hundred hearts by a dish of meat! And so docile, some ofthem must needs obey an order before they have understood it! For mypart I can only pray to be blest with an army like them all. " [11] Thus he joined in the mirth, but he turned the laughter to thepraise of his new recruits. Then one of the company, a brigadier called Aglaïtadas, a somewhatsour-tempered man, turned to him and said: "Cyrus, do you really think the tales they tell are true?" "Certainly, " he answered, "why should they say what is false?" "Why, " repeated the other, "simply to raise a laugh, and make a braglike the impostors that they are. " [12] But Cyrus cut him short, "Hush!hush! You must not use such ugly names. Let me tell you what an impostoris. He is a man who claims to be wealthier or braver than he is in fact, and who undertakes what he can never carry out, and all this for thesake of gain. But he who contrives mirth for his friends, not for hisown profit, or his hearers' loss, or to injure any man, surely, if wemust needs give him a name, we ought to call him a man of taste andbreeding and a messenger of wit. " [13] Such was the defence of Cyrus in behalf of the merrymakers. And theofficer who had begun the jest turned to Aglaïtadas and said: "Just think, my dear sir, if we had tried to make you weep! Whatfault you would have found with us! Suppose we had been like theballad-singers and story-tellers who put in lamentable tales in the hopeof reducing their audience to tears! What would you have said about usthen? Why, even now, when you know we only wish to amuse you, not tomake you suffer, you must needs hold us up to shame. " [14] "And is not the shame justified?" Aglaïtadas replied. "The man whosets himself to make his fellows laugh does far less for them than hewho makes them weep. If you will but think, you will admit that whatI say is true. It is through tears our fathers teach self-control untotheir sons, and our tutors sound learning to their scholars, and thelaws themselves lead the grown man to righteousness by putting him tosit in the place of penitence. But your mirth-makers, can you say theybenefit the body or edify the soul? Can smiles make a man a bettermaster or a better citizen? Can he learn economy or statesmanship from agrin?" [15] But Hystaspas answered back: "Take my advice, Aglaïtadas, pluck up heart and spend this precious giftof yours on your enemies: make them sit in the seat of the sorrowful, and fling away on us, your friends, that vile and worthless laughter. You must have an ample store of it in reserve: it cannot be said youhave squandered it on yourself, or ever wasted a smile on friend orforeigner if you could help it. So you have no excuse to be niggardlynow, and cannot refuse us a smile. " "I see, " said Aglaïtadas, "you are trying to get a laugh out of me, areyou not?" But the brigadier interposed, "Then he is a fool for his pains, myfriend: one might strike fire out of you, perhaps, but not a laugh, nota laugh. " [16] At this sally all the others shouted with glee, and even Aglaïtadascould not help himself: he smiled. And Cyrus, seeing the sombre face light up said: "Brigadier, you are very wrong to corrupt so virtuous a man, luring himto laughter, and that too when he is the sworn foe of gaiety. " So they talked and jested. [17] And then Chrysantas began on anothertheme. [18] "Cyrus, " he said, "and gentlemen all, I cannot help seeing thatwithin our ranks are men of every kind, some better and some worse, andyet if anything is won every man will claim an equal share. Now to mymind nothing is more unfair than that the base man and the good shouldbe held of equal account. " "Perhaps it would be best, gentlemen, " said Cyrus in answer, "to bringthe matter before the army in council and put it to them, whether, if God grant us success, we should let all share and share alike, ordistribute the rewards and honours in proportion to the deserts ofeach. " [19] "But why, " asked Chrysantas, "why discuss the point? Why not simplyissue a general order that you intend to do this? Was not that enough inthe case of the competitions?" "Doubtless, " Cyrus answered, "but this case is different. The troops, Itake it, will feel that all they win by their services on the campaignshould belong to them in common: but they hold that the actual commandof the expedition was mine by right even before we left home, so that Iwas fully entitled, on their view, to appoint umpires and judges at myown will. " [20] "And do you really expect, " asked Chrysantas, "that the mass of thearmy will pass a resolution giving up the right of all to an equal sharein order that the best men should receive the most?" "Yes, I do, " said Cyrus, "partly because we shall be there to argue forthat course, but chiefly because it would seem too base to deny thathe who works the hardest and does most for the common good deservesthe highest recompense. Even the worst of men must admit that the braveshould gain the most. " [21] It was, however, as much for the sake of the Peers themselves asfor any other reason that Cyrus wished the resolution to be passed. They would prove all the better men, he thought, if they too were to bejudged by their deeds and rewarded accordingly. And this was the rightmoment, he felt, to raise the question and put it to the vote, now whenthe Peers were disposed to resent being put on a level with the commonpeople. In the end it was agreed by all the company that the questionshould be raised, and that every one who claimed to call himself a manwas bound to argue in its favour. [22] And on that one of the brigadiers smiled to himself and said: "Iknow at least one son of the soil who will be ready to agree that theprinciple of share and share alike should not be followed everywhere. " "And who is he?" another asked. "Well, " said the first, "he is a member of our quarters, I can tell youthat, and he is always hunting after the lion's share of every singlething. " "What? Of everything?" said a third. "Of work as well?" "Oh, no!" saidthe first, "you have caught me there. I was wrong to say so much, I mustconfess. When it comes to work, I must admit, he is quite ready to goshort: he will give up his own share of that, without a murmur, to anyman whatever. " [23] "For my part, gentlemen, " said Cyrus, "I hold that all such idlersought to be turned out of the army, that is, if we are ever to cultivateobedience and energy in our men. The bulk of our soldiers, I take it, are of the type to follow a given lead: they will seek after noblenessand valour if their leaders are valiant and noble, but after baseness ifthese are base. [24] And we know that only too often the worthless willfind more friends than the good. Vice, passing lightly along her pathof pleasure, wins the hearts of thousands with her gifts; but Virtue, toiling up the steep ascent, has little skill to snare the souls of menand draw them after her, when all the while their comrades are callingto them on the easy downward way. [25] It is true there are degrees, and where the evil springs only from sloth and lethargy, I look on thecreatures as mere drones, only injuring the hive by what they cost: butthere are others, backward in toil and forward in greed, and these arethe captains in villainy: for not seldom can they show that rascalityhas its advantages. Such as they must be removed, cut out from among us, root and branch. [26] And I would not have you fill their places fromour fellow-citizens alone, but, just as you choose your horses fromthe best stocks, wherever you find them, not limiting yourselves tothe national breed, so you have all mankind before you, and you shouldchoose those, and those only, who will increase your power and addto your honour. Let me clinch my argument by examples: no chariot cantravel fast if the horses in the team are slow, or run straight if theywill not be ruled; no house can stand firm if the household is evil:better empty walls than traitors who will bring it to the ground. [27] "And be sure, my friends, " he added, "the removal of the bad meansa benefit beyond the sheer relief that they are taken away and willtrouble us no more: those who are left and were ripe for contagion arepurified, and those who were worthy will cleave to virtue all the closerwhen they see the dishonour that falls on wickedness. " [28] So Cyrus spoke, and his words won the praise of all his friends, and they set themselves to do as he advised. But after that Cyrus began to jest again. His eye fell on a certaincaptain who had chosen for his comrade at the feast a great hairy lad, averitable monster of ugliness, and Cyrus called to the captain by name:"How now, Sambulas? Have you adopted the Hellenic fashion too? Andwill you roam the world together, you and the lad who sits beside you, because there is none so fair as he?" "By heaven, " answered Sambulas, "you are not far wrong. It is bliss to me to feast my eyes upon him. "[29] At that all the guests turned and looked on the young man'sface, but when they saw how ugly it was, they could not help laughingoutright. "Heavens, Sambulas, tell us the valiant deed that knit yoursouls together! How has he drawn you to himself?" [30] "Listen then, " heanswered, "and I will tell you the whole truth. Every time I callhim, morning, noon, or night, he comes to me; never yet has he excusedhimself, never been too busy to attend; and he comes at a run, he doesnot walk. Whatever I have bidden him do, he has always done it, and atthe top of his speed. He has made all the petty captains under him thevery models of industry; he shows them, not by word but deed, what theyought to be. " [31] "And so, " said another, "for all these virtues yougive him, I take it, the kiss of kinship?" But the ugly lad broke out:"Not he! He has no great love for work. And to kiss me, if it came tothat, would mean more effort than all his exercises. " [C. 3] So the hours passed in the general's tent, from grave to gay, until at last the third libation was poured out, and the company bentin prayer to the gods--"Grant us all that is good"--and so broke up, andwent away to sleep. But the next day Cyrus assembled the soldiers in full conclave, andspoke to them: [2] "My men, " he said, "my friends, the day of struggleis at hand, and the enemy are near. The prizes of victory, if victoryis to be ours--and we must believe it will be ours, we must make itours--the prizes of victory will be nothing short of the enemy himselfand all that he possesses. And if the victory should be his, then, inlike manner, all the goods of the vanquished must lie at the victor'sfeet. [3] Therefore I would have you take this to your hearts: whereverthose who have joined together for war remember that unless each andevery one of them play his part with zeal nothing good can follow; therewe may look for glorious success. For there nothing that ought to bedone will be left undone. But if each man thinks 'My neighbour willtoil and fight, even though my own heart should fail and my own armfall slack, ' then, believe me, disaster is at the door for each and allalike, and no man shall escape. [4] Such is the ordinance of God: thosewho will not work out their own salvation he gives into the hands ofother men to bear rule over them. And now I call on any man here, " headded, "to stand up and say whether he believes that virtue will bestbe nourished among us if he who bears the greatest toil and takes theheaviest risk shall receive the highest honours. Or whether we shouldhold that cowardice makes no difference in the end, seeing that we allmust share alike?" [5] Thereupon Chrysantas of the Peers rose up. He was a man ofunderstanding, but his bodily presence was weak. And now he spoke thus: "I do not imagine, Cyrus, that you put this question with any beliefthat cowards ought really to receive the same share as the brave. No, you wished to make trial of us and see whether any man would dare toclaim an equal part in all that his fellows win by their nobleness, though he never struck a single valiant stroke himself. [6] I myself, "he continued, "am neither fleet of foot nor stout of limb, and for aughtI can do with my body, I perceive that on the day of trial neither thefirst place nor the second can be mine, no, nor yet the hundredth, noreven, it may be, the thousandth. But this I know right well, that ifour mighty men put forth all their strength, I too shall receive suchportion of our blessings as I may deserve. But if the cowards sit atease and the good and brave are out of heart, then I fear that I shallget a portion, a larger than I care to think, of something that is noblessing but a curse. " [7] And so spoke Chrysantas, and then Pheraulas stood up. He was aman of the people, but well known to Cyrus in the old days at home andwell-beloved by him: no mean figure to look at, and in soul like a manof noble birth. Now he spoke as follows: [8] "Cyrus, friends, and Persians, I hold to the belief that on thisday we all start equal in that race where valour is the goal. I speak ofwhat I see: we are trained on the same fare; we are held worthy of thesame comradeship; we contend for the same rewards. All of us alike aretold to obey our leaders, and he who obeys most frankly never failsto meet with honour at the hands of Cyrus. Valour is no longer theprivilege of one class alone: it has become the fairest prize that canfall to the lot of any man. [9] And to-day a battle is before us whereno man need teach us how to fight: we have the trick of it by nature, as a bull knows how to use his horns, or a horse his hoofs, or a doghis teeth, or a wild boar his tusks. The animals know well enough, " headded, "when and where to guard themselves: they need no master to tellthem that. [10] I myself, when I was a little lad, I knew by instincthow to shield myself from the blow I saw descending: if I had nothingelse, I had my two fists, and used them with all my force against myfoe: no one taught me how to do it, on the contrary they beat me if theysaw me clench my fists. And a knife, I remember, I never could resist:I clutched the thing whenever I caught sight of it: not a soul showed mehow to hold it, only nature herself, I do aver. I did it, not because Iwas taught to do it, but in spite of being forbidden, like many anotherthing to which nature drove me, in spite of my father and mother both. Yes, and I was never tired of hacking and hewing with my knife wheneverI got the chance: it did not seem merely natural, like walking orrunning, it was positive joy. [11] Well, to-day we are to fight inthis same simple fashion: energy, rather than skill, is called for, andglorious it will be to match ourselves against our friends, the Peers ofPersia. And let us remember that the same prizes are offered to usall, but the stakes differ: our friends give up a life of honour, the sweetest life there can be, but we escape from years of toil andignominy, and there can be no life worse than that. [12] And what firesme most of all, my friends, and sends me into the lists most gladly, isthe thought that Cyrus will be our judge: one who will give no partialverdict. I call the gods to witness when I say that he loves a valiantman as he loves his own soul: I have seen him give such an one more thanhe ever keeps for himself. [13] And now, " he added, "I know that ourfriends here pride themselves upon their breeding and what it has donefor them. They have been brought up to endure hunger and thirst, coldand nakedness, and yet they are aware that we too have been trained inthe self-same school and by a better master than they: we were taught byNecessity, and there is no teacher so good, and none so strict. [14] Howdid our friends here learn their endurance? By bearing arms, weaponsof war, tools that the wit of the whole human race has made as light aswell could be: but Necessity drove us, my fellows and myself, to staggerunder burdens so heavy that to-day, if I may speak for myself, theseweapons of mine seem rather wings to lift me than weights to bear. [15]I for one am ready, Cyrus, to enter the lists, and, however I prove, Iwill ask from you no more than I deserve: I would have you believe this. And you, " he added, turning to his fellows, "you, men of the people, Iwould have you plunge into the battle and match yourselves with thesegentlemen-warriors: the fine fellows must meet us now, for this is thepeople's day. " [16] That is what Pheraulas said, and many rose to follow him andsupport his views. And it was resolved that each man should be honouredaccording to his deserts and that Cyrus should be the judge. So thematter ended, and all was well. [17] Now Cyrus gave a banquet and a certain brigadier was the chiefguest, and his regiment with him. Cyrus had marked the officer oneday when he was drilling his men; he had drawn up the ranks in twodivisions, opposite each other, ready for the charge. They were allwearing corslets and carrying light shields, but half were equippedwith stout staves of fennel, and half were ordered to snatch up clods ofearth and do what they could with these. [18] When all were ready, theofficer gave the signal and the artillery began, not without effect: themissiles fell fast on shields and corslets, on thighs and greaves. Butwhen they came to close quarters the men of the staves had their turn:they struck at thighs and hands and legs, or, if the adversary stoopedand twisted, they belaboured back and shoulders, till they put the foeto utter rout, delivering their blows with shouts of laughter and theglee of boys. Then there was an exchange of weapons, and the other sidehad their revenge: they took the staves in their turn, and once more thestaff triumphed over the clod. [19] Cyrus was full of admiration, partlyat the inventiveness of the commander, partly at the discipline of themen; it was good to see the active exercise, and the gaiety of heart, and good to know that the upshot of the battle favoured those who foughtin the Persian style. In every way he was pleased, and then and therehe bade them all to dinner. But at the feast many of the guests worebandages, some on their hands, others on their legs, and Cyrus saw itand asked what had befallen them. They told him they had been bruisedby the clods. [20] "At close quarters?" said he, "or at long range?" "Atlong range, " they answered, and all the club-bearers agreed that whenit came to close quarters, they had the finest sport. But here those whohad been carbonaded by that weapon broke in and protested loudly thatit was anything but sport to be clubbed at short range, and in proofthereof they showed the weals on hand and neck and face. Thus theylaughed at one another as soldiers will; and on the next day the wholeplain was studded with combats of this type, and whenever the army hadnothing more serious in hand, this sport was their delight. [21] Another day Cyrus noticed a brigadier who was marching his regimentup from the river back to their quarters. They were advancing in singlefile on his left, and at the proper moment he ordered the second companyto wheel round and draw up to the front alongside the first, and thenthe third, and then the fourth; and when the company-captains wereall abreast, he passed the word along, "Companies in twos, " and thecaptains-of-ten came into line; and then at the right moment he gave theorder, "Companies in fours, " and the captains of five wheeled round andcame abreast, and when they reached the tent doors he called a halt, made them fall into single file once more, and marched the first companyin first, and then the second at its heels, and the third and fourthbehind them, and as he introduced them, he seated them at the table, keeping the order of their entry. What Cyrus commended was the quietmethod of instruction and the care the officer showed, and it was forthat he invited him and all his regiment to dinner in the royal tent. [22] Now it chanced that another brigadier was among the guests, andhe spoke up and said to Cyrus: "But will you never ask my men to dinnertoo? Day after day, morning and evening, whenever we come in for a mealwe do just the same as they, and when the meal is over the hindmostman of the last company leads out his men with their fighting-orderreversed, and the next company follows, led by their hindmost man, andthen the third, and then the fourth: so that all of them, if they haveto retire before an enemy, will know how to fall back in good order. And as soon as we are drawn up on the parade-ground we set off marchingeast, and I lead off with all my divisions behind me, in their regularorder, waiting for my word. By-and-by we march west, and then thehindmost man of the last division leads the way, but they must stilllook to me for commands, though I am marching last: and thus they learnto obey with equal promptitude whether I am at the head or in the rear. " [23] "Do you mean to tell me, " said Cyrus, "that this is a regular ruleof yours?" "Truly yes, " he answered, "as regular as our meals, heaven help us!" "Then I hereby invite you all to dinner, and for three good reasons; youpractice your drill in both forms, you do this morning and evening both, and by your marching and counter-marching you train your bodies andbenefit your souls. And since you do it all twice over every day, it isonly fair to give you dinner twice. " [24] "Not twice in one day, I beg you!" said the officer, "unless youcan furnish us with a second stomach apiece. " And so the conversation ended for the time. But the next day Cyrus wasas good as his word. He had all the regiment to dinner; and the dayafter he invited them again: and when the other regiments knew of itthey fell to doing as they did. [C. 4] Now it chanced one day as Cyrus was holding a review, a messengercame from Cyaxares to tell him that an embassy from India had justarrived, and to bid him return with all despatch. "And I bring with me, " said the messenger, "a suit of splendid apparelsent from Cyaxares himself: my lord wishes you to appear in all possiblesplendour, for the Indians will be there to see you. " [2] At that Cyrus commanded the brigadier of the first regiment to drawup to the front with his men behind him on the left in single file, andto pass the order on to the second, and so throughout the army. Officersand men were quick to obey; so that in a trice the whole force on thefield was drawn up, one hundred deep and three hundred abreast, withtheir officers at the head. [3] When they were in position Cyrus badethem follow his lead and off they went at a good round pace. However theroad leading to the royal quarters was too narrow to let them passwith so wide a front and Cyrus sent word along the line that the firstdetachment, one thousand strong, should follow as they were, and thenthe second, and so on to the last, and as he gave the command he ledon without a pause and all the detachments followed in due order, onebehind the other. [4] But to prevent mistakes he sent two gallopers upto the entrance with orders to explain what should be done in case themen were at a loss. And when they reached the gates, Cyrus told theleading brigadier to draw up his regiment round the palace, twelve deep, the front rank facing the building, and this command he was to pass onto the second, and the second to the third, and so on till the last. [5]And while they saw to this he went in to Cyaxares himself, wearing hissimple Persian dress without a trace of pomp. Cyaxares was well pleasedat his celerity, but troubled by the plainness of his attire, and saidto him, "What is the meaning of this, Cyrus? How could you show yourselfin this guise to the Indians? I wished you to appear in splendour:it would have done me honour for my sister's son to be seen in greatmagnificence. " [6] But Cyrus made answer: "Should I have done you more honour if I hadput on a purple robe, and bracelets for my arms, and a necklace about myneck, and so presented myself at your call after long delay? Or as now, when to show you respect I obey you with this despatch and bring youso large and fine a force, although I wear no ornament but the dust andsweat of speed, and make no display unless it be to show you thesemen who are as obedient to you as I am myself. " Such were the words ofCyrus, and Cyaxares felt that they were just, and so sent for theIndian ambassadors forthwith. [7] And when they entered they gave thismessage:--The king of the Indians bade them ask what was the cause ofstrife between the Assyrians and the Medes, "And when we have heardyou, " they said, "our king bids us betake ourselves to the Assyrian andput the same question to him, and in the end we are to tell you boththat the king of the Indians, when he has enquired into the justice ofthe case, will uphold the cause of him who has been wronged. " [8] To this Cyaxares replied: "Then take from me this answer: we do the Assyrian no wrong nor anyinjustice whatsoever. And now go and make inquiry of him, if you are sominded, and see what answer he will give. " Then Cyrus, who was standing by, asked Cyaxares, "May I too say whatis in my mind?" "Say on, " answered Cyaxares. Then Cyrus turned to theambassadors: "Tell your master, " he said, "unless Cyaxares is otherwiseminded, that we are ready to do this: if the Assyrian lays any injusticeto our charge we choose the king of the Indians himself to be our judge, and he shall decide between us. " [9] With that the embassy departed. And when they had gone out Cyrusturned to his uncle and began, "Cyaxares, when I came to you I had scantwealth of my own and of the little I brought with me only a fragment isleft. I have spent it all on my soldiers. You may wonder at this, " headded, "when it is you who have supported them, but, believe me, themoney has not been wasted: it has all been spent on gifts and rewardsto the soldiers who deserved it. [10] And I am sure, " he added, "ifwe require good workers and good comrades in any task whatever, it isbetter and pleasanter to encourage them by kind speeches and kindly actsthan to drive them by pains and penalties. And if it is for war that weneed such trusty helpers, we can only win the men we want by every charmof word and grace of deed. For our true ally must be a friend and not afoe, one who can never envy the prosperity of his leader nor betray himin the day of disaster. [11] Such is my conviction, and such being so, I do not hide from myself the need of money. But to look to you foreverything, when I know that you spend so much already, would bemonstrous in my eyes. I only ask that we should take counsel together soas to prevent the failure of your funds. I am well aware that if you wongreat wealth, I should be able to help myself at need, especially if Iused it for your own advantage. [12] Now I think you told me the otherday that the king of Armenia has begun to despise you, because he hearswe have an enemy, and therefore he will neither send you troops nor paythe tribute which is due. " [13] "Yes, " answered Cyaxares, "such are histricks. And I cannot decide whether to march on him at once and tryto subdue him by force, or let the matter be for the time, for fear ofadding to the enemies we have. " Then Cyrus asked, "Are his dwellingsstrongly fortified, or could they be attacked?" And Cyaxares answered, "The actual fortifications are not very strong: I took good care ofthat. But he has the hill-country to which he can retire, and there forthe moment lie secure, knowing that he himself is safely out of reach, with everything that he can convoy thither; unless we are prepared tocarry on a siege, as my father actually did. " [14] Thereupon Cyrus said, "Now if you are willing to send me witha moderate force of cavalry--I will not ask for many men--I believe, heaven helping me, I could compel him to send the troops and thetribute. And I even hope that in the future he may become a firmerfriend that he is now. " [15] And Cyaxares said: "I think myself they aremore likely to listen to you than to me. I have been told that his sonswere your companions in the chase when you were lads, and possibly oldhabits will return and they will come over to you. Once they were in ourpower, everything could be done as we desire. " "Then, " said Cyrus, "this plan of ours had better be kept secret, had it not?" "No doubt, "answered Cyaxares. "In that way they would be more likely to fall intoour hands, and if we attack them they would be taken unprepared. " [16] "Listen then, " said Cyrus, "and see what you think of this. I haveoften hunted the marches between your country and Armenia with allmy men, and sometimes I have taken horsemen with me from our comradeshere. " "I see, " said Cyaxares, "and if you chose to do the like againit would seem only natural, but if your force was obviously larger thanusual, suspicion would arise at once. " [17] "But it is possible, " saidCyrus, "to frame a pretext which would find credit with us and with themtoo, if any rumour reached them. We might give out that I intend to holda splendid hunt and I might ask you openly for a troop of horse. " "Admirable!" said Cyaxares. "And I shall refuse to give you more than acertain number, my reason being that I wish to visit the outposts on theSyrian side. And as a matter of fact, " he added, "I do wish to see themand put them in as strong a state as possible. Then, as soon as you havestarted with your men, and marched, let us say, for a couple of days, I could send you a good round number of horse and foot from my owndetachment. And when you have them at your back, you could advance atonce, and I will follow with the rest of my men as near you as I may, close enough to appear in time of need. " [18] Accordingly, Cyaxares proceeded to muster horse and foot for hisown march, and sent provision-waggons forward to meet him on the road. Meanwhile Cyrus offered sacrifice for the success of his expedition andfound an opportunity to ask Cyaxares for a troop of his junior cavalry. But Cyaxares would only spare a few, though many wished to go. Soonafterwards he started for the outposts himself with all his horse andfoot, and then Cyrus found the omens favourable for his enterprise, andled his soldiers out as though he meant to hunt. [19] He was scarcelyon his way when a hare started up at their feet, and an eagle, flying onthe right, saw the creature as it fled, swooped down and struck it, bore it aloft in its talons to a cliff hard by, and did its will upon itthere. The omen pleased Cyrus well, and he bowed in worship to Zeus theKing, and said to his company, "This shall be a right noble hunt, myfriends, if God so will. " [20] When he came to the borders he began the hunt in his usual way, themass of horse and foot going on ahead in rows like reapers, beating outthe game, with picked men posted at intervals to receive the animals andgive them chase. And thus they took great numbers of boars and stags andantelopes and wild-asses: even to this day wild-asses are plentiful inthose parts. [21] But when the chase was over, Cyrus had touched thefrontier of the Armenian land, and there he made the evening meal. Thenext day he hunted till he reached the mountains which were his goal. And there he halted again and made the evening meal. At this point heknew that the army from Cyaxares was advancing, and he sent secretly tothem and bade them keep about eight miles off, and take their eveningmeal where they were, since that would make for secrecy. And when theirmeal was over he told them to send their officers to him, and aftersupper he called his own brigadiers together and addressed them thus: [22] "My friends, in old days the Armenian was a faithful ally andsubject of Cyaxares, but now when he sees an enemy against us, heassumes contempt: he neither sends the troops nor pays the tribute. Heis the game we have come to catch, if catch we can. And this, I think, is the way. You, Chrysantas, " said he, "will sleep for a few hours, andthen take half the Persians with you, make for the hill country, andseize the heights which we hear are his places of refuge when alarmed. I will give you guides. [23] The hills, they tell us, are covered withtrees and scrub, so that we may hope you will escape unseen: still youmight send a handful of scouts ahead of you, disguised as a band ofrobbers. If they should come across any Armenians they can either makethem prisoners and prevent them from spreading the news, or at leastscare them out of the way, so that they will not realise the whole ofyour force, and only take measures against a pack of thieves. [24] Thatis your task, Chrysantas, and now for mine. At break of day I shall takehalf the foot and all the cavalry and march along the level straight tothe king's residence. If he resists, we must fight, if he retreatsalong the plain we must run him down, if he makes for the mountains, whythen, " said Cyrus, "it will be your business to see that none of yourvisitors escape. [25] Think of it as a hunt: we down below are thebeaters rounding up the game, and you are the men at the nets: only bearin mind that the earths must all be stopped before the game is up, andthe men at the traps must be hidden, or they will turn back the flyingquarry. [26] One last word, Chrysantas: you must not behave now as Ihave known you do in your passion for the chase: you must not sit up thewhole night long without a wink of sleep, you must let all your men havethe modicum of rest that they cannot do without. [27] Nor must you--justbecause you scour the hills in the hunt without a guide, following thelead of the quarry and that alone, checking and changing course whereverit leads you--you must not now plunge into the wildest paths: you musttell your guides to take you by the easiest road unless it is much thelongest. [28] In war, they say, the easiest way is the quickest. Andonce more, because you can race up a mountain yourself you are not tolead on your men at the double; suit your pace to the strength of all. [29] Indeed, it were no bad thing if some of your best and bravest wereto fall behind here and there and cheer the laggards on: and it wouldquicken the pace of all, when the column has gone ahead, to see themracing back to their places past the marching files. " [30] Chrysantas listened, and his heart beat high at the trust reposedin him. He took the guides, and gave the necessary orders for those whowere to march with him, and then he lay down to rest. And when all hismen had had the sleep he thought sufficient he set out for the hills. [31] Day dawned, and Cyrus sent a messenger to the Armenian with thesewords: "Cyrus bids you see to it that you bring your tribute and troopswithout delay. " "And if he asks you where Cyrus is, tell the truth andsay I am on the frontier. And if he asks whether I am advancing myself, tell the truth again and say that you do not know. And if he enquireshow many we are, bid him send some one with you to find out. " [32] Having so charged the messenger he sent him on forthwith, holdingthis to be more courteous than to attack without warning. Then he drewup his troops himself in the order best suited for marching, and, ifnecessary, for fighting, and so set forth. The soldiers had orders thatnot a soul was to be wronged, and if they met any Armenians they wereto bid them to have no fear, but open a market wherever they wished, andsell meat or drink as they chose. NOTES C1. 5. Is this historical, i. E. _quasi_-historical? Are any of the namesreal or all invented to give verisimilitude? C1. 13. Any touch of the sycophancy of the future in it? As in modernGermany, a touch of that involved in the system of royalty. C1. 15. The raw material is good, but not worked up. Important forthe conception of Hellenic democracy (cf. § 17). Daring, courage, virtue--there is no monopoly of these things. C1. 21. (Cf. Below VIII. C2. 5) Worthy of Adam Smith. Xenophon has bump ofeconomy strongly developed; he resembles J. P. [*] in that respect. Theeconomic methodism, the mosaic interbedding, the architectonic structureof it all, a part and parcel of Xenophon's genius. Was Alexander'sarmy a highly-organised, spiritually and materially built-up, vitalisedmachine of this sort? What light does Arrian, that younger Xenophon, throw upon it? [* "J. P. " = John Percival, Bishop of Hereford (the writer of theIntroduction to this volume), at the time the notes were writtenHeadmaster of Clifton College. --F. M. S. ] C1. 25. Camaraderie encouraged and developed through a sense of equalityand fraternity, the life _au grand jour_ in common, producing a commonconsciousness (cf. Comte and J. P. ; Epaminondas and the Sacred Band atThebes). C2. Contrast of subject enlivening the style--light concrete as a foilto the last drier abstract detail. Humorous also, with a dramatisingand development of the characters, Shakespeare-wise--Hystaspas, and therest. Aglaïtadas, a type of educator we know well (cf. Eccles. "Cockernot a child"), grim, dry person with no sense of humour. Xenophon's ownhumour shines out. C2. 12. The term given to the two stories {eis tagathon}. T. E. B. [*]could do it, or Socrates, without dullness or seeming to preach. Thereis a crispness in the voice which is anti-pedantic. [* "T. E. B. " = T. E. Brown, the Manx poet, at that time a colleague ofMr. Dakyns at Clifton. --F. M. S. ] C2. 19. Cyrus recognises the ideal principle of co-operation andcollective ownership. Xenophon, Economist, ahead of the moderns. C2. 26. Xenophon's breadth of view: virtue is not confined to citizens, but we have the pick of the whole world. Cosmopolitan Hellenism. C3. 4. Xenophon's theory of rule (cf. Ruskin): a right, inalienable, God-bestowed, of the virtuous; subjection an inevitable consequence onlack of self-discipline. C3. 5, init. Is this a carelessness, or what? Chrysantas has beenintroduced before, but here he is described as if stepping on the stagefor the first time. The sentence itself suggests the mould for the NewTestament narrative. C3. 7. Pheraulas, and of him we shall hear much. A sharp contrast toChrysantas, the Peer, with his pointed plebeian similes. His speechimportant again for Xenophon's sympathetic knowledge of children andalso of the hard-working poor. C3. 10. How true to nature this. Cannot one see the little boy doublinghis little fists, a knife in his pocket, possibly a ball of string? C3. 11. Is there a touch of flunkeyism in this? Not so; it is theclear-sighted scientific Greek, that is all. C3. 14. Very Scotch all this. C3. 21-22. _Locus classicus_ for regimental marching tactics. Qy. : Areany of these tactical improvements by Xenophon himself? C3. 21. The "regiment" of a hundred men was divided into four"companies" of twenty-five, to each of these one company-captain andtwenty-four men, viz. : twenty privates, two captains-of-ten, and twocaptains-of-five, the two captains of ten having also especial chargeover the two remaining squads of five. A condensed diagram may makethe little manoeuvre clear. An X represents one group of five plus itscaptain, either a captain-of-five or a captain-of-ten. A C represents acompany-captain. First position--One long column. All in single file. Second position--Four columns. Single file for each company. Third position--Eight columns. Double files. Fourth position--Sixteen columns. Quadruple files. C C C C C C C X X X -> X X X X -> X X X X X X X X X -> X X X X X X X X X X X X C X X X X] C4. 15. Cyaxares means to kidnap them, doesn't he? That is not quiteCyrus' method. If so, it contrasts Cyaxares and Cyrus again. C4. 17. Cyaxares the old fox improves upon the plan. C4. 30, init. It is these touches which give the thrilling subjectivefeeling to the writings of Xenophon, or, rather, thus his nerves tingle, just as the external touches give a sense of objective health (e. G. Above, C1. 29). C4. 32. All this is entirely modern, never yet excelled, I imagine. BOOK III [C. 1] Thus Cyrus made his preparations. But the Armenian, when he heardwhat the messenger had to say, was terror-stricken: he knew the wronghe had done in neglecting the tribute and withholding the troops, and, above all, he was afraid it would be discovered that he was beginningto put his palace in a fit state for defence. [2] Therefore, with muchtrepidation, he began to collect his own forces, and at the same timehe sent his younger son Sabaris into the hills with the women, his ownwife, and the wife of his elder son and his daughters, taking the bestof their ornaments and furniture with them and an escort to be theirguide. Meanwhile he despatched a party to discover what Cyrus was doing, and organised all the Armenian contingents as they came in. But it wasnot long before other messengers arrived, saying that Cyrus himself wasactually at hand. [3] Then his courage forsook him; he dared not cometo blows and he withdrew. As soon as the recruits saw this they took totheir heels, each man bent on getting his own property safely out ofthe way. When Cyrus saw the plains full of them, racing and ridingeverywhere, he sent out messengers privately to explain that he had noquarrel with any who stayed quietly in their homes, but if he caught aman in flight, he warned them he would treat him as an enemy. Thusthe greater part were persuaded to remain, though there were some whoretreated with the king. [4] But when the escort with the women came on the Persians in themountain, they fled with cries of terror, and many of them were takenprisoners. In the end the young prince himself was captured, and thewife of the king, and his daughters, and his daughter-in-law, andall the goods they had with them. And when the king learnt what hadhappened, scarcely knowing where to turn, he fled to the summit of acertain hill. [5] Cyrus, when he saw it, surrounded the spot with histroops and sent word to Chrysantas, bidding him leave a force toguard the mountains and come down to him. So the mass of the army wascollected under Cyrus, and then he sent a herald to the king with thisenquiry: "Son of Armenia, will you wait here and fight with hunger and thirst, or will you come down into the plain and fight it out with us?" But theArmenian answered that he wished to fight with neither. [6] Cyrus sentagain and asked, "Why do you sit there, then, and refuse to come down?""Because I know not what to do, " answered the other. "It is simpleenough, " said Cyrus, "come down and take your trial. " "And who shall tryme?" asked the king. "He, " answered Cyrus, "to whom God has given thepower to treat you as he lists, without a trial at all. " Thereupon the Armenian came down, yielding to necessity, and Cyrus tookhim and all that he had and placed him in the centre of the camp, forall his forces were now at hand. [7] Meanwhile Tigranes, the elder son of the king, was on his way homefrom a far country. In old days he had hunted with Cyrus and been hisfriend, and now, when he heard what had happened, he came forward justas he was; but when he saw his father and his mother, his brother andsisters, and his own wife all held as prisoners, he could not keep backthe tears. [8] But Cyrus gave him no sign of friendship or courtesy, andonly said, "You have come in time, you may be present now to hear yourfather tried. " With that he summoned the leaders of the Persians and theMedes, and any Armenian of rank and dignity who was there, nor wouldhe send away the women as they sat in covered carriages, but let themlisten too. [9] When all was ready he began: "Son of Armenia, I wouldcounsel you, in the first place, to speak the truth, so that at leastyou may stand free from what deserves the utmost hate: beyond allelse, be assured, manifest lying checks the sympathy of man and man. Moreover, " said he, "your own sons, your daughters, and your wife arewell aware of all that you have done, and so are your own Armenianswho are here: if they perceive that you say what is not true, they mustsurely feel that out of your own lips you condemn yourself to sufferthe uttermost penalty when I learn the truth. " "Nay, " answered the king, "ask me whatever you will, and I will answer truly, come what come may. "[10] "Answer then, " said Cyrus, "did you once make war upon Astyages, my mother's father, and his Medes?" "I did, " he answered. "And were youconquered by him, and did you agree to pay tribute and furnish troopswhenever he required, and promise not to fortify your dwellings?" "Evenso, " he said. "Why is it, then, that to-day you have neither brought thetribute nor sent the troops, and are building forts?" "I set my heart onliberty: it seemed to me so fair a thing to be free myself and to leavefreedom to my sons. " [11] "And fair and good it is, " said Cyrus, "tofight for freedom and choose death rather than slavery, but if a man isworsted in war or enslaved by any other means and then attempts to ridhimself of his lord, tell me yourself, would you honour such a man asupright, and a doer of noble deeds, or would you, if you got him inyour power, chastise him as a malefactor?" "I would chastise him, " heanswered, "since you drive me to the truth. " [12] "Then answer me now, point by point, " said Cyrus. "If you have an officer and he does wrong, do you suffer him to remain in office, or do you set up another in hisstead?" "I set up another. " "And if he have great riches, to you leavehim all his wealth, or do you make him a beggar?" "I take away from himall that he has. " "And if you found him deserting to your enemies, whatwould you do?" "I would kill him, " he said: "why should I perish with alie on my lips rather than speak the truth and die?" [13] But at this his son rent his garments and dashed the tiara from hisbrows, and the women lifted up their voices in wailing and tore theircheeks, as though their father was dead already, and they themselvesundone. But Cyrus bade them keep silence, and spoke again. "Son ofArmenia, we have heard your own judgment in this case, and now tell us, what ought we to do?" But the king sat silent and perplexed, wonderingwhether he should bid Cyrus put him to death, or act in the teeth of therule he had laid down for himself. [14] Then his son Tigranes turned toCyrus and said, "Tell me, Cyrus, since my father sits in doubt, may Igive counsel in his place and say what I think best for you?" Now Cyrus remembered that, in the old hunting days, he had noticed acertain man of wisdom who went about with Tigranes and was much admiredby him, and he was curious to know what the youth would say. So hereadily agreed and bade him speak his mind. [15] "In my view, then, " said Tigranes, "if you approve of all that myfather has said and done, certainly you ought to do as he did, but ifyou think he has done wrong, then you must not copy him. " "But surely, " said Cyrus, "the best way to avoid copying the wrongdoeris to practise what is right?" "True enough, " answered the prince. "Then on your own reasoning, I am bound to punish your father, if it isright to punish wrong. " "But would you wish your vengeance to do you harm instead of good?" "Nay, " said Cyrus, "for then my vengeance would fall upon myself. " [16] "Even so, " said Tigranes, "and you will do yourself the greatestharm if you put your own subjects to death just when they are mostvaluable to you. " "Can they have any value, " asked Cyrus, "when they are detected doingwrong?" "Yes, " answered Tigranes, "if that is when they turn to good and learnsobriety. For it is my belief, Cyrus, that without this virtue allothers are in vain. What good will you get from a strong man or a braveif he lack sobriety, be he never so good a horseman, never so rich, never so powerful in the state? But with sobriety every friend is afriend in need and every servant a blessing. " [17] "I take your meaning, " answered Cyrus; "your father, you would haveme think, has been changed in this one day from a fool into a wise andsober-minded man?" "Exactly, " said the prince. "Then you would call sober-mindedness a condition of our nature, suchas pain, not a matter of reason that can be learnt? For certainly, ifhe who is to be sober-minded must learn wisdom first, he could not beconverted from folly in a day. " [18] "Nay, but, Cyrus, " said the prince, "surely you yourself haveknown one man at least who out of sheer folly has set himself to fighta stronger man than he, and on the day of defeat his senselessness hasbeen cured. And surely you have known a city ere now that has marshalledher battalions against a rival state, but with defeat she changessuddenly and is willing to obey and not resist?" [19] "But what defeat, " said Cyrus, "can you find in your father's caseto make you so sure that he has come to a sober mind?" "A defeat, " answered the young man, "of which he is well aware in thesecret chambers of his soul. He set his heart on liberty, and he hasfound himself a slave as never before: he had designs that neededstealth and speed and force, and not one of them has he been able tocarry through. With you he knows that design and fulfilment went handin hand; when you wished to outwit him, outwit him you did, as though hehad been blind and deaf and dazed; when stealth was needed, your stealthwas such that the fortresses he thought his own you turned into trapsfor him; and your speed was such that you were upon him from miles awaywith all your armament before he found time to muster the forces at hiscommand. " [20] "So you think, " said Cyrus, "that merely to learn another isstronger than himself is defeat enough to bring a man to his senses?" "I do, " answered Tigranes, "and far more truly than mere defeat inbattle. For he who is conquered by force may fancy that if he trainshe can renew the war, and captured cities dream that with the help ofallies they will fight again one day, but if we meet with men who arebetter than ourselves and whom we recognise to be so, we are ready toobey them of our own free will. " [21] "You imagine then, " saidCyrus, "that the bully and the tyrant cannot recognise the manof self-restraint, nor the thief the honest man, nor the liar thetruth-speaker, nor the unjust man the upright? Has not your own fatherlied even now and broken his word with us, although he knew that we hadfaithfully observed every jot and tittle of the compact Astyages made?"[22] "Ah, but, " replied the prince, "I do not pretend that the bareknowledge alone will bring a man to his senses, it cannot cure himunless he pays the penalty as my father pays it to-day. " "But, " answeredCyrus, "your father has suffered nothing at all so far: although hefears, I know, that the worst suffering may be his. " [23] "Do yousuppose then, " asked Tigranes, "that anything can enslave a man moreutterly than fear? Do you not know that even the men who are beaten withthe iron rod of war, the heaviest rod in all the world, may still beready to fight again, while the victims of terror cannot be brought tolook their conquerors in the face, even when they try to comfort them?""Then, you maintain, " said Cyrus, "that fear will subdue a man more thansuffering?" [24] "Yes, " he answered, "and you of all men know that whatI say is true: you know the despondency men feel in dread of banishment, or on the eve of battle facing defeat, or sailing the sea in peril ofshipwreck--they cannot touch their food or take their rest becauseof their alarm: while it may often be that the exiles themselves, theconquered, or the enslaved, can eat and sleep better than men who havenot known adversity. [25] Think of those panic-stricken creatures whothrough fear of capture and death have died before their day, havehurled themselves from cliffs, hanged themselves, or set the knife totheir throats; so cruelly can fear, the prince of horrors, bind andsubjugate the souls of men. And what, think you, does my father feel atthis moment? He, whose fears are not for himself alone, but for us all, for his wife, and for his children. " [26] And Cyrus said, "To-day andat this time, it may be with him as you say: but I still think that thesame man may well be insolent in good fortune and cringing in defeat:let such an one go free again, and he will return to his arrogance andtrouble us once more. " [27] "I do not deny it, Cyrus, " said the prince. "Our offences are such that you may well mistrust us: but you have it inyour power to set garrisons in our land and hold our strong places andtake what pledges you think best. And even so, " he added, "you will notfind that we fret against our chains, for we shall remember we have onlyourselves to blame. Whereas, if you hand over the government to somewho have not offended, they may either think that you mistrust them, andthus, although you are their benefactor, you cannot be their friend, orelse in your anxiety not to rouse their enmity you may leave no checkon their insolence, and in the end you will need to sober them evenmore than us. " [28] "Nay, but by all the gods, " cried Cyrus, "little joyshould I ever take in those who served me from necessity alone. Only ifI recognise some touch of friendship or goodwill in the help it is theirduty to render, I could find it easier to forgive them all their faultsthan to accept the full discharge of service paid upon compulsion bythose who hate me. " Then Tigranes answered, "You speak of friendship, but can you ever findelsewhere so great a friendship as you may find with us?" "Surely Ican, " he answered, "and with those who have never been my enemies, ifI choose to be their benefactor as you would have me yours. " [29] "Butto-day, and now, can you find another man in the world whom you couldbenefit as you can benefit my father? Say you let a man live who hasnever done you wrong, will he be grateful for the boon? Say he need notlose his children and his wife, will he love you for that more than onewho knows he well deserved the loss? Say he may not sit upon the throneof Armenia, will he suffer from that as we shall suffer? And is it notclear that the one who feels the pain of forfeiture the most will be theone most grateful for the granting of the gift? [30] And if you have itat all at heart to leave matters settled here, think for yourself, andsee where tranquillity will lie when your back is turned. Will it bewith the new dynasty, or with the old familiar house? And if you wantas large a force as possible at your command, where will you find a manbetter fitted to test the muster-roll than the general who has used ittime and again? If you need money, who will provide the ways and meansbetter than he who knows and can command all the resources of thecountry? I warn you as a friend, " he added, "that if you throw us asideyou will do yourself more harm than ever my father could have done. " [31] Such were the pleadings of the prince, and Cyrus, as he listened, was overjoyed, for he felt he would accomplish to the full all he hadpromised Cyaxares; his own words came back to him, "I hope to make theArmenian a better friend than before. " Thereupon he turned to the king and said, "Son of Armenia, if I wereindeed to hearken unto you and yours in this, tell me, how large an armywould you send me and how much money for the war?" [32] And the king replied, "The simplest answer I can make and the moststraightforward is to tell you what my power is, and then you may takethe men you choose, and leave the rest to garrison the country. And sowith the money: it is only fair that you should know the whole of ourwealth, and with that knowledge to guide you, you will take what youlike and leave what you like. " [33] And Cyrus said, "Tell me then, andtell me true: how great is your power and your wealth?" Whereupon theArmenian replied: "Our cavalry is 8000 strong and our infantry 40, 000;and our wealth, " said he, "if I include the treasures which my fatherleft, amounts in silver to more than 3000 talents. " [34] And Cyrus, without more ado, said at once, "Of your whole armamentyou shall give me half, not more, since your neighbours the Chaldaeansare at war with you: but for the tribute, instead of the fifty talentswhich you paid before, you shall hand over twice as much to Cyaxaresbecause you made default; and you will lend me another hundred formyself, and I hereby promise you, if God be bountiful, I will requiteyou for the loan with things of higher worth, or I will pay the moneyback in full, if I can; and if I cannot, you may blame me for want ofability, but not for want of will. " [35] But the Armenian cried, "By allthe gods, Cyrus, speak not so, or you will put me out of heart. I begyou to look on all I have as yours, what you leave behind as well aswhat you take away. " "So be it then, " answered Cyrus, "and to ransom your wife, how muchmoney would you give?" "All that I have, " said he. "And for your sons?""For them too, all that I have. " "Good, " answered Cyrus, "but is notthat already twice as much as you possess? [36] And you, Tigranes, " saidhe, "at what price would you redeem your bride?" Now the youth was butnewly wedded, and his wife was beyond all things dear to him. "I wouldgive my life, " said he, "to save her from slavery. " [37] "Take herthen, " said Cyrus, "she is yours. For I hold that she has never yet beenmade a prisoner, seeing that her husband never deserted us. And you, son of Armenia, " said he, turning to the king, "you shall take home yourwife and children, and pay no ransom for them, so that they shall notfeel they come to you from slavery. But now, " he added, "you shall stayand sup with us, and afterwards you shall go wherever you wish. " And so the Armenians stayed. [38] But when the company broke up afterthe evening meal, Cyrus asked Tigranes, "Tell me, where is that friendof yours who used to hunt with us, and whom, as it seemed to me, youadmired so much?" "Do you not know, " he said, "that my father put himto death?" "And why?" said Cyrus, "what fault did he find in him?" "Hethought he corrupted me, " said the youth; "and yet, I tell you, Cyrus, he was so gentle and so brave, so beautiful in soul, that when he cameto die, he called me to him and said, 'Do not be angry with your father, Tigranes, for putting me to death. What he does is not done frommalice, but from ignorance; and the sins of ignorance, I hold, areunintentional. '" [39] And at that Cyrus could not but say: "Poor soul! I grieve for him. "But the king spoke in his own defence: "Remember this, Cyrus, that theman who finds another with his wife kills him not simply because hebelieves that he has turned the woman to folly, but because he hasrobbed him of her love. Even so I was jealous of that man who seemed toput himself between my son and me and steal away his reverence. " [40]"May the gods be merciful to us!" said Cyrus, "you did wrong, but yourfault was human. And you, Tigranes, " said he, turning to the son, "youmust forgive your father. " And so they talked in all friendliness and kindliness, as befittedthat time of reconciliation; and then the father and son mounted theircarriages, with their dear ones beside them, and drove away rejoicing. [41] But when they were home again, they all spoke of Cyrus, onepraising his wisdom, another his endurance, a third the gentlenessof his nature, and a fourth his stature and his beauty. Then Tigranesturned to his wife and asked, "Did Cyrus seem so beautiful in youreyes?" But she answered, "Ah, my lord, he was not the man I saw. " "Whowas it then?" asked Tigranes. "He, " she answered, "who offered his ownlife to free me from slavery. " And so they took their delight together, as lovers will, after all theirsufferings. [42] But on the morrow the king of Armenia sent gifts of hospitality toCyrus and all his army, and bade his own contingent make ready to marchon the third day, and himself brought Cyrus twice the sum which he hadnamed. But Cyrus would take no more than he had fixed, and gave therest back to the king, only asking whether he or his son was to lead theforce. And the father answered that it should be as Cyrus chose, but theson said, "I will not leave you, Cyrus, if I must carry the baggage tofollow you. " [43] And Cyrus laughed and said, "What will you take to letus tell your wife that you have become a baggage-bearer?" "She will notneed to be told, " he answered, "I mean to bring her with me, and she cansee for herself all that her husband does. " "Then it is high time, " saidCyrus, "that you got your own baggage together now. " "We will come, "said he, "be sure of that, in good time, with whatever baggage my fathergives. " So the soldiers were the guests of Armenia for the day, and rested forthat night. [C. 2] But on the day following Cyrus took Tigranes and the best of theMedian cavalry, with chosen followers of his own, and scoured the wholecountry to decide where he should build a fort. He halted on the top ofa mountain-pass and asked Tigranes where the heights lay down which theChaldaeans swept when they came to plunder. Tigranes showed him. ThenCyrus asked him if the mountains were quite uninhabited. "No, indeed, "said the prince, "there are always men on the look-out, who signal tothe others if they catch sight of anything. " "And what do they do, " heasked, "when they see the signal?" "They rush to the rescue, " he said, "as quickly as they can. " [2] Cyrus listened and looked, and he couldsee that large tracts lay desolate and untilled because of the war. Thatday they came back to camp and took their supper and slept. [3] But thenext morning Tigranes presented himself with all his baggage in orderand ready for the march, 4000 cavalry at his back, 10, 000 bowmen, and asmany targeteers. While they were marching up, Cyrus offered sacrifice, and finding that the victims were favourable, he called the leaders ofthe Persians together and the chief captains of the Medes and spoke tothem thus: [4] "My friends, there lie the Chaldaean hills. If we could seizethem and set a garrison to hold the pass, we should compel them both, Chaldaeans and Armenians alike, to behave themselves discreetly. Thevictims are favourable; and to help a man in such a work as this thereis no ally half so good as speed. If we scale the heights before theenemy have time to gather, we may take the position out of hand withouta blow, and at most we shall only find a handful of weak and scatteredforces to oppose us. [5] Steady speed is all I ask for, and surely Icould ask for nothing easier or less dangerous. To arms then! The Medeswill march on our left, half the Armenians on our right, and the restin the van to lead the way, the cavalry in our rear, to cheer us on andpush us forward and let none of us give way. " [6] With that Cyrus led the advance, the army in column behind him. As soon as the Chaldaeans saw them sweeping up from the plain, theysignalled to their fellows till the heights re-echoed with answeringshouts, and the tribesmen gathered on every side. Then Cyrus sent wordalong his lines, "Soldiers of Persia, they are signalling to us to makehaste. If only we reach the top before them, all they can do will be invain. " [7] Now the Chaldaeans were said to be the most warlike of all thetribes in that country, and each of them was armed with a shield and abrace of javelins. They fight for pay wherever they are needed, partlybecause they are warriors born, but partly through poverty; for theircountry is mountainous, and the fertile part of it small. [8] As Cyrusand his force drew near the head of the pass, Tigranes, who was marchingat his side, said: "Do you know, Cyrus, that before long we shall be in the thick of thefight ourselves? Our Armenians will never stand the charge. " Cyrusanswered that he was well aware of that, and immediately sent word thatthe Persians should be ready to give chase at once, "as soon as we seethe Armenians decoying the enemy by feigning flight and drawing themwithin our reach. " [9] Thus they marched up with the Armenians in the van: and theChaldaeans who had collected waited till they were almost on them, and then charged with a tremendous shout, as their custom was, and theArmenians, as was ever theirs, turned and ran. [10] But in the midstof the pursuit the Chaldaeans met new opponents streaming up the pass, armed with short swords, and some of them were cut to pieces at oncebefore they could withdraw, while others were taken prisoners and therest fled, and in a few moments the heights were won. From the topof the pass Cyrus and his staff looked down and saw below them theChaldaean villages with fugitives pouring from the nearest houses. [11]Soon the rest of the army came up, and Cyrus ordered them all to takethe morning meal. When it was over, and he had ascertained that thelook-out was really in a strong position, and well supplied with water, he set about fortifying a post without more ado, and he bade Tigranessend to his father and bid him come at once with all the carpenters andstonemasons he could fetch, and while a messenger went off to the kingCyrus did all he could with what he had at hand. [12] Meanwhile they brought up the prisoners, all of them bound inchains and some wounded. But Cyrus when he saw their plight ordered thechains to be struck off, and sent for surgeons to dress their wounds, and then he told them that he came neither to destroy them nor to waragainst them, but to make peace between them and the Armenians. "Iknow, " he said, "before your pass was taken you did not wish for peace. Your own land was in safety and you could harry the Armenians: but youcan see for yourselves how things stand to-day. [13] Accordingly I willlet you all go back to your homes in freedom, and I will allow you andyour fellows to take counsel together and choose whether you will haveus for your enemies or your friends. If you decide on war, you hadbetter not come here again without your weapons, but if you choosepeace, come unarmed and welcome: it shall be my care to see that all iswell with you, if you are my friends. " [14] And when the Chaldaeans heard that, they poured out praises andthanks, and then they turned homewards and departed. Meanwhile the king, receiving the call of Cyrus, and hearing thebusiness that was at hand, had gathered his workmen together and tookwhat he thought necessary and came with all speed. [15] And when hecaught sight of Cyrus, he cried: "Ah, my lord, blind mortals that weare! How little can we see of the future, and how much we take in handto do! I set myself to win freedom and I made myself a slave, and now, when we were captured and said to ourselves that we were utterly undone, suddenly we find a safety we never had before. Those who troubled us aretaken now, even as I would have them. [16] Be well assured, Cyrus, " headded, "that I would have paid the sum you had from me over and overagain simply to dislodge the Chaldaeans from these heights. The thingsof worth you promised me when you took the money have been paid in fullalready, and we discover that we are not your creditors, but deep inyour debt for many kindnesses; and we shall be ashamed not to returnthem, or we should be base indeed, for try as we may, we shall never beable to requite in full so great a benefactor. " [17] Such thanks the Armenian gave. Then the Chaldaeans came back, begging Cyrus to make peace with them. And Cyrus asked them: "Am I right in thinking that you desire peaceto-day because you believe it will be safer for you than war, now thatwe hold these heights?" And the Chaldaeans said that so it was. [18] "Well and good, " said he. "And what if other benefits were gained by peace?" "We should be all thebetter pleased, " said they. "Is there any other reason, " he asked, "foryour present poverty, except your lack of fertile soil?" They said thatthere was none. "Well then, " Cyrus went on, "would you be willing to paythe same dues as the Armenians, if you were allowed to cultivate as muchof their land as you desired?" And the Chaldaeans said they would, ifonly they could rely on being fairly treated. [19] "Now, " said Cyrus, turning to the Armenian king, "would you like that land of yours whichis now lying idle to be tilled and made productive, supposing theworkers paid you the customary dues?" "I would, indeed, " said the king, "so much so that I am ready to pay a large sum for it. It would mean agreat increase to my revenue. " [20] "And you, Chaldaeans, " said Cyrus, "with your splendid mountains, would you let the Armenians use them forpasture if the graziers paid you what was fair?" "Surely yes, " said theChaldaeans, "it would mean much profit and no pains. " "Son of Armenia, " said Cyrus, "would you take this land for grazing, if by paying a small sum to the Chaldaeans you got a far greater returnyourself?" "Right willingly, " said he, "if I thought my flocks could feed insafety. " "And would they not be safe enough, " suggested Cyrus, "if this pass wereheld for you?" To which the king agreed. [21] But the Chaldaeans cried, "Heaven help us! We could not till our own fields in safety, not tospeak of theirs, if the Armenians held the pass. " "True, " answeredCyrus, "but how would it be if the pass were held for you?" "Ah, then, "said they, "all would be well enough. " "Heaven help us!" cried theArmenian in his turn, "all might be well enough for them, but it wouldbe ill for us if these neighbours of ours recovered the post, especiallynow that it is fortified. " [22] Then Cyrus said, "See, then, this iswhat I will do: I will hand over the pass to neither of you: we Persianswill guard it ourselves, and if either of you injure the other, we willstep in and side with the sufferers. " [23] Then both parties applauded the decision, and said that only thuscould they establish a lasting peace, and on these terms they exchangedpledges, and a covenant was made that both nations alike were to be freeand independent, but with common rights of marriage, and tillage, andpasturage, and help in time of war if either were attacked. [24] Thusthe matter was concluded, and to this day the treaty holds between theChaldaeans and Armenia. Peace was no sooner made than both parties began building what they nowconsidered their common fortress, working side by side and bringing upall that was needed. [25] And when evening fell, Cyrus summoned them allas fellow-guests to his board, saying that they were friends already. At the supper as they sat together, one of the Chaldaeans said to Cyrusthat the mass of his nation would feel they had received all theycould desire, "But there are men among us, " he added, "who live asfreebooters: they do not know how to labour in the field, and they couldnot learn, accustomed as they are from youth up to get their livelihoodeither by plundering for themselves or serving as mercenaries, oftenunder the king of India, for he is a man of much wealth, but sometimesunder Astyages. " [26] Then Cyrus said: "Why should they not take servicewith me? I undertake to give them at least as much as they ever gotelsewhere. " The Chaldaeans readily agreed with him and prophesied thathe would have many volunteers. [27] So this matter was settled to the mind of all. But Cyrus, onhearing that the Chaldaeans were in the habit of going to India, remembered how Indian ambassadors had come to the Medes to spy out theiraffairs, and how they had gone on to their enemies--doubtless to do thesame there--and he felt a wish that they should hear something ofwhat he had achieved himself. [28] So he said to the company: "Son ofArmenia, and men of the Chaldaeans, I have something to ask you. Tellme, if I were to send ambassadors to India, would you send some of yourown folk with them to show them the way, and support them in gainingfor us all that I desire? I still need more money if I am to pay all thewages, as I wish, in full, and give rewards and make presents to such ofmy soldiers as deserve them. It is for such things I need all the moneyI can get, for I believe them to be essential. It would be pleasanterfor me not to draw on you, because I look on you already as my friends, but I should be glad to take from the Indian as much as he will give me. My messenger--the one for whom I ask guides and coadjutors--will go tothe king and say: 'Son of India, my master has sent me to you, biddingme say that he has need of more money. He is expecting another army fromPersia, ' and indeed I do expect one, " Cyrus added. "Then my messengerwill proceed, 'If you can send my master all that you have at hand hewill do his best, if God grant him success, that you should feel yourkindness has not been ill-advised. ' [30] That is what my emissary willsay: and you must give such instructions to yours as you think fityourselves. If I get money from the king, I shall have abundance at mydisposal: if I fail, at least we shall owe him no gratitude, and as faras he is concerned we may look to our own interests alone. " [31] So Cyrus spoke, convinced that the ambassadors from Armenia andChaldaea would speak of him as he desired all men might do. And then, asthe hour was come, they broke up the meeting and took their rest. [C. 3] But on the next day Cyrus despatched his messenger withthe instructions, and the Armenians and Chaldaeans sent their ownambassadors, choosing the men they thought would help Cyrus most andspeak of his exploits in the most fitting terms. Cyrus put a stronggarrison in the fort and stored it with supplies, and left an officer incommand, a Mede, whose appointment, he thought, would gratify Cyaxares, and then he turned homewards, taking with him not only the troops he hadbrought, but the force the Armenians had furnished, and a picked bodyof Chaldaeans who considered themselves stronger than all the resttogether. [2] And as he come down from the hills into the cultivatedland, not one of the Armenians, man or woman, stayed indoors: with oneaccord they all went out to meet him, rejoicing that peace was made, andbringing him offerings from their best, driving before them the animalsthey valued most. The king himself was not ill-pleased at this, for hethought that Cyrus would take delight in the honour the people showedhim. Last of all came the queen herself, with her daughters and heryounger son, bearing many gifts, and among them the golden treasure thatCyrus had refused before. [3] But when he saw it he said: "Nay, you mustnot make me a mercenary and a benefactor for pay; take this treasureback and hie you home, but do not give it to your lord that he may buryit again; spend it on your son, and send him forth gloriously equippedfor war, and with the residue buy yourself and for your husband and yourchildren such precious things as shall endure, and bring joy and beautyinto all your days. As for burying, let us only bury our bodies on theday when each must die. " [4] With that he rode away, the king and all his people escorting him, like a guard of honour, calling him their saviour, their benefactor, andtheir hero, and heaping praises on him until he had left the land. And the king sent with him a larger army than ever he had sent before, seeing that now he had peace at home. [5] Thus Cyrus took his departure, having gained not only the actual money he took away with him, but a farampler store of wealth, won by his own graciousness, on which he coulddraw in time of need. For the first night he encamped on the borders of Armenia, but the nextday he sent an army and the money to Cyaxares, who was close at hand, as he had promised to be, while he himself took his pleasure in huntingwherever he could find the game, in company with Tigranes and the flowerof the Persian force. [6] And when he came back to Media he gave gifts of money to his chiefofficers, sufficient for each to reward their own subordinates, for heheld to it that, if every one made his own division worthy of praise, all would be well with the army as a whole. He himself secured anythingthat he thought of value for the campaign, and divided it among the mostmeritorious, convinced that every gain to the army was an adornment tohimself. [7] At every distribution he would take occasion to address the officersand all whom he chose to honour in some such words as these: "Myfriends, the god of mirth must be with us to-day: we have found a sourceof plenty, and we have the wherewithal to honour whom we wish and asthey may deserve. [8] Let us call to mind, all of us, the only wayin which these blessings can be won. We shall find it is by toil, andwatchfulness, and speed, and the resolve never to yield to our foes. After this pattern must we prove ourselves to be men, knowing thatall high delights and all great joys are only gained by obedience andhardihood, and through pains endured and dangers confronted in theirproper season. " [9] But presently, when Cyrus saw that his men were strong enough forall the work of war, and bold enough to meet their enemies with scorn, expert and skilful in the use of the weapons each man bore, and all ofthem perfect in obedience and discipline, the desire grew in his heartto be up and doing and achieve something against the foe. He knew wellhow often a general has found delay ruin his fairest armament. [10] Henoticed, moreover, that in the eagerness of rivalry and the strain ofcompetition many of the soldiers grew jealous of each other; and forthis, if for no other reason, he desired to lead them into the enemy'scountry without delay, feeling that common dangers awaken comradeshipamong those who are fighting in a common cause, and then all suchbickerings cease, and no man is galled by the splendour of his comrade'sarms, or the passion of his desire for glory: envy is swallowed upin praise, and each competitor greets his rivals with delight asfellow-workers for the common good. [11] Therefore Cyrus ordered his whole force to assemble under arms, anddrew them up into battle-array, using all his skill to make the displaya wonder of beauty and perfection. Then he summoned his chief officers, his generals, his brigadiers, and his company-captains. These men werenot bound to be always in the ranks, and some were always free towait on the commander-in-chief or carry orders along the lines withoutleaving the troops unofficered: for the captains-of-twelve and thecaptains-of-six stepped into the gaps, and absolute order was preserved. [12] So Cyrus assembled his staff and led them along the lines, pointingout the merits of the combined forces and the special strength of each, and thus he kindled in their hearts the passion for achievement, andthen he bade them return to their regiments and repeat the lessons hehad taught them, trying to implant in their own men the same desire foraction, so that one and all might sally out in the best of heart; andthe next morning they were to present themselves at Cyaxares' gates. [13] So the officers went away and did as he commanded, and the nextmorning at daybreak they assembled at the trysting-place, and Cyrus metthem and came before Cyaxares and said to him: "I know well that what I am about to say must often have been in yourown mind, but you have shrunk from suggesting it yourself lest it seemthat you were weary of supporting us. [14] Therefore since you must keepsilence, let me speak for both of us. We are all agreed that since ourpreparations are complete we should not wait until the enemy invades ourterritory before we give him battle, nor loiter here in a friendly land, but attack him on his own ground with what speed we may. [15] For whilewe linger here, we injure your property in spite of ourselves, but onceon the enemy's soil, we can damage his, and that with the best will inthe world. [16] As things are, you must maintain us, and the cost isgreat; but once launched on foreign service, we can maintain ourselves, and at our foe's expense. [17] Possibly, if it were more dangerous to goforward than to stay here, the more cautious might seem the wiser plan. But whether we stay or whether we go, the enemy's numbers will be thesame, and so will ours, whether we receive them here or join battle withthem there. [18] Moreover, the spirit of our soldiers will be all thehigher and all the bolder if they feel that they are marching againstthe foe and not cowering before him; and his alarm will be all thegreater when he hears that we are not crouching at home in terror butcoming out to meet him as soon as we have heard of his advance, eager toclose at once, not holding back until our territory suffers, but promptto seize the moment and ravage his own land first. [19] Indeed, " headded, "if we do no more than quicken our own courage and his fears, Iwould reckon it a substantial gain, and count it so much the less dangerfor us and so much the more for him. My father never tires of telling mewhat I have heard you say yourself, and what all the world admits, thatbattles are decided more by the character of the troops than by theirbodily strength. " [20] He ended, and Cyaxares answered: "Cyrus, both you and all my Persian friends may feel sure that I findit no trouble to maintain you; do not imagine such a thing; but I agreewith you that the time is ripe for an advance on the enemy's land. " "Then, " said Cyrus, "since we are all of one mind, let us make our finalpreparations, and, if heaven will, let us set forth without delay. " [21] So they bade the soldiers prepare for the start, and Cyrus offeredsacrifices to Zeus the Lord and to the other gods in due order, andprayed, "Look on us with favour, and be gracious to us; guide our army, stand beside us in the battle, aid us in council, help us in action, bethe comrades of the brave. " Also he called upon the Heroes of Media, who dwell in the land and guard it. [22] Then, when the signs werefavourable and his army was mustered on the frontier, he felt that themoment had come, and with all good omens to support him, he invadedthe enemy's land. And so soon as he had crossed the border he offeredlibations to the Earth and victims to the gods, and sought to win thefavour of the Heroes who guard Assyria. And having so done, once more hesacrificed to Zeus, the god of his fathers, and was careful to reverenceevery other god who came before his mind. [23] But when these duties were fulfilled, there was no further pause. He pushed his infantry on at once, a short day's march, and thenencamped, while the cavalry made a swift descent and captured much spoilof every kind. For the future they had only to shift their camp fromtime to time, and they found supplies in abundance, and could ravage theenemy's land at their ease while waiting his approach. [24] Presentlynews came of his advance: he was said to be barely ten days' off, andat that Cyrus went to Cyaxares and said: "The hour has come, and wemust face the enemy. Let it not seem to friend or foe that we fear theencounter: let us show them that we enjoy the fight. " [25] Cyaxares agreed, and they moved forward in good order, marchingeach day as far as appeared desirable. They were careful to take theirevening meal by daylight, and at night they lit no fires in the camp:they made them in front of it, so that in case of attack they might seetheir assailants, while they themselves remained unseen. And often theylit other fires in their rear as well, to deceive the enemy; so thatat times the Assyrian scouts actually fell in with the advance-guard, having fancied from the distance of the fires that they were still someway from the encampment. [26] Meanwhile the Assyrians and their allies, as the two armies cameinto touch, halted, and threw up an entrenchment, just as all barbarianleaders do to-day, whenever they encamp, finding no difficulty in thework because of the vast numbers at their command, and knowing thatcavalry may easily be thrown into confusion and become unmanageable, especially if they are barbarians. [27] The horses must be tetheredat their stalls, and in case of attack a dozen difficulties arise: thesoldier must loose his steed in the dark, bridle and saddle him, put onhis own armour, mount, and then gallop through the camp, and thislast it is quite impossible to do. Therefore the Assyrians, like allbarbarians, throw up entrenchments round their position, and the merefact of being inside a fastness leaves them, they consider, the choiceof fighting at any moment they think fit. [28] So the two armies drewnearer and nearer, and when they were about four miles apart, theAssyrians proceeded to encamp in the manner described: their positionwas completely surrounded by a trench, but also perfectly visible, while Cyrus took all the cover he could find, screening himself behindvillages and hillocks, in the conviction that the more sudden thedisclosure of a hostile force the greater will be the enemy's alarm. [29] During the first night neither army did more than post thecustomary guards before they went to sleep, and on the next day theking of Assyria, and Croesus, and their officers, still kept the troopswithin their lines. But Cyrus and Cyaxares drew up their men, preparedto fight if the enemy advanced. Ere long it was plain that they would not venture out that day, andCyaxares summoned Cyrus and his staff and said: [30] "I think, gentlemen, it would be well for us to march up to thebreastworks in our present order, and show them that we wish to fight. If we do so, " he added, "and they refuse our challenge, it will increasethe confidence of our own men, and the mere sight of our boldness willadd to the enemy's alarm. " [31] So it seemed to Cyaxares, but Cyrus protested: "In the name ofheaven, Cyaxares, let us do no such thing. By such an advance we shouldonly reveal our numbers to them: they would watch us at their ease, conscious that they are safe from any danger, and when we retire withoutdoing them any harm they will have another look at us and despise usbecause of our inferiority in numbers, and to-morrow they will comeout much emboldened. [32] At present, " he added, "they know that we arehere, but they have not seen us, and you may be sure they do not despiseus; they are asking what all this means, and they never cease discussingthe problem; of that I am convinced. They ought not to see us untilthey sally out, and in that moment we ought to come to grips with them, thankful to have caught them as we have so long desired. " [33] So Cyrus spoke, and Cyaxares and the others were convinced, andwaited. In the evening they took their meal, and posted their picketsand lit watch-fires in front of their outposts, and so turned to sleep. [34] But early the next morning Cyrus put a garland on his head and wentout to offer sacrifice, and sent word to all the Peers of Persia tojoin him, wearing garlands like himself. And when the rite was over, hecalled them together and said: "Gentlemen, the soothsayers tell us, andI agree, that the gods announce by the signs in the victims that thebattle is at hand, and they assure us of victory, they promise ussalvation. [35] I should be ashamed to admonish you at such a season, ortell you how to bear yourselves: I do not forget that we have all beenbrought up in the same school, you have learnt the same lessons as I, and practised them day by day, and you might well instruct others. Butyou may not have noticed one point, and for this I would ask a hearing. [36] Our new comrades, the men we desire to make our peers--it may bewell to remind them of the terms on which Cyaxares has kept us and ofour daily discipline, the goal for which we asked their help, and therace in which they promised to be our friendly rivals. [37] Remind themalso that this day will test the worth of every man. With learners latein life, we cannot wonder if now and then a prompter should be needed:it is much to be thankful for if they show themselves good men and truewith the help of a reminder. [38] Moreover, while you help them you willbe putting your own powers to the test. He who can give another strengthat such a crisis may well have confidence in his own, whereas one whokeeps his ideal to himself and is content with that, ought to rememberthat he is only half a man. [39] There is another reason, " he added, "why I do not speak to them myself, but ask you to do so. I want them totry to please you: you are nearer to them than I, each of you to themen of his own division: and be well assured that if you show yourselvesstout-hearted you will be teaching them courage, and others too, bydeeds as well as words. " [40] With that Cyrus dismissed them, and bade them break their fast andmake libation, and then take their places in the ranks, still wearingtheir garlands on their heads. As they went away he summoned the leadersof the rearguard and gave them his instructions: [41] "Men of Persia, you have been made Peers and chosen for specialduties, because we think you equal to the best in other matters, andwiser than most in virtue of your age. The post that you hold is everywhit as honourable as theirs who form the front: from your position inthe rear you can single out the gallant fighters, and your praise willmake them outdo themselves in valour, while if any man should be temptedto give way, your eyes will be upon him and you will not suffer it. [42]Victory will mean even more to you than to the others, because of yourage and the weight of your equipment. If the men in front call on you tofollow, answer readily, and let them see that you can hold your own withthem, shout back to them, and bid them lead on quicker still. And now, "said he, "go back and take your breakfast, and then join your ranks withthe rest, wearing your garlands on your heads. " [43] Thus Cyrus and his men made their preparations, and meanwhile theAssyrians on their side took their breakfast, and then sallied forthboldly and drew up in gallant order. It was the king himself whomarshalled them, driving past in his chariot and encouraging his troops. [44] "Men of Assyria, " he said, "to-day you must show your valour. To-day you fight for your lives and your land, the land where you wereborn and the homes where you were bred, and for your wives and yourchildren, and all the blessings that are yours. If you win, youwill possess them all in safety as before, but if you lose, you mustsurrender them into the hands of your enemies. [45] Abide, therefore, and do battle as though you were enamoured of victory. It would be follyfor her lovers to turn their backs to the foe, sightless, handless, helpless, and a fool is he who flies because he longs to live, for hemust know that safety comes to those who conquer, but death to thosewho flee; and fools are they whose hearts are set on riches, but whosespirits are ready to admit defeat. It is the victor who preserves hisown possessions and wins the property of those whom he overcomes: theconquered lose themselves and all they call their own. " [46] Thus spoke the king of Assyria. But meanwhile Cyaxares sent to Cyrus saying that the moment for attackhad come. "Although, " he added, "there are as yet but few of themoutside the trenches, by the time we have advanced there will be quiteenough. Let us not wait until they outnumber us, but charge at oncewhile we are satisfied we can master them easily. " [47] But Cyrus answered him, "Unless those we conquer are more than halftheir number, they are sure to say that we attacked when they were few, because we were afraid of their full force, and in their hearts theywill not feel that they are beaten; and we shall have to fight anotherbattle, when perhaps they will make a better plan than they have madeto-day, delivering themselves into our hands one by one, to fight withas we choose. " [48] So the messengers took back his reply, but meanwhile Chrysantas andcertain other Peers came to Cyrus bringing Assyrian deserters withthem, and Cyrus, as a general would, questioned the fugitives about theenemy's doings, and they told him that the Assyrians were marching outin force and that the king himself had crossed the trenches and wasmarshalling his troops, addressing them in stirring words, as all thelisteners said. [49] Then Chrysantas turned to Cyrus: "What if you also were to summon our men, while there is yet time, andinspire them with your words?" [50] But Cyrus answered: "Do not be disturbed by the thought of the Assyrian's exhortations;there are no words so fine that they can turn cowards into brave menon the day of hearing, nor make good archers out of bad, nor doughtyspearmen, nor skilful riders, no, nor even teach men to use their armsand legs if they have not learnt before. " [51] "But, " replied Chrysantas, "could you not make the brave men braverstill, and the good better?" "What!" cried Cyrus, "can one solitary speech fill the hearer's soul onthe selfsame day with honour and uprightness, guard him from all that isbase, spur him to undergo, as he ought, for the sake of glory everytoil and every danger, implant in him the faith that it is better to diesword in hand than to escape by flight? [52] If such thoughts are everto be engraved in the hearts of men and there abide, we must begin withthe laws, and frame them so that the righteous can count on a life ofhonour and liberty, while the bad have to face humiliation, suffering, and pain, and a life that is no life at all. [53] And then we ought tohave tutors and governors to instruct and teach and train our citizensuntil the belief is engendered in their souls that the righteous andthe honourable are the happiest of all men born, and the bad and theinfamous the most miserable. This is what our men must feel if they areto show that their schooling can triumph over their terror of the foe. [54] Surely, if in the moment of onset, amid the clash of arms, at atime when lessons long learnt seem suddenly wiped away, it were possiblefor any speaker, by stringing a few fine sentiments together, tomanufacture warriors out of hand, why, it would be the easiest thing inall the world to teach men the highest virtue man can know. [55] For myown part, " he added, "I would not trust our new comrades yonder, whomwe have trained ourselves, to stand firm this day unless they saw you attheir side, to be examples unto them and to remind them if they forget. As for men who are utterly undisciplined, I should be astonished if anyspeech, however splendid, did one whit more to encourage valour in theirhearts than a song well sung could do to make a musician of a man whohad no music in his soul. " [56] But while they were speaking, Cyaxares sent again, saying thatCyrus did ill to loiter instead of advancing against the enemy with allspeed. And Cyrus sent back word there and then by the messengers: "Tell Cyaxares once more, that even now there are not as many before usas we need. And tell him this so that all may hear. But add that, if itso please him, I will advance at once. " [57] So saying and with one prayer to the gods, he led his troops intobattle. Once the advance began he quickened the pace, and his men followedin perfect order, steadily, swiftly, joyously, brimful of emulation, hardened by toil, trained by their long discipline, every man in thefront a leader, and all of them alert. They had laid to heart the lessonof many a day that it was always safest and easiest to meet enemies atclose quarters, especially archers, javelin-men, and cavalry. [58] Whilethey were still out of range, Cyrus sent the watchword along the lines, "Zeus our help and Zeus our leader. " And as soon as it was returned tohim, he sounded the first notes of the battle-paean, and the men tookup the hymn devoutly, in one mighty chorus. For at such times thosewho fear the gods have less fear of their fellow-men. [59] And when thechant was over, the Peers of Persia went forward side by side, radiant, high-bred, disciplined, a band of gallant comrades; they looked intoeach other's eyes, they called each other by name, with many a cheerycry, "Forward, friends, forward, gallant gentlemen!" And the rear-ranksheard the call, and sent back a ringing cheer, bidding the van lead on. The whole army of Cyrus was brimming with courage and zeal and strengthand hardihood and comradeship and self-control; more terrible, Iimagine, to an opponent than aught else could be. [60] On the Assyrianside, those in the van who fought from the chariots, as soon as the massof the Persian force drew near, leapt back and drove to their own mainbody; but the archers, javelin-men, and slingers, let fly long beforethey were in range. [61] And as the Persians steadily advanced, steppingover the spent missiles, Cyrus called to his men: "Forward now, bravest of the brave! Show us what your pace can be!" They caught the word and passed it on, and in their eagerness andpassion for the fray some of the leaders broke into a run, and the wholephalanx followed at their heels. [62] Cyrus himself gave up the regularmarch and dashed forward at their head, shouting: "Brave men to the front! Who follows me? Who will lay the first Assyrianlow?" At this the men behind took up the shout till it rang through the fieldlike a battle-cry: "Who follows? Brave men to the front!" [63] Thus thePersians closed. But the enemy could not hold their ground; they turnedand fled to their entrenchments. [64] The Persians swept after them, many a warrior falling as they crowded in at the gates or tumbled intothe trenches. For in the rout some of the chariots were carried into thefosse, and the Persians sprang down after them and slew man and horsewhere they fell. [65] Then the Median troopers, seeing how mattersstood, charged the Assyrian cavalry, who swerved and broke before them, chased and slaughtered, horse and rider, by their conquerors. [66]Meanwhile the Assyrians within the camp, though they stood upon thebreastworks, had neither wit nor power to draw bow or fling spearagainst the destroyers, dazed as they were by their panic and the horrorof the sight. Then came the tidings that the Persians had cut their waythrough to the gates, and at that they fled from the breastworks. [67] The women, seeing the rout in the camp, fell to wailing andlamentations, running hither and thither in utter dismay, young maidens, and mothers with children in their arms, rending their garments andtearing their cheeks and crying on all they met, "Leave us not, save us, save your children and yourselves!" [68] Then the princes gatheredthe trustiest men and stood at the gates, fighting on the breastworksthemselves, and urging their troops to make a stand. [69] Cyrus, seeingthis, and fearing that if his handful of Persians forced their way intothe camp they would be overborne by numbers, gave the order to fall backout of range. [70] Then was shown the perfect discipline of the Peers;at once they obeyed the order and passed it on at once. And when theywere all out of range they halted and reformed their ranks, better thanany chorus could have done, every man of them knowing exactly where heought to be. NOTES C1. 6. Oriental in feeling; situation well realised. Hellenic = Oriental, also in part perhaps. Also, we know the Oriental through the medium ofGreek to a great extent (cf. Greek Testament, and earlier still LXX. ). C1. 8, init. Cf. Joseph and his brethren for this hardening of his heart. C1. 11. Hellenic political ethics = modern in this matter, apart frommodern theory of nationalism, i. E. Right of nations to exist free. C1. 12. Quite after the manner of an advocate in a Greek law-court, butalso Oriental (cf. David and Nathan the seer). C1. 24. Fear of exile; autobiographical touch? Is anything passingthrough the mind of Xenophon? I dare say there is. [Xenophon wasbanished from his native city of Athens because of his friendship withSparta and with Cyrus the Younger. See Works, Vol. I. P. Xcix. ] C1. 33, fin. 3000 talents. Something under £750, 000. C1. 35. Cyrus drives home the conscience of indebtedness _à la_ Portia v. Shylock. N. B. --Humorous also and an Oriental tinge. C1. 38. One can't help thinking of Socrates and the people of Athenshere. If so, this is a quasi-apology for the Athenian _bons pèresde famille_ who condemned Socrates. Beautiful story of the sophistteacher's last injunction to Tigranes. C1. 40-41. What smiles after tears! Like a sunny day succeeding cloudsand blackness. A pretty story this, of the wife of Tigranes. _Xenophon'swomen:_ this one, Pantheia, Croesus' wife, the wife of Ischomachus(_Economist_), the daughter of Gobryas. C2. 12. Archaeologically interesting. N. B. --Humanity towards wounded, Hellenic. Xenophon's own strategy in the _Anabasis_ is probably theprototype. C2. 15. For Hellenic and Xenophontine religiousness. The incalculablenessof human life: God fulfils himself in many unforeseen ways. N. B. --Ironyalso of the situation, since Cyrus doesn't intend the Armenian totriumph over the Chaldaean in the way he anticipates. C2. 20. Note how Socratically it is made to work itself out. C3. Cyrus, the Archic Man, the "born ruler, " is also the diplomatic man(cf. , no doubt, Gladstone), a diplomacy based on organic economic senseand friendly-naturedness. C3. 10. Xenophon's theory of fraternity in action, all petty jealousiesbrushed aside. [C3. 11. The "captains-of-twelve" and the "captains-of-six" are thesame officers as those called elsewhere "captains-of-ten" and"captains-of-five" (cf. Above Bk. II. C2. 21 note). The titles varybecause sometimes the officers themselves are included in the squads andsometimes not. ] C3. 19. Nice touch, quoting his father as an authority. C3. 40. With garlands, like the Spartans. Was it conceivably a Persiancustom too? C3. 44. Assyrian's speech; not a bad one, though platitudinous. Xenophon's dramatic form is shown in the intellectual and emotional sideof his characters, rather than by the diction in their mouths, is itnot? C3. 51-52. Most important for Xenophon, Educationalist. Cyrus on thepowerlessness of a speech to create valour in the soul of theuntrained: there must be a physical, moral, and spiritual training therebeforehand. The speech is in Xenophon's best earnest rhetorical style. C3. 57. The march into battle, _vide_ Milton. A beautiful bit ofword-painting. C3. 58. Cf. The Prussian army singing a hymn [in 1870]. BOOK IV [C. 1] Cyrus waited, with his troops as they were, long enough to showthat he was ready to do battle again if the enemy would come out; butas they did not stir he drew the soldiers off as far as he thought well, and there encamped. He had guards posted and scouts sent forward, andthen he gathered his warriors round him and spoke to them as follows: [2] "Men of Persia, first and foremost I thank the gods of heaven withall my soul and strength; and I know you render thanks with me, for wehave won salvation and victory, and it is meet and right to thank thegods for all that comes to us. But in the next place I must praise you, one and all; it is through you all that this glorious work has beenaccomplished, and when I have learnt what each man's part has been fromthose whose place it is to tell me, I will do my best to give each manhis due, in word and deed. [3] But I need none to tell me the exploitsof your brigadier Chrysantas; he was next to me in the battle and Icould see that he bore himself as I believe you all have done. Moreover, at the very moment when I called on him to retire, he had just raisedhis sword to strike an Assyrian down, but he heard my voice, and at oncehe dropped his hand and did my bidding. He sent the word along the linesand led his division out of range before the enemy could lay one arrowto the string or let one javelin fly. Thus he brought himself and hismen safely out of action, because he had learnt to obey. [4] But someof you, I see, are wounded, and when I hear at what moment they receivedtheir wounds I will pronounce my opinion on their deserts. ChrysantasI know already to be a true soldier and a man of sense, able to commandbecause he is able to obey, and here and now I put him at the head of athousand troops, nor shall I forget him on the day when God may pleaseto give me other blessings. [5] There is one reminder I would make toall. Never let slip the lesson of this day's encounter, and judge foryourselves whether it is cowardice or courage that saves a man in war, whether the fighters or the shirkers have the better chance, and whatthe joy is that victory can yield. To-day of all days you can decide, for you have made the trial and the result is fresh. [6] With suchthoughts as these in your hearts you will grow braver and better still. And now you may rest in the consciousness that you are dear to God andhave done your duty bravely and steadily, and so take your meal and makeyour libations and sing the paean and be ready for the watchword. " So saying, Cyrus mounted his horse and galloped on to Cyaxares, andthe two rejoiced together as victors will. And then, after a glance atmatters there and an inquiry if aught were needed, he rode back to hisown detachment. Then the evening meal was taken and the watches wereposted and Cyrus slept with his men. [8] Meanwhile the Assyrians, finding that their king was among the slainand almost all his nobles with him, fell into utter despair, and many ofthem deserted during the night. And at this fear crept over Croesus andthe allies; they saw dangers on every side, and heaviest of all was theknowledge that the leading nation, the head of the whole expedition, hadreceived a mortal blow. Nothing remained but to abandon the encampmentunder cover of night. [9] Day broke, and the camp was seen to bedeserted, and Cyrus, without more ado, led his Persians within theentrenchments, where they found the stores that the enemy had left:herds of sheep and goats and kine, and long rows of waggons laden withgood things. Cyaxares and his Medes followed, and all arms took theirbreakfast in the camp. [10] But when the meal was over, Cyrus summonedhis brigadiers and said to them: "Think what blessings we are flinging away now, spurning, as it were, the very gifts of heaven! So at least it seems to me. The enemy havegiven us the slip, as you see with your own eyes. Is it likely that menwho forsook the shelter of their own fortress will ever face us in fairfield on level ground? Will those who shrink from us before they put ourprowess to the test ever withstand us now when we have overthrown andshattered them? They have lost their best and bravest, and will thecowards dare to give us battle?" [11] At that one of his officers cried, "Why not pursue at once, if suchtriumphs are before us?" And Cyrus answered, "Because we have not the horses. The stoutest of ourenemies, those whom we must seize or slay, are mounted on steeds thatcould sweep past us like the wind. God helping us, we can put them toflight, but we cannot overtake them. " [12] "Then, " said they, "why not go and lay the matter before Cyaxares?" And he answered, "If so, you must all go with me, that Cyaxares may seeit is the wish of all. " So they all went together and spoke as they thought best. [13] NowCyaxares felt, no doubt, a certain jealousy that the Persians should bethe first to broach the matter, but he may also have felt that it wasreally wiser to run no further risks for the present; he had, moreover, abandoned himself to feasting and merrymaking, and he saw that most ofhis Medes were in like case. Whatever the reason, this was the answer hegave: [14] "My good nephew, I have always heard and always seen that youPersians of all men think it your duty never to be insatiate in thepursuit of any pleasure; and I myself believe that the greater the joythe more important is self-restraint. Now what greater joy could therebe than the good fortune which waits on us to-day? [15] When fortunecomes to us, if we guard her with discretion, we may live to grow oldin peace, but if we are insatiate, if we use and abuse our pleasures, chasing first one and then another, we may well fear lest that fate beours which, the proverb tells us, falls on those mariners who cannotforgo their voyages in the pursuit of wealth, and one day the deep seaswallows them. Thus has many a warrior achieved one victory only toclutch at another and lose the first. [16] If indeed, our enemies whohave fled were weaker than we, it might be safe enough to pursue them. But now, bethink you, how small a portion of them we have fought andconquered; the mass have had no part in the battle, and they, if wedo not force them to fight, will take themselves off through sheercowardice and sloth. As yet they know nothing of our powers or theirown, but if they learn that to fly is as dangerous as to hold theirground, we run the risk of driving them to be brave in spite ofthemselves. [17] You may be sure they are just as anxious to save theirwives and children as you can be to capture them. Take a lesson fromhunting: the wild sow when she is sighted will scamper away with heryoung, though she be feeding with the herd; but if you attack her littleones she will never fly, even if she is all alone; she will turn on thehunters. [18] Yesterday the enemy shut themselves up in a fort, and thenhanded themselves over to us to choose how many we cared to fight. Butif we meet them in open country, and they learn how to divide theirforces and take us in front and flank and rear, I wonder how many pairsof eyes and hands each man of us would need! Finally, " he added, "I haveno great wish myself to disturb my Medes in their enjoyment, and drivethem out to further dangers. " [19] Then Cyrus took him up: "Nay, I would not have you put pressure onany man; only let those who are willing follow me, and perhaps we shallcome back with something for all of you to enjoy. The mass of the enemywe should not think of pursuing; indeed, how could we overtake them? Butif we cut off any stragglers, we could clap hands on them and bring themback to you. [20] Remember, " he added, "when you sent for us, we camea long way to do you service; is it not fair that you should do us akindness in return, and let us have something to take back with us forourselves, and not stand here agape at all your treasures?" [21] At that Cyaxares answered, "Ah, if any will follow you of their ownfree will, I can but be most grateful. " "Send some one with me then, " said Cyrus, "from these trusty men ofyours, to carry your commands. " "Take whomever you like, " he answered, "and begone. " [22] Now, as it chanced, among the officers present was the Mede whohad claimed kinship with Cyrus long ago and won a kiss thereby. Cyruspointed to him and said, "That man will do for me. " "He shall go withyou then, " Cyaxares replied. And turning to the officer, "Tell yourfellows, " he said, "that he who lists may follow Cyrus. " [23] ThusCyrus chose his man and went forth. And when they were outside he said, "To-day you can show me if you spoke truth long ago when you told methat the sight of me was your joy. " "If you say that, " said the Mede, "I will never leave you. " "And will you not do your best, " added Cyrus, "to bring me others too?""By the gods in heaven, " cried the Mede, "that I will, until you say inyour turn that to see me is your joy. " Thereupon, with the authorityof Cyaxares to support him, the officer went to the Medes and deliveredwith message with all diligence, adding that he for one would neverforsake Cyrus, the bravest, noblest, and best of men, and a hero whoselineage was divine. [C. 2] While Cyrus was busied with these matters, by some strange chancetwo ambassadors arrived from the Hyrcanians. These people are neighboursof the Assyrians, and being few in number, they were held in subjection. But they seemed then, as they seem now, to live on horseback. Hence theAssyrians used them as the Lacedaemonians employ the Skirites, forevery toil and every danger, without sparing them. In fact, at that verymoment they had ordered them to furnish a rear-guard of a thousandmen and more, so as to bear the brunt of any rear attack. [2] TheHyrcanians, as they were to be the hindmost, had put their waggons andfamilies in the rear, for, like most of the tribes in Asia, they taketheir entire households with them on the march. [3] But when theythought of the sorry treatment they got from the Assyrians and when theysaw the king fallen, the army worsted and a prey to panic, the alliesdisheartened and ready to desert, they judged it a fine moment to revoltthemselves, if only the Medes and Persians would make common cause withthem. So they sent an embassy to Cyrus, for after the late battle therewas no name like his. [4] They told him what good cause they had tohate the Assyrians, and how if he was willing to attack them now, theythemselves would be his allies and show him the way. At the same timethey gave a full account of the enemy's doings, being eager to get Cyruson the road. [5] "Do you think, " said Cyrus, "we should overtake theAssyrians before they reach their fortresses? We look on it as a greatmisfortune, " he added, "that they ever slipped through our fingers andescaped. " (This he said, wishing to give his hearers as high an opinionas possible of himself and his friends. ) [6] "You should certainly catchthem, " they answered, "and that to-morrow, ere the day is old, if yougird up your loins: they move heavily because of their numbers and theirtrain of waggons, and to-day, since they did not sleep last night, they have only gone a little way ahead, and are now encamped for theevening. " [7] "Can you give us any guarantee, " said Cyrus, "that what you say istrue?" "We will give you hostages, " they said; "we will ride off at once andbring them back this very night. Only do you on your side call the godsto witness and give us the pledge of your own right hand, that we maygive our people the assurance we have received from you ourselves. " [8] Thereupon Cyrus gave them his pledge that if they would make goodwhat they promised he would treat them as his true friends and faithfulfollowers, of no less account than the Persians and the Medes. And tothis day one may see Hyrcanians treated with trust and holding office onan equal footing with Persians and Medes of high distinction. [9] Now Cyrus and his men took their supper and then while it was stilldaylight he led his army out, having made the two Hyrcanians wait sothat they might go with them. The Persians, of course, were with him toa man, and Tigranes was there, with his own contingent, and the Medianvolunteers, who had joined for various reasons. [10] Some had beenfriends of Cyrus in boyhood, others had hunted with him and learnt toadmire his character, others were grateful, feeling he had lifted a loadof fear from them, others were flushed with hope, nothing doubting thatgreat things were reserved for the man who had proved so brave and sofortunate already. Others remembered the time when he was brought up inMedia, and were glad to return the kindnesses that he had shownthem; many could recall the favours the boy had won for them from hisgrandfather through his sheer goodness of heart; and many, now that theyhad seen the Hyrcanians and heard say they were leading them to untoldtreasures, went out from simple love of gain. [11] So they salliedforth, the entire body of the Persians and all the Medes, except thosewho were quartered with Cyaxares: these stayed behind, and their menwith them. But all the rest went out with radiant faces and eagerhearts, not following him from constraint, but offering willing servicein their gratitude. [12] So, as soon as they were well afield, Cyruswent to the Medes and thanked them, praying that the gods in their mercymight guide them all, and that he himself might have power given him toreward their zeal. He ended by saying that the infantry would lead thevan, while they would follow with the cavalry, and whenever the columnhalted on the march they were to send him gallopers to receive hisorders. [13] Then he bade the Hyrcanians lead the way, but theyexclaimed, "What? Are you not going to wait until we bring the hostages?Then you could begin the march with pledges from us in return foryours. " But he answered, as the story says, "If I am not mistaken, we hold thepledges now, in our own hearts and our own right hands. We believe thatif you are true to us we can do you service, and if you play us false, you will not have us at your mercy; God willing, we shall hold you atours. Nevertheless, " he added, "since you tell us your own folk followin the Assyrian rear, point them out to us as soon as you set eyes uponthem, that we may spare their lives. " [14] When the Hyrcanians heard this they led the way as he ordered, marvelling at his strength of soul. Their own fear of the Assyrians, theLydians, and their allies, had altogether gone; their dread now was lestCyrus should regard themselves as mere dust in the balance, and count itof no importance whether they stayed with him or not. [15] As night closed in on their march, the legend runs that a strangelight shone out, far off in the sky, upon Cyrus and his host, fillingthem with awe of the heavenly powers and courage to meet the foe. Marching as they did, their loins girt and their pace swift, theycovered a long stretch of road in little time, and with the half lightof the morning they were close to the Hyrcanian rear-guard. [16] As soonas the guides saw it, they told Cyrus that these were their own men:they knew this, they added, from the number of their fires, and the factthat they were in the rear. [17] Therefore Cyrus sent one of the guidesto them, bidding them come out at once, if they were friendly, withtheir right hands raised. And he sent one of his own men also to say, "According as you make your approach, so shall we Persians comportourselves. " Thus one of the two messengers stayed with Cyrus while the other rode upto his fellows. [18] Cyrus halted his army to watch what the tribe woulddo, and Tigranes and the Median officers rode along the ranks to askfor orders. Cyrus explained that the troops nearest to them were theHyrcanians, and that one of the ambassadors had gone, and a Persian withhim, to bid them come out at once, if they were friendly, with theirright hands raised. "If they do so, " he added, "you must welcome themas they come, each of you at your post, and take them by the hand andencourage them, but if they draw sword or try to escape, you must makean example of them: not a man of them must be left. " Such were his orders. [19] However, as soon as the Hyrcanians heard themessage, they were overjoyed: springing to their steeds they galloped upto Cyrus, holding out their right hands as he had bidden. Then the Medesand Persians gave them the right hand of fellowship in return, and badethem be of courage. [20] And Cyrus spoke: "Sons of the Hyrcanians, we have shown our trust in you already, andyou must trust us in return. And now tell me, how far from here dothe Assyrian headquarters lie, and their main body?" "About four mileshence, " they answered. [21] "Forward then, my men, " said Cyrus, "Persians, Medes, andHyrcanians. I have learnt already, you see, to call you friends andcomrades. All of you must remember that the moment has come when, ifhand falters or heart fails, we meet with utter disaster: our enemiesknow why we are here. But if we summon our strength and charge home, you shall see them caught like a pack of runaway slaves, some on theirknees, others in full flight, and the rest unable to do even so much forthemselves. They are beaten already, and they will see their conquerorsfall on them before they dream of an approach, before their ranks areformed or their preparations made, and the sight will paralyse them. [22] If we wish to sleep and eat and live in peace and happiness fromthis time forth, let us not give them leisure to take counsel or arrangedefence, or so much as see that we are men, and not a storm of shieldsand battle-axes and flashing swords, sweeping on them in one rain ofblows. [23] You Hyrcanians must go in front of us as a screen, that wemay lie behind you as long as may be. And as soon as I close with them, you must give me, each of you, a squadron of horse, to use in case ofneed while I am waiting at the camp. [24] I would advise the older menamong you and the officers, to ride in close order, so that your ranksshould not be broken, if you come across a compact body of the foe; letthe younger men give chase, and do the killing; our safest plan to-dayis to leave as few of the enemy alive as possible. [25] And if weconquer, " he added, "we must beware of what has overset the fortuneof many a conqueror ere now, I mean the lust for plunder. The man whoplunders is no longer a man, he is a machine for porterage, and allwho list may treat him as a slave. [26] One thing we must bear in mind:nothing can bring such gain as victory; at one clutch the victor seizesall, men and women, and wealth, and territory. Therefore make it yourone object to secure the victory; if he is conquered, the greatestplunderer is caught. One more word--remember, even in the heat ofpursuit to rejoin me while it is still daylight, for when darkness hasfallen we will not admit a soul within the lines. " [27] With these words he sent them off to their appointed stations, bidding them repeat his instructions on the way to their ownlieutenants, who were posted in front to receive the orders, and makeeach of them pass down the word to his own file of ten. Thereupon theadvance began, the Hyrcanians leading off, Cyrus holding the centrehimself, marching with his Persians, and the cavalry in the usual way, drawn up on either flank. [28] As the day broke the enemy saw them for the first time: some simplystared at what was happening, others began to realise the truth, callingand shouting to each other, unfastening their horses, getting theirgoods together, tearing what they needed off the beasts of burden, andothers arming themselves, harnessing their steeds, leaping to horse, others helping the women into their carriages, or seizing theirvaluables, some caught in the act of burying them, others, and by farthe greatest number, in sheer headlong flight. Many and divers weretheir shifts, as one may well conceive, save only that not one man stoodat bay: they perished without a blow. [29] Now Croesus, king of Lydia, seeing that it was summer-time, had sent his women on during the night, so that they might travel more pleasantly in the cool, and he himselfhad followed with his cavalry to escort them. [30] The Lord ofHellespontine Phrygia, it is said, had done the same. And these two, when they heard what was happening from the fugitives who overtook them, fled for their lives with the rest. [31] But it was otherwise with thekings of Cappadocia and Arabia; they had not gone far, and they stoodtheir ground, but they had not even time to put on their corslets, andwere cut down by the Hyrcanians. Indeed, the mass of those who fell wereAssyrians and Arabians, for, being in their own country, they hadtaken no precautions on the march. [32] The victorious Medes and theHyrcanians had their hands full with the chase, and meanwhile Cyrus madethe cavalry who were left with him ride all round the camp and cut downany man who left it with weapons in his hands. Then he sent a herald tothose who remained, bidding the horsemen and targeteers and archers comeout on foot, with their weapons tied in bundles, and deliver them up tohim, leaving their horses in their stalls: he who disobeyed should losehis head, and a cordon of Persian troops stood round with their swordsdrawn. [33] At that the weapons were brought at once, and flung down, and Cyrus had the whole pile burnt. [34] Meanwhile he did not forget that his own troops had come withoutfood or drink, that nothing could be done without provisions, and thatto obtain these in the quickest way, it was necessary on every campaignto have some one to see that quarters were prepared and supplies readyfor the men on their return. [35] It occurred to him it was more thanlikely that such officers, of all others, would be left behind in theAssyrian camp, because they would have been delayed by the packing. Accordingly, he sent out a proclamation that all the stewards shouldpresent themselves before him, and if there was no such officer left, the oldest man in every tent must take his place; any one failing toobey would suffer the severest penalties. The stewards, following theexample of their masters, obeyed at once. And when they came before himhe ordered those who had more than two months' rations in their quartersto sit down on the ground, and then those who had provisions for onemonth. [36] Thereupon very few were left standing. [37] Having thus gotthe information he needed, he spoke to them as follows: "Gentlemen, if any of you dislike hard blows and desire gentle treatmentat our hands, make it your business to provide twice as much meat anddrink in every tent as you have been wont to do, with all things thatare needed for a fine repast. The victors, whoever they are, will behere anon, and will expect an overflowing board. You may rest assuredit will not be against your interests to give them a welcome they canapprove. " [38] At that the stewards went off at once and set to work with all zealto carry out their instructions. Then Cyrus summoned his own officersand said to them: "My friends, it is clear that we have it in our power, now that ourallies' backs are turned, to help ourselves to breakfast, and take ourchoice of the most delicate dishes and the rarest wines. But I scarcelythink this would do us so much good as to show that we study theinterest of our friends: the best of cheer will not give us half thestrength we could draw from the zeal of loyal allies whose gratitude wehad won. [39] If we forget those who are toiling for us now, pursuingour foes, slaying them, and fighting wherever they resist, if they seethat we sit down to enjoy ourselves and devour our meal before we knowhow it goes with them, I fear we shall cut a sorry figure in their eyes, and our strength will turn to weakness through lack of friends. The truebanquet for us is to study the wants of those who have run the risk anddone the work, to see that they have all they need when they come home, a banquet that will give us richer delight than any gorging of thebelly. [40] And remember, that even if the thought of them were notenough to shame us from it, in no case is this a moment for gluttonyand drunkenness: the thing we set our minds to do is not yet done:everything is full of danger still, and calls for carefulness. We haveenemies in this camp ten times more numerous than ourselves, and theyare all at large: we need both to guard against them and to guard them, so that we may have servants to furnish us with supplies. Our cavalryare not yet back, and we must ask ourselves where they are and whetherthey mean to stay with us when they return. [41] Therefore, gentlemen, Iwould say, for the present let us above all be careful to avoid thefood and drink that leads to slumber and stupefaction. [42] And there isanother matter: this camp contains vast treasures, and I am well awarewe have it in our power to pick and choose as much as we like forourselves out of what belongs by right to all who helped in its capture. But it does not seem to me that grasping will be so lucrative as provingourselves just toward our allies, and so binding them closer. [43] I gofurther: I say that we should leave the distribution of the spoil to theMedes, the Hyrcanians, and Tigranes, and count it gain if they allot usthe smaller share, for then they will be all the more willing to staywith us. [44] Selfishness now could only secure us riches for themoment, while to let these vanities go in order to obtain the very fountof wealth, that, I take it, will ensure for us and all whom we call oursa far more enduring gain. [45] Was it not, " he continued, "for this veryreason that we trained ourselves at home to master the belly and itsappetites, so that, if ever the need arose, we might turn our educationto account? And where, I ask, shall we find a nobler opportunity thanthis, to show what we have learnt?" [46] Such were his words and Hystaspas the Persian rose to support him, saying: "Truly, Cyrus, it would be a monstrous thing if we could go fasting whenwe hunt, and keep from food so often and so long merely to lay some poorbeast low, worth next to nothing, maybe, and yet, when a world of wealthis our quarry, let ourselves be baulked by one of those temptationswhich flee before the noble and rule the bad. Such conduct, methinks, would be little worthy of our race. " [47] So Hystaspas spoke, and the rest approved him, one and all. ThenCyrus said: "Come now, since we are all of one mind, each of you give me five of thetrustiest fellows in his company, and let them go the rounds, and seehow the supplies are furnished; let them praise the active servants, and where they see neglect, chastise them more severely than their ownmasters could. " Thus they dealt with these matters. [C. 3] But it was not long before some of the Medes returned: one set hadovertaken the waggons that had gone ahead, seized them and turned themback, and were now driving them to the camp, laden with all that an armycould require, and others had captured the covered carriages in whichthe women rode, the wives of the Assyrian grandees or their concubines, whom they had taken with them because of their beauty. [2] Indeed, tothis day the tribes of Asia never go on a campaign without their mostprecious property: they say they can fight better in the presence oftheir beloved, feeling they must defend their treasures, heart and soul. It may be so, but it may also be that the desire for pleasure is thecause. [3] And when Cyrus saw the feats of arms that the Medes and theHyrcanians had performed, he came near reproaching himself and thosethat were with him; the others, he felt, had risen with the time, hadshown their strength and won their prizes, while he and his had stayedbehind like sluggards. Indeed it was a sight to watch the victors ridinghome, driving their spoil before them, pointing it out with somedisplay to Cyrus, and then dashing off again at once in search of more, according to the instructions they had received. But though he ate out his heart with envy Cyrus was careful to set alltheir booty apart; and then he summoned his own officers again, andstanding where they could all hear what he had to propose, he spoke asfollows: [4] "My friends, you would all agree, I take it, that if the spoilsdisplayed to us now were our own to keep, wealth would be showered onevery Persian in the land, and we ourselves, no doubt, through whom itwas won, would receive the most. But what I do not see is how we areto get possession of such prizes unless we have cavalry of our own. [5]Consider the facts, " he continued, "we Persians have weapons with which, we hope, we can rout the enemy at close quarters: but when we do routthem, what sort of horsemen or archers or light-armed troops could everbe caught and killed, if we can only pursue them on foot? Why shouldthey ever be afraid to dash up and harry us, when they know full wellthat they run no greater risk at our hands than if we were stumps intheir orchards? [6] And if this be so, it is plain that the cavalry nowwith us consider every gain to be as much theirs as ours, and possiblyeven more, God wot! [7] At present things must be so: there is no helpfor it. But suppose we were to provide ourselves with as good a forceas our friends, it must be pretty evident to all of us, I think, that wecould then deal with the enemy by ourselves precisely as we do now withtheir help, and then perhaps we should find that they would carry theirheads less high. It would be of less importance to us whether they choseto stay or go, we should be sufficient for ourselves without them. [8]So far then I expect that no one will disagree: if we could get a bodyof Persian cavalry it would make all the difference to us; but no doubtyou feel the question is, how are we to get it? Well, let us considerfirst, suppose we decide to raise the force, exactly what we have tostart with and what we need. [9] We certainly have hundreds of horsesnow captured in this camp, with their bridles and all their gear. Besides these, we have all the accoutrements for a mounted force, breast-plates to protect the trunk, and light spears to be flung orwielded at close quarters. What else do we need? It is plain we needmen. [10] But that is just what we have already at our own command. Fornothing is so much ours as our own selves. Only, some will say, we havenot the necessary skill. No, of course not, and none of those who haveit now had it either before they learnt to get it. Ah, you object, butthey learnt when they were boys. [11] Maybe; but are boys more capableof learning what they are taught then grown men? Which are the better atheavy physical tasks, boys or men? [12] Besides, we, of all pupils, haveadvantages that neither boys nor other men possess: we have not to betaught the use of the bow as boys have, we are skilled in that already;nor yet the use of the javelin, we are versed in that; our time has notbeen taken up like other men's with toiling on the land or labouring atsome craft or managing household matters; we have not only had leisurefor war, it has been our life. [13] Moreover, one cannot say of ridingas of so many warlike exercises that it is useful but disagreeable. Toride a-horseback is surely pleasanter than to trudge a-foot? And as forspeed--how pleasant to join a friend betimes whenever you wish, orcome up with your quarry be it man or beast! And then, the ease andsatisfaction of it! Whatever weapon the rider carries his horse musthelp to bear the load: 'wear arms' and 'bear arms, '--they are the samething on horseback. [14] But now, to meet the worst we can apprehend:suppose, before we are adepts, we are called upon to run some risk, andthen find that we are neither infantry nor thoroughgoing cavalry? Thismay be a danger, but we can guard against it. We have it always in ourpower to turn into infantry again at a moment's notice. I do not proposethat by learning to ride we should unlearn the arts of men on foot. " [15] Thus spoke Cyrus, and Chrysantas rose to support him, saying: "For my part I cannot say I so much desire to be a horseman as flattermyself that once I can ride I shall be a sort of flying man. [16] Atpresent when I race I am quiet content if, with a fair start, I can beatone of my rivals by the head, or when I sight my game I am happy if, bylaying legs to the ground, I can get close enough to let fly javelin orarrow before he is clean out of range. But when once I am a horsemanI shall be able to overhaul my man as far as I can see him, or come upwith the beasts I chase and knock them over myself or else spear themas though they stood stock still, for when hunter and hunted are bothof them racing, if they are only side by side, it is as good as thoughneither of them moved. [17] And the creature I have always envied, " hecontinued, "the centaur--if only he had the intelligence and forethoughtof a man, the adroit skill and the cunning hand, with the swiftness andstrength of a horse, so as to overtake all that fled before him, andoverthrow all that resisted--why, all these powers I shall collectand gather in my own person when once I am a rider. [18] Forethought Iintend to keep with my human wits, my hands can wield my weapons, and myhorse's legs will follow up the foe, and my horse's rush overthrow him. Only I shall not be tied and fettered to my steed, flesh of his flesh, and blood of his blood, like the old centaur. [19] And that I counta great improvement on the breed, far better than being united to theanimal, body and soul. The old centaur, I imagine, must have beenfor ever in difficulties; as a horse, he could not use the wonderfulinventions of man, and as a man, he could not enjoy the proper pleasuresof a horse. [20] But I, if I learn to ride, once set me astride myhorse, and I will do all that the centaur can, and yet, when I dismount, I can dress myself as a human being, and dine, and sleep in my bed, likethe rest of my kind: in short, I shall be a jointed centaur that can betaken to pieces and put together again. [21] And I shall gain anotherpoint or so over the original beast: he, we know, had only two eyes tosee with and two ears to hear with, but I shall watch with four eyes andwith four ears I shall listen. You know, they tell us a horse can oftensee quicker than any man, and hear a sound before his master, and givehim warning in some way. Have the goodness, therefore, " he added, "towrite my name down among those who want to ride. " [22] "And ours too, " they all cried, "ours too, in heaven's name!" Then Cyrus spoke: "Gentlemen, since we are all so well agreed, supposewe make it a rule that every one who receives a horse from me shallbe considered to disgrace himself if he is seen trudging afoot, be hisjourney long or short?" [23] Thus Cyrus put the question, and one and all assented; and hence itis that even to this day the custom is retained, and no Persian of thegentle class would willingly be seen anywhere on foot. [C. 4] In this debate their time was spent, and when it was past middaythe Median cavalry and the Hyrcanians came galloping home, bringing inmen and horses from the enemy, for they had spared all who surrenderedtheir arms. [2] As they rode up the first inquiry of Cyrus was whetherall of them were safe, and when they answered yes, he asked what theyhad achieved. And they told their exploits in detail, and how bravelythey had borne themselves, magnifying it all. [3] Cyrus heard theirstory through with a pleasant smile, and praised them for their work. "I can see for myself, " he said, "that you have done gallant deeds. Youseem to have grown taller and fairer and more terrible to look on thanwhen we saw you last. " [4] Then he made them tell him how far they had gone, and whether theyhad found the country inhabited. They said they had ridden a long way, and that the whole country was inhabited, and full of sheep and goatsand cattle and horses, and rich in corn and every good thing. [5] "Then there are two matters, " he said, "to which we must attend;first we must become masters of those who own all this, and next we mustensure that they do not run away. A well-populated country is a richpossession, but a deserted land will soon become a desert. [6] You haveput the defenders to the sword, I know, and rightly--for that is theonly safe road to victory; but you have brought in as prisoners thosewho laid down their arms. Now if we let these men go, I maintain weshould do the very best thing for ourselves. [7] We gain two points;first, we need neither be on our guard against them nor mount guard overthem nor find them victuals (and we do not propose to starve them, Ipresume), and in the next place, their release means more prisonersto-morrow. [8] For if we dominate the country all the inhabitants areours, and if they see that these men are still alive and at large theywill be more disposed to stay where they are, and prefer obedience tobattle. That is my own view, but if any one sees a better course, lethim point it out. " [9] However, all his hearers approved the plan proposed. Thus it came topass that Cyrus summoned the prisoners and said to them: [10] "Gentlemen, you owe it to your own obedience this day that yourlives are safe; and for the future if you continue in this conduct, noevil whatsoever shall befall you; true, you will not have the same ruleras before, but you will dwell in the same houses, you will cultivate thesame land, you will live with your wives and govern your children as youdo now. Moreover you will not have us to fight with, nor any one else. [11] On the contrary, if any wrong is done you, it is we who will fighton your behalf. And to prevent any one from ordering you to take thefield, you will bring your arms to us and hand them over. Those who dothis can count on peace and the faithful fulfilment of our promises;those who will not, must expect war, and that at once. [12] Further, if any man of you comes to us and shows a friendly spirit, givingus information and helping us in any way, we will treat him not as aservant, but as a friend and benefactor. This, " he added, "we wish youto understand yourselves and make known among your fellows. [13] And ifit should appear that you yourselves are willing to comply but othershinder you, lead us against them, and you shall be their masters, notthey yours. " Such were his words; and they made obeisance and promised to do as hebade. [C. 5] And when they were gone, Cyrus turned to the Medes and the men ofArmenia, and said, "It is high time, gentlemen, that we should dine, one and all of us; food and drink are prepared for you, the best we hadskill to find. Send us, if you will, the half of the bread that hasbeen baked; there is ample, I know, for both of us; but do not send anyrelish with it, nor any drink, we have quite enough at hand. [2] And doyou, " he added, turning to the Hyrcanians, "conduct our friends totheir quarters, the officers to the largest tents--you know where theyare--and the rest where you think best. For yourselves, you may dinewhere you like; your quarters are intact, and you will find everythingthere prepared for you exactly as it is for the others. [3] All of youalike must understand that during the night we Persians will guard thecamp outside, but you must keep an eye over what goes on within; and seethat your arms are ready to hand; our messmates are not our friends asyet. " [4] So the Medes and Tigranes with his men washed away the stains ofbattle, and put on the apparel that was laid out for them, and fell todinner, and the horses had their provender too. They sent half the breadto the Persians but no relish with it and no wine, thinking that Cyrusand his men possessed a store, because he had said they had enough andto spare. But Cyrus meant the relish of hunger, and the draught from therunning river. [5] Thus he regaled his Persians, and when the darknessfell he sent them out by fives and tens and ordered them to lie inambush around the camp, so as to form a double guard, against attackfrom without, and absconders from within; any one attempting to make offwith treasures would be caught in the act. And so it befell; for manytried to escape, and all of them were seized. [6] As for the treasures, Cyrus allowed the captors to keep them, but he had the abscondersbeheaded out of hand, so that for the future a thief by night was hardlyto be found. Thus the Persians passed their time. [7] But the Medesdrank and feasted and made music and took their fill of good cheer andall delights; there was plenty to serve their purpose, and work enoughfor those who did not sleep. [8] Cyaxares, the king of the Medes, on the very night when Cyrus setforth, drank himself drunk in company with the officers in his ownquarters to celebrate their good fortune. Hearing uproar all about him, he thought that the rest of the Medes must have stayed behind in thecamp, except perhaps a few, but the fact was that their domestics, finding the masters gone, had fallen to drinking in fine style andwere making a din to their hearts' content, the more so that they hadprocured wine and dainties from the Assyrian camp. [9] But when it wasbroad day and no one knocked at the palace gate except the guestsof last night's revel, and when Cyaxares heard that the camp wasdeserted--the Medes gone, the cavalry gone--and when he went out and sawfor himself that it was so, then he fumed with indignation against Cyrusand his own men, to think that they had gone off and left him in thelurch. It is said that without more ado, savage and mad with anger as hewas, he ordered one of his staff to take his troopers and ride at onceto Cyrus and his men, and there deliver this message: [10] "I should never have dreamed that Cyrus could have acted towardsme with such scant respect, or, if he could have thought of it, that theMedes could have borne to desert me in this way. And now, whether Cyruswill or no, I command the Medes to present themselves before me withoutdelay. " [11] Such was the message. But he who was to take it said, "And howshall I find them, my lord?" "Why, " said Cyaxares, "as Cyrus and his men found those they went toseek. " "I only asked, " continued the messenger, "because I was told that someHyrcanians who had revolted from the enemy came here, and went off withhim to act as guides. " [12] When Cyaxares heard that, he was the more enraged to think thatCyrus had never told him, and the more urgent to have his Medes removedfrom him at once, and he summoned them home under fiercer threatsthan ever; threatening the officer as well if he failed to deliver themessage in full force. [13] So the emissary set off with his troopers, about one hundredstrong, fervently regretting that he had not gone with Cyrus himself. Onthe way they took a turning which led them wrong, and they did notreach the Persians until they had chanced upon some of the Assyriansin retreat and forced them to be their guides, and so at last arrived, sighting the watch-fires about midnight. [14] But though they had got tothe camp, the pickets, acting on the orders of Cyrus, would not let themin till dawn. With the first faint gleam of morning Cyrus summonedthe Persian Priests, who are called Magians, and bade them choose theofferings due to the gods for the blessings they had vouchsafed. [15]And while they were about this, Cyrus called the Peers together and saidto them: "Gentlemen, God has put before us many blessings, but at present wePersians are but a scant company to keep them. If we fail to guard whatwe have toiled for, it will soon fall back into other hands, and if weleave some of our number to watch our gains, it will soon be seen thatwe have no strength in us. [16] I propose therefore that one of youshould go home to Persia without loss of time, and explain what I needand bid them despatch an army forthwith, if they desire Persia towin the empire of Asia and the fruits thereof. [17] Do you, " said he, turning to one of the Peers, "do you, who are the eldest, go and repeatthese words, and tell them that it shall be my care to provide for thesoldiers they send me as soon as they are here. And as to what we havewon--you have seen it yourself--keep nothing back, and ask my father howmuch I ought to send home for an offering to the gods, if I wish to actin honour and according to the law, and ask the magistrates how much isdue to the commonwealth. And let them send commissioners to watch allthat we do and answer all that we ask. So, sir, " he ended, "you will getyour baggage together, and take your company with you as an escort. Fareyou well. " [18] With that message he turned to the Medes and at the same moment themessenger from Cyaxares presented himself, and in the midst of the wholeassembly announced the anger of the king against Cyrus, and his threatsagainst the Medes, and so bade the latter return home at once, even ifCyrus wished them to stay. [19] The Medes listened, but were silent; forthey were sore bested; they could hardly disobey the summons, andyet they were afraid to go back after his threats, being all too wellacquainted with the savage temper of their lord. [20] But Cyrus spoke: "Herald, " said he, "and sons of the Medes, I am not surprised thatCyaxares, who saw the host of the enemy so lately, and knows so littleof what we have done now, should tremble for us and for himself. Butwhen he learns how many have fallen, and that all have been dispersed, his fears will vanish, and he will recognise that he is not deserted onthis day of all days when his friends are destroying his foes. [21] Canwe deserve blame for doing him a service? And that not even without hisown consent? I am acting as I am, only after having gained his leaveto take you out; it is not as though you had come to me in your owneagerness, and begged me to let you go, and so were here now; he himselfordered you out, those of you who did not find it a burthen. Therefore, I feel sure, his anger will melt in the sunshine of success, and, whenhis fears are gone, it will vanish too. [22] For the moment then, " headded, turning to the messenger, "you must recruit yourself; you havehad a heavy task; and for ourselves, " said he, turning to the Persians, "since we are waiting for an enemy who will either offer us battleor render us submission, we must draw up in our finest style; thespectacle, perhaps, will bring us more than we could dare to hope. Anddo you, " he said, taking the Hyrcanian chieftain aside, "after youhave told your officers to arm their men, come back and wait with me amoment. " [23] So the Hyrcanian went and returned. Then Cyrus said to him, "Sonof Hyrcania, it gives me pleasure to see that you show not onlyfriendliness, but sagacity. It is clear that our interests are the same;the Assyrians are my foes as well as yours, only they hate you now evenmore bitterly than they hate me. [24] We must consult together and seethat not one of our present allies turns his back on us, and we must dowhat we can to acquire more. You heard the Mede summon the cavalry toreturn, and if they go, we shall be left with nothing but infantry. [25]This is what we must do, you and I; we must make this messenger, who issent to recall them, desirous to stay here himself. You must find himquarters where he will have a merry time and everything heart can wish, and I will offer him work which he will like far better than going back. And do you talk to him yourself, and dilate on all the wonders we expectfor our friends if things go well. And when you have done this, comeback again and tell me. " [26] So the chieftain took the Mede away to his own quarters, andmeanwhile the messenger from Persia presented himself equipped for thejourney, and Cyrus bade him tell the Persians all that had happened, as it has been set out in this story, and then he gave him a letter toCyaxares. "I would like to read you the very words, " he added, "so thatwhat you say yourself may agree with it, in case you have questionsasked you. " [27] The letter ran as follows:--"Cyrus to Cyaxares, greeting. We do notadmit that we have deserted you; for no one is deserted when he is beingmade the master of his enemies. Nor do we consider that we put you injeopardy by our departure; on the contrary, the greater the distancebetween us the greater the security we claim to have won for you. [28]It is not the friend at a man's elbow who serves him and puts him out ofdanger, but he who drives his enemies farthest and furthest away. [29]And I pray you to remember what I have done for you, and you for me, before you blame me. I brought you allies, not limiting myself to thoseyou asked for, but pressing in every man that I could find; you allowedme while we were on friendly soil only to take those whom I couldpersuade to follow me, and now that I am in hostile territory you insistthat they must all return; you do not leave it to their own choice. [30]Yesterday I felt that I owed both you and them a debt of gratitude, but to-day you drive me to forget your share, you make me wish to repaythose, and those only, who followed me. [31] Not that I could bringmyself to return you like for like; even now I am sending to Persia formore troops, and instructing all the men who come that, if you need thembefore we return, they must hold themselves at your service absolutely, to act not as they wish, but as you may care to use them. [32] Inconclusion, I would advise you, though I am younger than yourself, notto take back with one hand what you give with the other, or else youwill win hatred instead of gratitude; nor to use threats if you wishmen to come to you speedily; nor to speak of being deserted when youthreaten an army, unless you would teach them to despise you. [33]For ourselves, we will do our best to rejoin you as soon as we haveconcluded certain matters which we believe will prove a common blessingto yourself and us. Farewell. " [34] "Deliver this, " said Cyrus, "to Cyaxares, and whatever questions heputs to you, answer in accordance with it. My injunctions to you aboutthe Persians agree exactly with what is written here. " With that he gavehim the letter and sent him off, bidding him remember that speed was ofimportance. [35] Then he turned to review his troops, who were already fully armed, Medes, Hyrcanians, the men Tigranes had brought, and the whole body ofthe Persians. And already some of the neighbouring folk were coming up, to bring in their horses or hand over their arms. [36] The javelinswere then piled in a heap as before and burnt at his command, after histroops had taken what they needed for themselves, but he bade the ownersstay with their horses until they received fresh orders. This done, Cyrus called together the officers of the Hyrcanians and of the cavalry, and spoke as follows: [37] "My friends and allies, you must not be surprised that I summonyou so often. Our circumstances are so novel that much still needsadjustment, and we must expect difficulty until everything has foundits place. [38] At present we have a mass of spoil, and prisoners set toguard it. But we do not ourselves know what belongs to each of us, norcould the guards say who the owners are: and thus it is impossible forthem to be exact in their duties, since scarcely any of them know whatthese duties may be. [39] To amend this, you must divide the spoil. There will be no difficulty where a man has won a tent that is fullysupplied with meat and drink, and servants to boot, bedding, apparel, and everything to make it a comfortable home; he has only to understandthat this is now his private property, and he must look after ithimself. But where the quarters are not furnished so well, there youmust make it your business to supply what is lacking. [40] There will bemore than enough for this; of that I am sure; the enemy had a stockof everything quite out of proportion to our scanty numbers. Moreover, certain treasurers have come to me, men who were in the service of theking of Assyria and other potentates, and according to what they tellme, they have a supply of gold coin, the produce of certain tributesthey can name. [41] You will send out a proclamation that this depositmust be delivered up to you in your quarters; you must terrify those whofail to execute the order, and then you must distribute the money; themounted men should have two shares apiece for the foot-soldier's one;and you should keep the surplus, so that in case of need you may havewherewith to make your purchases. [42] With regard to the camp-market, proclamation must be made at once, forbidding any injustice; thehucksters must be allowed to sell the goods they have brought, and whenthese are disposed of they may bring more, so that the camp may be dulysupplied. " [43] So the proclamations were issued forthwith. But the Medes and theHyrcanians asked Cyrus: "How are we to distribute the spoil alone, without your men andyourself?" [44] But Cyrus met question by question: "Do you really think, gentlemen, that we must all preside over every detail, each and all ofus together? Can I never act for you, and you for me? I could scarcelyconceive a surer way of creating trouble, or of reducing results. See, "said he, "I will take a case in point. [45] We Persians guarded thisbooty for you, and you believe that we guarded it well: now it is foryou to distribute it, and we will trust you to be fair. [46] And thereis another benefit that I should be glad to obtain for us all. You seewhat a number of horses we have got already, and more are being broughtin. If they are left riderless we shall get no profit out of them; weshall only have the burden of looking after them. But if we set riderson them, we shall be quit of the trouble and add to our strength. [47]Now if you have other men in view, men whom you would choose before usto share the brunt of danger with you, by all means give these horsesto them. But if you would rather have us fight at your side than anyothers, bestow them upon us. [48] To-day when you dashed ahead to meetdanger all alone, great was our fear lest you might come to harm, andbitter our shame to think that where you were we were not. But if oncewe have horses, we can follow at your heels. [49] And if it is clearthat we do more good so mounted, shoulder to shoulder with yourselves, we shall not fail in zeal; or if it appears better to support you onfoot, why, to dismount is but the work of a moment, and you will haveyour infantry marching by your side at once, and we will find men tohold our horses for us. " [50] To which they answered: "In truth, Cyrus, we have not men for these horses ourselves, and evenif we had them, we should not do anything against your wish. Take them, we beg you, and use them as you think best. " [51] "I will, " said he, "and gladly, and may good fortune bless us all, you in your division of the spoil and us in our horsemanship. In thefirst place, " he added, "you will set apart for the gods whatever ourpriests prescribe, and after that you must select for Cyaxares what youthink will please him most. " [52] At that they laughed, and said they must choose him a bevy of fairwomen. "So let it be, " said Cyrus, "fair women, and anything else youplease. And when you have chosen his share, the Hyrcanians must see toit that our friends among the Medes who followed us of their own freewill shall have no cause to find fault with their own portion. [53] Andthe Medes on their side must show honour to the first allies we havewon, and make them feel their decision was wise when they chose usfor their friends. And be sure to give a share of everything to themessenger who came from Cyaxares and to his retinue; persuade himto stay on with us, say that I would like it, and that he could tellCyaxares all the better how matters stood. [54] As for my Persians, " headded, "we shall be quite content with what is left over, after you areall provided for; we are not used to luxury, we were brought up in avery simple fashion, and I think you would laugh at us if you saw ustricked out in grand attire, just as I am sure you will when you see usseated on our horses, or, rather, rolling off them. " [55] So they dispersed to make the distribution, in great mirth over thethought of the riding; and then Cyrus called his own officers and badethem take the horses and their gear, and the grooms with them, numberthem all, and then distribute them by lot in equal shares for eachdivision. [56] Finally he sent out another proclamation, saying that ifthere was any slave among the Syrians, Assyrians, or Arabians who wasa Mede, a Persian, a Bactrian, a Carian, a Cilician, or a Hellene, or amember of any other nation, and who had been forcibly enrolled, hewas to come forward and declare himself. [57] And when they heard theherald, many came forward gladly, and out of their number Cyrus selectedthe strongest and fairest, and told them they were now free, and wouldbe required to bear arms, with which he would furnish them, and as tonecessaries, he would see himself that they were not stinted. [58] Withthat he brought them to the officers and had them enrolled forthwith, saying they were to be armed with shields and light swords, so as tofollow the troopers, and were to receive supplies exactly as if theywere his own Persians. The Persian officers themselves, wearing corsletsand carrying lances, were for the future to appear on horseback, hehimself setting the example, and each one was to appoint another of thePeers to lead the infantry for him. [C. 6] While they were concerned with these matters, an old Assyrianprince, Gobryas by name, presented himself before Cyrus, mounted onhorseback and with a mounted retinue behind him, all of them armed ascavalry. The Persian officers who were appointed to receive the weaponsbade them hand over their lances and have them burnt with the rest, butGobryas said he wished to see Cyrus first. At that the adjutants led himin, but they made his escort stay where they were. [2] When the old mancame before Cyrus, he addressed him at once, saying: "My lord, I am an Assyrian by birth; I have a strong fortress in myterritory, and I rule over a wide domain; I have cavalry at my command, two thousand three hundred of them, all of which I offered to the kingof Assyria; and if ever he had a friend, that friend was I. But hehas fallen at your hands, the gallant heart, and his son, who is mybitterest foe, reigns in his stead. Therefore I have come to you, asuppliant at your feet. I am ready to be your slave and your ally, andI implore you to be my avenger. You yourself will be a son to me, forI have no male children now. [3] He whom I had, my only son, he wasbeautiful and brave, my lord, and loved me and honoured me as a fatherrejoices to be loved. And this vile king--his father, my old master, hadsent for my son, meaning to give him his own daughter in marriage; andI let my boy go, with high hopes and a proud heart, thinking that whenI saw him again the king's daughter would be his bride. And the prince, who is now king, invited him to the chase, and bade him do his best, for he thought himself far the finer horseman of the two. So they huntedtogether, side by side, as though they were friends, and suddenly a bearappeared, and the two of them gave chase, and the king's son let fly hisjavelin, but alas! he missed his aim, and then my son threw--oh, that henever had!--and laid the creature low. [4] The prince was stung to thequick, though for the moment he kept his rancour hidden. But, soon afterthat, they roused a lion, and then he missed a second time--no unusualthing for him, I imagine--but my son's spear went home, and he broughtthe beast down, and cried, 'See, I have shot but twice, and killedeach time!' And at this the monster could not contain his jealousy; hesnatched a spear from one of his followers and ran my son through thebody, my only son, my darling, and took his life. [5] And I, unhappythat I am, I, who thought to welcome a bride-groom, carried home acorpse. I, who am old, buried my boy with the first down on his chin, mybrave boy, my well-beloved. And his assassin acted as though it were anenemy that he had done to death. He never showed one sign of remorse, henever paid one tribute of honour to the dead, in atonement for his crueldeed. Yet his own father pitied me, and showed that he could share theburden of my grief. [6] Had he lived, my old master, I would never havecome to you to do him harm; many a kindness have I received fromhim, and many a service have I done him. But now that his kingdom hasdescended to my boy's murderer--I could never be loyal to that man, andhe, I know, could never regard me as a friend. He knows too well how Ifeel towards him, and how, after my former splendour, I pass my days inmourning, growing old in loneliness and grief. [7] If you can receiveme, if you can give me some hope of vengeance for my dear son, I thinkI should grow young again, I should not feel ashamed to live, and when Icame to die I should not die in utter wretchedness. " [8] So he spoke, and Cyrus answered: "Gobryas, if your heart be set towards us as you say, I receive you asmy suppliant, and I promise, God helping me, to avenge your son. Buttell me, " he added, "if we do this for you, and if we suffer you to keepyour stronghold, your land, your arms, and the power which you had, howwill you serve us in return?" [9] And the old man answered: "My stronghold shall be yours, to live in as often as you come to me;the tribute which I used to pay to Assyria shall be paid to you; andwhenever you march out to war, I will march at your side with the menfrom my own land. Moreover, I have a daughter, a well-beloved maiden, ripe for marriage; once I thought of bringing her up to be the bride ofthe man who is now king; but she besought me herself, with tears, notto give her to her brother's murderer, and I have no mind to oppose her. And now I will put her in your hands, to deal with as I shall deal withyou. " [10] So it came to pass that Cyrus said, "On the faith that you havespoken truly and with true intent, I take your hand and I give you mine;let the gods be witness. " And when this was done, Cyrus bade the old man depart in peace, withoutsurrendering his arms, and then he asked him how far away he lived, "Since, " said he, "I am minded to visit you. " And Gobryas answered, "Ifyou set off early to-morrow, the next day you may lodge with us. " [11]With that he took his own departure, leaving a guide for Cyrus. Then the Medes presented themselves; they had set apart for the godswhat the Persian Priests thought right, and had left it in their hands, and they had chosen for Cyrus the finest of all the tents, and a ladyfrom Susa, of whom the story says that in all Asia there was never awoman so fair as she, and two singing-girls with her, the most skilfulamong the musicians. The second choice was for Cyaxares, and forthemselves they had taken their fill of all they could need on thecampaign, since there was abundance of everything. [12] The Hyrcanianshad all they wanted too, and they made the messenger from Cyaxares shareand share alike with them. The tents which were left over they deliveredto Cyrus for his Persians; and the coined money they said should bedivided as soon as it was all collected, and divided it was. NOTES C1. 10. Two theories of hedonism: (1) Cyaxares' "Economise the greatestjoy when you have got it, " and by contrast (2) Cyrus' roaming from joyto joy. C1. 22. Xenophon the Artist: the "kinsman" of Cyrus again, and the lightby-play to enliven the severe history. The economic organising genius ofCyrus is also brought out. C2. 25. No looting, an order of the Duke of Wellington, Napier, Wolseley. C2. 32. Cf. Modern times; humane orders, but strict. C2. 34. The question of commissariat. Would a modern force storm a campwithout taking rations? I dare say they would. C2. 37. Notice the tone he adopts to these slaves; no bullying, butappealing to appetite and lower motives. This is doubtless Xenophontineand Hellenic. C2. 38. Important as illustrating the stern Spartan self-denial ofthe man and his followers. There is a hedonistic test, but the higherhedonism prevails against the lower: ignoble and impolitic to sit herefeasting while they are fighting, and we don't even know how it fareswith them, our allies. The style rises and is at times Pauline. St. Paul, of course, is moving on a higher spiritual plane, but still-- C2. 45, fin. The Education of Cyrus, Cyropaedia, {Keroupaideia}; the namejustified. C2. 46. Hystaspas' simple response: important, with other passages, toshow how naturally it came to them (i. E. The Hellenes and Xenophon)to give a spiritual application to their rules of bodily and mentaltraining. These things to them are an allegory. The goal is lofty, ifnot so sublime as St. Paul's or Comte's, the Christians or Positivists(there has been an alteration for the better in the spiritual plane, andSocrates helped to bring it about, I believe), but _ceteris paribus_, the words of St. Paul are the words of Hystaspas and Xenophon. They fora corruptible crown, and we for an incorruptible--and one might find astill happier parable! C2. 46. Fine sentiment, this _noblesse oblige_ (cf. The archangelicdignity in Milton, _Paradise Lost_, I think). C2. 47. The aristocratic theory (cf. Modern English "nigger" theory, Anglo-Indian, etc. ). C3. 3. Xenophon's dramatic skill. We are made to feel the touch ofsomething galling in the manner of these Median and Hyrcanian troopers. C3. 4. A 'cute beginning rhetorically, because in the most gracefulway possible, and without egotism _versus_ Medes and Hyrcanians, itpostulates the Persian superiority, moral, as against the accidentalinferiority of the moment caused by want of cavalry and the dependenceon others which that involves. I suppose it's no reflection on Cyrus'military acumen not to foreseen this need. It would have been prematurethen, now it organically grows; and there's no great crisis to passthrough. C3. 11. I should have thought this was a dangerous argument; obviouslyboys do learn better than men certain things. C3. 12. Short sharp snap of argumentative style. C3. 19. The antithetic balance and word-jingle, with an exquisite, puristic, precise, and delicate lisp, as of one tasting the flavour ofhis words throughout. C3. 23. I think one sees how Xenophon built up his ideal structure on abasis of actual living facts. The actual diverts the creator of Cyrusfrom the ideal at times, as here. It is a slight declension in thecharacter of Cyrus to lay down this law, "equestrian once, equestrianalways. " Xenophon has to account for the actual Persian horror ofpedestrianism: Cyrus himself can dismount, and so can the Persian nobleswith Cyrus the Younger, but still the rule is "never be seen walking;"and without the concluding paragraph the dramatic narrative thatprecedes would seem a little bit unfinished and pointless: with theexplanation it floats, and we forgive "the archic man" his partiality toequestrianism, as later on we have to forgive him his Median get-up andartificiality generally, which again is contrary to the Xenophontine andthe ideal Spartan spirit. C4. Xenophon has this theory of mankind: some are fit to rule, therest to be ruled. It is parallel to the Hellenic slavery theory. Somemoderns, e. G. Carlyle (Ruskin perhaps) inherit it, and in lieu ofHellenic slavery we have a good many caste-distinction crotchets stillleft. C4. 13, fin. The first salaam, ominous of the advent of imperialism; thesun's rim visible, and a ray shot up to the zenith. C5. Here the question forces itself in the midst of all this "ironic"waiting on the part of the Persians in Spartan durance for a futureapotheosis of splendour and luxuriance, --what is the moral? "Hungernow and thirst, for ye shall be filled"--is that it? Well, anyhow it'sparallel to the modern popular Christianity, reward-in-heaven theory, only on a less high level, but exactly the same logicality. C5. 6. A point, this reward to the catcher, and this rigid _couvrefeu_habit (cf. Modern military law). C5. 8. A dramatic contrast, the Median Cyaxares who follows Pleasure, and the Persian Cyrus who follows Valour, _vide_ Heracles' choice[_Memorabilia_, II. I. 21]. This allegorising tendency is engrained inXenophon: it is his view of life; one of the best things he got fromSocrates, no doubt. Later (§ 12) the "ironic" suicidal self-assertion ofCyaxares is contrasted with the health-giving victorious self-repressionof Cyrus. C5. 9-10. Xenophon can depict character splendidly: this is the crapulous{orge} of the somewhat "hybristic" nature, seeing how the land lies, _siccis luminibus_, the day after the premature revel. Theophrastuscouldn't better have depicted the irascible man. These earliestportraits of character are, according to Xenophon's genius, all sketchedin the concrete, as it were. The character is not philosophised and thenillustrated by concrete instances after the manner of Theophrastus, but we see the man moving before us and are made aware of his nature atonce. C5. 17. {kalos ka nomimos}, "in all honour, and according to thelaw, " almost a Xenophontine motto, and important in reference to the"questionable" conduct on his part in exile--"questionable" from amodern rather than an "antique" standard. [The chief reference is toXenophon's presence on the Spartan side at the battle of Coronea againsthis native city of Athens. See _Sketch_, Works, Vol. I. Pp. Cxxiii. Ff. ] C5. 20. The "archic man" does not recognise the littleness of soul ofthe inferior nature, he winks at it, and so disarms at once and triumphsover savagery, and this not through cunning and pride, but a kind ofgodlike imperturbable sympathy, as of a fearless man with a savagehound. Still there is a good dash of diplomacy. C5. 21, fin. Pretty sentence. Xenophon's words: some of these areprettily-sounding words, some are rare and choice and exquisite, someare charged with feeling, you can't touch them with your finger-tipswithout feeling an "affective" thrill. That is in part the _goeteia_, the witchery, of his style. C5. 30-31. A brilliant stroke of diplomacy worthy of the archic man. This{arkinoia} of the Hellene is the necessary sharp shrewdness of a brain, which, however "affectively" developed, is at bottom highly organisedintellectually. H. S. [*] has it, all 'cute people and nations have it, the Americans, e. G. --every proposition must, however else it presentsitself, be apprehended in its logical bearings: the result may belogically damaging to the supporter of it, but does not necessarilybanish an affective sympathetic attitude on the part of the common-senseantagonist, who is not bound, in other words, to be a sharp practitionerbecause he sees clearly. Affection is the inspirer, intellect theup-and-doing agent of the soul. The Hellenes and all 'cute people putthe agent to the fore in action, but if besides being 'cute theyare affective, the operations of the agent will be confined withinprescribed limits. [* "H. S. " = Henry Sidgwick, the philosopher, author of _Methods ofEthics_, etc. , a life-long friend of Mr. Dakyns. ] C5. 32. This is almost pummelling, but it's fair: it's rather, "See, Ihave you now in Chancery, I could pummel if I would. " C5. 37. These constant masters' meetings! C5. 38 ff. The mind of Xenophon: guiding principles, rule of Health, ruleof Forethought. Religious trust in the divine, and for things beyondman's control; orderly masterly working out of problems within hispower. Economic, diplomatic, anchinoetic, archic manhood. Moral theory, higher hedonism. C5. 45. The archic man trusts human nature: this appeal to their goodfaith is irresistible. The archic is also the diplomatic method. C5. 54. N. B. --Rhetorical artifice of winding-up a speech with a joke. This is the popular orator. Xenophon the prototype himself perhaps. C6. 3. Is this by chance a situation in Elizabethan or other drama? It'stragic enough for anything. C6. 4. Admirable colloquial style: "well done, me!" C6. 6, fin. Beautifully-sounding sentence [in the Greek]. Like harp orviol with its dying mournful note. C6. 8. A new tributary for the archic man, and a foothold in the enemy'scountry. C6. 9, fin. As to this daughter, _vide infra_. Who do you think will winher? We like her much already. C6. 11. The first flutings of this tale. The lady of Susa, quasi-historic, or wholly imaginative, or mixed? BOOK V [C. 1] Such were the deeds they did and such the words they spoke. Then Cyrus bade them set a guard over the share chosen for Cyaxares, selecting those whom he knew were most attached to their lord, "And whatyou have given me, " he added, "I accept with pleasure, but I hold it atthe service of those among you who would enjoy it the most. " At that one of the Medes who was passionately fond of music said, "Intruth, Cyrus, yesterday evening I listened to the singing-girls who areyours to-day, and if you could give me one of them, I would far ratherbe serving on this campaign than sitting at home. " And Cyrus said, "Most gladly I will give her; she is yours. And Ibelieve I am more grateful to you for asking than you can be to me forgiving; I am so thirsty to gratify you all. " So this suitor carried off his prize. [2] And then Cyrus called to hisside Araspas the Mede, who had been his comrade in boyhood. It was heto whom Cyrus gave the Median cloak he was wearing when he went back toPersia from his grandfather's court. Now he summoned him, and asked himto take care of the tent and the lady from Susa. [3] She was the wife ofAbradatas, a Susian, and when the Assyrian army was captured it happenedthat her husband was away: his master had sent him on an embassy toBactria to conclude an alliance there, for he was the friend and host ofthe Bactrian king. And now Cyrus asked Araspas to guard the captivelady until her husband could take her back himself. [4] To that Araspasreplied, "Have you seen the lady whom you bid me guard?" "No, indeed, " said Cyrus, "certainly I have not. " "But I have, " rejoined the other, "I saw here when we chose her for you. When we came into the tent, we did not make her out at first, for shewas seated on the ground with all her maidens round her, and she wasclad in the same attire as her slaves, but when we looked at them allto discover the mistress, we soon saw that one outshone the others, although she was veiled and kept her eyes on the ground. [5] And when webade her rise, all her women rose with her, and then we saw that she wasmarked out from them all by her height, and her noble bearing, and hergrace, and the beauty that shone through her mean apparel. And, underher veil, we could see the big tear-drops trickling down her garments toher feet. [6] At that sight the eldest of us said, 'Take comfort, lady, we know that your husband was beautiful and brave, but we have chosenyou a man to-day who is no whit inferior to him in face or form or mindor power; Cyrus, we believe, is more to be admired than any soul onearth, and you shall be his from this day forward. ' But when the ladyheard that, she rent the veil that covered her head and gave a pitifulcry, while her maidens lifted up their voice and wept with theirmistress. [7] And thus we could see her face, and her neck, and herarms, and I tell you, Cyrus, " he added, "I myself, and all who lookedon her, felt that there never was, and never had been, in broad Asiaa mortal woman half so fair as she. Nay, but you must see her foryourself. " [8] "Say, rather, I must not, " answered Cyrus, "if she be such as youdescribe. " "And why not?" asked the young man. "Because, " said he, "if the mere report of her beauty could persuade meto go and gaze on her to-day, when I have not a moment to spare, I fearshe would win me back again and perhaps I should neglect all I have todo, and sit and gaze at her for ever. " [9] At that the young man laughed outright and said: "So you think, Cyrus, that the beauty of any human creature can compela man to do wrong against his will? Surely if that were the nature ofbeauty, all men would feel its force alike. [10] See how fire burnsall men equally; it is the nature of it so to do; but these flowers ofbeauty, one man loves them, and another loves them not, nor does everyman love the same. For love is voluntary, and each man loves what hechooses to love. The brother is not enamoured of his own sister, nor thefather of his own daughter; some other man must be the lover. Reverenceand law are strong enough to break the heart of passion. [11] But if alaw were passed saying, 'Eat not, and thou shalt not starve; Drink not, and thou shalt not thirst; Let not cold bite thee in winter nor heatinflame thee in summer, ' I say there is no law that could compel us toobey; for it is our nature to be swayed by these forces. But love isvoluntary; each man loves to himself alone, and according as he chooses, just as he chooses his cloak or his sandals. " [12] "Then, " said Cyrus, "if love be voluntary, why cannot a man ceaseto love when he wishes? I have seen men in love, " said he, "who havewept for very agony, who were the very slaves of those they loved, though before the fever took them they thought slavery the worst ofevils. I have seen them make gifts of what they ill could spare, I haveseen them praying, yes, praying, to be rid of their passion, as thoughit were any other malady, and yet unable to shake it off; they werebound hand and foot by a chain of something stronger than iron. Therethey stood at the beck and call of their idols, and that without rhymeor reason; and yet, poor slaves, they make no attempt to run away, inspite of all they suffer; on the contrary, they mount guard over theirtyrants, for fear these should escape. " [13] But the young man spoke in answer: "True, " he said, "there are suchmen, but they are worthless scamps, and that is why, though they arealways praying to die and be put out of their misery and though tenthousand avenues lie open by which to escape from life, they nevertake one of them. These are the very men who are prepared to steal andpurloin the goods of others, and yet you know yourself, when they do it, you are the first to say stealing is not done under compulsion, and youblame the thief and the robber; you do not pity him, you punish him. [14] In the same way, beautiful creatures do not compel others tolove them or pursue them when it is wrong, but these good-for-nothingscoundrels have no self-control, and then they lay the blame on love. But the nobler type of man, the true gentleman, beautiful and brave, though he desire gold and splendid horses and lovely women, can stillabstain from each and all alike, and lay no finger on them against thelaw of honour. [15] Take my own case, " he added, "I have seen this ladymyself, and passing fair I found her, and yet here I stand before you, and am still your trooper and can still perform my duty. " [16] "I do not deny it, " said Cyrus; "probably you came away in time. Love takes a little while to seize and carry off his victim. A man maytouch fire for a moment and not be burnt; a log will not kindle all atonce; and yet for all that, I am not disposed to play with fire or lookon beauty. You yourself, my friend, if you will follow my advice, willnot let your own eyes linger there too long; burning fuel will only burnthose who touch it, but beauty can fire the beholder from afar, until heis all aflame with love. " [17] "Oh, fear me not, Cyrus, " answered he; "if I looked till the end oftime I could not be made to do what ill befits a man. " "A fair answer, " said Cyrus. "Guard her then, as I bid you, and becareful of her. This lady may be of service to us all one day. " [18] With these words they parted. But afterwards, after the young mansaw from day to day how marvellously fair the woman was, and how nobleand gracious in herself, after he took care of her, and fancied that shewas not insensible to what he did, after she set herself, through herattendants, to care for his wants and see that all things were ready forhim when he came in, and that he should lack for nothing if ever he weresick, after all this, love entered his heart and took possession, and itmay be there was nothing surprising in his fate. So at least it was. [19] Meanwhile Cyrus, who was anxious that the Medes and the alliesshould stay with him of their own free choice, called a meeting of theirleading men, and when they were come together he spoke as follows: [20] "Sons of the Medes and gentlemen all, I am well aware it was notfrom need of money that you went out with me, nor yet in order to serveCyaxares; you came for my sake. You marched with me by night, you raninto danger at my side, simply to do me honour. [21] Unless I were amiscreant, I could not but be grateful for such kindness. But I mustconfess that at present I lack the ability to make a fit requital. ThisI am not ashamed to tell you, but I would feel ashamed to add, 'If youwill stay with me, I will be sure to repay you, ' for that would lookas though I spoke to bribe you into remaining. Therefore I will not saythat; I will say instead, 'Even if you listen to Cyaxares and go backto-day, I will still act so that you shall praise me, I will not forgetyou in the day of my good fortune. ' [22] For myself, I will never goback; I cannot, for I must confirm my oath to the Hyrcanians and thepledge I gave them; they are my friends and I shall never be found atraitor to them. Moreover, I am bound to Gobryas, who has offered us theuse of his castle, his territory, and his power; and I would not havehim repent that he came to me. [23] Last of all, and more than all, whenthe great gods have showered such blessings on us, I fear them and Ireverence them too much to turn my back on all they have given us. This, then, is what I myself must do; it is for you to decide as you thinkbest, and you will acquaint me with your decision. " [24] So he spoke, and the first to answer was the Mede who had claimedkinship with Cyrus in the old days. "Listen to me, " he said, "O king! For king I take you to be by right ofnature; even as the king of the hive among the bees, whom all the beesobey and take for their leader of their own free will; where he staysthey stay also, not one of them departs, and where he goes, not one ofthem fails to follow; so deep a desire is in them to be ruled by him. [25] Even thus, I believe, do our men feel towards you. Do you rememberthe day you left us to go home to Persia? Was there one of us, young orold, who did not follow you until Astyages turned us back? And later, when you returned to bring us aid, did we not see for ourselves how yourfriends poured after you? And again, when you had set your heart on thisexpedition, we know that the Medes flocked to your standard with oneconsent. [26] To-day we have learnt to feel that even in an enemy'scountry we may be of good heart if you are with us, but, without you, we should be afraid even to return to our homes. The rest may speak forthemselves, and tell you how they will act, but for myself, Cyrus, andfor those under me, I say we will stand by you; we shall not grow wearyof gazing at you, and we will continue to endure your benefits. " [27] Thereupon Tigranes spoke: "Do not wonder, Cyrus, if I am silent now. The soul within me is ready, not to offer counsel, but to do your bidding. " [28] And the Hyrcanianchieftain said, "For my part, if you Medes turn back to-day I shall sayit was the work of some evil genius, who could not brook the fulfilmentof your happiness. For no human heart could think of retiring when thefoe is in flight, refusing to receive his sword when he surrenders it, rejecting him when he offers himself and all that he calls his own;above all, when we have a prince of men for our leader, one who, Iswear it by the holy gods, takes delight to do us service, not to enrichhimself. " [29] Thereupon the Medes cried with one consent: "It was you, Cyrus, who led us out, and it is you who must lead us homeagain, when the right moment comes. " And when Cyrus heard that, he prayed aloud: "O most mighty Zeus, I supplicate thee, suffer me to outdo these friendsof mine in courtesy and kindly dealing. " [30] Upon that he gave his orders. The rest of the army were to placetheir outposts and see to their own concerns, while the Persians tookthe tents allotted to them, and divided them among their cavalry andinfantry, to suit the needs of either arm. Then they arranged for thestewards to wait on them in future, bring them all they needed, and keeptheir horses groomed, so that they themselves might be free for the workof war. Thus they spent that day. [C. 2] But on the morrow they set out for their march to Gobryas. Cyrusrode on horseback at the head of his new Persian cavalry, two thousandstrong, with as many more behind them, carrying their shields andswords, and the rest of the army followed in due order. The cavalry weretold to make their new attendants understand that they would be punishedif they were caught falling behind the rear-guard, or riding in advanceof the column, or straggling on either flank. [2] Towards evening of thesecond day the army found themselves before the castle of Gobryas, andthey saw that the place was exceedingly strong and that all preparationshad been made for the stoutest possible defence. They noticed also thatgreat herds of cattle and endless flocks of sheep and goats had beendriven up under the shelter of the castle walls. [3] Then Gobryassent word to Cyrus, bidding him ride round and see where the place waseasiest of approach, and meanwhile send his trustiest Persians to enterthe fortress and bring him word what they found within. [4] Cyrus, whoreally wished to see if the citadel admitted of attack in case Gobryasproved false, rode all round the walls, and found they were too strongat every point. Presently the messengers who had gone in brought backword that there were supplies enough to last a whole generation andstill not fail the garrison. [5] While Cyrus was wondering what thiscould mean, Gobryas himself came out, and all his men behind him, carrying wine and corn and barley, and driving oxen and goats andswine, enough to feast the entire host. [6] And his stewards fell todistributing the stores at once, and serving up a banquet. Then Gobryasinvited Cyrus to enter the castle now that all the garrison had left it, using every precaution he might think wise; and Cyrus took him at hisword, and sent in scouts and a strong detachment before he entered thepalace himself. Once within, he had the gates thrown open and sent forall his own friends and officers. [7] And when they joined him, Gobryashad beakers of gold brought out, and pitchers, and goblets, and costlyornaments, and golden coins without end, and all manner of beautifulthings, and last of all he sent for his own daughter, tall and fair, a marvel of beauty and stateliness, still wearing mourning for herbrother. And her father said to Cyrus, "All these riches I bestow onyou for a gift, and I put my daughter in your hands, to deal with as youthink best. We are your suppliants; I but three days gone for my son, and she this day for her brother; we beseech you to avenge him. " [8] And Cyrus made answer: "I gave you my promise before that if you kept faith with me I wouldavenge you, so far as in me lay, and to-day I see the debt is due, andthe promise I made to you I repeat to your daughter; God helping me, Iwill perform it. As for these costly gifts, " he added, "I accept them, and I give them for a dowry to your daughter, and to him who may win herhand in marriage. One gift only I will take with me when I go, butthat is a thing so precious that if I changed it for all the wealth ofBabylon or the whole world itself I could not go on my way with half soblithe a heart. " [9] And Gobryas wondered what this rare thing could be, half suspectingit might be his daughter. "What is it, my lord?" said he. And Cyrusanswered, "I will tell you. A man may hate injustice and impietyand lies, but if no one offers him vast wealth or unbridled power orimpregnable fortresses or lovely children, he dies before he can showwhat manner of man he is. [10] But you have placed everything in myhands to-day, this mighty fortress, treasures of every kind, your ownpower, and a daughter most worthy to be won. And thus you have shownall men that I could not sin against my friend and my host, nor actunrighteously for the sake of wealth, nor break my plighted word of myown free will. [11] This is your gift, and, so long as I am a just manand known to be such, receiving the praise of my fellow-men, I willnever forget it; I will strive to repay you with every honour I cangive. [12] Doubt not, " he added, "but that you will find a husbandworthy of your daughter. I have many a good man and true among myfriends, and one of them will win her hand; but I could not say whetherhe will have less wealth, or more, than what you offer me. Only of onething you may be certain; there are those among them who will not admireyou one whit the more because of the splendour of your gifts; they willonly envy me and supplicate the gods that one day it will be given tothem to show that they too are loyal to their friends, that they toowill never yield to their foes while life is in them, unless some godstrike them down; that they too would never sacrifice virtue and fairrenown for all the wealth you proffer and all the treasure of Syria andAssyria to boot. Such is the nature, believe me, of some who are seatedhere. " [13] And Gobryas smiled. "By heaven, I wish you would point them out tome, and I would beg you to give me one of them to be my son-in-law. " AndCyrus said, "You will not need to learn their names from me; follow us, and you will be able to point them out yourself. " [14] With these words he rose, clasped the hand of Gobryas, and wentout, all his men behind him. And though Gobryas pressed him to stay andsup in the citadel, he would not, but took his supper in the camp andconstrained Gobryas to take his meal with them. [15] And there, lying ona couch of leaves, he put this question to him, 'Tell me, Gobryas, whohas the largest store of coverlets, yourself, or each of us?" And theAssyrian answered, "You, I know, have more than I, more coverlets, morecouches, and a far larger dwelling-place, for your home is earth andheaven, and every nook may be a couch, and for your coverlets you neednot count the fleeces of your flocks, but the brushwood, and the herbageof hill and plain. " [16] Nevertheless, when the meal began, it must be said that Gobryas, seeing the poverty of what was set before him, thought at first that hisown men were far more open-handed than the Persians. [17] But his moodchanged as he watched the grace and decorum of the company; and saw thatnot a single Persian who had been schooled would ever gape, or snatch atthe viands, or let himself be so absorbed in eating that he could attendto nothing else; these men prided themselves on showing their good senseand their intelligence while they took their food, just as a perfectrider sits his horse with absolute composure, and can look and listenand talk to some purpose while he puts him through his paces. To beexcited or flustered by meat and drink was in their eyes somethingaltogether swinish and bestial. [18] Nor did Gobryas fail to notice thatthey only asked questions which were pleasant to answer, and only jestedin a manner to please; all their mirth was as far from impertinence andmalice as it was from vulgarity and unseemliness. [19] And what struckhim most was their evident feeling that on a campaign, since the dangerwas the same for all, no one was entitled to a larger share than anyof his comrades; on the contrary, it was thought the perfection of thefeast to perfect the condition of those who were to share the fighting. [20] And thus when he rose to return home, the story runs that he said: "I begin to understand, Cyrus, how it is that while we have more gobletsand more gold, more apparel and more wealth than you, yet we ourselvesare not worth as much. We are always trying to increase what we possess, but you seem to set your hearts on perfecting your own souls. " [21] But Cyrus only answered: "My friend, be here without fail to-morrow, and bring all your cavalryin full armour, so that we may see your power, and then lead us throughyour country and show us who are hostile and who are friendly. " [22] Thus they parted for the time and each saw to his own concerns. But when the day dawned Gobryas appeared with his cavalry and led theway. And Cyrus, as a born general would, not only supervised the march, but watched for any chance to weaken the enemy and add to his ownstrength. [23] With this in view, he summoned the Hyrcanian chief andGobryas himself; for they were the two he thought most likely to givehim the information that he needed. "My friends, " said he, "I think I shall not err if I trust to yourfidelity and consult you about the campaign. You, even more than I, arebound to see that the Assyrians do not overpower us. For myself, if Ifail, there may well be some loophole of escape. But for you, ifthe king conquers, I see nothing but enmity on every side. [24] For, although he is my enemy, he bears me no malice, he only feels that it isagainst his interest for me to be powerful and therefore he attacks me. But you he hates with a bitter hatred, believing he is wronged by you. " To this his companions answered that he must finish what he had to say;they were well aware of the facts, and had the deepest interest in theturn events might take. [25] Thereupon Cyrus put his questions: "Does the king suppose thatyou alone are his enemies, or do you know of others who hate him too?""Certainly we do, " replied the Hyrcanian, "the Cadousians are hisbitterest foes, and they are both numerous and warlike. Then there arethe Sakians, our neighbours, who have suffered severely at his hands, for he tried to subdue them as he subdued us. " [26] "Then you think, " said Cyrus, "that they would be glad to attackhim in our company?" "Much more than glad, " answered they; "if theycould manage to join us. " "And what stands in their way?" asked he. "TheAssyrians themselves, " said they, "the very people among whom you aremarching now. " [27] At that Cyrus turned to Gobryas: "And what of this lad who is now on the throne? Did you not charge himwith unbridled insolence?" "Even so, " replied Gobryas, "and I think he gave me cause. " "Tell me, "said Cyrus, "were you the only man he treated thus, or did others suffertoo?" [28] "Many others, " said Gobryas, "but some of them were weak, and whyshould I weary you with the insults they endured? I will tell you of ayoung man whose father was a much greater personage than I, and who washimself, like my own son, a friend and comrade of the prince. One dayat a drinking-bout this monster had the youth seized and mutilated, andwhy? Some say simply because a paramour of his own had praised the boy'sbeauty and said his bride was a woman to be envied. The king himself nowasserts it was because he had tried to seduce his paramour. That youngman, eunuch as he is, is now at the head of his province, for his fatheris dead. " [29] "Well, " rejoined Cyrus, "I take it, you believe he would welcomeus, if he thought we came to help him?" "I am more than sure of that, "said Gobryas, "but it is not so easy to set eyes on him. " "And why?"asked Cyrus. "Because if we are to join him at all, we must march rightpast Babylon itself. " [30] "And where is the difficulty in that?" saidCyrus. "Heaven help us!" cried Gobryas. "The city has only to openher gates, and she can send out an army ten thousand times as large asyours. That is why, " he added, "the Assyrians are less prompt than theywere at bringing in their weapons and their horses, because those whohave seen your army think it so very small, and their report has gotabout. So that in my opinion it would be better to advance with theutmost care. " [31] Cyrus listened and replied. "You do well, Gobryas, my friend, in urging as much care as possible. But I cannot myself see a safer route for us than the direct advanceon Babylon, if Babylon is the centre of the enemy's strength. They arenumerous, you say, and if they are in good heart, we shall soon know it. [32] Now, if they cannot find us and imagine that we have disappearedfrom fear of them, you may take it as certain that they will be quit ofthe terror we have inspired. Courage will spring up in its place, andgrow the greater the longer we lie hid. But if we march straight onthen, we shall find them still mourning for the dead whom we have slain, still nursing the wounds we have inflicted, still trembling at thedaring of our troops, still mindful of their own discomfiture andflight. [33] Gobryas, " he added, "be assured of this; men in the mass, when aflame with courage, are irresistible, and when their hearts failthem, the more numerous they are the worse the panic that seizes them. [34] It comes upon them magnified by a thousand lies, blanched by athousand pallors, it gathers head from a thousand terror-stricken looks, until it grows so great that no orator can allay it by his words, nogeneral arouse the old courage by a charge, or revive the old confidenceby retreat; the more their leader cheers them on, the worse do thesoldiers take their case to be. [35] Now by all means let us see exactlyhow things stand with us. If from henceforward victory must fallto those who can reckon the largest numbers, your fears for us arejustified, and we are indeed in fearful danger; but if the old rulestill holds, and battles are decided by the qualities of those whofight, then, I say, take heart and you will never fail. You will findfar more stomach for the fight among our ranks than theirs. [36] And tohearten you the more, take note of this: our enemies are far fewer nowthan when we worsted them, far weaker than when they fled from us, whilewe are stronger because we are conquerors, and greater because fortunehas been ours; yes, and actually more numerous because you and yourshave joined us, for I would not have you hold your men too low, now thatthey are side by side with us. In the company of conquerors, Gobryas, the hearts of the followers beat high. [37] Nor should you forget, " headded, "that the enemy is well able to see us as it is, and the sight ofus will certainly not be more alarming if we wait for him where we arethan if we advance against him. That is my opinion, and now you mustlead us straight for Babylon. " [C. 3] And so the march continued, and on the fourth day they foundthemselves at the limit of the territory over which Gobryas ruled. Sincethey were now in the enemy's country Cyrus changed the disposition ofhis men, taking the infantry immediately under his own command, withsufficient cavalry to support them, and sending the rest of the mountedtroops to scour the land. Their orders were to cut down every one witharms in his hands, and drive in the rest, with all the cattle they couldfind. The Persians were ordered to take part in this raid, and thoughmany came home with nothing for their trouble but a toss from theirhorses, others brought back a goodly store of booty. [2] When the spoil was all brought in, Cyrus summoned the officers ofthe Medes and the Hyrcanians, as well as his own peers, and spoke asfollows: "My friends, Gobryas has entertained us nobly; he has showered goodthings upon us. What say you then? After we have set aside the customaryportion for the gods and a fair share for the army, shall we not giveall the rest of the spoil to him? Would it not be a noble thing, a signand symbol at the outset that we desire to outdo in well-doing those whodo good to us?" [3] At that all his hearers with one consent applauded, and a certainofficer rose and said: "By all means, Cyrus, let us do so. I myself cannot but feel thatGobryas must have thought us almost beggars because we were not ladenwith coins of gold and did not drink from golden goblets. But if we dothis, he will understand that men may be free and liberal without thehelp of gold. " [4] "Come then, " said Cyrus, "let us pay the priests our debt to heaven, select what the army requires, and then summon Gobryas and give the restto him. " So they took what they needed and gave all the rest to Gobryas. [5] Forthwith Cyrus pressed on towards Babylon, his troops in battleorder. But as the Assyrians did not come out to meet them, he badeGobryas ride forward and deliver this message: "If the king will come out to fight for his land, I, Gobryas, will fightfor him, but, if he will not defend his own country, we must yield tothe conquerors. " [6] So Gobryas rode forward, just far enough to deliver the message insafety. And the king sent a messenger to answer him: "Thy master says to thee: 'It repents me, Gobryas, not that I slew thyson, but that I stayed my hand from slaying thee. And now if ye will dobattle, come again on the thirtieth day from hence. We have no leisurenow, our preparations are still on foot. '" [7] And Gobryas made answer: "It repents thee: may that repentance never cease! I have begun to makethee suffer, since the day repentance took hold on thee. " [8] Then Gobryas brought back the words of the king to Cyrus, and Cyrusled his army off, and then he summoned Gobryas and said to him: "Surely you told me that you thought the man who was made an eunuch bythe king would be upon our side?" "And I am sure he will, " answered Gobryas, "for we have spoken freely toeach other many a time, he and I. " [9] "Then, " said Cyrus, "you must goto him when you think the right moment has come: and you must so act atfirst that only he and you may know what he intends, and when you arecloseted with him, if you find he really wishes to be a friend, youmust contrive that his friendship remain a secret: for in war a man canscarcely do his friends more good than by a semblance of hostility, orhis enemies more harm than under the guise of friendship. " [10] "Aye, "answered Gobryas, "and I know that Gadatas would pay a great price topunish the king of Assyria. But it is for us to consider what he canbest do. " [11] "Tell me now, " rejoined Cyrus, "you spoke of an outpost, built against the Hyrcanians and the Sakians, which was to protectAssyria in time of war, --could the eunuch be admitted there by thecommandant if he came with a force at his back?" "Certainly he could, "said Gobryas, "if he were as free from suspicion as he is to-day. "[12] "And free he would be, " Cyrus went on, "if I were to attack hisstrongholds as though in earnest, and he were to repel me in force. I might capture some of his men, and he some of my soldiers, or somemessengers sent by me to those you say are the enemies of Assyria, andthese prisoners would let it be known that they were on their way tofetch an army with scaling-ladders to attack this fortress, and theeunuch, hearing their story, would pretend that he came to warn thecommandant in time. " [13] "Undoubtedly, " said Gobryas, "if things wentthus, the commandant would admit him; he would even beg him to staythere until you withdrew. " "And then, " Cyrus continued, "once inside the walls, he could put theplace into our hands?" [14] "We may suppose so, " said Gobryas. "Hewould be there to settle matters within, and you would be redoubling thepressure from without. " "Then be off at once, " said Cyrus, "and do your best to teach him hispart, and when you have arranged affairs, come back to me; and as forpledges of good faith, you could offer him none better than those youreceived from us yourself. " [15] Then Gobryas made haste and was gone, and the eunuch welcomedhim gladly; he agreed to everything and helped to arrange all that wasneeded. Presently Gobryas brought back word that he thought the eunuchhad everything in readiness, and so, without more ado, Cyrus made hisfeigned attack on the following day, and was beaten off. [16] But onthe other hand there was a fortress, indicated by Gadatas himself, thatCyrus took. The messengers Cyrus had sent out, telling them exactlywhere to go, fell into the hands of Gadatas: some were allowedto escape--their business was to fetch the troops and carry thescaling-ladders--but the rest were narrowly examined in the presence ofmany witnesses, and when Gadatas heard the object of their journey hegot his equipment together and set out in the night at full speedto take the news. [17] In the end he made his way into the fortress, trusted and welcomed as a deliverer, and for a time he helped thecommandant to the best of his ability. But as soon as Cyrus appeared heseized the place, aided by the Persian prisoners he had taken. [18] Thisdone, and having set things in order within the fortress, Gadatas wentout to Cyrus, bowed before him according to the custom of his land, andsaid, "Cyrus, may joy be yours!" [19] "Joy is mine already, " answered he, "for you, God helping you, havebrought it to me. You must know, " he added, "that I set great store bythis fortress, and rejoice to leave it in the hands of my allies here. And for yourself, Gadatas, " he added, "if the Assyrian has robbed you ofthe ability to beget children, remember he has not stolen your power towin friends; you have made us yours, I tell you, by this deed, and wewill stand by as faithfully as sons and grandsons of your own. " [20] So Cyrus spoke. And at that instant the Hyrcanian chief, who hadonly just learnt what had happened, came running up to him, and seizinghim by the hand cried out: "O Cyrus, you godsend to your friends! How often you make me thank thegods for bringing me to you!" [21] "Off with you, then, " said Cyrus, "and occupy this fortress forwhich you bless me so. Take it and make the best use of it you can, foryour own nation, and for all our allies, and above all for Gadatas, ourfriend, who won it and surrenders it to us. " [22] "Then, " said the chieftain, "as soon as the Cadousians arrive andthe Sakians and my countrymen, we must, must we not? call a council ofthem all, so that we may consult together, and see how best to turn itto account. " [23] Cyrus thought the proposal good, and when they met together it wasdecided to garrison the post with a common force, chosen from all whowere concerned that it should remain friendly and be an outer balwark tooverawe the Assyrians. [24] This heightened the enthusiasm of them all, Cadousians, Sakians, and Hyrcanians, and their levies rose high, untilthe Cadousians sent in 20, 000 light infantry and 4000 cavalry, andthe Sakians 11, 000 bowmen, 10, 000 on foot and 1000 mounted, while theHyrcanians were free to despatch all their reserves of infantry and makeup their horsemen to a couple of thousand strong, whereas previouslythe larger portion of their cavalry had been left at home to support theCadousians and Sakians against Assyria. [25] And while Cyrus was kept in the fortress, organising and arrangingeverything, many of the Assyrians from the country round brought intheir horses and handed over their arms, being by this time in greatdread of their neighbours. [26] Soon after this Gadatas came to Cyrus and told him that messengershad come to say that the king of Assyria, learning what had happened tothe fortress, was beside himself with anger, and was preparing to attackhis territory. "If you, Cyrus, " said he, "will let me go now, I will tryto save my fortresses: the rest is of less account. " [27] Cyrus said, "If you go now, when will you reach home?" And Gadatas answered, "On thethird day from this I can sup in my own house. " "Do you think, " askedCyrus, "that you will find the Assyrian already there?" "I am sure ofit, " he answered, "for he will make haste while he thinks you are stillfar off. " [28] "And I, " said Cyrus, "when could I be there with myarmy?" But to this Gadatas made answer, "The army you have now, my lord, is very large, and you could not reach my home in less than six days orseven. " "Well, " Cyrus replied, "be off yourself: make all speed, and Iwill follow as best I can. " [29] So Gadatas was gone, and Cyrus called together all the officers ofthe allies, and a great and goodly company they seemed, noble gentlemen, beautiful and brave. And Cyrus stood up among them all and said: [30] "My allies and my friends, Gadatas has done deeds that we all feelworthy of high reward, and that too before ever he had received anybenefit from us. The Assyrians, we hear, have now invaded his territory, to take vengeance for the monstrous injury they consider he has donethem, and moreover, they doubtless argue that if those who revolt to usescape scot-free, while those who stand by them are cut to pieces, erelong they will not have a single supporter on their side. [31] To-day, gentlemen, we may do a gallant deed, if we rescue Gadatas, our friendand benefactor; and truly it is only just and right thus to repaygift for gift, and boon for boon. Moreover, as it seems to me, what weaccomplish will be much to our own interest. [32] If all men see that weare ready to give blow for blow and sting for sting, while we outdo ourbenefactors in generous deeds, it is only natural that multitudes willlong to be our friends, and no man care to be our foe. [33] Whereas, ifit be thought that we left Gadatas in the lurch, how in heaven's nameshall we persuade another to show us any kindness? How shall we dare tothink well of ourselves again? How shall one of us look Gadatas inthe face, when all of us, so many and so strong, showed ourselves lessgenerous than he, one single man and in so sore a plight?" [34] Thus Cyrus spoke, and all of them assented right willingly, andsaid it must be done. "Come then, " concluded Cyrus, "since you are all of one mind with me, let each of us choose an escort for our waggons and beasts of burden. [35] Let us leave them behind us, and put Gobryas at their head. He isacquainted with the roads, and for the rest he is a man of skill. But weourselves will push on with our stoutest men and our strongest horses, taking provision for three days and no more: the lighter and cheaperour gear the more gaily shall we break our fast and take our supper andsleep on the road. [36] And now, " said he, "let us arrange the orderof the march. You, Chrysantas, must lead the van with your cuirassiers, since the road is broad and smooth, and you must put your brigadiersin the first line, each regiment marching in file, for if we keep closeorder we shall travel all the quicker and be all the safer. [37] I putthe cuirassiers in the front, " he added, "because they are our heaviesttroops, and if the heaviest are leading, the lighter cannot find it hardto follow: whereas where the swiftest lead and the march is at night, it is no wonder if the column fall to pieces: the vanguard is alwaysrunning away. [38] And behind the cuirassiers, " he went on, "Artabazasis to follow with the Persian targeteers and the bowmen, and behindthem Andamyas the Mede with the Median infantry, and then Embas andthe Armenian infantry, and then Artouchas with the Hyrcanians, andthen Thambradas with the Sakian foot, and finally Datamas with theCadousians. [39] All these officers will put their brigadiers in thefirst line, their targeteers on the right, and their bowmen on the leftof their own squares: this is the order in which they will be of mostuse. [40] All the baggage-bearers are to follow in the rear: and theirofficers must see that they get everything together before they sleep, and present themselves betimes in the morning, with all their gear, and always keep good order on the march. [41] In support of thebaggage-train, " he added, "there will be, first, Madatas the Persianwith the Persian cavalry, and he too must put his brigadiers in thefront, each regiment following in single file, as with the infantry. [42] Behind them Rambacas the Mede and his cavalry, in the same order, and then you, Tigranes, and yours, and after you the other cavalryleaders with the men they brought. The Sakians will follow you, and lastof all will come the Cadousians, who were the last to join us, andyou, Alkeunas, who are to command them, for the present you will takecomplete control of the rear, and allow no one to fall behind your men. [43] All of you alike, officers, and all who respect yourselves, must bemost careful to march in silence. At night the ears, and not the eyes, are the channels of information and the guides for action, and at nightany confusion is a far more serious matter than by day, and far moredifficult to put right. For this reason silence must be studied andorder absolutely maintained. [44] Whenever you mean to rise beforedaybreak, you must make the night-watches as short and as numerous aspossible, so that no one may suffer on the march because of his longvigil before it; and when the hour for the start arrives the horn mustbe blown. [45] Gentlemen, I expect you all to present yourselves onthe road to Babylon with everything you require, and as each detachmentstarts, let them pass down the word for those in the rear to follow. " [46] So the officers went to their quarters, and as they went theytalked of Cyrus, and what a marvellous memory he had, always namingeach officer as he assigned him his post. [47] The fact was Cyrus tookspecial pains over this: it struck him as odd that a mere mechanic couldknow the names of all his tools, and a physician the names of all hisinstruments, but a general be such a simpleton that he could not namehis own officers, the very tools he had to depend on each time he wantedto seize a point or fortify a post or infuse courage or inspire terror. Moreover it seemed to him only courteous to address a man by name whenhe wished to honour him. [48] And he was sure that the man who feels heis personally known to his commander is more eager to be seen performingsome noble feat of arms, and more careful to refrain from all that isunseemly and base. [49] Cyrus thought it would be quite foolish for himto give his orders in the style of certain householders: "Somebody fetchthe water, some one split the wood. " [50] After a command of that kind, every one looks at every one else, and no one carries it out, every oneis to blame, and no one is ashamed or afraid, because there are so manybeside himself. Therefore Cyrus always named the officers whenever hegave an order. [51] That, then, was his view of the matter. The army now took supperand posted their guards and got their necessaries together and went torest. [52] And at midnight the horn was blown. Cyrus had told Chrysantashe would wait for him at a point on the road in advance of the troops, and therefore he went on in front himself with his own staff, andwaited till Chrysantas appeared shortly afterwards at the head of hiscuirassiers. [53] Then Cyrus put the guides under his command, and toldhim to march on, but to go slowly until he received a message, for allthe troops were not yet on the road. This done, Cyrus took his stand onthe line of march, and as each division came up, hurried it forward toits place, sending messengers meanwhile to summon those who were stillbehind. [54] When all had started, he despatched gallopers to Chrysantasto tell him that the whole army was now under way, and that he mightlead on as quick as he could. [55] Then he galloped to the fronthimself, reined up, and quietly watched the ranks defile before him. Whenever a division advanced silently and in good order, he would rideup and ask their names and pay them compliments; and if he saw any signof confusion he would inquire the reason and restore tranquillity. [56]One point remains to add in describing his care that night; he sentforward a small but picked body of infantry, active fellows all of them, in advance of the whole army. They were to keep Chrysantas in sight, andhe was not to lose sight of them; they were to use their ears and alltheir wits, and report at once to Chrysantas if they thought therewas any need. They had an officer to direct their movements, announceanything of importance, and not trouble about trifles. [57] Thus they pressed forward through the night, and when day brokeCyrus ordered the mass of the cavalry to the front, the Cadousians aloneremaining with their own infantry, who brought up the rear, and whowere as much in need as others of cavalry support. But the rest of thehorsemen he sent ahead because it was ahead that the enemy lay, and incase of resistance he was anxious to oppose them in battle-order, whileif they fled he wished no time to be lost in following up the pursuit. [58] It was always arranged who were to give chase and who were to staywith himself: he never allowed the whole army to be broken up. [59] ThusCyrus conducted the advance, but it is not to be thought that he keptto one particular spot; he was always galloping backwards and forwards, first at one point and then at another, supervising everything andsupplying any defect as it arose. Thus Cyrus and his men marchedforward. [C. 4] Now there was a certain officer in the cavalry with Gadatas, a manof power and influence, who, when he saw that his master had revoltedfrom Assyria, thought to himself, "If anything should happen to him, Imyself could get from the king all that he possessed. " Accordingly he sent forward a man he could trust, with instructionsthat, if he found the Assyrian army already in the territory of Gadatas, he was to tell the king that he could capture Gadatas and all who werewith him, if he thought fit to make an ambuscade. [2] And the messengerwas also to say what force Gadatas had at his command and to announcethat Cyrus was not with him. Moreover, the officer stated the road bywhich Gadatas was coming. Finally, to win the greater confidence, hesent word to his own dependents and bade them deliver up to the king ofAssyria the castle which he himself commanded in the province, with allthat it contained: he would come himself, he added, if possible, afterhe had slain Gadatas, and, even if he failed in that, he would alwaysstand by the king. [3] Now the emissary rode as hard as he could and came before the kingand told his errand, and, hearing it, the king at once took over thecastle and formed an ambuscade, with a large body of horse and manychariots, in a dense group of villages that lay upon the road. [4]Gadatas, when he came near the spot, sent scouts ahead to explore, and the king, as soon as he sighted them, ordered two or three of hischariots and a handful of horsemen to dash away as though in flight, giving the impression that they were few in number and panic-stricken. At this the scouting party swept after them, signalling to Gadatas, whoalso fell into the trap and gave himself up to the chase. The Assyrians waited till the quarry was within their grasp and thensprang out from their ambuscade. [5] The men, with Gadatas, seeingwhat had happened, turned back and fled, as one might expect, withthe Assyrians at their heels, while the officer who had planned it allstabbed Gadatas himself. He struck him in the shoulder, but the blow wasnot mortal. Thereupon the traitor fled to the pursuers, and whenthey found out who he was he galloped on with them, his horse at fullstretch, side by side with the king. [6] Naturally the men with theslower horses were overtaken by the better mounted, and the fugitives, already wearied by their long journey, were at the last extremity whensuddenly they caught sight of Cyrus advancing at the head of his army, and were swept into safety, as glad and thankful, we may well believe, as shipwrecked mariners into port. [7] The first feeling of Cyrus was sheer astonishment, but he soon sawhow matters stood. The whole force of the Assyrian cavalry was rollingon him, and he met it with his own army in perfect order, till theenemy, realising what had happened, turned and fled. Then Cyrus orderedhis pursuing party to charge, while he followed more slowly at the pacehe thought the safest. [8] The enemy were utterly routed: many of thechariots were taken, some had lost their charioteers, others were seizedin the sudden change of front, others surrounded by the Persian cavalry. Right and left the conquerors cut down their foes, and among them fellthe officer who had dealt the blow at Gadatas. [9] But of the Assyrianinfantry, those who were besieging the fortress of Gadatas escapedto the stronghold that had revolted from him, or managed to reach animportant city belonging to the king, where he himself, his horsemen, and his chariots had taken refuge. [10] After this exploit Cyrus went on to the territory of Gadatas, andas soon as he had given orders to those who guarded the prisoners, hewent himself to visit the eunuch and see how it was with him after hiswound. Gadatas came out to meet him, his wound already bandaged. AndCyrus was gladdened and said, "I came myself to see how it was withyou. " [11] "And I, " said Gadatas, "heaven be my witness, I came out tosee how a man would look who had a soul like yours. I cannot tell whatneed you had of me, or what promise you ever gave me, to make you do asyou have done. I had shown you no kindness for your private self: it wasbecause you thought I had been of some little service to your friends, that you came to help me thus, and help me you did, from death to life. Left to myself I was lost. [12] By heaven above, I swear it, Cyrus, ifI had been a father as I was born to be, God knows whether I couldhave found in the son of my loins so true a friend as you. I know ofsons--this king of ours is such an one, who has caused his own fatherten thousand times more trouble than ever he causes you. " [13] And Cyrus made answer: "You have overlooked a much more wonderful thing, Gadatas, to turn andwonder at me. " "Nay, " said Gadatas, "what could that be?" "That all these Persians, " he answered, "are so zealous in your behalf, and all these Medes and Hyrcanians, and every one of our allies, Armenians, Sakians, Cadousians. " [14] Then Gadatas prayed aloud: "O Father Zeus, may the gods heap blessings on them also, but aboveall on him who has made them what they are! And now, Cyrus, that I mayentertain as they deserve these men you praise, take the gifts I bringyou as their host, the best I have it in my power to bring. " And with the word he brought out stores of every kind, enough for allto over sacrifice who listed; and the whole army was entertained in amanner worthy of their feat and their success. [15] Meanwhile the Cadousians had been always in the rear, unable toshare in the pursuit, and they longed to achieve some exploit of theirown. So their chieftain, with never a word to Cyrus, led them forthalone, and raided the country towards Babylon. But, as soon as theywere scattered the Assyrians came out from their city of refuge in goodbattle-order. [16] When they saw that the Cadousians were unsupportedthey attacked them, killing the leader himself and numbers of his men, capturing many of their horses and retaking the spoil they were in theact of driving away. The king pursued as far as he thought safe, andthen turned back, and the Cadousians at last found safety in their owncamp, though even the vanguard only reached it late in the afternoon. [17] When Cyrus saw what had happened he went out to meet them, succouring every wounded man and sending him off to Gadatas at once, tohave his wounds dressed, while he helped to house the others in theirquarters, and saw that they had all they needed, his Peers aiding him, for at such times noble natures will give help with all their hearts. [18] Still it was plain to see that he was sorely vexed, and when thehour for dinner came, and the others went away, he was still there onthe ground with the attendants and the surgeons; not a soul would heleave uncared for if anything could be done: he either saw to it himselfor sent for the proper aid. [19] So for that night they rested. But with daybreak Cyrus sent outa herald and summoned a gathering of all the officers and the wholeCadousian army, and spoke as follows: "My friends and allies, what has happened is only natural; for it ishuman nature to err, and I cannot find it astonishing. Still we may gainat least one advantage from what has occurred, if we learn that we mustnever cut off from our main body a detachment weaker than the force ofthe enemy. [20] I do not say that one is never to march anywhere, ifnecessary, with an even smaller fraction than the Cadousians had; but, before doing so you must communicate with some one able to bring upreinforcements, and then, though you may be trapped yourself, it is atleast probable that your friends behind you may foil the foilers, anddivert them from your own party: there are fifty ways in which one canembarrass the enemy and save one's friends. Thus separation need notmean isolation, and union with the main force may still be kept, whereasif you sally forth without telling your plan, you are no better off thanif you were alone in the field. [21] However, God willing, we shall takeour revenge for this ere long; indeed, as soon as you have breakfasted, I will lead you out to the scene of yesterday's skirmish, and there wewill bury those who fell, and show our enemies that the very field wherethey thought themselves victorious is held by those who are strongerthan they: they shall never look again with joy upon the spot where theyslew our comrades. Or else, if they refuse to come out and meet us, wewill burn their villages and harry all their land, so that in lieu ofrejoicing at the sight of what they did to us, they shall gnash theirteeth at the spectacle of their own disasters. [22] Go now, " saidhe, "the rest of you, and take your breakfast forthwith, but let theCadousians first elect a leader in accordance with their own laws, andone who will guide them well and wisely, by the grace of God, and withour human help, if they should need it. And when you have chosen yourleader, and had your breakfast, send him hither to me. " [23] So they did as Cyrus bade them, and when he led the army out, hestationed their new general close to his own person, and told him tokeep his detachment there, "So that you and I, " said he, "may rekindlethe courage in their souls. " In this order they marched out, and thus they buried the Cadousian deadand ravaged the country. Which done, they went back to the province ofGadatas, laden with supplies taken from the foe. [24] Now Cyrus felt that those who had come over to his side and whodwelt in the neighbourhood of Babylon would be sure to suffer unless hewere constantly there himself, and so he bade all the prisoners he setfree take a message to the king, and he himself despatched a heraldto say that he would leave all the tillers of the soil unmolested andunhurt if the Assyrian would let those who had come over to him continuetheir work in peace. [25] "And remember, " he added, "that even if youtry to hinder my friends, it is only a few whom you could stop, whereasthere is a vast territory of yours that I could allow to be cultivated. As for the crops, " he added, "if we have war, it will be the conqueror, I make no doubt, who will reap them, but if we have peace, it will beyou. If, however, any of my people take up arms against you, or any ofyours against me, we must, of course, each of us, defend ourselves asbest we can. " [26] With this message Cyrus despatched the herald, and when theAssyrians heard it, they urged the king to accept the proposal, and solimit the war as much as possible. [27] And he, whether influenced byhis own people or because he desired it himself, consented to the terms. So an agreement was drawn up, proclaiming peace to the tillers of thesoil and war to all who carried arms. [28] Thus Cyrus arranged matters for the husbandmen, and he asked hisown supporters among the drovers to bring their herds, if they liked, into his dominions and leave them there, while he treated the enemy'scattle as booty wherever he could, so that his allies found attractionin the campaign. For the risk was no greater if they took what theyneeded, while the knowledge that they were living at the enemy's expensecertainly seemed to lighten the labour of the war. [29] When the time came for Cyrus to go back, and the final preparationswere being made, Gadatas brought him gifts of every kind, the produceof a vast estate, and among the cattle a drove of horses, taken fromcavalry of his own, whom he distrusted owing to the late conspiracy. [30] And when he brought them he said, "Cyrus, this day I give you thesefor your own, and I would pray you to make such use of them as you thinkbest, but I would have you remember that all else which I call mineis yours as well. For there is no son of mine, nor can there ever be, sprung from my own loins, to whom I may leave my wealth: when I diemyself, my house must perish with me, my family and my name. [31] And Imust suffer this, Cyrus, I swear to you by the great gods above us, whosee all things and hear all things, though never by word or deed did Icommit injustice or foulness of any kind. " But here the words died on his lips; he burst into tears over hissorrows, and could say no more. [32] Cyrus was touched with pity at hissuffering and said to him: "Let me accept the horses, for in that I can help you, if I set loyalriders on them, men of a better mind, methinks, than those who had thembefore, and I myself can satisfy a wish that has long been mine, tobring my Persian cavalry up to ten thousand men. But take back, I prayyou, all these other riches, and guard them safely against the timewhen you may find me able to vie with you in gifts. If I left you now sohugely in your debt, heaven help me if I could hold up my head again forvery shame. " [33] Thereto Gadatas made answer, "In all things I trust you, and willtrust you, for I see your heart. But consider whether I am competentto guard all this myself. [34] While I was at peace with the king, theinheritance I had from my father was, it may be, the fairest in all theland: it was near that mighty Babylon, and all the good things that canbe gathered from a great city fell into our laps, and yet from all thetrouble of it, the noise and the bustle, we could be free at once byturning our backs and coming home here. But now that we are at war, themoment you have left us we are sure to be attacked, ourselves and allour wealth, and methinks we shall have a sorry life of it, our enemiesat our elbow and far stronger than ourselves. [35] I seem to hearsome one say, why did you not think of this before you revolted? But Ianswer, Cyrus, because the soul within me was stung beyond endurance bymy wrongs; I could not sit and ponder the safest course, I was alwaysbrooding over one idea, always in travail of one dream, praying forthe day of vengeance on the miscreant, the enemy of God and man, whosehatred never rested, once aroused, once he suspected a man, not ofdoing wrong, but of being better than himself. [36] And because he is avillain, he will always find, I know, worse villains that himself toaid him, but if one day a nobler rival should appear--have no concern, Cyrus, you will never need to do battle with such an one, yonder fiendwould deal with him and never cease to plot against him until he haddragged him in the dust, only because he was the better man. And to workme trouble and disaster, he and his wicked tools will, I fear me, havestrength enough and to spare. " [37] Cyrus thought there was much in what he said, and he answeredforthwith: "Tell me, Gadatas, did we not put a stout garrison in your fortress, so as to make it safe for you whenever you needed it, and are you nottaking the field with us now, so that, if the gods be on our side asthey are to-day, that scoundrel may fear you, not you him? Go now, bringwith you all you have that is sweet to look on and to love, and thenjoin our march: you shall be, I am persuaded, of the utmost service tome, and I, so far as in me lies, will give you help for help. " [38] When Gadatas heard that, he breathed again, and he said: "Could I really be in time to make my preparations and be back beforeyou leave? I would fain take my mother with me on the march. " "Assuredly, " said Cyrus, "you will be in time: for I will wait until yousay that all is ready. " [39] So it came to pass that Gadatas went his way, and with the aid ofCyrus put a strong garrison in his fortress, and got together thewealth of his broad estates. And moreover he brought with him in his ownretinue servants he could trust and in whom he took delight, as well asmany others in whom he put no trust at all, and these he compelled tobring their wives with them, and their sisters, that so they might bebound to his service. [40] Thus Gadatas went with Cyrus, and Cyrus kept him ever at his side, to show him the roads and the places for water and fodder and food, andlead them where there was most abundance. [41] At last they came in sight of Babylon once more, and it seemedto Cyrus that the road they were following led under the very walls. Therefore he summoned Gobryas and Gadatas, and asked them if there wasnot another way, so that he need not pass so close to the ramparts. [42]"There are many other ways, my lord, " answered Gobryas, "but I thoughtyou would certainly want to pass as near the city as possible, anddisplay the size and splendour of your army to the king. I knew thatwhen your force was weaker you advanced to his walls, and let himsee us, few as we were, and I am persuaded that if he has made anypreparation for battle now, as he said he would, when he sees thepower you have brought with you, he will think once more that he isunprepared. " [435] But Cyrus said: "Does it seem strange to you, Gobryas, that when I had a far smallerarmy I took it right up to the enemy's walls, and to-day when my forceis greater I will not venture there? [44] You need not think it strange:to march up is not the same as to march past. Every leader will march upwith his troops disposed in the best order for battle and a wise leaderwill draw them off so as to secure safety rather than sped. [45] Butin marching past there is no means of avoiding long straggling lines ofwaggons, long strings of baggage-bearers, and all these must be screenedby the fighting-force so as never to leave the baggage unprotected. [46]But this must mean a thin weak order for the fighting-men, and if theenemy choose to attack at any point with their full force, they canstrike with far more weight than any of the troops available to meetthem at the moment. [47] Again, the length of line means a long delay inbringing up relief, whereas the enemy have only a handsbreadth to coveras they rush out from the walls or retire. [48] But now, if we leavea distance between ourselves and them as wide as our line is long, not only with they realise our numbers plainly enough, but our veil ofglittering armour will make the whole multitude more formidable intheir eyes. [49] And, if they do attack us anywhere, we shall be able toforesee their advance a long way off and be quite prepared to give themwelcome. But it is far more likely, gentlemen, " he added, "that theywill not make the attempt, with all that ground to cover from the walls, unless they imagine that their whole force is superior to the whole ofours: they know that retreat will be difficult and dangerous. " [50] So Cyrus spoke, and his listeners felt that he was right, andGobryas led the army by the way that he advised. And as one detachmentafter another passed the city, Cyrus strengthened the protection for therear and so withdrew in safety. [51] Marching in this order, he came back at last to his firststarting-point, on the frontier between Assyria and Media. Here he dealtwith three Assyrian fortresses: one, the weakest, he attacked and tookby force, while the garrisons of the other two, what with the eloquenceof Gadatas and the terror inspired by Cyrus, were persuaded tosurrender. [C. 5] And now that his expedition was completed, Cyrus sent to Cyaxaresand urged him to come to the camp in order that they might decide besthow to use the forts which they had taken, and perhaps Cyaxares, afterreviewing the army, would advise him what the next move ought to be, or, Cyrus added to the messenger, "if he bids me, say I will come to himand take up my encampment there. " [2] So the emissary went off with themessage, and meanwhile Cyrus gave orders that the Assyrian tent chosenfor Cyaxares should be furnished as splendidly as possible, and thewoman brought to her apartment there, and the two singing-girls also, whom they had set aside for him. [3] And while they were busied with these things the envoy went toCyaxares and delivered his message, and Cyaxares listened and decidedit was best for Cyrus and his men to stay on the frontier. The Persianswhom Cyrus had sent for had already arrived, forty thousand bowmen andtargeteers. [4] To watch these eating up the land was bad enough, andCyaxares thought he would rather be quit of one horde before he receivedanother. On his side the officer in command of the Persian levy, following the instructions from Cyrus, asked Cyaxares if he had any needof the men, and Cyaxares said he had not. Thereupon, and hearing thatCyrus had arrived, the Persian put himself at the head of his troops andwent off at once to join him. [5] Cyaxares himself waited till the nextday and then set out with the Median troopers who had stayed behind. Andwhen Cyrus knew of his approach he took his Persian cavalry, who werenow a large body of men, and all the Medes, Hyrcanians, and Armenians, and the best-mounted and best-armed among the rest, and so went out tomeet Cyaxares and show the power he had won. [6] But when Cyaxares sawso large a following of gallant gentlemen with Cyrus, and withhimself so small and mean a retinue, it seemed to him an insult, andmortification filled his heart. And when Cyrus sprang from his horseand came up to give him the kiss of greeting, Cyaxares, though hedismounted, turned away his head and gave him no kiss, while the tearscame into his eyes. [7] Whereupon Cyrus told the others to stand asideand rest, and then he took Cyaxares by the hand and led him apart undera grove of palm-trees, and bade the attendants spread Median carpets forthem, and made Cyaxares sit down, and then, seating himself beside him, he said: [8] "Uncle of mine, tell me, in heaven's name, I implore you, why areyou angry with me? What bitter sight have you seen to make you feel suchbitterness?" And then Cyaxares answered: "Listen, Cyrus; I have been reputed royal and of royal lineage as farback as the memory of man can go; my father was a king and a king Imyself was thought to be; and now I see myself riding here, meanlyand miserably attended, while you come before me in splendour andmagnificence, followed by the retinue that once was mine and all yourother forces. [9] That would be bitter enough, methinks, from the handof an enemy, but--O gods above us!--how much more bitter at the hands ofthose from whom we least deserve it! Far rather would I be swallowed inthe earth than live to be seen so low, aye, and to see my own kinsfolkturn against me and make a mock of me. And well I know, " said he, "thatnot only you but my own slaves are now stronger and greater than myself:they come out equipt to do me far more mischief than ever I couldrepay. " [10] But here he stopped, overcome by a passion of weeping, so much sothat for very pity Cyrus' own eyes filled with tears. There was silencebetween them for a while, and then Cyrus said: "Nay, Cyaxares, what you say is not true, and what you think is notright, if you imagine that because I am here, your Medes have beenequipt to do you any harm. [11] I do not wonder that you are pained, andI will not ask if you have cause or not for your anger against them:you will ill brook apologies for them from me. Only it seems to me agrievous error in a ruler to quarrel with all his subjects at once. Widespread terror must needs be followed by widespread hate: anger withall creates unity among all. [12] It was for this reason, take my wordfor it, that I would not send them back to you without myself, fearingthat your wrath might be the cause of what would injure all of us. Through my presence here and by the blessing of heaven, all is safe foryou: but that you should regard yourself as wronged by me, --I cannot butfeel it bitter, when I am doing all in my power to help my friends, tobe accused of plotting against them. [13] However, " he continued, "letus not accuse each other in this useless way; if possible, let us seeexactly in what I have offended. And as between friend and friend, Iwill lay down the only rule that is just and fair: if I can be shown tohave done you harm, I will confess I am to blame, but if it appears thatI have never injured you, not even in thought, will you not acquit me ofall injustice towards you?" "Needs must I, " answered Cyaxares. [14] "And if I can show that I have done you service, and been zealousin your cause to the utmost of my power, may I not claim, instead ofrebuke, some little meed of praise?" "That were only fair, " said Cyaxares. [15] "Then, " said Cyrus, "let us go through all I have done, point bypoint, and see what is good in it and what is evil. [16] Let us beginfrom the time when I assumed my generalship, if that is early enough. I think I am right in saying that it was because you saw your enemiesgathering together against you, and ready to sweep over your land andyou, that you sent to Persia asking for help, and to me in private, praying me to come, if I could, myself, at the head of any forces theymight send. Was I not obedient to your word? Did I not come myself withthe best and bravest I could bring?" [17] "You did indeed, " answered Cyaxares. "Tell me, then, before we go further, did you see any wrong in this? Wasit not rather a service and a kindly act?" "Certainly, " said Cyaxares, "so far as that went, I saw nothing but kindliness. " [18] "Well, afterthe enemy had come, and we had to fight the matter out, did you ever seeme shrink from toil or try to escape from danger?" "That I never did, "said Cyaxares, "quite the contrary. " [19] "And afterwards, when, through the help of heaven, victory wasours, and the enemy retreated, and I implored you to let us pursue themtogether, take vengeance on them together, win together the fruitsof any gallant exploit we might achieve, can you accuse me then ofself-seeking or self-aggrandisement?" [20] But at that Cyaxares was silent. Then Cyrus spoke again. "If youwould rather not reply to that, tell me if you thought yourself injuredbecause, when you considered pursuit unsafe, I relieved you of the risk, and only begged you to lend me some of your cavalry? If my offence layin asking for that, when I had already offered to work with you, side byside, you must prove it to me; and it will need some eloquence. " [21] He paused, but Cyaxares still kept silence. "Nay, " said Cyrus, "ifyou will not answer that either, tell me at least if my offence lay inwhat followed, when you said that you did not care to stop your Medes intheir merry-making and drive them out into danger, do you think it waswrong in me, without waiting to quarrel on that score, to ask you forwhat I knew was the lightest boon you could grant and the lightestcommand you could lay on your soldiers? For I only asked that he whowished it might be allowed to follow me. [22] And thus, when I hadwon your permission, I had won nothing, unless I could win them too. Therefore I went and tried persuasion, and some listened to me, and withthese I set off on my march, holding my commission from your own self. So that, if you look on this act as blameworthy, it would seem that noteven the acceptance of your own gifts can be free from blame. [23] Itwas thus we started, and after we had gone, was there, I ask you, asingle deed of mine that was not done in the light of day? Has not theenemy's camp been taken? Have not hundreds of your assailants fallen?And hundreds been deprived of their horses and their arms? Is not thespoiler spoiled? The cattle and the goods of those who harried your landare now in the hands of your friends, they are brought to you, or toyour subjects. [24] And, above all and beyond all, you see your owncountry growing great and powerful and the land of your enemy broughtlow. Strongholds of his are in your power, and your own that were tornfrom you in other days by the Syrian domination are now restored to youagain. I cannot say I should be glad to learn that any of these thingscan be bad for you, or short of good, but I am ready to listen, if so itis. [25] Speak, tell me your judgment of it all. " Then Cyrus paused, and Cyaxares made answer: "To call what you have done evil, Cyrus, is impossible. But yourbenefits are of such a kind that the more they multiply upon me, theheavier burden do they bring. [26] I would far rather, " he went on, "have made your country great by own power than see mine exalted in thisway by you. These deeds of yours are a crown of glory to you; but theybring dishonour to me. [27] And for the wealth, I would rather have madelargess of it to yourself than receive it at your hands in the wayyou give it now. Goods so gotten only leave me the poorer. And for mysubjects--I think I would have suffered less if you had injured thema little than I suffer now when I see how much they owe you. [28]Perhaps, " he added, "you find it inhuman of me to feel thus, but I wouldask you to forget me and imagine that you are in my place and see how itwould appear to you then. Suppose a friend of yours were to take care ofyour dogs, dogs that you bred up to guard yourself and your house, suchcare that he made them fonder of him than of yourself, would you bepleased with him for his attention? [29] Or take another instance, ifthat one seems too slight: suppose a friend of yours were to do so muchfor your own followers, men you kept to guard you and to fight foryou, that they would rather serve in his train than yours, would you begrateful to him for his kindness? [30] Or let me take the tenderest ofhuman ties: suppose a friend of yours paid court to the wife of yourbosom so that in the end he made her love him more than yourself, wouldhe rejoice your heart by his courtesy? Far from it, I trow; he who didthis, you would say, did you the greatest wrong in all the world. [31]And now, to come nearest to my own case, suppose some one paid suchattention to your Persians that they learnt to follow him instead ofyou, would you reckon that man your friend? No; but a worse enemythan if he had slain a thousand. [32] Or again, say you spoke in allfriendship to a friend and bade him take what he wished, and straightwayhe took all he could lay hands on and carried it off, and so grew richwith your wealth, and you were left in utter poverty, could you say thatfriend was altogether blameless? [33] And I, Cyrus, I feel that you havetreated me, if not in that way, yet in a way exactly like it. What yousay is true enough: I did allow you to take what you liked and go, andyou took the whole of my power and went, leaving me desolate, and to-dayyou bring the spoil you have won with my forces, and lay it so grandlyat my feet--magnificent! And you make my country great through the helpof my own might, while I have no part or lot in the performance, butmust step in at the end, like a woman, to receive your favours, while inthe eyes of all men, not least my faithful subjects yonder, you are theman, and I--I am not fit to wear a crown. [34] Are these, I ask you, Cyrus, are these the deeds of a benefactor? Nay, had you been kind asyou are kin, above all else you would have been careful not to rob meof my dignity and honour. What advantage is it to me for my lands to bemade broad if I myself am dishonoured? When I ruled the Medes, I ruledthem not because I was stronger than all of them, but because theythemselves thought that our race was in all things better than theirs. " [35] But while he was still speaking Cyrus broke in on his words, crying: "Uncle of mine, by the heaven above us, if I have ever shown you anykindness, be kind to me now. Do not find fault with me any more, wait, and put me to the test, and learn how I feel towards you, and if you seethat what I have done has really brought you good, then, when I embraceyou, embrace me in return and call me your benefactor, and if not, youmay blame me as you please. " [36] "Perhaps, " answered Cyaxares, "you are right. I will do as youwish. " "Then I may kiss you?" said Cyrus. "Yes, if it pleases you. "And you will not turn aside as you did justnow?" "No, I will not turn aside. " And he kissed him. [37] And when the Medes saw it and the Persians and all the allies--forall were watching to see how matters would shape--joy came into theirhearts and gladness lit up their faces. Then Cyrus and Cyaxares mountedtheir horses and rode back, and the Medes fell in behind Cyaxares, ata nod from Cyrus, and behind Cyrus the Persians, and the others behindthem. [38] And when they reached the camp and brought Cyaxares to thesplendid tent, those who were appointed made everything ready for him, and while he was waiting for the banquet his Medes presented themselves, some of their own accord, it is true, but most were sent by Cyrus. [39] And they brought him gifts; one came with a beautiful cup-bearer, another with an admirable cook, a third with a baker, a fourth with amusician, while others brought cups and goblets and beautiful apparel;almost every one gave something out of the spoils they had won. [40] Sothat the mood of Cyaxares changed, and he seemed to see that Cyrus hadnot stolen his subjects from him, and that they made no less account ofhim than they used to do. [41] Now when the hour came for the banquet, Cyaxares sent to Cyrus andbegged him to share it: it was so long, he said, since they had met. But Cyrus answered, "Bid me not to the feast, good uncle. Do you not seethat all these soldiers of ours have been raised by us to the pitch ofexpectation? And it were ill on my part if I seemed to neglect them forthe sake of my private pleasure. If soldiers feel themselves neglectedeven the good become faint-hearted, and the bad grow insolent. [42] Withyourself it is different, you have come a long journey and you must fallto without delay, and if your subjects do you honour, welcome them andgive them good cheer, that there may be confidence between you and them, but I must go and attend to the matters of which I speak. [43]Early to-morrow morning, " he added, "our chief officers will presentthemselves at your gate to hear from you what you think our next stepought to be. You will tell us whether we ought to pursue the campaignfurther or whether the time has now come to disband our army. " [44] Thereupon Cyaxares betook himself to the banquet and Cyrus calleda council of his friends, the shrewdest and the best fitted to act withhim, and spoke to them as follows: "My friends, thanks to the gods, our first prayers are granted. Whereverwe set foot now we are the masters of the country: we see our enemiesbrought low and ourselves increasing day by day in numbers and instrength. [45] And if only our present allies would consent to stay withus a little longer, our achievements could be greater still, whetherforce were needed or persuasion. Now it must be your work as much asmine to make as many of them as possible willing and anxious to remain. [46] Remember that, just as the soldier who overthrows the greatestnumber in the day of battle is held to be the bravest, so the speaker, when the time has come for persuasion, who brings most men to his sidewill be thought the most eloquent, the best orator and the ablest man ofaction. [47] Do not, however, prepare your speeches as though we askedyou to give a rhetorical display: remember that those whom you convincewill show it well enough by what they do. [48] I leave you then, " headded, "to the careful study of your parts: mine is to see, so far as inme lies, that our troops are provided with all they need, before we holdthe council of war. " NOTES C. 1. Cyrus' generosity: he is not cold, not incapable of soft pleasure, but too pre-occupied with greater things. On the whole, if a hedonist, this type of man, a hedonist that = a stoic (cf. Socrates, H. Sidgwick, also J. P. ). C1. 4, init. Well told: we feel the character of Araspas at once, as soonas he opens his lips. C1. 4, med. An Eastern picture. She is one of the Bible women, as Gadatasand Gobryas are brothers of Barzillai; she is sister of Ruth or Susannaor Judith or Bathsheba. Perhaps she is nobler than any of them. Sheis also the sister of the Greek tragedy women, Antigone, Alcestis;especially Euripidean is she: no doubt she is sister to the great womenof all lands. C1. 10 ff. Xenophon, Moralist. Cf. _Memorabilia_ for a similarphilosophical difficulty about the will and knowledge. And for thisraising of ethical problems in an artistic setting of narrative, cf. Lyly. I see a certain resemblance between the times and the writers'minds. _Vide_ J. A. Symonds on the predecessors of Shakespeare. Araspas' point is that these scamps have only themselves to blame, being{akrateis}, and then they turn round and accuse love. (We are thrownback on the origin of {akrasia}: _vide Memorabilia_ [e. G. I. Ii. V. ; IV. V. ] for such answer as we can get to that question. ) Whereas the {kaloikagathoi} desire strongly but can curb their desires. C1. 13. Shows a confidence in the healthy action of the will. WhenAraspas himself is caught later on he develops the theory of a doubleself, a higher and a lower (so hgd. , and so, I think, Xenophon andSocrates. _Vide Memorabilia_). C1. 16, fin. Cyrus || Socrates, his prototype here. C1. 18. Very natural and beautiful. Xenophon sympathetic with such abeautiful humanity. The woman's nature brought out by these touches. Xenophon, Dramatist: the moral problem is subordinate, that is to say, is made to grow out of the dramatic action and characterisation. C1. 20. Notice the absolutely fair and warrantable diplomatic advantagegiven to the archic man: each step he takes opens up new avenues ofprogress. Herein is fulfilled "to him who hath shall be given, " butCyrus plays his part also, he has the wisdom of serpents with thegentleness of doves. C1. 21. This is the true rhetoric, the right road to persuasiveness, tobe absolutely frank. C1. 24. The desire to be ruled by the archic man, which thearchomenoi--i. E. All men--feel, is thus manifest. Notice again how theMede's own character is maintained: he speaks as he felt then. C2. 8. The bridegroom will be found to be Hystaspas; but we have nosuspicion as yet, without looking on. C2. 9. In this interview Cyrus' character still further developed. _Exore Cyri. _, Xenophon propounds his theory of the latent virtue in man, which only needs an opportunity to burst forth, but, this lacking, remains unrevealed. Now it is a great godsend to get such a chance. Itis thoroughly Hellenic, or Xenophon-Socratic, this feeling, "Give mea chance to show my virtue. " (But has Cyrus a touch of superhumanconscious rectitude?) C2. 12. The same thought again: it is full of delicacy and spiritualdiscernment: the more one ponders it the more one feels that. C2. 12, fin. For Hellenic or Xenophontine or old-world theory of themisfortunes which befall the virtuous, _vide_ Homer, _vide_ Book of Job(Satan), _vide_ Tragedians. C2. 15. Cf. The _Economist_ for praise of rural simplicity. It isXenophon _ipsissimus_. C2. 17. Whose bad manners is Xenophon thinking of? Thebans'? C2. 20, fin. A very noble sentence. The man who utters it and the peoplewhose heart and mind it emanates from must be of a high order; and inthe _Memorabilia_ Socrates has this highest praise, that he studied tomake himself and _all others also_ as good as possible. C2. 21. Notice the practical answer of Cyrus to this panegyric (cf. J. P. ). C2. 32. Prolix, Xenophontic. C3. 6 ff. Here also I feel the mind of Xenophon shimmering undervarious lights. The _Cyropaedia_ is shot with Orientalism. HomericEpicism--antique Hellenism and modern Hellenism are both there. Spartansimplicity and Eastern quaintness both say their say. In this passagethe biblical element seems almost audible. C3. 7. This is in the grand style, Oriental, dilatory, ponderous, savouring of times when battles were affairs of private arrangementbetween monarchs and hedged about by all the punctilios of an affair ofhonour. C3. 12. N. B. --The archic man shows a very ready wit and inventiveness inthe great art of "grab" in war, though as he said to his father he was"a late learner" in such matters. Cf. In modern times the duties of adetective or some such disagreeable office. G. O. Trevelyan as Irishsecretary. Interesting for _war ethics_ in the abstract, and forXenophon's view, which is probably Hellenic. Cyrus now has theopportunity of carrying out the selfish decalogue, the topsy-turvymorality set forth in I. C. 6, C. 26 ff. C3. 13. Cf. Old Testament for the sort of subterfuges and preparations, e. G. The Gibeonites. C3. 15. The archic man has no time. Cyrus {ou skholazei}. Cf. J. P. Itcomes from energy combined with high gifts of organisation, economic, architectonic. C3. 19. Nice, I think, this contrasting of spiritual and naturalproductiveness. C3. 32. Here is the rule of conduct clearly expressed, nor do I see how amilitary age could frame for itself any other. Christianity only emerged_sub pace Romana_, which for fraternal brotherhood was the fullness oftime; and even in the commercial age the nations tumble back practicallyinto the old system. C3. 36 ff. An army on forced march: are there any novelties here? C3. 53. These minute details probably not boring at the time, butinteresting rather, perhaps useful. C4. 13. Cyrus resembles Fawcett in his unselfish self-estimate. Gadatasis like the British public, or hgd. C4. 16. Here we feel that the Assyrian is not a mere weakling: he canplay his part well enough if he gets a good chance. It needs an Archicand Strategic Man to overpower him. C4. 17. ANCIENT and MODERN parallelism in treatment of wounded. C4. 24. Hellenic war ethics: non-combatant tillers of the soil to be letalone. Is this a novelty? If not, what is the prototype? Did the modernrights of non-combatants so originate? C4. 27, fin. A touch which gives the impression of real history: that isthe art of it. C4. 34. Almost autobiographical: the advantage of having a countryseat in the neighbourhood of a big town. Here we feel the MODERNISMof XENOPHON. The passage which Stevenson chose for the motto to his_Silverado Squatters_ would suit Xenophon very well (Cicero, De Off. I. Xx. ). Xenophon || Alfred Tennyson. [Mr. Dakyns used the geometric sign|| to indicate parallelism of any sort. The passage from Cicero mightbe translated thus: "Some have lived in the country, content with thehappiness of home. These men have enjoyed all that kings could claim, needing nothing, under the dominion of no man, untrammelled and infreedom; for the free man lives as he chooses. "] C4. 36. The wicked man as conceived in Hellenico-Xenophontine fashion, charged with the spirit of meanness, envy, and hatred, which cannotbrook the existence of another better than itself. C4. 38. A nice touch: we learn to know Gadatas and Xenophon also, and theHellenic mind. C5. 10. Pathos well drawn: _vide_ Richard II. And Bolingbroke. Euripideanquality. C5. 12. The archic man has got so far he can play the part of intercessorbetween Cyaxares and his Medes. The discussion involves the wholedifficulty of suppression ("he must increase, but I must decrease" isone solution, not touched here). C5. 34. Perhaps this is the very point which Xenophon, Philosopher, wishes to bring out, the pseudo-archic man and the archic mancontrasted, but Xenophon, lover of man and artist, draws the situationadmirably and truthfully without any doctrinal purpose. It is{anthropinon} human essentially, this jealousy and humiliation ofspirit. C5. 35. Cyrus' tone of voice and manner must have some compelling charmin them: the dialectic debate is not pursued, but by a word and look thearchic man wins his way. C5. 36. Oriental and antique Hellenic, also _modern_, formalities. I canimagine some of those crowned heads, emperors of Germany and Austria, going through similar ceremonies, walking arm-in-arm, kissing on bothcheeks fraternally, etc. C5. 39-40. This reveals the incorrigible weakness of Cyaxares. He cannever hold his own against the archic man. As a matter of philosophic"historising, " probably Xenophon conceives the Median element as thecorrupting and sapping one in the Persian empire (_vide_ Epilogue), onlyhe to some extent justifies and excuses Cyrus in his imitations of it. That is a difficulty. C5. 41. The archic man shows self-command again: his energy somewhatrelieves ignobler actors of responsibility and so far saps their wills. His up-and-doingness a foil to their indolence. BOOK VI [C. 1] So the day ended, and they supped and went to rest. But earlythe next morning all the allies flocked to Cyaxares' gates, and whileCyaxares dressed and adorned himself, hearing that a great multitudewere waiting, Cyrus gave audience to the suitors his own friends hadbrought. First came the Cadousians, imploring him to stay, and thenthe Hyrcanians, and after them the Sakians, and then some one presentedGobryas, and Hystaspas brought in Gadatas the eunuch, whose entreaty wasstill the same. [2] At that Cyrus, who knew already that for many a dayGadatas had been half-dead with fear lest the army should be disbanded, laughed outright and said, "Ah, Gadatas, you cannot conceal it: you havebeen bribed by my friend Hystaspas to take this view. " [3] But Gadatas lifted up his hands to heaven and swore most solemnlythat Hystaspas had not influenced him. "Nay, " said he, "it is because I know myself that, if you depart, I amruined utterly. And therefore it was that I took it upon me to speakwith Hystaspas myself, and ask him if he knew what was in your mindabout the disbanding of the army. " [4] And Cyrus said, "It would be unjust then, I suppose, to lay theblame on Hystaspas. " "Yes, Cyrus, most unjust, " said Hystaspas, "for Ionly said to Gadatas that it would be impossible for you to carry on thecampaign, as your father wanted you home, and had sent for you. " [5] "What?" cried Cyrus, "you dared to let that be known whether Iwished it or not?" "Certainly I did, " he answered, "for I can see that you are mad to behome in Persia, the cynosure of every eye, telling your father how youwrought this and accomplished that. " "Well, " said Cyrus, "are you not longing to go home yourself?" "No, " said the other. "I am not. Nor have I any intention of going: hereI shall stay and be general-in-chief until I make our friend Gadatas thelord and the Assyrian his slave. " [6] Thus half in jest and half in earnest they played with one another, and meanwhile Cyaxares had finished adorning himself and came forth ingreat splendour and solemnity, and sat down on a Median throne. And whenall were assembled and silence was proclaimed, Cyaxares said: "My friends and allies, perhaps, since I am present and older thanCyrus, it is suitable that I should address you first. It appears to methat the moment has come to discuss one question before all others, the question whether we ought to go on with the campaign or disband thearmy. Be pleased, " he added, "to state your opinions on the matter. " [7] Then the leader of the Hyrcanians stood up at once and said: "Friends and allies, I hardly think that words are needed when factsthemselves show us the path to take. All of us know that while we standtogether we give our enemy more trouble than we get: but when we stoodalone it was they who dealt with us as they liked best and we likedleast. " [8] Then the Cadousian followed. "The less we talk, " said he, "about breaking-up and going homeseparately the better; separation has done us anything but good, itseems to me, even on the march. My men and I, at any rate, very soonpaid the penalty for private excursions; as I dare say you have notforgotten. " [9] Upon that Artabazus rode, the Mede who had claimed kinship withCyrus in the old days. "Cyaxares, " said he, "in one respect I differ from those who have spokenbefore me: they think we should stay here in order to go on with thecampaign, but I think I am always on campaign at home. [10] I was forever out on some expedition or other, because our people were beingharried, or our fortresses threatened, and a world of trouble I had, what with fears within and fighting without, and all too at my ownexpense. As it is now, I occupy the enemy's forts, my fear of them isgone, I make good cheer on their own good things, and I drink their owngood wine. Since home means fighting and service here means feasting, Iam not in favour myself, " said he, "of breaking up the company. " [11] Then Gobryas spoke. "Friends, " said he, "I have trusted Cyrus' word and had no fault tofind with him: what he promises that he performs: but if he leaves thecountry now, the Assyrian will be reprieved, he will never be punishedfor the wrongs he tried to inflict on you and did inflict on me: I shallbe punished instead, because I have been your friend. " [12] At that Cyrus rose at last and said: "Gentlemen, I am well aware that the disbanding of our forces must meanthe decrease of our power and the increase of theirs. If some of themhave given up their weapons, they will soon procure others; if some havelost their horses, the loss will soon be made good; if some have fallenin battle, others, younger and stronger, will take their place. We neednot be surprised if they are soon in a condition to cause us troubleagain. [13] Why, then, did I ask Cyaxares to put the question to debate?Because, I answer, I am afraid of the future. I see opponents againstus whom we cannot fight, if we conduct the campaign as we are doing now. [14] Winter is advancing against us, and though we may have shelter forourselves we have nothing, heaven knows, for our horses and our servantsand the great mass of our soldiery, without whom we cannot even thinkof a campaign. As to provisions, up to the limits of our advance andbecause of that advance they have been exhausted; and beyond that line, owing to the terror we inspire, the inhabitants will have stowed theirsupplies away in strong places where they can enjoy them and we cannotget them. [15] Where is the warrior, stout of heart and strong of will, who can wage war with cold and hunger? If our style of soldiering is tobe only what it has been, I say we ought to disband at once of our ownaccord, and not wait to be driven from the field against our will bysheer lack of means. If we do wish to go forward, this is what we mustdo: we must detach from the enemy all the fortresses we can and secureall we can for our own: if this is done, the larger supply will be inthe hands of those who can stow away the larger store, and the weakerwill suffer siege. [16] At present we are like mariners on the ocean:they may sail on for ever, but the seas they have crossed are nomore theirs than those that are still unsailed. But if we hold thefortresses, the enemy will find they are living in a hostile land, while we have halcyon weather. [17] Some of you may dread the thought ofgarrison duty far from home; if so, dispel your doubts. We Persians, who must, as it is, be exiles for the time, will undertake the positionsthat are nearest to the foe, while it will be for you to occupy the landon the marches between Assyria and yourselves and put it under tillage. [18] For, if we can hold his inner line, your peace will not bedisturbed in the outlying parts: he will scarcely neglect the danger athis door to attack you out in the distance. " [19] At this the whole assembly rose to express their eagerness andassent, and Cyaxares stood up with them. And both Gadatas and Gobryasoffered to fortify a post if the allies wished, and thus provide twocities of refuge to start with. [20] Finally Cyrus, thus assured of the general consent to hisproposals, said, "If we really wish to carry out what we have setourselves, we must prepare battering-rams and siege engines, and gettogether mechanics and builders for our own castles. " [21] ThereuponCyaxares at once undertook to provide an engine at his own expense, Gadatas and Gobryas made themselves responsible for a second, Tigranesfor a third, and Cyrus himself promised he would try to furnish two. [22] That done, every one set to work to find engineers and artisans andto collect material for the machines; and superintendents were appointedfrom those best qualified for the work. [23] Now Cyrus was aware that all this would take some time, andtherefore he encamped his troops in the healthiest spot he could findand the easiest to supply, strengthening, wherever necessary, thenatural defences of the place, so that the detachment left in charge forthe time should always be in complete security, even though he might beabsent himself with the main body of his force. [24] Nor was this all;he questioned those who knew the country best, and, learning where hewould be rewarded for his pains, he would lead his men out to forage, and thus procure as large supplies as possible, keep his soldiers in thebest of health and strength, and fix their drill in their minds. [25] So Cyrus spent his days, and meanwhile the deserters from Babylonand the prisoners who were captured all told the same story: they saidthat the king had gone off to Lydia, taking with him store of gold andsilver, and riches and treasures of every kind. [26] The mass of thesoldiers were convinced that he was storing his goods away from fear, but Cyrus knew that he must have gone to raise, if possible, an opponentwho could face them, and therefore he pushed his preparations forwardvigorously, feeling that another battle must be fought. He filled up thePersian cavalry to its full complement, getting the horses partly fromthe prisoners, partly from his own friends. There were two gifts hewould never refuse, horses and good weapons. [27] He also procuredchariots, taking them from the enemy or wherever he could find them. The old Trojan type of charioteering, still in use to this day among theCyrenaeans, he abolished; before his time the Medes, the Syrians, theArabians, and all Asiatics generally, used their chariots in the sameway as the Cyrenaeans do now. [28] The fault of the system to his mindwas that the very flower of the army, if the picked men were in thechariots, could only act at long range and so contribute little afterall to the victory. Three hundred chariots meant twelve hundred horsesand three hundred fighting-men, besides the charioteers, who wouldnaturally be men above the common, in whom the warriors could placeconfidence: and that meant another three hundred debarred from injuringthe enemy in any kind of way. [29] Such was the system he abolished infavour of the war-chariot proper, with strong wheels to resist the shockof collision, and long axles, on the principle that a broad base is thefirmer, while the driver's seat was changed into what might be calleda turret, stoutly built of timber and reaching up to the elbow, leaving the driver room to manage the horses above the rim. The driversthemselves were all fully armed, only their eyes uncovered. [30] He hadiron scythes about two feet long attached to the axles on either side, and others, under the tree, pointing to the ground, for use in a charge. Such was the type of chariot invented by Cyrus, and it is still in useto-day among the subjects of the Great King. Beside the chariots he hada large number of camels, collected from his friends or capturedfrom the enemy. [31] Moreover, he decided to send a spy into Lydia toascertain the movements of the king, and he thought that the right manfor this purpose was Araspas, the officer in charge of the fair ladyfrom Susa. Matters had gone ill with Araspas: he had fallen passionatelyin love with his prisoner, and been led to entreat her to be hisparamour. [32] She had refused, faithful to her husband who was faraway, for she loved him dearly, but she forbore to accuse Araspas toCyrus, being unwilling to set friend at strife with friend. [33] Butwhen at length Araspas, thinking it would help him in his desires, beganto threaten her, saying that if she would not yield he would have hiswill of her by force, then in her dread of violence she could keep thematter hid no longer, and she sent her eunuch to Cyrus with orders totell him everything. [34] And when Cyrus heard it he smiled over the manwho had boasted that he was superior to love, and sent Artabazus backwith the eunuch to tell Araspas that he must use no violence againstsuch a woman, but if he could persuade her, he might do so. [35] ButArtabazus, when he saw Araspas, rebuked him sternly, saying that thewoman was a sacred trust, and his conduct disgraceful, impious, andwicked, till Araspas burst into tears of misery and shame, and was halfdead at the thought of what Cyrus would do. [36] Learning this, Cyrussent for him, saw him alone, and said to him face to face: "Araspas, I know that you are afraid of me and in an agony of shame. Be comforted; we are told that the gods themselves are made subject todesire, and I could tell you what love has forced some men to undergo, men who seemed most lofty and most wise. Did I not pass sentence onmyself, when I confessed I was too weak to consort with loveliness andremain unmoved? Indeed it is I who am most to blame in the matter, for Ishut you up myself with this irresistible power. " [37] But Araspas broke in on his words: "Ah, Cyrus, you are ever the same, gentle and compassionate to humanweaknesses. But all the rest of the world has no pity on me; they drownme in wretchedness. As soon as the tattlers got wind of my misfortune, all my enemies exulted, and my friends came to me, advising me to makeaway with myself for fear of you, because my iniquity was so great. " [38] Then Cyrus said, "Now listen: this opinion about you may be themeans by which you can do me a great kindness and your comrades a greatservice. " "Oh, that it were possible!" said Araspas, "for me ever tobe of service to you!" [39] "Well, " said the other, "if you went to theenemy, feigning that you had fled from me, I think they would believeyou. " "I am sure they would, " said Araspas, "I know even my own friendswould think that of course I ran away. " [40] "Then you will come backto us, " Cyrus went on, "with full information about the enemy's affairs;for, if I am right in my expectation, they will trust you and let yousee all their plans, so that you need miss nothing of what we wish toknow. " "I will be off this moment, " said Araspas; "it will be my bestcredential to have it thought I was just in time to escape punishmentfrom you. " [41] "Then you can really bring yourself to leave the beautifulPantheia?" "Yes, Cyrus, " he answered, "I can; for I see now that we have two souls. This is the lesson of philosophy that I have learnt from the wickedsophist Love. If we had but a single soul, how could she be at once eviland good? How could she be enamoured at once of nobleness and baseness, or at once desire and not desire one deed and the same? No, it is clearthat we have two souls, and when the beautiful soul prevails, all fairthings are wrought, and when the evil soul has the mastery, she lays herhand to shame and wickedness. But to-day my good soul conquers, becauseshe has you to help her. " [42] "Well, " said Cyrus, "if you have decided on going, it is thus youhad better go. Thus you will win their confidence, and then you musttell them what we are doing, but in such a way as to hinder their owndesigns. It would hinder them, for example, if you said that we werepreparing an attack on their territory at a point not yet decided; forthis would check the concentration of their forces, each leader beingmost concerned for the safety of his own home. [43] Stay with them, " headded, "till the last moment possible: what they do when they are closeat hand is just what is most important for us to know. Advise them howto dispose their forces in the way that really seems the best, for then, after you are gone and although it may be known that you are aware oftheir order, they will be forced to keep to it, they will not dare tochange it, and should they do so at the last moment they will be throwninto confusion. " [44] Thereupon Araspas took his leave, called together his trustiestattendants, said what he thought necessary for the occasion, anddeparted. [45] Now Pantheia, when she heard that Araspas had fled, sent amessenger to Cyrus, saying: "Grieve not, Cyrus, that Araspas has gone to join the foe: I willbring you a far trustier friend than he, if you will let me send for myhusband, and I know he will bring with him all the power that he has. Itis true that the old king was my husband's friend, but he who reigns nowtried to tear us two asunder, and my husband knows him for a tyrant anda miscreant, and would gladly be quit of him and take service with sucha man as you. " [46] When Cyrus heard that, he bade Pantheia send word to her husband, and she did so. Now when Abradatas saw the tokens from his wife, andlearnt how matters stood, he was full of joy, and set out for Cyrus'camp immediately, with a thousand horsemen in his train. And when hecame to the Persian outposts he sent to Cyrus saying who he was, andCyrus gave orders that he should be taken to Pantheia forthwith. [47] Sohusband and wife met again after hope had well-nigh vanished, and werein each other's arms once more. And then Pantheia spoke of Cyrus, his nobleness, his honour, and the compassion he had shown her, andAbradatas cried: "Tell me, tell me, how can I repay him all I owe him in your name andmine!" And she answered: "So deal with him, my husband, as he has dealt with you. " [48] And thus Abradatas went to Cyrus, and took him by the hand, andsaid: "Cyrus, in return for the kindness you have shown us, I can say no morethan this: I give myself to you, I will be your friend, your servant, and your ally: whatever you desire, I will help you to win, yourfellow-worker always, so far as in me lies. " [49] Then Cyrus answered: "And I will take your gift: but for the moment you must leave me, andsup with your wife: another day you will let me play the host, and giveyou lodging with your friends and mine. " [50] Afterwards Abradatas perceived how much Cyrus had at heart thescythe-bearing chariots and the cavalry and the war-horses with theirarmour, and he resolved to equip a hundred chariots for him out of hisown cavalry force. [51] These he proposed to lead himself in a chariotof his own, four-poled and drawn by eight horses, all the eightprotected by chest-plates of bronze. [52] So Abradatas set to work, andthis four-poled chariot of his gave Cyrus the idea of making a carwith eight poles, drawn by eight yoke of oxen, to carry the lowestcompartment of the battering engines, which stood, with its wheels, about twenty-seven feet from the ground. [53] Cyrus felt that he had aseries of such towers brought into the field at a fair pace they wouldbe of immense service to him, and inflict as much damage on the enemy. The towers were built with galleries and parapets, and each of themcould carry twenty men. [54] When the whole was put together he testedit and found that the eight yoke of oxen could draw the whole tower withthe men more easily than one yoke by itself could manage the ordinaryweight of baggage, which came to about five-and-twenty talents apiece, whereas the tower, build of planks about as thick as the boards fora stage, weighed less than fifteen for each yoke. [55] Thus, havingsatisfied himself that the attempt was perfectly possible, he arrangedto take the towers into action, believing that in war selfishness meantsalvation, justice, and happiness. [C. 2] About this time ambassadors came to Cyrus from India with gifts ofcourtesy and a message from their king, saying: "I send you greeting, Cyrus, and I rejoice that you told me of yourneeds. I desire to be your friend and I offer you gifts; and if you haveneed of anything more, I bid you say the word, and it shall be yours. Ihave told my men to do whatever you command. " [2] Then Cyrus answered: "This, then, is my bidding: the rest of you shall stay where you havepitched your tents; you shall guard your treasures and live as youchoose: but three of you shall go to the enemy and make believe that youhave come to him about an alliance with your king, and thus you shalllearn how matters stand, and all they say and all they do, and so bringme word again with speed. And if you serve me well in this, I shall oweyou even more than I could owe you for these gifts. There are some spieswho are no better than slaves, and have no skill to find out anythingmore than is known already, but there are men of another sort, men ofyour stamp, who can discover plans that are not yet disclosed. " [3] The Indians listened gladly, and for the moment made themselves athome as the guests of Cyrus: but the next day they got ready and setoff on their journey, promising to find out as much as they could of theenemy's secrets and bring him word again with all possible speed. [4] Meanwhile Cyrus continued his preparations for the war ona magnificent scale, like one who meant to accomplish no smallachievement. Not only did he carry out all the resolutions of theallies, but he breathed a spirit of emulation into his own friendsand followers, till each strove to outshine his fellows in armsand accoutrements, in horsemanship and spearmanship and archery, inendurance of toil and danger. [5] Cyrus would lead them out to thechase, and show especial honour to those who distinguished themselves inany way: he would whet the ambition of the officers by praising all whodid their best to improve their men, and by gratifying them in every wayhe could. [6] At every sacrifice and festival he instituted games andcontests in all martial exercises, and lavished prizes on the victors, till the whole army was filled with enthusiasm and confidence. [7] Bythis time Cyrus had almost everything in readiness for the campaign, except the battering-machines. The Persian cavalry was made up to itsfull number of ten thousand men, and the scythed chariots were complete, a hundred of his own, and a hundred that Abradatas of Susa had provided. [8] Beside these there were a hundred of the old Median chariots whichCyrus had persuaded Cyaxares to remodel on his own type, giving upthe Trojan and Lydian style. The camels were ready also, each animalcarrying a couple of mounted archers. The bulk of the great army felt almost as though they had alreadyconquered, and the enemy's power was held of no account. [9] While matters were thus, the Indians whom Cyrus had sent outreturned with their report. Croesus had been chosen leader andgeneral-in-chief; a resolution had been passed, calling on all theallied kings to bring up their entire forces, raise enormous sums forthe war, and spend them in hiring mercenaries where they could andmaking presents where they must. [10] Large numbers of Thracians, armedwith the short sword, had already been enrolled, and a body of Egyptianswere coming by sea, amounting--so said the Indians--to 120, 000 men, armed with long shields reaching to their feet, huge spears (such asthey carry to this day), and sabres. Beside these, an army was expectedfrom Cyprus, and there were already on the spot all the Cilicians, themen of both the Phrygias, of Lycaonia, Paphlagonia, and Cappadocia, the Arabians, the Phoenicians, and all the Assyrians under the king ofBabylon. Moreover, the Ionians, and Aeolians, and indeed nearly all theHellenic colonists on the coast were compelled to follow in the train ofCroesus. [11] Croesus himself had already sent to Lacedaemon to proposean alliance with the Spartans. The armament was mustering on the banksof the Pactolus, and they were to push forward presently to Thymbrara(the place which is still the mustering-ground for all the Asiaticsubjects of the Great King west of Syria), and orders had been issued toopen a market there. This report agreed with the accounts given by theprisoners, for Cyrus was always at pains to gave men captured fromwhom he could get some information, and he would also send out spiesdisguised as runaway slaves. [12] Such were the tidings, and when the army heard the news there wasmuch anxiety and concern, as one may well suppose. The men went abouttheir work with an unusual quietness, their faces clouded over, orgathered in knots and clusters everywhere, anxiously asking each otherthe news and discussing the report. [13] When Cyrus saw that fear was inthe camp, he called a meeting of his generals, and indeed of allwhose dejection might injure the cause and whose confidence assist it. Moreover, he sent word that any of the attendants, or any of the rankand file, who wished to hear what he had to say, would be allowed tocome and listen. When they met, he spoke as follows: [14] "My friends and allies, I make no secret of the reason I havecalled you here. It was because I saw that some of you, when the reportsof the enemy reached us, looked like men who were panic-stricken. But Imust say I am astonished that any of you should feel alarm because theenemy is mustering his forces, and not be reassured by remembering thatour own is far larger than it was when we conquered him before, and farbetter provided, under heaven, with all we need. [15] I ask you how youwould have felt, you who are afraid now, if you had been told that aforce exactly like our own was marching upon us, if you had heard thatmen who had conquered us already were coming now, carrying in theirhearts the victory they had won, if you knew that those who made shortwork then of all our bows and javelins were advancing again, and otherswith them, ten thousand times as many? [16] Suppose you heard that thevery men who had routed our infantry once were coming on now equipt asbefore, but this time on horseback, scorning arms and javelins, each manarmed with one stout spear, ready to charge home? [17] Suppose you heardof chariots, made on a new pattern, not to be kept motionless, standing, as hitherto, with their backs turned to the foe as if for flight, butwith the horses shielded by armour, and the drivers sheltered by woodenwalls and protected by breastplates and helmets, and the axles fittedwith iron scythes so that they can charge straight into the ranks of thefoe? [18] And suppose you heard that they have camels to ride on, eachone of which would scare a hundred horses, and that they will bringup towers from which to help their own friends, and overwhelm us withvolleys of darts so that we cannot fight them on level ground? [19] Ifthis were what you had heard of the enemy, I as you, once again, you whoare now so fearful what would you have done? You who turn pale whentold that Croesus has been chosen commander-in-chief, Croesus who provedhimself so much more cowardly than the Syrians, that when they wereworsted in battle and fled, instead of helping them, his own allies, hetook to his heels himself. [20] We are told, moreover, that the enemyhimself does not feel equal to facing you alone, he is hiring othersto fight for him better than he could for himself. I can only say, gentlemen, that if any individual considers our position as I describeit alarming or unfavourable, he had better leave us. Let him join ouropponents, he will do us far more service there than here. " [21] When Cyrus had ended, Chrysantas the Persian stood up and said: "Cyrus, you must not wonder if the faces of some were clouded when theyheard the news. The cloud was a sign of annoyance, not of fear. Just asif, " he went on, "a company were expecting breakfast immediately, andthen were told there was some business that must be got through first, Ido not suppose any of them would be particularly pleased. Here we were, saying to ourselves that our fortunes were made, and now we are informedthere is still something to be done, and of course our countenancesfell, not because we were afraid, but because we could have wished itall over and done with. [22] However, since it now appears that Syriais not to be the only prize--though there is much to be got in Syria, flocks and herds and corn and palm-trees yielding fruit--but Lydia aswell, Lydia the land of wine and oil and fig-trees, Lydia, to whoseshores the sea brings more good things than eyes can feast on, I saythat once we realise this we can mope no longer, our spirits will riseapace, and we shall hasten to lay our hands on the Lydian wealth withoutdelay. " So he spoke, and the allies were well pleased at his words and gave himloud applause. [23] "Truly, gentlemen, " said Cyrus, "as Chrysantas says, I think weought to march without delay, if only to be beforehand with our foes, and reach their magazines before they do themselves; and besides, thequicker we are, the fewer resources we shall find with them. [24] Thatis how I put the matter, but if any one sees a safer or an easier way, let him instruct us. " But many speakers followed, all urging an immediate march, without onespeech in opposition, and so Cyrus took up the word again and said: [25] "My friends and allies, God helping us, our hearts, our bodies, and our weapons have now been long prepared: all that remains is to gettogether what we need for ourselves and our animals on a march of atleast twenty days. I reckon that the journey itself must take more thanfifteen, and not a vestige of food shall we find from end to end. It hasall been made away with, partly by ourselves, partly by our foes, so faras they could. [26] We must collect enough corn, without which one canneither fight nor live: and as for wine, every man must carry justso much as will accustom him to drink water: the greater part of thecountry will be absolutely devoid of wine, and the largest supply wecould take with us would not hold out. [27] But to avoid too sudden achange and the sickness that might follow, this is what we must do. Wemust begin by taking water with our food: we can do this without anygreat change in our habits. [28] For every one who eats porridge hasthe oatmeal mixed with water, and every one who eats bread has the wheatsoaked in water, and all boiled meat is prepared in water. We shall notmiss the wine if we drink a little after the meal is done. [29] Then wemust gradually lessen the amount, until we find that, without knowingit, we have become water-drinkers. Gradual change enables every creatureto go through a complete conversion; and this is taught us by God, wholeads us little by little out of winter until we can bear the blazingheat of summer, and out of heat back again into the depths of winter. Soshould we follow God, and take one step after another until we reach ourgoal. [30] What you might spend on heavy rugs and coverlets spend ratheron food: any superfluity there will not be wasted: and you will notsleep less soundly for lack of bedclothes; if you do, I give you leaveto blame me. But with clothing the case is different: a man can hardlyhave too much of that in sickness or in health. [31] And for seasoningyou should take what is sharp and dry and salted, for such meatsare more appetising and more satisfying. And since we may come intodistricts as yet unravaged where we may find growing corn, we ought totake handmills for grinding: these are the lightest machines forthe purpose. [32] Nor must we forget to supply ourselves withmedicines--they are small in bulk and, if need arises, invaluable. Andwe ought to have a large supply of straps--I wonder what is not fastenedby a strap to man or horse? But straps wear out and get broken and thenthings are at a standstill unless there are spare ones to be had. [33]Some of you have learnt to shave spears, so that it would be as well notto forget a plane, and also to carry a rasp, for the man who sharpens aspearhead will sharpen his spirit too. He will feel ashamed to whet theedge and be a coward. And we must take plenty of timber for chariots andwaggons; there is bound to be many a breakdown on the road. [34] Alsowe shall need the most necessary tools for repairs, since smiths andcarpenters are not to be found at every turn, but there are few whocannot patch up a makeshift for the time. Then there should be a mattockand a shovel apiece for every waggon, and on every beast of burden abillhook and an axe, always useful to the owner and sometimes a boonto all. [35] The provisions must be seen to by the officers of thefighting-line; they must inspect the men under their command and seethat nothing is omitted which any man requires; the omission would befelt by us all. Those of you who are in command of the baggage-trainwill inspect what I have ordered for the animals and insist upon everyman being provided who is not already supplied. [36] You, gentlemen, whoare in command of the road-makers, you have the lists of the soldiers Ihave disqualified from serving as javelin-men, bowmen, or slingers, andyou will make the old javelin men march with axes for felling timber, the bowmen with mattocks, and the slingers with shovels. They willadvance by squads in front of the waggons so that if there is anyroad-making to be done you may set to work at once, and in case of needI may know where to get the men I want. [37] I mean also to take a corpsof smiths, carpenters, and cobblers, men of military age, provided withthe proper tools, to supply any possible need. These men will not bein the fighting-line, but they will have a place assigned to them wherethey can be hired by any one who likes. [38] If any huckster wishesto follow the army with his wares, he may do so, but if caught sellinganything during the fifteen days for which provisions have been ordered, he will be deprived of all his goods: after the fifteen days are done hemay sell what he likes. Any merchant who offers us a well-stocked marketwill receive recompense and honour from the allies and myself. [39]And if any one needs an advance of money for trading, he must send meguarantors who will undertake that he will march with the army, and thenhe can draw on our funds. These are the general orders: and I will askany of you who think that anything has been omitted to point it outto me. [40] You will now go back to your quarters and make yourpreparations, and while you do so I will offer sacrifice for our journeyand when the signs are favourable we will give the signal. At thatyou must present yourselves, with everything I have ordered, at theappointed place, under your own officers. [41] And you, gentlemen, " saidhe, turning to the officers, "when your divisions are all in line, youwill come to me in a body to receive your final orders. " [C. 3] With these instructions the army went to make their preparationswhile Cyrus offered sacrifice. As soon as the victims were favourable, he set out with his force. On the first day they encamped as near by as possible, so that anythingleft behind could easily be fetched and any omission readily supplied. [2] Cyaxares stayed in Media with a third of the Median troops in ordernot to leave their own country undefended. Cyrus himself pushed forwardwith all possible speed, keeping his cavalry in the van and constantlysending explorers and scouts ahead to some look-out. Behind the cavalrycame the baggage, and on the plains he had long strings of waggons andbeasts of burden, and the main army behind them, so that if any of thebaggage-train fell back, the officers who caught them up would see thatthey did not lose their places in the march. [3] But where the road wasnarrower the fighting-men marched on either side with the baggage in themiddle, and in case of any block it was the business of the soldierson the spot to attend to the matter. As a rule, the different regimentswould be marching alongside their own baggage, orders having beengiven that all members of the train should advance by regimentsunless absolutely prevented. [4] To help matters the brigadier's ownbody-servant led the way with an ensign known to his men, so that eachregiment marched together, the men doing their best to keep up withtheir comrades. Thus there was no need to search for each other, everything was to hand, there was greater security, and the soldierscould get what they wanted more quickly. [5] After some days the scouts ahead thought they could see people inthe plain collecting fodder and timber, and then they made out beasts ofburden, some grazing and others already laden, and as they scanned thedistance they felt sure they could distinguish something that was eithersmoke rising or clouds of dust; and from all this they concludedthat the enemy's army was not far off. [6] Whereupon their commanderdespatched a messenger with the news to Cyrus, who sent back word thatthe scouts should stay where they were, on their look-out, and tell himif they saw anything more, while he ordered a squadron of cavalry toride forward, and intercept, if they could, some of the men on the plainand so discover the actual state of affairs. [7] While the detachmentcarried out this order Cyrus halted the rest of his army to make suchdispositions as he thought necessary before coming to close quarters. His first order was for the troops to take their breakfast: afterbreakfast they were to fall in and wait for the word of command. [8]When breakfast was over he sent for all the officers from the cavalry, the infantry, and the chariot brigade, and for the commanders of thebattering engines and the baggage train, and they came to him. [9]Meanwhile the troop of horse had dashed into the plain, cut off someof the men, and now brought them in captive. The prisoners, on beingquestioned by Cyrus, said they belonged to the camp and had gone outto forage or cut wood and so had passed beyond their own pickets, for, owing to the size of their army, everything was scarce. [10] "How far is your army from here?" asked Cyrus. "About seven miles, "said they. "Was there any talk about us down there?" said he. "We shouldthink there was, " they answered; "it was all over the camp that you werecoming. " "Ah, " said Cyrus, "I suppose they were glad to hear we werecoming so soon?" (putting this question for his officers to hear theanswer). "That they were not, " said the prisoners, "they were anythingbut glad; they were miserable. " [11] "And what are they doing now?"asked Cyrus. "Forming their line of battle, " answered they; "yesterdayand the day before they did the same. " "And their commander?" said Cyrus, "who is he?" "Croesus himself, " saidthey, "and with him a Greek, and also another man, a Mede, who is saidto be a deserter from you. " "Ah, " cried Cyrus, "is that so? Most mighty Zeus, may I deal with him asI wish!" [12] Then he had the prisoners led away and turned to speak to hisofficers, but at this moment another scout appeared, saying that a largeforce of cavalry was in the plain. "We think, " he added, "that they aretrying to get a sight of our army. For about thirty of them are ridingahead at a good round pace and they seem to be coming straight for ourlittle company, perhaps to capture our look-out if they can, for thereare only ten of us there. " [13] At that Cyrus sent off a detachment from his own bodyguard, bidding them gallop up to the place, unseen by the enemy, and stay theremotionless. "Wait, " he said, "until our own ten must leave the spot andthen dash out on the thirty as they come up the hill. And to prevent anyinjury from the larger body, do you, Hystaspas, " said he, turning to thelatter, "ride out with a thousand horse, and let them see you suddenly, face to face. But remember not to pursue them out of sight, come back assoon as you have secured our post. And if any of your opponents ride upwith their right hands raised, welcome them as friends. " [14] Accordingly Hystaspas went off and got under arms, while thebodyguard galloped to the spot. But before they reached the scouts, someone met them with his squires, the man who had been sent out as a spy, the guardian of the lady from Susa, Araspas himself. [15] When the newsreached Cyrus, he sprang up from his seat, went to meet him himself, and clasped his hand, but the others, who of course knew nothing, wereutterly dumbfounded, until Cyrus said: "Gentlemen, the best of our friends has come back to us. It is hightime that all men should know what he has done. It was not through anybaseness, or any weakness, or any fear of me, that he left us; it wasbecause I sent him to be my messenger, to learn the enemy's doings andbring us word. [16] Araspas, I have not forgotten what I promised you, I will repay you, we will all repay you. For, gentlemen, it is onlyjust that all of you should pay him honour. Good and true I call him whorisked himself for our good, and took upon himself a reproach that washeavy to bear. " [17] At that all crowded round Araspas and took him by the hand and madehim welcome. Then Cyrus spoke again: "Enough, my friends, Araspas has news for us, and it is time to hear it. Tell us your tale, Araspas, keep back nothing of the truth, and do notmake out the power of the enemy less than it really is. It is far betterthat we should find it smaller than we looked for rather than strongbeyond our expectations. " [18] "Well, " began Araspas, "in order tolearn their numbers, I managed to be present at the marshalling of theirtroops. " "Then you can tell us, " said Cyrus, "not only their numbers buttheir disposition in the field. " "That I can, " answered Araspas, "andalso how they propose to fight. " "Good, " said Cyrus, "but first let ushear their numbers in brief. " [19] "Well, " he answered, "they are drawnup thirty deep, infantry and cavalry alike, all except the Egyptians, and they cover about five miles; for I was at great pains, " he added, "to find out how much ground they occupied. " [20] "And the Egyptians?" Cyrus said, "how are they drawn up? I noticedyou said, 'all except the Egyptians. '" "The Egyptians, " he answered, "are drawn up in companies of tenthousand, under their own officers, a hundred deep, and a hundredbroad: that, they insisted, was their usual formation at home. Croesus, however, was very loth to let them have their own way in this: he wishedto outflank you as much as possible. " "Why?" Cyrus asked, "what was hisobject?" "To encircle you, I imagine, with his wings. " "He had bettertake care, " said Cyrus, "or his circle may find itself in the centre. [21] But now you have told us what we most needed to know, and you, gentlemen, " said he to the officers, "on leaving this meeting, you willlook to your weapons and your harness. It often happens that the lackof some little thing makes man or horse or chariot useless. To-morrowmorning early, while I am offering sacrifice, do you take your breakfastand give your steeds their provender, so that when the moment comes tostrike you may not be found wanting. And then you, Araspas, must holdthe right wing in the position it has now, and the rest of you whocommand a thousand men must do the same with your divisions: it is notime to be changing horses when the race is being run; and you will sendword to the brigadiers and captains under you to draw up the phalanxwith each company two deep. " (Now a company consisted of four-and-twentymen. ) [22] Then one of the officers, a captain of ten thousand, said: "Do you think, Cyrus, that with so shallow a depth we can stand againsttheir tremendous phalanx?" "But do you suppose, " rejoined he, "that any phalanx so deep that therear-ranks cannot close with the enemy could do much either for friendor foe? [23] I myself, " he added, "would rather this heavy infantry oftheirs were drawn up, not a hundred, but ten thousand deep: we shouldhave all the fewer to fight. Whereas with the depth that I propose, Ibelieve we shall not waste a man: every part of our army will work withevery other. [24] I will post the javelin-men behind the cuirassiers, and the archers behind them: it would be absurd to place in the vantroops who admit that they are not made for hand-to-hand fighting;but with the cuirassiers thrown in front of them they will stand firmenough, and harass the enemy over the heads of our own men with theirarrows and their darts. And every stroke that falls on the enemy meansso much relief to our friends. [25] In the very rear of all I will postour reserve. A house is useless without a foundation as well as a roof, and our phalanx will be no use unless it has a rear-guard and a van, andboth of them good. [26] You, " he added, "will draw up the ranks to suitthese orders, and you who command the targeteers will follow with yourcompanies in the same depth, and you who command the archers will followthe targeteers. [27] Gentlemen of the reserve, you will hold your men inthe rear, and pass the word down to your own subordinates to watch themen in front, cheer on those who do their duty, threaten him who playsthe coward, and if any man show signs of treachery, see that he dies thedeath. It is for those in the van to hearten those behind them by wordand deed; it is for you, the reserve, to make the cowards dread you morethan the foe. [28] You know your work, and you will do it. Euphratus, "he added, turning to the officer in command of the artillery, "see thatthe waggons with the towers keep as close to the phalanx as possible. [29] And you, Daouchus, bring up the whole of your baggage-train undercover of the towers and make your squires punish severely any man whobreaks the line. [30] You, Carouchas, keep the women's carriages closebehind the baggage-train. This long line of followers should givean impression of vast numbers, allow our own men opportunity forambuscades, and force the enemy, if he try to surround us, to widen hiscircuit, and the wider he makes it the weaker he will be. [31] That, then, is your business; and you, gentlemen, Artaozus and Artagersas, each of you take your thousand foot and guard the baggage. [32] And you, Pharnouchus and Asiadatas, neither of you must lead your thousand horseinto the fighting-line, you must get them under arms by themselvesbehind the carriages: and then come to me with the other officers asfully-equipt as if you were to be the first to fight. [53] You, sir, whocommand the camel-corps will take up your post behind the carriagesand look for further orders to Artagersas. [34] Officers of thewar-chariots, you will draw lots among yourselves, and he on whom thelot falls will bring his hundred chariots in front of the fighting-line, while the other two centuries will support our flanks on the right andleft. " [35] Such were the dispositions made by Cyrus; but Abradatas, the lordof Susa, cried: "Cyrus, let me, I pray you, volunteer for the post in front. " [36] And Cyrus, struck with admiration for the man, took him by thehand, and turning to the Persians in command of the other centuriessaid: "Perhaps, gentlemen, you will allow this?" But they answered that it was hard to resign the post of honour, and sothey all drew lots, and the lot fell on Abradatas, and his post wasface to face with the Egyptians. Then the officers left the council andcarried out the orders given, and took their evening meal and posted thepickets and went to rest. [C. 4] But early on the morrow Cyrus offered sacrifice, and meanwhile therest of the army took their breakfast, and after the libation they armedthemselves, a great and goodly company in bright tunics and splendidbreastplates and shining helmets. All the horses had frontlets andchest-plates, the chargers had armour on their shoulders, and thechariot-horses on their flanks; so that the whole army flashed withbronze, and shone like a flower with scarlet. [2] The eight-horsechariot of Abradatas was a marvel of beauty and richness; and just as hewas about to put on the linen corslet of his native land, Pantheia came, bringing him a golden breastplate and a helmet of gold, and armlets andbroad bracelets for his wrists, and a full flowing purple tunic, anda hyacinth-coloured helmet-plume. All these she had made for him insecret, taking the measure of his armour without his knowledge. [3] Andwhen he saw them, he gazed in wonder and said: "Dear wife, and did you destroy your own jewels to make this armour forme?" But she said, "No, my lord, at least not the richest of them all, foryou shall be my loveliest jewel, when others see you as I see you now. " As she spoke, she put the armour on him, but then, though she tried tohide it, the tears rolled down her cheeks. [4] And truly, when Abradatas was arrayed in the new panoply, he, whohad been fair enough to look upon before, was now a sight of splendour, noble and beautiful and free, as indeed his nature was. [5] He took thereins from the charioteer, and was about to set foot on the car, whenPantheia bade the bystanders withdraw, and said to him, "My own lord, little need to tell you what you know already, yet this I say, if anywoman loved her husband more than her own soul, I am of her company. Whyshould I try to speak? Our lives say more than any words of mine. [6]And yet, feeling for you what you know, I swear to you by the lovebetween us that I would rather go down to the grave beside you after ahero's death than live on with you in shame. I have thought you worthyof the highest, and believed myself worthy to follow you. [7] And Ibear in mind the great gratitude we owe to Cyrus, who, when I was hiscaptive, chosen for his spoil, was too high-minded to treat me as aslave, or dishonour me as a free woman; he took me and saved me foryou, as though I had been his brother's wife. [8] And when Araspas, mywarder, turned from him, I promised, if he would let me send for you, I would bring him a friend in the other's place, far nobler and morefaithful. " [9] And as Pantheia spoke, Abradatas listened with rapture to her words, and when she ended, he laid his hand upon her head, and looking up toheaven he prayed aloud: "O most mighty Zeus, make me worthy to be Pantheia's husband, and thefriend of Cyrus who showed us honour!" [10] Then he opened the driver's seat and mounted the car, and thedriver shut the door, and Pantheia could not take him in her arms again, so she bent and kissed the chariot-box. Then the car rolled forward andshe followed unseen till Abradatas turned and saw her and cried, "Bestrong, Pantheia, be of a good heart! Farewell, and hie thee home!" [11] Thereupon her chamberlains and her maidens took her and brought herback to her own carriage, and laid her down and drew the awning. Butno man, of all who was there that day, splendid as Abradatas was in hischariot, had eyes to look on him until Pantheia had gone. [12] Meanwhile Cyrus had found the victims favourable, and his army wasalready drawn up in the order he had fixed. He had scouts posted ahead, one behind the other, and then he called his officers together for hisfinal words: [13] "Gentlemen, my friends and allies, the sacred signs from heaven areas they were the day the gods gave us victory before, and I would callto your minds thoughts to bring you gladness and confidence for thefight. [14] You are far better trained than your enemies, you havelived together and worked together far longer than they, you have wonvictories together. What they have shared with one another has beendefeat, and those who have not fought as yet feel they have traitors toright and left of them, while our recruits know that they enter battlein company with men who help their allies. [15] Those who trust eachother will stand firm and fight without flinching, but when confidencehas gone no man thinks of anything but flight. [16] Forward then, gentlemen, against the foe; drive our scythed chariots against theirdefenceless cars, let our armed cavalry charge their unprotected horse, and charge them home. [17] The mass of their infantry you have metbefore; and as for the Egyptians, they are armed in much the same way asthey are marshalled; they carry shields too big to let them stir or see, they are drawn up a hundred deep, which will prevent all but the meresthandful fighting. [18] If they count on forcing us back by their weigh, they must first withstand our steel and the charge of our cavalry. Andif any of them do hold firm, how can they fight at once against cavalry, infantry, and turrets of artillery? For our men on the towers will bethere to help us, they will smite the enemy until he flies instead offighting. [19] If you think there is anything wanting, tell me now; Godhelping us, we will lack nothing. And if any man wishes to say anything, let him speak now; if not, go to the altar and there pray to the gods towhom we have sacrificed, and then fall in. [20] Let each man say to hisown men what I have said to him, let him show the men he rules that heis fit to rule, let them see the fearlessness in his face, his bearing, and his words. " NOTES C1. 9. Artabazus "the kinsman" named now for the first time, why? C1. 11. Cf. Anglicè "his word": a delicate appeal to a man of honour. Itsuits G. 's character. C1. 14-15. Speech full of metaphor: winter stalking on, with hunter andfrost attendant on either side; a stealthy, but august advance. C1. 16. A happy simile: _vide_ Book of Wisdom [c. 5, 10, "And as a shipthat passeth over the waves of the water, " etc. ]. C1. 38. How a fault may be turned to account: Hellenic stool ofrepentance. C1. 41. Theory of two souls, to account for the yielding to base desires. It works, but is it not the theory of a man whose will is weak, as wesay, or whose sympathetic nature has been developed at the expenseof his self-regulative? There is another way of putting it in_Memorabilia_, Bk. I. C. Ii. , §§ 19-28. Xenophon is not more aphilosopher than a "philanthropist. " He is full of compassion for humanweaknesses. C1. 44. Exit Araspas, to be baptised under this cloud of ignominy intothe sunshine of recognised joyous serviceableness. C1. 45. We grow fonder than ever of Pantheia. C1. 50. Irony: the chariots that are to cost Abradatas his lifehereafter. Is this tale "historic" at all? I mean, did Xenophon findor hear any such story current? What is the relation, if any, to it ofXenophon Ephesius, Antheia, and Abrocomas? [_Xenophon Ephesius_, a latewriter of romances. ] Had that writer any echo of the names in his head?What language are "Pantheia" and "Abradatas"? C1. 52. All very well, but the author hasn't told us anything about theconstruction of these {mekhanai}, these battering engines, before, toprepare us for this. Is that a slip, or how explainable? I think heis betrayed into the description by reason of his interest in suchstrategic matters. The expression is intelligible enough to any onewho knows about engines, just as we might speak of the butt or thestanchion, or whatever it be. C2. 1-3. The Medians bring back the bread that was cast upon the waters. Cyrus turns this gain to new account. He sacrifices the present naturalgain, i. E. The wealth, to the harder spiritual gain, viz. , theirpositive as opposed to their merely negative alliance. Cyrus _is_ thearchic man. C2. 4. I have a sort of idea, or feeling that here the writer takes uphis pen afresh after a certain interval. C4-6 are a reduplication, notunnatural indeed, but _pro tanto_ tautological. C2. 7. Semi-historical basis. Prototype, when Agesilaus meditated theadvance on Persia, just before his recall. [See _Hellenica_, III. Iv. , Works II. P. 29. ] C2. 13 foll. The archic man can by a word of his mouth still the flutterand incipient heave of terror-stricken hearts. C2. 15-18. A review of the improvements amounting to a completerevolution in arms and attack effected by Cyrus. This is imagined as anideal accompaniment to the archic man and conqueror. Xenophon nowadayson the relative advantages of the bayonet and the sword, cavalry andinfantry, etc. , would have been very interesting. Cf. A writer likeForbes. [C2. 19. "Syrians. " The word is used loosely, including the Assyriansand their kindred. See below C. 22. "Syria" = Assyria and the adjacentcountry. ] C2. 21, fin. Xenophon has more than once witnessed this clouding of thebrow, the scowl or sulk of the less stalwart moral-fibred men (notablyin _Hellenica_). C2. 26 ff. How to give up wine: the art in it. Now listen, all youblue-ribbonists! Xenophon, Hygienist. C2. 37. One would like to know how the price was regulated. Does anylearned German know? Note the orderliness and economy of it all. Is it, as far as the army goes, novel in any respect, do you suppose, or onlyidealised Hellenic? Spartan? C3. 14. A slight (intentional?) aposiopesis. Did H. Have to drive backthe great cavalry division of the enemy? C3. 17. How quickly the archic man passes on! Cf. J. P. C3. 19. Notice the part given to the Egyptians to play. Why? (Agesilausdied on his last campaign in Egypt. ) C3. 25. Is it dramatic to make Cyrus speak in this way as if he werelecturing a class on strategics? C3. 30. The advantage even of sutlers and women. Thisseveral-times-repeated remark surprises me. But no doubt the arrangementwould give the enemy pause, and waste his time in out-flankingmovements: violà tout, hgd. At Cunaxa, however, the Persian did getbehind the Greek camp. No prototype there, then. [Xenophon, _Anabasis_, Bk. I. C. 10. ] C4. 2. We are more and more enamoured of Pantheia. C4. 7. As delicate as any modern in the respect for wedded womanhood. C4. 13 ff. Notice how in this stirring and inspiriting speech Cyrus bydealing with the Egyptians (the only unknown quantity) strikes a newnote and sets up a new motive, as it were, preparing us for the tragicstruggle which is to come, which will cost Abradatas and other goodmen dear, not to speak of the brave Egyptians themselves (cf. SudaneseArabs). Also note Xenophon's enthusiasm in reference to the new armingand the odds of encounter between cavalry and infantry (cf. Napier, Forbes, etc. ). BOOK VII [C. 1] So they prayed to the gods and went to their place, and thesquires brought food and drink to Cyrus and his staff as they stoodround the sacrifice. And he took his breakfast where he stood, aftermaking the due offering, sharing what he had with all who needed it, andhe poured out the libation and prayed, and then drank, and his men withhim. Then he supplicated Zeus, the god of his fathers, to be his leader andhelper in the fight, and so he mounted his horse and bade those abouthim follow. [2] All his squires were equipped as he was, with scarlettunics, breastplates of bronze, and brazen helmets plumed with white, short swords, and a lance of cornel-wood apiece. Their horses hadfrontlets, chest-plates, and armour for their shoulders, all of bronze, and the shoulder-pieces served as leg-guards for the riders. In onething only the arms of Cyrus differed from the rest: theirs was coveredwith a golden varnish and his flashed like a mirror. [3] As he sat onhis steed, gazing into the distance, where he meant to go, a peal ofthunder rang out on the right, and he cried, "We will follow thee, OZeus most high!" So he set forth with Chrysantas on his right at the head of cavalry andArsamas on his left with infantry. [4] And the word went down the lines, "Eyes on the standard and steady marching. " The standard was a golden eagle, with outspread wings, borne aloft ona long spear-shaft, and to this day such is the standard of the Persianking. Before they came in full sight of the Assyrians Cyrus halted the armythrice. [5] And when they had gone about two miles or more, they beganto see the enemy advancing. As soon as both armies were in full viewof each other, and the Assyrians could see how much they outflankedthe Persians on either side, Croesus halted, in order to prepare anencircling movement, and pushed out a column on the right wing and theleft, so that the Persian forces might be attacked on every side atonce. [6] Cyrus saw it, but gave no sign of stopping; he led straight on asbefore. Meanwhile he noticed that the turning-point where the Assyrianshad pushed out on either flank was an immense distance from theircentre, and he said to Chrysantas: "Do you see where they have fixed their angle?" "Yes, I do, " answeredChrysantas, "and I am surprised at it: it seems to me they are drawingtheir wings too far away from their centre. " "Just so, " said Cyrus, "and from ours too. " [7] "Why are they doing that?" asked the other. "Clearly, " said Cyrus, "they are afraid we shall attack, if their wingsare in touch with us while their centre is still some way off. ""But, " went on Chrysantas, "how can they support each other at such adistance?" "Doubtless, " said Cyrus, "as soon as their wings are oppositeour flanks, they will wheel round, and then advance at once on everyside and so set us fighting everywhere at once. " [8] "Well, " saidChrysantas, "do you think the movement wise?" "Yes, " said Cyrus, "itis good enough in view of what they can see, but, in view of what theycannot, it is worse for them than if they had advanced in a singlecolumn. Do you, " he said, turning to Arsamas, "advance with yourinfantry, slowly, taking your pace from me, and do you, Chrysantas, march beside him with your cavalry, step for step. I will make for theirangle myself, where I propose to join battle, first riding round thearmy to see how things are with all our men. [9] When I reach the point, and we are on the verge of action, I will raise the paean and thenyou must quicken your pace. You will know when we have closed with theenemy, the din will be loud enough. At the same moment Abradatas willdash out upon them: such will be his orders; your duty is to follow, keeping as close to the chariots as possible. Thus we shall fall on theenemy at the height of his confusion. And, God helping me, I shall bewith you also, cutting my way through the rout by the quickest road Ican. [10] So he spoke, and sent the watchword down the lines, "Zeus oursaviour, and Zeus our leader, " and went forward. As he passed betweenthe chariots and the cuirassiers, he would say to some, "My men, thelook on your faces rejoices my heart, " and to others, "You understand, gentlemen, that this battle is not for the victory of a day, but for allthat we have won ere now, and for all our happiness to come. " [11] Andto others, "My friends, we can never reproach the gods again: to-daythey have put all blessings in our hands. [12] Let us show ourselvesgood men and true. " Or else, "Gentlemen, can we invite each other to amore glorious feast than this? This day all gallant hearts are bidden;this day they may feast their friends. " [13] Or again, "You know, Ithink, the prizes in this game: the victors pursue and smite and slay, and win wealth and fame and freedom and empire: the cowards lose themall. He who loves his own soul let him fight beside me: for I will haveno disgrace. " [14] But if he met soldiers who had fought for him before, he only said, "To you, gentlemen, what need I say? You know the braveman's part in battle, and the craven's. " [15] And when he came toAbradatas, he halted, and Abradatas gave the reins to his charioteerand came up to him, and others gathered round from the infantry and thechariots, and Cyrus said: "God has rewarded you, Abradatas, according to your prayer, you andyours. You hold the first rank among our friends. And you will notforget, when the moment for action comes, that those who watch you willbe Persians, and those who follow you, and they will not let you bearthe brunt alone. " [16] And Abradatas answered: "Even so, Cyrus; and with us here, methinks, all looks well enough: butthe state of our flanks troubles me: the enemy's wings are strong andstretch far: he has chariots there, and every kind of arm as well, whilewe have nothing else with which to oppose him. So that for myself, " saidhe, "if I had not won by lot the post I hold, I should feel ashamed tobe here in the safest place of all. " [17] "Nay, " answered Cyrus, "if it is well with you, have no concern forthe rest. God willing, I mean to relieve our flanks. But you yourself, I conjure you, do not attack until you see the rout of those detachmentsthat you fear. " So much of boasting did Cyrus allow himself on the eve of action, thoughhe was the last man to boast at other times. "When you see them routed, " he said, "you may take it that I am there, and then make your rush, for that is the moment when you will find theenemy weakest and your own men strongest. [18] And while there is time, Abradatas, be sure to drive along your front and prepare your men forthe charge, kindle their courage by your looks, lift up their hearts byyour hopes. Breathe a spirit of emulation into them, to make them provethemselves the flower of the chariot-force. Be assured if things go wellwith us all men will say nothing is so profitable as valour. " [19] Accordingly Abradatas mounted his chariot and drove along the linesto do as Cyrus bade. Meanwhile Cyrus went on to the left where Hystaspas was posted with halfthe Persian cavalry, and he called to him and said: "Hystaspas, here is work to test your pace! If we are quick enough incutting off their heads, none of us will be slaughtered first. " [20] And Hystaspas answered with a laugh: "Leave it to us! We'll see to the men opposite. But set some one to dealwith the fellows on our flank: it would be a pity for them to be idle. " And Cyrus answered, "I am going to them myself. But remember, Hystaspas, to which ever of us God grants the victory, so long as a single foemanis on the field, attack we must, again and again, until the last hasyielded. " [21] With that he passed on, and as he came to the flank he went up tothe officer in command of the chariots and said to him: "Good, I intend to support you myself. And when you hear me fall onthe wing, at that instant do your best to charge straight through youropponents; you will be far safer once outside their ranks than if youare caught half-way. " [22] Then he went on to the rear and the carriages, where the twodetachments were stationed, a thousand horse and a thousand foot, andtold Artagersas and Pharnouchus, their leaders, to keep the men wherethey were. "But when, " he added, "you see me close with the enemy on our right, then set upon those in front of you: take them in flank, where they areweakest, while you advance in line, at your full strength. Their lines, as you see, are closed by cavalry; hurl your camels at these, and youmay be sure, even before the fighting begins, they will cut a comicfigure. " [23] Thus, with all his dispositions made, Cyrus rode round the headof his right. By this time Croesus, believing that the centre, where hehimself was marching, must be nearer the enemy than the distant wings, had the signal raised for them to stop their advance, halt, and wheelround where they were. When they were in position opposite the Persianforce, he signalled for them to charge, and thus three columns came atonce against Cyrus, one facing his front and one on either flank. [24]A tremor ran through the whole army; it was completely enclosed, like alittle brick laid within a large, with the forces of the enemy allround it, on every side except the rear, cavalry and heavy infantry, targeteers, archers, and chariots. [25] None the less, the instantCyrus gave the word they swung round to confront the foe. There was deepsilence through the ranks as they realised what they had to face, andthen Cyrus, when the moment came, began the battle-hymn and it thunderedthrough the host. [26] And as it died away the war-cry rang out unto theGod of Battles, and Cyrus swooped forward at the head of his cavalry, straight for the enemy's flank, and closed with them then and there, while the infantry behind him followed, swift and steady, wave on wave, sweeping out on either side, far out-flanking their opponents, for theyattacked in line and the foe were in column, to the great gain of Cyrus. A short struggle, and the ranks broke and fled before him headlong. [27]Artagersas, seeing that Cyrus had got to work, made his own charge onthe left, hurling his camels forward as Cyrus had advised. Even at adistance the horses could not face the camels: they seemed to go madwith fear, and galloped off in terror, rearing and falling foul of oneanother: such is the strange effect of camels upon horses. [28] So thatArtagersas, his own troops well in hand, had easy work with the enemy'sbewildered masses. At the same moment the war-chariots dashed in, rightand left, so that many, flying from the chariots, were cut down by thetroopers, and many, flying from these, were caught by the chariots. [29] And now Abradatas could wait no longer. "Follow me, my friends, "he shouted, and drove straight at the enemy, lashing his good steedsforward till their flanks were bloody with the goad, the othercharioteers racing hard behind him. The enemy's chariots fled beforethem instantly, some not even waiting to take up their fighting-men. [30] But Abradatas drove on through them, straight into the main body ofthe Egyptians, his rush shared by his comrades on either hand. And then, what has often been shown elsewhere was shown here, namely, that ofall strong formations the strongest is a band of friends. Hisbrothers-in-arms and his mess-mates charged with him, but the others, when they saw that the solid ranks of the Egyptians stood firm, swunground and pursued the flying chariots. [31] Meanwhile Abradatas and hiscompanions could make no further way: there was not a gap through theEgyptian lines on either hand, and they could but charge the singlesoldiers where they stood, overthrow them by the sheer weight of horseand car, and crush them and their arms beneath the hoofs and wheels. Andwhere the scythes caught them, men and weapons were cut to shreds. [32]In the midst of indescribable confusion, the chariots rocking among theweltering mounds, Abradatas was thrown out and some of his comrades withhim. There they stood, and fought like men, and there they were cutdown and died. The Persians, pouring in after them, dealt slaughterand destruction where Abradatas and his men had charged and shaken theranks, but elsewhere the Egyptians, who were still unscathed, and theywere many, moved steadily on to meet them. [33] There followed a desperate struggle with lance and spear and sword, and still the Egyptians had the advantage, because of their numbers andtheir weapons. Their spears were immensely stout and long, such as theycarry to this day, and the huge shield not only gave more protectionthan corslet and buckler, but aided the thrust of the fighter, slung asit was from the shoulder. [34] Shield locked into shield, they thrust their way forward; and thePersians could not drive them back, with their light bucklers borne onthe forearm only. Step by step they gave ground, dealing blow for blow, till they came under cover of their own artillery. Then at last a secondshower of blows fell on the Egyptians, while the reserves would allow noflight of the archers or the javelin-men: at the sword's point they madethem do their duty. [35] Thick was the slaughter, and loud the din ofclashing weapons and whirring darts, and shouting warriors, cheeringeach other and calling on the gods. [36] At this moment Cyrus appeared, cutting his way through his ownopponents. To see the Persians thrust from their position was miseryto him, but he knew he could check the enemy's advance most quickly bygalloping round to their rear, and thither he dashed, bidding his troopsfollow, and there they fell upon them and smote them as they were gazingahead, and there they mowed them down. [37] The Egyptians, seeing what had happened, cried out that the enemyhad taken them in the rear, and wheeled round under a storm of blows. Atthis the confusion reached its height, cavalry and infantry strugglingall together. An Egyptian fell under Cyrus' horse, and as the hoofsstruck him he stabbed the creature in the belly. The charger rearedat the blow and Cyrus was thrown. [38] Then was seen what it is fora leader to be loved by his men. With a terrible cry the men dashedforward, conquering thrust with thrust and blow with blow. One of hissquires leapt down and set Cyrus on his own charger. [39] And as Cyrussprang on the horse he saw the Egyptians worsted everywhere. For by nowHystaspas was on the ground with his cavalry, and Chrysantas also. StillCyrus would not allow them to charge the Egyptian phalanx: the archersand javelin-men were to play on them from outside. Then he made his wayalong the lines to the artillery, and there he mounted one of the towersto take a survey of the field, and see if any of the foe still heldtheir ground and kept up the fight. [40] But he saw the plain one chaosof flying horses and men and chariots, pursuers and pursued, conquerorsand conquered, and nowhere any who still stood firm, save only theEgyptians. These, in sore straits as they were, formed themselves intoa circle behind a ring of steel, and sat down under cover of theirenormous shields. They no longer attempted to act, but they suffered, and suffered heavily. [41] Cyrus, in admiration and pity, unwilling thatmen so brave should be done to death, drew off his soldiers who werefighting round them, and would not let another man lift sword. Then he sent them a herald asking if they wished to be cut to pieces forthe sake of those who had betrayed them, or save their lives and keeptheir reputation for gallantry? And they answered, "Is it possible thatwe can be saved and yet keep our reputation untarnished?" [42] And Cyrussaid, "Surely yes, for we ourselves have seen that you alone have heldyour ground and been ready to fight. " "But even so, " said the Egyptians, "how can we act in honour if we save ourselves?" "By betraying none of those at whose side you fought, " answered Cyrus:"only surrender your arms to us, and become our friends, the friends ofmen who chose to save you when they might have destroyed you. " [43] "Andif we become your friends, " said they, "how will you treat us?" "As youtreat us, " answered he, "and the treatment shall be good. " "And what will that good treatment be?" they asked once more. "This, "said Cyrus: "better pay than you have had, so long as the war lasts, andwhen peace comes, if you choose to stay with me, lands and cities andwomen and servants. " [44] Then they asked him if he would excuse themfrom one duty, service against Croesus. Croesus, they said, was the onlyleader who knew them; for the rest, they were content to agree. And sothey came to terms, and took and gave pledges of good faith. [45] Thusit came about that their descendants are to this day faithful subjectsof the king, and Cyrus gave them cities, some in the interior, which arestill called the cities of the Egyptians, beside Larissa and Kyllene andKyme on the coast, still held by their descendants. When this matter was arranged darkness had already fallen, and Cyrusdrew off his army and encamped at Thymbrara. [46] In this engagement the Egyptians alone among the enemy wonthemselves renown, and of the troops under Cyrus the Persian cavalry washeld to have done the best, so much so that to this day they are stillarmed in the manner that Cyrus devised. [47] High praise also was givento the scythe-bearing chariots, and this engine of war is still employedby the reigning king. [48] As for the camels, all they did was to scarethe horses; their riders could take no part in the slaughter, and werenever touched themselves by the enemy's cavalry. For not a horse wouldcome near the camels. [49] It was a useful arm, certainly, but nogallant gentleman would dream of breeding camels for his own use orlearning to fight on camel-back. And so they returned to their oldposition among the baggage-train. [C. 2] Then Cyrus and his men took their evening meal and posted theirpickets and went to rest. But Croesus and his army fled in haste toSardis, and the other tribes hurried away homewards under cover ofnight as fast and as far as they could. [2] When day broke Cyrus marchedstraight for Sardis, and when he came before the citadel he set uphis engines as though for the assault and got out his ladders. But thefollowing night he sent a scaling party of Persians and Chaldaeans toclimb the fortifications at the steepest point. The guide was a Persianwho had served as a slave to one of the garrison in the citadel, and whoknew a way down to the river by which one could get up. [4] As soon asit became clear that the heights had been taken, all the Lydians withoutexception fled from the walls and hid wherever they could. At daybreakCyrus entered the city and gave orders that not a man was to leave theranks. [5] Croesus, who had shut himself up inside his palace, criedout on Cyrus, and Cyrus left a guard round the building while he himselfwent to inspect the captured citadel. Here he found the Persians keepingguard in perfect order, but the Chaldaean quarters were deserted, forthe men had rushed down to pillage the town. Immediately he summonedtheir officers, and bade them leave his army at once. [6] "I could neverendure, " he said, "to have undisciplined fellows seizing the best ofeverything. You know well enough, " he added, "all that was in store foryou. I meant to make all who served with me the envy of their fellows;but now, " he said, "you cannot be surprised if you encounter some onestronger than yourselves on your way home. " [7] Fear fell on the Chaldaeans at this, and they intreated him to layaside his anger and vowed they would give back all the booty they hadtaken. He answered that he had no need of it himself. "But if, " headded, "you wish to appease me, you will hand it over to those whostayed and guarded the citadel. For if my soldiers see that disciplinemeans reward, all will be well with us. " [8] So the Chaldaeans did as he bade them, and the faithful and obedientreceived all manner of good things. Then Cyrus made his troops encamp in the most convenient quarter ofthe town, and told them to stay at their posts and take their breakfastthere. [9] That done, he gave orders that Croesus should be brought tohim, and when he came into his presence, Croesus cried: "Hail, Cyrus, my lord and master! Fate has given you that title from nowhenceforward, and thus must I salute you. " [20] "All hail to you likewise, " answered Cyrus: "we are both of us men. And tell me now, " he continued, "would you be more willing to advise meas a friend?" "I should be more than glad, " said Croesus, "to do youany good. It would mean good for myself, I know. " [11] "Listen, then, "answered Cyrus: "I see that my soldiers have endured much toil andencountered many dangers, and now they are persuaded that they havetaken the wealthiest city in all Asia, after Babylon. I would not havethem cheated of their recompense, seeing that if they win nothing bytheir labour, I know not how I can keep them obedient to me for long. Yet I am unwilling to give them this city over to plunder. I believeit would be utterly destroyed, and moreover I know full well that inplunder the worst villains win the most. " [12] To this Croesus answered, "Suffer me then to tell what Lydians Iplease that I have won your promise that the city shall not be sacked, nor their women and children made away with. [13] I promise you inreturn that my men will bring you willingly everything that is costlyand beautiful in Sardis. If I can announce such terms, I am certainthere is not one treasure belonging to man or woman that will not beyours to-morrow. Further, on this day year, the city will overflow oncemore with wealth and beauty. But if you sack it, you will destroythe crafts in its ruin, and they, we know, are the well-spring of allloveliness. [14] Howbeit, you need not decide at once, wait and see whatis brought to you. Send first, " he added, "to my own treasuries, and letyour guards take some of my own men with them. " To all this Cyrus consented, and then he said: [15] "And now, O Croesus, tell me one thing more. How did matters gobetween you and the oracle at Delphi? It is said that you did muchreverence to Apollo and obeyed him in all things. " [16] "I could wish it had been so, " said Croesus, "but, truth to say, from the beginning I have acted in all things against him. " "How canthat be?" said Cyrus. "Explain it to me: for your words seem strangeindeed. " [17] "Because, " he answered, "in the first place, instead ofasking the god for all I wanted I must needs put him to the test, to seeif he could speak the truth. This, " he added, "no man of honour couldendure, let be the godhead. Those who are doubted cannot love theirdoubters. [18] And yet he stood the test; for though the things I didwere strange, and I was many leagues from Delphi, he knew them all. Andso I resolved to consult him about my children. [19] At first he wouldnot so much as answer me, but I sent him many an offering, some of goldand some of silver, and I propitiated him, as I deemed, by countlesssacrifices, and at last he answered me when I asked him what I must dothat sons might be born to me. He said they should be born. [20] And sothey were; in that he uttered no lie, but they brought me no joy. Oneof them was dumb his whole life long, and the noblest perished in theflower of his youth. And I, crushed by these sorrows, sent again to thegod and asked him how I could live in happiness for the rest of my days, and he answered: "'Know thyself, O Croesus, and happiness shall be thine. ' "And when I heard the oracle, I was comforted. [21] I said to myself, the god has laid the lightest of tasks upon me, and promised mehappiness in return. Some of his neighbours a man may know and othersnot: but every one can know himself. [22] So I thought, and in truth solong as I was at peace I had no fault to find with my lot after myson's death; but when the Assyrian persuaded me to march against youI encountered every danger. Yet I was saved, I came to no harm. Onceagain, therefore, I have no charge to bring against the god: when I_knew myself_ incapable of warring against you, he came to my helpand saved mine and me. [23] But afterwards, intoxicated by my wealth, cajoled by those who begged me to be their leader, tempted by the giftsthey showered on me, flattered by all who said that if I would but leadthem they would obey me to a man, and that I would be the greatest rulerin all the world, and that all their kings had met together and chosenme for their champion in the war, I undertook the generalship as thoughI were born to be the monarch of the world, for I did not _know myself_. [24] I thought myself able to fight against you, you who are sprung fromthe seed of the gods, born of a royal line, trained in valour and virtuefrom your youth, while I--I believe that the first of my ancestors toreign won his freedom and his crown on the self-same day. For this dullignorance of mine I see I am justly punished. [25] But now at last, OCyrus, " he cried, "now I _know myself_. And tell me, do you think thegod will still speak truth? Do you think that, knowing myself, I can behappy now? I ask you, because you of all men have it in your power toanswer best. Happiness is yours to give. " [26] Cyrus answered, "Give me time to deliberate, Croesus. I bear inmind your former happiness and I pity you. I give you back at once yourwife and your daughters (for they tell me you have daughters), and yourfriends and your attendants; they are yours once more. And yours it isto sit at your own table as you used to live. But battles and wars Imust put out of your power. " [27] "Now by the gods above us, " cried Croesus, "you need take nofurther thought about your answer: if you will do for me what you say, I shall live the life that all men called the happiest of lives, and Iknew that they were right. " [28] "And who, " said Cyrus, "who was it thatlived that life of happiness?" "My own wife, " said Croesus; "she sharedall my good things with me, my luxuries, my softest joys; but in thecares on which those joys were based, in war and battle and strife, shehad no part or lot. Methinks, you will provide for me as I provided forher whom I loved beyond all others in the world, and I must needs sendto Apollo again, and send thank-offerings. " [29] And as Cyrus listened he marvelled at the man's contentedness ofsoul, and for the future wherever he went he took Croesus with him, either because he thought he might be useful or perhaps because he feltit was safer so. [C. 3] So for that night they rested. But the next day Cyrus called hisfriends and generals together and told some to make an inventory oftheir treasures and others to receive all the wealth that Croesusbrought in. First they were to set aside for the gods all that thePersian priests thought fit, and then store the rest in coffers, weightthem, and pack them on waggons, distributing the waggons by lot to takewith them on the march, so that they could receive their proper share atany convenient time. [2] So they set about the work. Then Cyrus called some of his squires and said: "Tell me, have any of you seen Abradatas? I wonder that he who used tocome to me so often is nowhere to be found. " [3] Then one of the squires made answer, "My lord, he is dead: he fellin the battle, charging straight into the Egyptian ranks: the rest, allbut his own companions, swerved before their close array. [4] And now, "he added, "we hear that his wife has found his body and laid it in herown car, and has brought it here to the banks of the Pactolus. [5] Herchamberlains and her attendants are digging a grave for the dead manupon a hill, and she, they say, has put her fairest raiment on himand her jewels, and she is seated on the ground with his head upon herknees. " [6] Then Cyrus smote his hand upon his thigh and leapt up and sprang tohorse, galloping to the place of sorrow, with a thousand troopers at hisback. [7] He bade Gadatas and Gobryas take what jewels they could findto honour the dear friend and brave warrior who had fallen, and followwith all speed: and he bade the keepers of the herds, the cattle, andthe horses drive up their flocks wherever they heard he was, that hemight sacrifice on the grave. [8] But when he saw Pantheia seated on the ground and the dead man lyingthere, the tears ran down his cheeks and he cried: "O noble and loyal spirit, have you gone from us?" Then he took the dead man by the hand, but the hand came away with hisown: it had been hacked by an Egyptian blade. [9] And when he saw that, his sorrow grew, and Pantheia sobbed aloud and took the hand from Cyrusand kissed it and laid it in its place, as best she could, and said: [10] "It is all like that, Cyrus. But why should you see it?" Andpresently she said, "All this, I know, he suffered for my sake, and foryours too, Cyrus, perhaps as much. I was a fool: I urged him so to bearhimself as became a faithful friend of yours, and he, I know, he neverthought once of his own safety, but only of what he might do to show hisgratitude. Now he has fallen, without a stain upon his valour: and I, who urged him, I live on to sit beside his grave. " [11] And Cyrus wept silently for a while, and then he said: "Lady, his end was the noblest and the fairest that could be: he diedin the hour of victory. Take these gifts that I have brought and adornhim. " For now Gobryas and Gadatas appeared with store of jewels and richapparel. "He shall not lack for honour, " Cyrus said; "many hands willraise his monument: it shall be a royal one; and we will offer suchsacrifice as befits a hero. [12] And you, lady, " he added, "you shallnot be left desolate. I reverence your chastity and your nobleness, andI will give you a guardian to lead you withersoever you choose, if youwill but tell me to whom you wish to go. " [13] And Pantheia answered: "Be at rest, Cyrus, I will not hide from you to whom I long to go. " [14] Therewith Cyrus took his leave of her and went, pitying from hisheart the woman who had lost so brave a husband, and the dead man in hisgrave, taken from so sweet a wife, never to see her more. Then Pantheiabade her chamberlains stand aside "until, " she said, "I have wept overhim as I would. " But she made her nurse stay with her and she said: "Nurse, when I am dead, cover us with the same cloak. " And the nurseentreated and besought her, but she could not move her, and when shesaw that she did but vex her mistress, she sat down and wept in silence. Then Pantheia took the scimitar, that had been ready for her so long, and drew it across her throat, and dropped her head upon her husband'sbreast and died. And the nurse cried bitterly, but she covered the twowith one cloak as her mistress had bidden her. [15] And when Cyrus heard what Pantheia had done he rushed out in horrorto see if he could save her. And when the three chamberlains saw whathad happened they drew their own scimitars and killed themselves, therewhere she had bidden them stand. [16, 17] And when Cyrus came to thatplace of sorrow, he looked with wonder and reverence on the woman, andwept for her and went his way and saw that all due honour was paid tothose who lay there dead, and a mighty sepulchre was raised above them, mightier, men say, than had been seen in all the world before. [C. 4] After this the Carians, who were always at war and strife with oneanother, because their dwellings were fortified, sent to Cyrus andasked for aid. Cyrus himself was unwilling to leave Sardis, where hewas having engines of artillery made and battering-rams to overthrowthe walls of those who would not listen to him. But he sent Adousius, aPersian, in his place, a man of sound judgment and a stout soldierand withal a person of winning presence. He gave him an army; and theCilicians and Cypriotes were very ready to serve under him. [2] Thatwas why Cyrus never sent a Persian satrap to govern either Cilicia orCyprus; he was always satisfied with the native kings; only he exactedtribute and levied troops whenever he needed them. [3] So Adousius took his army and marched into Caria, where he was metby the men of both parties, ready to receive him inside their walls tothe detriment of their opponents. Adousius treated each in exactly thesame way, he told whichever side was pleading that he thought their casewas just, but it was essential that the others should not realise hewas their friend, "for thus, you perceive, I will take them unpreparedwhenever I attack. " He insisted they should give him pledges of good faith, and the Carianshad to swear they would receive him without fraud or guile within theirwalls and for the welfare of Cyrus and the Persians; and on his side hewas willing to swear that he would enter without fraud or guile himselfand for the welfare of those who received him. [4] Having imposed theseterms on either party without the knowledge of the other, he fixed onthe same night with both, entered the walls, and had the strongholdsof both parties in his hands. At break of day he took his place in themidst with his army, and sent for the leading men on either side. Thusconfronted with each other they were more than a little vexed, and bothimagined they had been cheated. [5] However, Adousius began: "Gentlemen, I took an oath to you that I would enter your walls withoutfraud or guile and for the welfare of those who received me. Now if I amforced to destroy either of you, I am persuaded I shall have entered tothe detriment of the Carians. But if I give you peace, so that you cantill your lands in safety, I imagine I shall have come for your welfare. Therefore from this day forwards you must meet on friendly terms, cultivate your fields without fear, give your children to each other, and if any one offends against these laws, Cyrus and ourselves will behis enemies. " [6] At that the city gates were flung wide open, the roads were filledwith folk hurrying to one another, the fields were thronged withlabourers. They held high festival together, and the land was full ofpeace and joyfulness. [7] Meanwhile messengers came from Cyrus inquiring whether there wasneed for more troops or siege-engines, but Adousius answered, on thecontrary his present force was at Cyrus' service to employ elsewhereif he wished, and so drew off his army, only leaving a garrison in thecitadels. Thereupon the Carians implored him to remain, and when hewould not, they sent to Cyrus begging him to make Adousius their satrap. [8] Meanwhile Cyrus had sent Hystaspas with an army into Phrygia onthe Hellespont, and when Adousius came back he bade him follow, for thePhrygians would be more willing to obey Hystaspas if they heard thatanother army was advancing. [9] Now the Hellenes on the seaboard offered many gifts and bargainednot to receive the Asiatics within their walls, but only to pay tributeand serve wherever Cyrus commanded. [10] But the king of Phrygia madepreparations to hold his fortresses and not yield, and sent out ordersto that effect. However, when his lieutenants deserted him and he foundhimself all alone, he had to put himself in the hands of Hystaspas, andleave his fate to the judgment of Cyrus. Then Hystaspas stationed strongPersian garrisons in all the citadels, and departed, taking with him notonly his own troops but many mounted men and targeteers from Phrygia. [11] And Cyrus sent word to Adousius to join Hystaspas, put himself atthe head of those who had submitted and allow them to retain their arms, while those who showed a disposition to resist were to be deprived oftheir horses and their weapons and made to follow the army as slingers. [12] While his lieutenants were thus employed, Cyrus set out fromSardis, leaving a large force of infantry to garrison the place, andtaking Croesus with him, and a long train of waggons laden with richesof every kind. Croesus presented an accurate inventory of everything ineach waggon, and said, as he delivered the scrolls: "With these in your possession, Cyrus, you can tell whether yourofficers are handing over their freights in full or not. " [13] And Cyrus answered: "It was kindly done, Croesus, on your part, to take thought for this:but I have arranged that the freights should be in charge of those whoare entitled to them, so that if the men steal, they steal their ownproperty. " With these words he handed the documents to his friends and officers toserve as checks on their own stewards. [14] Cyrus also took Lydians in his train; allowing some to carry arms, those, namely, who were at pains to keep their weapons in good order, and their horses and chariots, and who did their best to please him, butif they gave themselves ungracious airs, he took away their horses andbestowed them on the Persians who had served him from the beginning ofthe campaign, burnt their weapons, and forced them to follow the armyas slingers. [15] Indeed, as a rule, he compelled all the subjectpopulation who had been disarmed to practise the use of the sling: itwas, he considered, a weapon for slaves. No doubt there are occasionswhen a body of slingers, working with other detachments, can doexcellent service, but, taken alone, not all the slingers in the worldcould face a mere handful armed with steel. [16] Cyrus was marching to Babylon, but on his way he subdued thePhrygians of Greater Phrygia and the Cappadocians, and reduced theArabians to subjection. These successes enabled him to increase hisPersian cavalry till it was not far short of forty thousand men, and hehad still horses left over to distribute among his allies at large. At length he came before Babylon with an immense body of cavalry, archers, and javelin-men, beside slingers innumerable. [C. 5] When Cyrus reached the city he surrounded it entirely with hisforces, and then rode round the walls himself, attended by his friendsand the leading officers of the allies. [2] Having surveyed thefortifications, he prepared to lead off his troops, and at that momenta deserter came to inform him that the Assyrians intended to attack assoon as he began to withdraw, for they had inspected his forces from thewalls and considered them very weak. This was not surprising, for thecircuit of the city was so enormous that it was impossible to surroundit without seriously thinning the lines. [3] When Cyrus heard of theirintention, he took up his post in the centre of his troops with his ownstaff round him and sent orders to the infantry for the wings to doubleback on either side, marching past the stationary centre of the line, until they met in the rear exactly opposite himself. [4] Thus the menin front were immediately encouraged by the doubling of their depth, and those who retired were equally cheered, for they saw that the otherswould encounter the enemy first. The two wings being united, the powerof the whole force was strengthened, those behind being protected bythose in front and those in front supported by those behind. [5] Whenthe phalanx was thus folded back on itself, both the front and the rearranks were formed of picked men, a disposition that seemed calculatedto encourage valour and check flight. On the flanks, the cavalry and thelight infantry were drawn nearer and nearer to the commander as the linecontracted. [6] When the whole phalanx was in close order, they fellback from the walls, slowly, facing the foe, until they were out ofrange; then they turned, marched a few paces, and then wheeled roundagain to the left, and halted, facing the walls, but the further theygot the less often they paused, until, feeling themselves secure, theyquickened their pace and went off in an uninterrupted march until theyreached their quarters. [7] When they were encamped, Cyrus called a council of his officers andsaid, "My friends and allies, we have surveyed the city on every side, and for my part I fail to see any possibility of taking by assault wallsso lofty and so strong: on the other hand, the greater the populationthe more quickly must they yield to hunger, unless they come out tofight. If none of you have any other scheme to suggest, I propose thatwe reduce them by blockade. " [8] Then Chrysantas spoke: "Does not the river flow through the middle of the city, and it is notat least a quarter of a mile in width?" "To be sure it is, " answered Gobryas, "and so deep that the water wouldcover two men, one standing on the other's shoulders; in fact the cityis even better protected by its river than by its walls. " [9] At which Cyrus said, "Well, Chrysantas, we must forego what isbeyond our power: but let us measure off at once the work for each ofus, set to, and dig a trench as wide and as deep as we can, that we mayneed as few guards as possible. " [10] Thereupon Cyrus took his measurements all round the city, and, leaving a space on either bank of the river large enough for a loftytower, he had a gigantic trench dug from end to end of the wall, hismen heaping up the earth on their own side. [11] Then he set to workto build his towers by the river. The foundations were of palm-trees, ahundred feet long and more--the palm-tree grows to a greater height thanthat, and under pressure it will curve upwards like the spine of anass beneath a load. [12] He laid these foundations in order to give theimpression that he meant to besiege the town, and was taking precautionsso that the river, even if it found its way into his trench, should notcarry off his towers. Then he had other towers built along the mound, so as to have as many guard-posts as possible. [13] Thus his army wasemployed, but the men within the walls laughed at his preparations, knowing they had supplies to last them more than twenty years. WhenCyrus heard that, he divided his army into twelve, each division to keepguard for one month in the year. [14] At this the Babylonians laughedlouder still, greatly pleased at the idea of being guarded by Phrygiansand Lydians and Arabians and Cappadocians, all of whom, they thought, would be more friendly to themselves than to the Persians. [15] However by this time the trenches were dug. And Cyrus heard that itwas a time of high festival in Babylon when the citizens drink and makemerry the whole night long. As soon as the darkness fell, he set hismen to work. [16] The mouths of the trenches were opened, and during thenight the water poured in, so that the river-bed formed a highway intothe heart of the town. [17] When the great stream had taken to its new channel, Cyrus orderedhis Persian officers to bring up their thousands, horse and foot alike, each detachment drawn up two deep, the allies to follow in their oldorder. [18] They lined up immediately, and Cyrus made his own bodyguarddescend into the dry channel first, to see if the bottom was firm enoughfor marching. [19] When they said it was, he called a council of all hisgenerals and spoke as follows: [20] "My friends, the river has stepped aside for us; he offers us apassage by his own high-road into Babylon. We must take heart and enterfearlessly, remembering that those against whom we are to march thisnight are the very men we have conquered before, and that too when theyhad their allies to help them, when they were awake, alert, and sober, armed to the teeth, and in their battle order. [21] To-night we goagainst them when some are asleep and some are drunk, and all areunprepared: and when they learn that we are within the walls, sheerastonishment will make them still more helpless than before. [22] If anyof you are troubled by the thought of volleys from the roofs when thearmy enters the city, I bid you lay these fears aside: if our enemiesdo climb their roofs we have a god to help us, the god of Fire. Theirporches are easily set aflame, for the doors are made of palm-wood andvarnished with bitumen, the very food of fire. [23] And we shall comewith the pine-torch to kindle it, and with pitch and tow to feed it. They will be forced to flee from their homes or be burnt to death. [24]Come, take your swords in your hand: God helping me, I will lead you on. Do you, " he said, turning to Gadatas and Gobryas, "show us the streets, you know them; and once we are inside, lead us straight to the palace. " [25] "So we will, " said Gobryas and his men, "and it would not surpriseus to find the palace-gates unbarred, for this night the whole city isgiven over to revelry. Still, we are sure to find a guard, for one isalways stationed there. " "Then, " said Cyrus, "there is no time for lingering; we must be off atonce and take them unprepared. " [26] Thereupon they entered: and of those they met some were struck downand slain, and others fled into their houses, and some raised the hueand cry, but Gobryas and his friends covered the cry with their shouts, as though they were revellers themselves. And thus, making their way bythe quickest route, they soon found themselves before the king's palace. [27] Here the detachment under Gobryas and Gadatas found the gatesclosed, but the men appointed to attack the guards rushed on them asthey lay drinking round a blazing fire, and closed with them then andthere. [28] As the din grew louder and louder, those within became awareof the tumult, till, the king bidding them see what it meant, some ofthem opened the gates and ran out. [29] Gadatas and his men, seeing thegates swing wide, darted in, hard on the heels of the others who fledback again, and they chased them at the sword's point into the presenceof the king. [30] They found him on his feet, with his drawn scimitar in his hand. Bysheer weight of numbers they overwhelmed him: and not one of his retinueescaped, they were all cut down, some flying, others snatching upanything to serve as a shield and defending themselves as best theycould. [31] Cyrus sent squadrons of cavalry down the different roadswith orders to kill all they found in the street, while those who knewAssyrian were to warn the inhabitants to stay indoors under pain ofdeath. [32] While they carried out these orders, Gobryas and Gadatasreturned, and first they gave thanks to the gods and did obeisancebecause they had been suffered to take vengeance on their unrighteousking, and then they fell to kissing the hands and feet of Cyrus, shedding tears of joy and gratitude. [33] And when it was day and thosewho held the heights knew that the city was taken and the king slain, they were persuaded to surrender the citadel themselves. [34] Cyrus tookit over forthwith, and sent in a commandant and a garrison, while hedelivered the bodies of the fallen to their kinsfolk for burial, andbade his heralds make proclamation that all the citizens must deliverup their arms: wherever weapons were discovered in any house all theinmates would be put to death. So the arms were surrendered, and Cyrushad them placed in the citadel for use in case of need. [35] When allwas done he summoned the Persian priests and told them the city was thecaptive of his spear and bade them set aside the first-fruits of thebooty as an offering to the gods and mark out land for sacred demesnes. Then he distributed the houses and the public buildings to those whomhe counted his partners in the exploit; and the distribution was onthe principle accepted, the best prizes to the bravest men: and if anythought they had not received their deserts they were invited to comeand tell him. [36] At the same time he issued a proclamation to theBabylonians, bidding them till the soil and pay the dues and renderwilling service to those under whose rule they were placed. As for hispartners the Persians, and such of his allies as elected to remainwith him, he gave them to understand they were to treat as subjects thecaptives they received. [37] After this Cyrus felt that the time was come to assume the styleand manner that became a king: and he wished this to be done with thegoodwill and concurrence of his friends and in such a way that, withoutseeming ungracious, he might appear but seldom in public and always witha certain majesty. Therefore he devised the following scheme. At breakof day he took his station at some convenient place, and received allwho desired speech with him, and then dismissed them. [38] The people, when they heard that he gave audience, thronged to him in multitudes, and in the struggle to gain access there was much jostling and schemingand no little fighting. [39] His attendants did their best to dividethe suitors, and introduce them in some order, and whenever any of hispersonal friends appeared, thrusting their way through the crowd, Cyruswould stretch out his hand and draw them to his side and say, "Wait, myfriends, until we have finished with this crowd, and then we can talk atour ease. " So his friends would wait, but the multitude would pour on, growing greater and greater, until the evening would fall before therehad been a moment's leisure for his friends. [40] All that Cyrus coulddo then was to say, "Perhaps, gentlemen, it is a little late thisevening and time that we broke up. Be sure to come early to-morrow. I amvery anxious myself to speak with you. " With that his friends were onlytoo glad to be dismissed, and made off without more ado. They had donepenance enough, fasting and waiting and standing all day long. [41] Sothey would get to rest at last, but the next morning Cyrus was at thesame spot and a much greater concourse of suitors round him than before, already assembled long before his friends arrived. Accordingly Cyrus hada cordon of Persian lancers stationed round him, and gave out that noone except his personal friends and the generals were to be allowedaccess, and as soon as they were admitted he said: [42] "My friends, we cannot exclaim against the gods as though they hadfailed to fulfil our prayers. They have granted all we asked. But ifsuccess means that a man must forfeit his own leisure and the goodcompany of all his friends, why, to that kind of happiness I wouldrather bid farewell. [43] Yesterday, " he added, "I make no doubt youobserved yourselves that from early dawn till late evening I neverceased listening to petitioners, and to-day you see this crowd beforeus, larger still than yesterday's, ready with business for me. [44] Ifthis must be submitted to, I calculate that what you will get of meand I of you will be little enough, and what I shall get of myself willsimply be nothing at all. Further, " he added, "I foresee another absurdconsequence. [45] I, personally, have a feeling towards you which I neednot state, but, of that audience yonder, scarcely one of them do I knowat all, and yet they are all prepared to thrust themselves in front ofyou, transact their business, and get what they want out of me beforeany of you have a chance. I should have thought it more suitable myselfthat men of that class, if they wanted anything from me, should pay somecourt to you, my friends, in the hopes of an introduction. [46] Perhapsyou will ask why I did not so arrange matters from the first, instead ofalways appearing in public. Because in war it is the first business ofa commander not to be behindhand in knowing what ought to be done andseeing that it is done, and the general who is seldom seen is apt to letthings slip. [47] But to-day, when war with its insatiable demands isover, I feel as if I had some claim myself to rest and refreshment. I amin some perplexity, however, as to how I can arrange matters so thatall goes well, not only with you and me, but also with those whom we arebound to care for. Therefore I seek your advice and counsel, and I wouldbe glad to learn from any of you the happiest solution. " [48] Cyrus paused, and up rose Artabazus the Mede, who had claimed to behis kinsman, and said: "You did well, Cyrus, to open this matter. Years ago, when you werestill a boy, from the very first I longed to be your friend, but I sawyou did not need me, and so I shrank from approaching you. [49] Thencame a lucky moment when you did have need of me to be your goodmessenger among the Medes with the order from Cyaxares, and I said tomyself that if I did the work well, if I really helped you, I mightbecome your comrade and have the right to talk with you as often as Iwished. [50] Well, the work was done, and done so as to win your praise. After that the Hyrcanians joined us, the first friends we made, when wewere hungry and thirsty for allies, and we loved them so much we almostcarried them about with us in our arms wherever we went. Then theenemy's camp was taken, and I scarcely think you had the leisure totrouble your head with me--oh, I quite forgave you. [51] The next thingwas that Gobryas became your friend, and I had to take my leave, andafter him Gadatas, and by that time it was a real task to get hold ofyou. Then came the alliances with the Sakians, and the Cadousians, andno doubt you had to pay them court; if they danced attendance on you, you must dance attendance on them. [52] So that there I was, back againat my starting-point, and yet all the while, as I saw you busy withhorses and chariots and artillery, I consoled myself by thinking, 'whenhe is done with this he will have a little leisure for me. ' And thencame the terrible news that the whole world was gathering in armsagainst us; I could not deny that these were important matters, butstill I felt certain, if all went well, a time would come at last whenyou need not grudge me your company, and we should be together tomy heart's content, you and I. [53] Now, the day has come; we haveconquered in the great battle; we have taken Sardis and Babylon; theworld is at our feet, and yesterday, by Mithras! unless I had used myfists a hundred times, I swear I could never have got near you at all. Well, you grasped my hand and gave me greeting, and bade me wait besideyou, and there I waited, the cynosure of every eye, the envy of everyman, standing there all day long, without a scrap to eat or a drop todrink. [54] So now, if any way can be found by which we who have servedyou longest can get the most of you, well and good: but, if not, praysend me as your messenger once more, and this time I will tell them theycan all leave you, except those who were your friends of old. " [55] This appeal set them all laughing, Cyrus with the rest. ThenChrysantas the Persian stood up and spoke as follows: "Formerly, Cyrus, it was natural and right that you should appear inpublic, for the reasons you have given us yourself, and also becausewe were not the folk you had to pay your court to. We did not needinviting: we were with you for our own sakes. It was necessary to winover the masses by every means, if they were to share our toils and ourdangers willingly. [56] But now you have won them, and not them alone;you have it in your power to gain others, and the moment has come whenyou ought to have a house to yourself. What would your empire profityou if you alone were left without hearth or home? Man has nothing moresacred than his home, nothing sweeter, nothing more truly his. And doyou not think, " he added, "that we ourselves would be ashamed if we sawyou bearing the hardships of the camp while we sat at home by our ownfiresides? Should we not feel we had done you wrong, and taken advantageof you?" [57] When Chrysantas had spoken thus, many others followed him, and allto the same effect. And so it came about that Cyrus entered the palace, and those in charge brought the treasures from Sardis thither, andhanded them over. And Cyrus when he entered sacrificed to Hestia, thegoddess of the Hearth, and to Zeus the Lord, and to any other gods namedby the Persian priests. [58] This done, he set himself to regulate the matters that remained. Thinking over his position, and the attempt he was making to govern anenormous multitude, preparing at the same time to take up his abode inthe greatest of all famous cities, but yet a city that was as hostile tohim as a city could be, pondering all this, he concluded that he couldnot dispense with a bodyguard for himself. [59] He knew well enough thata man can most easily be assassinated at his meals, or in his bath, orin bed, or when he is asleep, and he asked himself who were most tobe trusted of those he had about him. A man, he believed, can never beloyal or trustworthy who is likely to love another more than the onewho requires his guardianship. [60] He knew that men with children, orwives, or favourites in whom they delight, must needs love them most:while eunuchs, who are deprived of all such dear ones, would surely makemost account of him who could enrich them, or help them if they wereinjured, or crown them with honour. And in the conferring of suchbenefits he was disposed to think he could outbid the world. [61]Moreover the eunuch, being degraded in the eyes of other men, is drivento seek the assistance of some lord and master. Without some suchprotection there is not a man in the world who would not think hehad the right to over-reach a eunuch: while there was every reason tosuppose that the eunuch would be the most faithful of all servants. [62]As for the customary notion that the eunuch must be weak and cowardly, Cyrus was not disposed to accept it. He studied the indications to beobserved in animals: a vicious horse, if gelded, will cease to bite andbe restive, but he will charge as gallantly as ever; a bull that hasbeen cut will become less fierce and less intractable, but he will notlose his strength, he will be as good as ever for work; castrationmay cure a dog of deserting his master, but it will not ruin him as awatch-dog or spoil him for the chase. [63] So, too, with men; when cutoff from this passion, they become gentler, no doubt, but not less quickto obey, not less daring as horsemen, not less skilful with the javelin, not less eager for honour. [64] In war and in the chase they showplainly enough that the fire of ambition is still burning in theirhearts. And they have stood the last test of loyalty in the downfallof their masters. No men have shown more faithfulness than eunuchs whenruin has fallen on their lords. [65] In bodily strength, perhaps, theeunuchs seem to be lacking, but steel is a great leveller, and makesthe weak man equal to the strong in war. Holding this in mind, Cyrusresolved that his personal attendants, from his doorkeepers onwards, should be eunuchs one and all. [66] This guard, however, he felt was hardly sufficient against themultitude of enemies, and he asked himself whom he could choose amongthe rest. [67] He remembered how his Persians led the sorriest of livesat home owing to their poverty, working long and hard on the niggardsoil, and he felt sure they were the men who would most value the lifeat his court. [68] Accordingly he selected ten thousand lancers fromamong them, to keep guard round the palace, night and day, wheneverhe was at home, and to march beside him whenever he went abroad. [69]Moreover, he felt that Babylon must always have an adequate garrison, whether he was in the country or not, and therefore he stationed aconsiderable body of troops in the city; and he bade the Babyloniansprovide their pay, his object being to make the citizens helpless, and therefore humble and submissive. [70] This royal guard that heestablished there, and the city guard for Babylon, survive to this dayunaltered. Lastly, as he pondered how the whole empire was to be kept together, andpossibly another added to it, he felt convinced that his mercenaries didnot make up for the smallness of their numbers by their superiorityto the subject peoples. Therefore he must keep together those bravewarriors, to whom with heaven's help the victory was due, and he musttake all care that they did not lose their valour, hardihood, and skill. [71] To avoid the appearance of dictating to them and to bring it aboutthat they should see for themselves it was best to stay with him andremember their valour and their training, he called a council of thePeers and of the leading men who seemed to him most worthy of sharingtheir dangers and their rewards. [72] And when they were met he began: "Gentlemen, my friends and allies, we owe the utmost thanks to the godsbecause they have given us what we believed that we deserved. We aremasters to-day of a great country and a good; and those who till it willsupport us; we have houses of our own, and all the furniture that is inthem is ours. [73] For you need not think that what you hold belongs toothers. It is an eternal law the wide world over, that when a city istaken in war, the citizens, their persons, and all their property fallinto the hands of the conquerors. It is not by injustice, therefore, that you hold what you have taken, rather it is through your own humankindness that the citizens are allowed to keep whatever they do retain. [74] "Yet I foresee that if we betake ourselves to the life of indolenceand luxury, the life of the degenerate who think that labour is theworst of evils and freedom from toil the height of happiness, the daywill come, and speedily, when we shall be unworthy of ourselves, andwith the loss of honour will come the loss of wealth. [75] Once to havebeen valiant is not enough; no man can keep his valour unless he watchover it to the end. As the arts decay through neglect, as the body, oncehealthy and alert, will grow weak through sloth and indolence, even sothe powers of the spirit, temperance, self-control, and courage, if wegrow slack in training, fall back once more to rottenness and death. [76] We must watch ourselves; we must not surrender to the sweetnessof the day. It is a great work, methinks, to found an empire, but afar greater to keep it safe. To seize it may be the fruit of daring anddaring only, but to hold it is impossible without self-restraint andself-command and endless care. [77] We must not forget this; we musttrain ourselves in virtue from now henceforward with even greaterdiligence than before we won this glory, remembering that the more a manpossesses, the more there are to envy him, to plot against him, andbe his enemies, above all when the wealth he wins and the serviceshe receives are yielded by reluctant hands. But the gods, we need notdoubt, will be upon our side; we have not triumphed through injustice;we were not the aggressors, it was we who were attacked and we avengedourselves. [78] The gods are with us, I say; but next to that supremesupport there is a defence we must provide out of our own powers alone;and that is the righteous claim to rule our subjects because we arebetter men than they. Needs must that we share with our slaves in heatand cold and food and drink and toil and slumber, and we must strive toprove our superiority even in such things as these, and first in these. [79] But in the science of war and the art of it we can admit no share;those whom we mean to make our labourers and our tributaries can have nopart in that; we will set ourselves to defraud them there; we know thatsuch exercises are the very tools of freedom and happiness, given by thegods to mortal men. We have taken their arms away from our slaves, and we must never lay our own aside, knowing well that the nearer thesword-hilt the closer the heart's desire. So. Does any man ask himselfwhat profit he has gained from the fulfilment of his dreams, if he muststill endure, still undergo hunger and thirst and toil and trouble andcare? Let him learn the lesson that a man's enjoyment of all good thingsis in exact proportion to the pains he has undergone to gain them. Toil is the seasoning of delight; without desire and longing, no dish, however costly, could be sweet. [81] Yes, if some spirit were to setbefore us what men desire most, and we were left to add for ourselvesthat final touch of sweetness, I say that we could only gain above thepoorest of the poor in so far as we could bring hunger for the mostdelicious foods, and thirst for the richest wines, and weariness to makeus woo the deepest slumber. [82] Therefore, we must strain every nerveto win and to keep manhood and nobleness; so that we may gain thatsatisfaction which is the sweetest and the best, and be saved from thebitterest of sorrows; since to fail of good altogether is not so hard asto lose the good that has once been ours. [83] And let us ask ourselveswhat excuse we could offer for being unworthy of our past. Shall we sayit is because we have won an empire? Surely it is hardly fitting thatthe ruler should be baser than the ruled. Or is it that we seem tobe happier to-day than heretofore? Is cowardice, then, an adjunct ofhappiness? Or is it simply because we have slaves and must punish themif they do wrong? But by what right can a man, who is bad himself, punish others for badness or stupidity? [84] Remember, too, that we havearranged for the maintenance of a whole multitude, to guard our personsand our houses, and it would be shameful for us to depend for safety onthe weapons of others and refuse to carry weapons for ourselves. Surelywe ought to know that there can be no defence so strong as a man's owngallantry. Courage should be our companion all our days. For if virtueleave us, nothing else whatever can go well with us. [85] What, then, would I have you do? How are we to remember our valour and train ourskill? Gentlemen, I have nothing novel to suggest; at home in Persia thePeers spend their days at the public buildings and here we should do thesame. Here we are the men of rank and honour, as we are there, and weshould hold to the same customs. You must keep your eyes on me and watchwhether I am diligent in my duty, and I shall give heed to you, andhonour him who trains himself in what is beautiful and brave. [86] Andhere too let us educate our sons, if sons are born to us. We cannot butbecome better ourselves if we strive to set the best example we can toour children, and our children could hardly grow up to be unworthy, evenif they wished, when they see nothing base before them, and hear nothingshameful, but live in the practice of all that is beautiful and good. " NOTES C1. Notice the epic tone now adopted, or rather swum into, or ratherwhich floats the writer up of its own motion. C1. 2 ff. On the whole this description of the battle is, for Xenophon, obscure. C1. 5-6. Xenophon, Artist. This military criticism and technicaldiscussion juxtaposed to the epic prelude and the epic sequel is aclever device enough. We are pleased. C1. 8-9. Final injunctions somewhat obscure, I think. C1. 24 ff. The epic and Homeric vein. C1. 33. The Egyptians have the advantage. This is noticeable in referenceto Cyrus' criticisms of their arms before battle. That is not a slip, but a dramatic touch on the part of the author, I think. And Cyrus isspeaking of cavalry there, and anticipates the result. C1. 34 fin. A singular feature this in ancient battles. Is it simplyand solely Oriental, or general, and Hellenic also? Has it any analoguenowadays anywhere? Probably with Egyptian troops in the Soudan it has(hgd. 1884). C2. 6-7. The archic man through an act of bad discipline makes gooddiscipline more acceptable. C2. 13. The civilised method of dealing with a conquered city. Instead ofpillage and rapine, an indemnity, which will bring in to the conquerorswealth, and yet not destroy the arts of the population, which are thefountain-heads of beauty. || Modern. So the archic man asserts hissuperiority once more. C2. 24. Is this also Xenophon's view? If so, it throws light on histheory of rank and caste. C3. 2. Curious Cyrus should be so little suspicious of Abradatas' death, is it not? Because the victory was not bloodless. Notice, too, how little is said of the bloodshed; that is Hellenic as well asXenophontine, I fancy. C3. 7. Something epic in all this. Cf. Archilles sacrificing at the tombof Patroklos. C3. 8 ff. The pathos of the situation and the _Eironeia_ at its maximum. "Euripidean" touches throughout. C3. 16. [This is bracketed in most editions, no doubt rightly, as aninterpolation. It was not translated in Mr. Dakyns' manuscript, but hismarginal note is characteristic, and evidently he would have translatedthe section in a footnote. It may be rendered thus: "It is said that amonument was raised above the eunuchs and is in existence to this day. On the upper slab the names of the husband and the wife are writtenin Syrian letters, and below are three other slabs, inscribed 'To thechamberlains. '"] C3. 16. Interesting, especially if of later insertion, and perhaps giventhe historical basis of the story in some monument on the Pactolus, known to Xenophon. I wish a new Schliemann would find it. Hgd. C4. Semi-historical? The version is to be found, I think, in C4. 2, whichis the _pièce justicative_. The episode itself is full of humour, asgood as a play: Xenophon has seen these duplicities often. Brer Foxoutwitted by Brer Rabbit. C4. 4. Can these rival fastnesses of the Carians be identified? All thiscountry is well known to Xenophon (_vide Hellenica_, III. C. 4, etc. ). C4. 6. Beautiful renewal of the peaceful arts, festivals, andmerry-makings after the internecine party strife. C4. 9. This again is a district Xenophon is well acquainted with. Has heone eye on the old insurrection against Persia, _tempore_ Histiaeus, andanother on the new arrangements, _tempore_ Antalcidas? C4. 12-13. Croesus and his bills of lading. Some humour. It also bringsout the archic man in opposition to the shop-keeper man of the merebusiness type. But still the bills of lading are needed. Croesus onlydoesn't "twig" the right persons to check. It's the opposition betweenDespot and true Ruler. C5. 9. Cyrus has an idea, the nature of which we shall discover later. C5. 15. Belshazzar's feast, _vide_ Daniel, cf. Hdt. Why plural, "thetrenches"? Is Xenophon obscure? His obscurity is mostly this: he expectshis reader intelligently to follow him. C5. 32. Jars somewhat on our feelings, perhaps, in its thirst forrevenge: but cf. The feeling against the assassins of Lord FrederickCavendish and Mr. Burke. [Written at the time of the Phoenix Parkmurders. ] C5. 37. Is a turning-point in the rise of the archic man (and yet hardlyyet, but at C5. 58 we shall come to bodyguards and eunuchs). At thishighest pinnacle of {arkhe} Cyrus desires to furnish himself as befitsa king. It is an historical difficulty which Xenophon has to get overor round, or is Xenophon himself in the same condemnation, so to speak?Does he also desire his archic man to be got up in a manner befittingroyalty at a certain date? Consider. C5. 42-47. These sections pose the difficulty well, and it is adifficulty, and no mistake. C5. 42 ff. Xenophon-Hellenic theory of life. The leisure to inviteone's own soul and see one's friends which is needed to make life worthliving, versus _negotia_, _negotia_, _negotia_. How far are we to beconsciously self-regarding? Cyrus versus Buddha. The Hellenic hero isnot equal to absolute non-self-regarding devotion to mere work. TheBuddha might be. C5. 48. Perhaps nothing is cleverer in the neat and skilful mosaic workof this composition than the fitting-in here of Artabazus' personal viewwith the--at last necessary--impersonal or public theory of leadership. It is pretty also that Artabazus should at length get his reward, andhumorous that he doesn't, after all, get it in the old form. C5. 49 ff. He keenly remembers each tantalizing moment of approach andseparation. A splendid speech of the humorous type. Xenophon himselfmust be credited with so much fun, and real fun it is. C5. 56 ff. Curious on this page (a) Xenophon's domestic hearth theorywithout which {arkhe} is a tinkling cymbal and empire no burthen tobe borne. His feeling for the sweetness of home || modern. In this thesecret of his happiness, || hgd. (b) His _justification_ or _raisond'être_ explanation of the eunuch system. Why doesn't he point out itshollowness also? Not from any lack of sympathy with this barren mankind. Cf. Gadatas. I think this all logically follows if the {arkhon} isto rule political enemies as well as friends: to do so {epistamenos}["asian expert"] some strange devices must be resorted to--what thinkyou, Dakyns? C5. 58. The need of a bodyguard. The dragon-fly must wing his flight inarmour cased: that is the law of his development. So Cyrus must be inthe end an ideal "tyrannus, " the one spoken of by Simonides the poet toHiero [_vide_ the dialogue _Hiero_, and the notes thereto in Mr. Dakyns'translation, Vol. III. ]. C5. 64. The faithfulness of the eunuch has its parallel in that of theold negro slave. C5. 67. These are the sort of fellows Xenophon would have chosen himself, I take it. Again the historical basis has to be taken account of. Xenophon has to explain to himself the existence of their body and howthe archic man came to invent it. Throughout we must compare the_Hiero_ for Xenophon's own political theory apart from his romantic andphilosophical interest in Cyrus. C5. 69. Not a pleasant picture of subject and ruling race. Cf. TheAustrians in Italy. C5. 73. The Hellenic || the modern theory, but more rudely expressed. Theconquerors right to the land he has taken, and what Cyrus proceeds tosay is quite up to the modern mark. C5. 74. Of course this is precisely what the Persians as they degenerateddid come to, nor did the good example of the archic man nor his preceptsnor his institutions save them. C5. 77-79. "Military" theory of virtue: almost barbaric (_ex measententia_ hgd. ). But Xenophon is not absolutely = Cyrus. C5. 80 ff. This is the Socratico-Xenophontine hedonism-and-stoicismcombined. C5. 82 ff. A noble sermon on the need of straining every nerve tovirtuous training. Splendidly rhetorical and forceful. C5. 84. Cyrus (i. E. Xenophon) is aware of the crisis he and his are goingthrough. If externalism has to be adopted to hedge royalty, stilla further inner change is demanded: there must be a correspondingspiritual growth. C5. 86. One of the noblest sayings in all Xenophon. The one somehow whichtouches me most. The best way to improve ourselves is to see that we setour boys the best examples. BOOK VIII [C. 1] Such were the words of Cyrus; and Chrysantas rose up after him, saying, "Gentlemen, this is not the first time I have had occasion toobserve that a good ruler differs in no respect from a good father. Evenas a father takes thought that blessings may never fail his children, so Cyrus would commend to us the ways by which we can preserve ourhappiness. And yet, on one point, it seemed to me he had spoken lessfully than he might; and I will try to explain it for the benefit ofthose who have not learnt it. [2] I would have you ask yourselves, wasever a hostile city captured by an undisciplined force? Did ever anundisciplined garrison save a friendly town? When discipline was gone, did ever an army conquer? Is ever disaster nearer than when each soliderthinks about his private safety only? Nay, in peace as in war, can anygood be gained if men will not obey their betters? What city could be atrest, lawful, and orderly? What household could be safe? What ship sailhome to her haven? [3] And we, to what do we owe our triumph, if not toour obedience? We obeyed; we were ready to follow the call by night andday; we marched behind our leader, ranks that nothing could resist; weleft nothing half-done of all we were told to do. If obedience is theone path to win the highest good, remember it is also the one way topreserve it. [4] Now in the old days, doubtless, many of us ruled no oneelse, we were simply ruled. But to-day you find yourselves rulers, oneand all of you, some over many and some over few. And just as you wouldwish your subjects to obey you, so we must obey those who are set overus. Yet there should be this difference between ourselves and slaves; aslave renders unwilling service to his lord, but we, if we claim to befreemen, must do of our own free will that which we see to be the best. And you will find, " he added, "that even when no single man is ruler, that city which is most careful to obey authority is the last to bow tothe will of her enemies. [5] Let us listen to the words of Cyrus. Letus gather round the public buildings and train ourselves, so that we maykeep our hold on all we care for, and offer ourselves to Cyrus for hisnoble ends. Of one thing we may be sure: Cyrus will never put us to anyservice which can make for his own good and not for ours. Our needs arethe same as his, and our foes the same. " [6] When Chrysantas had said his say, many others followed to supporthim, Persians and allies alike, and it was agreed that the men of rankand honour should be in attendance continually at the palace gates, ready for Cyrus to employ, until he gave them their dismissal. Thatcustom is still in force, and to this day the Asiatics under the GreatKing wait at the door of their rulers. [7] And the measures that Cyrusinstituted to preserve his empire, as set forth in this account, arestill the law of the land, maintained by all the kings who followed him. [8] Only as in other matters, so here; with a good ruler, the governmentis pure; with a bad one, corrupt. Thus it came about that the nobles ofCyrus and all his honourable men waited at his gates, with their weaponsand their horses, according to the common consent of the gallant men whohad helped to lay the empire at his feet. [9] Then Cyrus turned to other matters, and appointed various overseers:he had receivers of revenue, controllers of finance, ministers of works, guardians of property, superintendents of the household. Moreover, hechose managers for his horses and his dogs, men who could be trustedto keep the creatures in the best condition and ready for use atany moment. [10] But when it came to those who were to be hisfellow-guardians for the commonwealth, he would not leave the care andthe training of these to others; he regarded that as his own personaltask. He knew, if he were ever to fight a battle, he would have tochoose his comrades and supporters, the men on his right hand andleft, from these and these alone; it was from them he must appoint hisofficers for horse and foot. [11] If he had to send out a general aloneit would be from them that one must be sent: he must depend on them forsatraps and governors over cities and nations; he would require them forambassadors, and an embassy was, he knew, the best means for obtainingwhat he wanted without war. [12] He foresaw that nothing could go wellif the agents in his weightiest affairs were not what they ought to be, while, if they were, everything would prosper. This charge, therefore, he took upon his own shoulders, and he was persuaded that the traininghe demanded of others should also be undergone by himself. No man couldrouse others to noble deeds if he fell short of what he ought to behimself. [13] The more he pondered the matter, the more he felt the needof leisure, if he were to deal worthily with the highest matters. It was, he felt, impossible to neglect the revenues, in view of theenormous funds necessary for so vast an empire, yet he foresaw that ifhe was always to be occupied with the multitude of his possessions hewould never have time to watch over the safety of the whole. [14] Ashe pondered how he could compass both objects, the prosperity of thefinances and the leisure he required, the old military organisationcame into his mind. He remembered how the captains of ten supervised thesquads of ten, and were supervised themselves by the company-captains, and they by the captains of the thousands, and these by the captainsof ten thousand, and thus even with hundreds of thousands not a manwas left without supervision, and when the general wished to employ histroops one order to the captains of ten thousand was enough. [15] Onthis principle Cyrus arranged his finances and held his departmentstogether; in this way, by conferring with a few officers he could keepthe whole system under his control, and actually have more leisure forhimself than the manager of a single household or the master of a singleship. Finally, having thus ordered his own affairs, he taught thoseabout him to adopt the same system. [16] Accordingly, having gained the leisure he needed for himselfand his friends, he could devote himself to his work of training hispartners and colleagues. In the first place he dealt with those who, enabled as they were to live on the labour of others, yet failed topresent themselves at the palace; he would send for them and seek themout, convinced that attendance would be wholesome for them; they wouldbe unwilling to do anything base or evil in the presence of their kingand under the eye of their noblest men; those who were absent were sothrough self-indulgence or wrong-doing or carelessness. [17] And I willnow set forth how he brought them to attend. He would go to one ofhis most intimate friends and bid him lay hands on the property of theoffender, asserting that it was his own. Then of course the truantswould appear at once crying out that they had been robbed. [18] Butsomehow for many days Cyrus could never find leisure to hear theircomplaints, and when he did listen he took care to defer judgment formany more. [19] This was one way he had of teaching them to attend;another was to assign the lightest and most profitable tasks tothose who were punctual, and a third to give nothing whatever to theoffenders. [20] But the most effective of all, for those who paid noheed to gentler measures, was to deprive the truant of what he possessedand bestow it on him who would come when he was needed. By this processCyrus gave up a useless friend and gained a serviceable one. To thisday the king sends for and seeks out those who do not present themselveswhen they should. [21] Such was his method with the truants; with those who came forwardhe felt, since he was their rightful leader, that he could best incitethem to noble deeds by trying to show that he himself had all thevirtues that became a man. [22] He believed that men do grow betterthrough written laws, and he held that the good ruler is a living lawwith eyes that see, inasmuch as he is competent to guide and also todetect the sinner and chastise him. [23] Thus he took pains to showthat he was the more assiduous in his service to the gods the higherhis fortunes rose. It was at this time that the Persian priests, theMagians, were first established as an order, and always at break of dayCyrus chanted a hymn and sacrificed to such of the gods as they mightname. [24] And the ordinances he established service to this day at thecourt of the reigning king. These were the first matters in which thePersians set themselves to copy their prince; feeling their own fortunewould be the higher if they did reverence to the gods, following the manwho was fortune's favourite and their own monarch. At the same time, nodoubt, they thought they would please Cyrus by this. [25] On his sideCyrus looked on the piety of his subjects as a blessing to himself, reckoning as they do who prefer to sail in the company of pious menrather than with those who are suspected of wicked deeds, and hereckoned further that if all his partners were god-fearing, they wouldbe the less prone to crime against each other or against himself, for heknew he was the benefactor of his fellows. [26] And by showing plainlyhis own deep desire never to be unfair to friend or fellow-combatant orally, but always to fix his eyes on justice and rectitude, he believedhe could induce others to keep from base actions and walk in the pathsof righteousness. [27] And he would bring more modesty, he hoped, intothe hearts of all men if it were plain that he himself reverenced allthe world and would never say a shameful word to any man or woman or doa shameful deed. [28] He looked for this because he saw that, apartfrom kings and governors who may be supposed to inspire fear, men willreverence the modest and not the shameless, and modesty in women willinspire modesty in the men who behold them. [29] And his people, hethought, would learn to obey if it were plain that he honoured frank andprompt obedience even above virtues that made a grander show and wereharder to attain. [30] Such was his belief, and his practice went withit to the end. His own temperance and the knowledge of it made othersmore temperate. When they saw moderation and self-control in the man whoabove all others had licence to be insolent, lesser men were the moreready to abjure all insolence of their own. [31] But there was thisdifference, Cyrus held, between modesty and self-control: the modestman will do nothing shameful in the light of day, but the man ofself-control nothing base, not even in secret. [32] Self-restrain, hebelieved, would best be cultivated if he made men see in himself one whocould not be dragged from the pursuit of virtue by the pleasure of themoment, one who chose to toil first for the happy-hearted joys that gohand-in-hand with beauty and nobleness. [33] Thus, being the man hewas, he established at his gates a stately company, where the lower gaveplace to the higher, and they in their turn showed reverence to eachother, and courtesy, and perfect harmony. Among them all there was nevera cry of anger to be heard, nor a burst of insolent laughter; to look atthem was to know that they lived for honour and loveliness. [34] Such was the life at the palace-gates, and to practise his noblesin martial exercises he would lead them out to the hunt whenever hethought it well, holding the chase to be the best training for war andthe surest way to excellence in horsemanship. [35] A man learns to keephis seat, no matter what the ground may be, as he follows the flyingquarry, learns to hurl and strike on horseback in his eagerness to bringdown the game and win applause. [36] And here, above all, was the fieldin which to inure his colleagues to toil and hardship and cold and heatand hunger and thirst. Thus to this day the Persian monarch and hiscourt spend their leisure in the chase. [37] From all that has beensaid, it is clear Cyrus was convinced that no one has a right to rulewho is not superior to his subjects, and he held that by imposingsuch exercises as these on those about him, he would lead them toself-control and bring to perfection the art and discipline of war. [38]Accordingly he would put himself at the head of the hunting-parties andtake them out himself unless he was bound to stay at home, and, if hewas, he would hunt in his parks among the wild creatures he had reared. He would never touch the evening meal himself until he had sweated forit, nor give his horses their corn until they had been exercised, andhe would invite his own mace-bearers to join him in the chase. [39]Therefore he excelled in all knightly accomplishments, he and thoseabout him, because of their constant practice. Such was the example heset before his friends. But he also kept his eye on others, and wouldsingle out those who worshipped noble deeds, and reward them with gifts, and high commands, and seats at festivals, and every kind of honour. And thus their hearts were filled with ambition, and every man longed tooutdo his fellows in the eyes of Cyrus. [40] But we seem to learn also that Cyrus thought it necessary for theruler not only to surpass his subjects by his own native worth, but alsoto charm them through deception and artifice. At any rate he adopted theMedian dress, and persuaded his comrades to do likewise; he thought itconcealed any bodily defect, enhancing the beauty and stature of thewearer. [41] The shoe, for instance, was so devised that a sole could beadded without notice, and the man would seem taller than he really was. So also Cyrus encouraged the use of ointments to make the eyes morebrilliant and pigments to make the skin look fairer. [42] And he trainedhis courtiers never to spit or blow the nose in public or turn asideto stare at anything; they were to keep the stately air of personswhom nothing can surprise. These were all means to one end; to make itimpossible for the subjects to despise their rulers. [43] Thus he moulded the men he considered worthy of command by his ownexample, by the training he gave them, and by the dignity of his ownleadership. But the treatment of those he prepared for slavery waswidely different. Not one of them would he incite to any noble toil, hewould not even let them carry arms, and he was careful that they shouldnever lack food or drink in any manly sort. [44] When the beaters drovethe wild creatures into the plain he would allow food to be brought forthe servants, but not for the free men; on a march he would lead theslaves to the water-springs as he led the beasts of burden. Or when itwas the hour of breakfast he would wait himself till they had taken asnatch of food and stayed their wolfish hunger; and the end of it wasthey called him their father even as the nobles did, because he caredfor them, but the object of his care was to keep them slaves for ever. [45] Thus he secured the safety of the Persian empire. He himself, hefelt sure, ran no danger from the massages of the conquered people; hesaw they had no courage, no unity, and no discipline, and, moreover, notone of them could ever come near him, day or night. [46] But there wereothers whom he knew to be true warriors, who carried arms, and whoheld by one another, commanders of horse and foot, many of them men ofspirit, confident, as he could plainly see, of their own power to rule, men who were in close touch with his own guards, and many of them inconstant intercourse with himself; as indeed was essential if he wasto make any use of them at all. It was from them that danger was to befeared; and that in a thousand ways. [47] How was he to guard againstit? He rejected the idea of disarming them; he thought this unjust, and that it would lead to the dissolution of the empire. To refuse themadmission into his presence, to show them his distrust, would be, heconsidered, a declaration of war. [48] But there was one method, hefelt, worth all the rest, an honourable method and one that would securehis safety absolutely; to win their friendship if he could, and makethem more devoted to himself than to each other. I will now endeavourto set forth the methods, so far as I conceive them, by which he gainedtheir love. [C. 2] In the first place he never lost an opportunity of showingkindliness wherever he could, convinced that just as it is not easy tolove those who hate us, so it is scarcely possible to feel enmity forthose who love us and wish us well. [2] So long as he had lacked thepower to confer benefits by wealth, all he could do then was to showhis personal care for his comrades and his soldiers, to labour in theirbehalf, manifest his joy in their good fortune and his sympathy in theirsorrows, and try to win them in that way. But when the time came for thegifts of wealth, he realised that of all the kindnesses between manand man none come with a more natural grace than the gifts of meat anddrink. [3] Accordingly he arranged that his table should be spread everyday for many guests in exactly the same way as for himself; and all thatwas set before him, after he and his guests had dined, he would send outto his absent friends, in token of affection and remembrance. He wouldinclude those who had won his approval by their work on guard, or inattendance on himself, or in any other service, letting them see that nodesire to please him could ever escape his eyes. [4] He would show thesame honour to any servant he wished to praise; and he had all thefood for them placed at his own board, believing this would win theirfidelity, as it would a dog's. Or, if he wished some friend of his to becourted by the people, he would single him out for such gifts; even tothis day the world will pay court to those who have dishes sent themfrom the Great King's table, thinking they must be in high favour atthe palace and can get things done for others. But no doubt there wasanother reason for the pleasure in such gifts, and that was the sheerdelicious taste of the royal meats. [5] Nor should that surprise us;for if we remember to what a pitch of perfection the other crafts arebrought in great communities, we ought to expect the royal dishes to bewonders of finished art. In a small city the same man must make bedsand chairs and ploughs and tables, and often build houses as well; andindeed he will be only too glad if he can find enough employers in alltrades to keep him. Now it is impossible that a single man working at adozen crafts can do them all well; but in the great cities, owing to thewide demand for each particular thing, a single craft will suffice for ameans of livelihood, and often enough even a single department of that;there are shoe-makers who will only make sandals for men and others onlyfor women. Or one artisan will get his living merely by stitching shoes, another by cutting them out, a third by shaping the upper leathers, anda fourth will do nothing but fit the parts together. Necessarily the manwho spends all his time and trouble on the smallest task will do thattask the best. [6] The arts of the household must follow the same law. If one and the same servant makes the bed, spreads the table, kneads thedough, and cooks the various dishes, the master must take things as theycome, there is no help for it. But when there is work enough for one manto boil the pot, and another to roast the meat, and a third to stew thefish, and a fourth to fry it, while some one else must bake the bread, and not all of it either, for the loaves must be of different kinds, and it will be quite enough if the baker can serve up one kind toperfection--it is obvious, I think, that in this way a far higherstandard of excellence will be attained in every branch of the work. [7] Thus it is easy to see how Cyrus could outdo all competitors in thegrace of hospitality, and I will now explain how he came to triumphin all other services. Far as he excelled mankind in the scale of hisrevenues, he excelled them even more in the grandeur of his gifts. Itwas Cyrus who set the fashion; and we are familiar to this day with theopen-handedness of Oriental kings. [8] There is no one, indeed, in allthe world whose friends are seen to be as wealthy as the friends of thePersian monarch: no one adorns his followers in such splendour ofrich attire, no gifts are so well known as his, the bracelets, and thenecklaces, and the chargers with the golden bridles. For in that countryno one can have such treasures unless the king has given them. [9] Andof whom but the Great King could it be said that through the splendourof his presents he could steal the hearts of men and turn them tohimself, away from brothers, fathers, sons? Who but he could stretch outan arm and take vengeance on his enemies when yet they were months andmonths away? Who but Cyrus ever won an empire in war, and when he diedwas called father by the people he overcame?--a title that proclaims thebenefactor and not the robber. [10] Indeed, we are led to think that theoffices called "the king's eyes" and "the king's ears" came into beingthrough this system of gifts and honours. Cyrus' munificence towardall who told him what it was well for him to know set countless peoplelistening with all their ears and watching with all their eyes for newsthat might be of service to him. [11] Thus there sprang up a host of"king's eyes" and "king's ears, " as they were called, known and reputedto be such. But it is a mistake to suppose that the king has one chosen"eye. " It is little that one man can see or one man hear, and to handover the office to one single person would be to bid all others go tosleep. Moreover, his subjects would feel they must be on their guardbefore the man they knew was "the king's eye. " The contrary is the case;the king will listen to any man who asserts that he has heard or seenanything that needs attention. [12] Hence the saying that the king hasa thousand eyes and a thousand ears; and hence the fear of utteringanything against his interest since "he is sure to hear, " or doinganything that might injure him "since he may be there to see. " So far, therefore, from venturing to breathe a syllable against Cyrus, every manfelt that he was under the eye and within the hearing of a king who wasalways present. For this universal feeling towards him I can give noother reason than his resolve to be a benefactor on a most mighty scale. [13] It is not surprising, no doubt, that being the wealthiest of men, he could outdo the world in the splendour of his gifts. The remarkablething was to find a king outstrip his courtiers in courtesy andkindness. There was nothing, so the story runs, that could ever shamehim more than to be outdone in courtesy. [14] Indeed, a saying of his ishanded down comparing a good king to a good shepherd--the shepherd mustmanage his flock by giving them all they need, and the king must satisfythe needs of his cities and his subjects if he is to manage them. Weneed not wonder, then, that with such opinions his ambition was to excelmankind in courtesy and care. [15] There was a noble illustration of hisphilosophy in the answer we are told he gave to Croesus, who hadtaken him to task, saying his lavish gifts would bring him to beggary, although he could lay by more treasures for himself than any man hadever had before. Cyrus, it is said, asked him in return, "How muchwealth do you suppose I could have amassed already, had I collectedgold, as you bid me, ever since I came into my empire?" [16] And Croesus named an enormous sum. Then Cyrus said, "Listen, Croesus, here is my friend, Hystaspas, and you must send with him a manthat you can trust. " Then, turning to Hystaspas, "Do you, " he said, "go round to my friends and tell them that I need money for a certainenterprise--and that is true, I do need it. Bid each of them write downthe amount he can give me, seal the letter, and hand it to the messengerof Croesus, who will bring it here. " [17] Thereupon Cyrus wrote hiswishes and put his seal on the letter, and gave it to Hystaspas to carryround, only he added a request that they should all welcome Hystaspasas a friend of his. And when the messengers came back, the officer ofCroesus carrying the answers, Hystaspas cried, "Cyrus, my lord, you mustknow I am a rich man now! I have made my fortune, thanks to your letter!They have loaded me with gifts. " [18] And Cyrus said, "There, Croesus, that is treasure number one; and now run through the rest, and countwhat sums I have in hand, in case I need them. " And Croesus counted, and found, so the story tells us, that the sum was far larger than theamount he had said would have been lying in the treasury if only Cyrushad made a hoard. [19] At this discovery Cyrus said, so we are told, "You see, Croesus, I have my treasures too. Only you advise me tocollect them and hide them, and be envied and hated because of them, andset mercenaries to guard them, putting my trust in hirelings. But Ihold to it that if I make my friends rich they will be my treasuresthemselves, and far better guards too, for me and all we have, than if Iset hired watchmen over my wealth. [20] And I have somewhat else to say;I tell you, Croesus, there is something the gods have implanted in oursouls, and there they have made us all beggars alike, something I cannever overcome. [21] I too, like all the rest, am insatiate of riches, only in one respect I fancy I am different. Most men when they have morewealth than they require bury some of it underground, and let some of itrot, and some they count and measure, and they guard it and they airit, and give themselves a world of trouble, and yet for all theirwealth they cannot eat more than they have stomach for--they would burstasunder if they did--nor wear more clothes than they can carry--theywould die of suffocation--and so their extra wealth means nothing butextra work. [22] For my part, I serve the gods, and I stretch out myhands for more and more; only when I have got what is beyond my ownrequirements I piece out the wants of my friends, and so, helping myfellows, I purchase their love and their goodwill, and out of these Igarner security and renown, fruits that can never rot, rich meats thatcan work no mischief; for glory, the more it grows, the grander itbecomes, and the fairer, and the lighter to be borne; it even gives alighter step to those who bear it. [23] One thing more, Croesus, I wouldhave you know; the happiest men, in my judgment, are not the holdersof vast riches and the masters who have the most to guard; else thesentinels of our citadels would be the happiest of mortals, seeing theyguard the whole wealth of the state. He, I hold, has won the crownof happiness who has had the skill to gain wealth by the paths ofrighteousness and use it for all that is honourable and fair. " [24] That was the doctrine Cyrus preached, and all men could see thathis practice matched his words. Moreover, he observed that the majority of mankind, if they live in goodhealth for long, will only lay by such stores and requisites as may beused by a healthy man, and hardly care at all to have appliances at handin case of sickness. But Cyrus was at the pains to provide these; heencouraged the ablest physicians of the day by his liberal payments, andif ever they recommended an instrument or a drug or a special kind offood or drink, he never failed to procure it and have it stored in thepalace. [25] And whenever any one fell sick among those who had peculiar claimson his attentions, he would visit them and bring them all they needed, and he showed especial gratitude to the doctors if they cured theirpatients by the help of his own stores. [26] These measures, and otherslike them, he adopted to win the first place in the hearts of thosewhose friendship he desired. Moreover, the contests he proclaimed andthe prizes he offered to awaken ambition and desire for gallant deedsall redounded to his own glory as a man who had the pursuit of noblenessat heart, while they bred strife and bitter rivalry among the championsthemselves. [27] Further, he laid it down that in every matter needingarbitration, whether it were a suit-at-law or a trial of skill, theparties should concur in their choice of a judge. Each would try tosecure the most powerful man he knew and the one most friendly tohimself, and if he lost he envied his successful rival and hated thejudge who had declared against him, while the man who won claimed to winbecause his case was just and felt he owed no gratitude to anybody. [28] Thus all who wished to be first in the affections of Cyrus, just asothers in democratic states, were full of rancour against each other, infact most of them would sooner have seen their rivals exterminated thanjoin with them for any common good. Such are some of the devices bywhich he made the ablest of his subjects more attached to himself thanto one another. [C. 3] I will now describe the first public progress that Cyrus made. Forthe very solemnity of the ceremony was one of the artifices by whichhe won reverence for his government. The day before it he summoned theofficers of state, the Persians and the others, and gave them all thesplendid Median dress. This was the first time the Persians wore it, and as they received the robes he said that he wished to drive in hischariot to the sacred precincts and offer sacrifice with them. [2] "Youwill present yourselves at my gates, " he added, "before the sun rises, attired in these robes, and you will take your places where Pheraulasthe Persian bids you on my behalf. As soon as I lead the way you willfollow in your appointed order. And if any of you should think of somechange to heighten the beauty and stateliness of our procession, youwill acquaint me with it, I pray, on our return; it is for us to seethat all is done in the manner you feel to be most beautiful and best. " [3] With that Cyrus gave the most splendid robes to his chief notables, and then he brought out others, for he had stores of Median garments, purple and scarlet and crimson and glowing red, and gave a share to eachof his generals and said to them, "Adorn your friends, as I have adornedyou. " [4] Then one of them asked him, "And you, O Cyrus, when will youadorn yourself?" But he answered, "Is it not adornment enough for meto have adorned you? If I can but do good to my friends, I shall lookglorious enough, whatever robe I wear. " [5] So his nobles took their leave, and sent for their friends andput the splendid raiment on them. Meanwhile Cyrus summoned Pheraulas, knowing that, while he was a man of the people, he was alsoquick-witted, a lover of the beautiful, prompt to understand and toobey, and one who had ever an eye to please his master. It was he whohad supported Cyrus long ago when he proposed that honour should begiven in proportion to desert. And now Cyrus asked him how he thoughtthe procession might be made most beautiful in the eyes of friends andmost formidable in the sight of foes. [6] So they took counsel and wereof the same mind, and Cyrus bade Pheraulas see that all was done on themorrow as they had agreed. "I have issued orders, " he added, "for all to obey you in the matter, but to make them the more willing, take these tunics yourself and givethem to the captains of the guard, and these military cloaks for thecavalry officers, and these tunics for those who command the chariots. " [7] So Pheraulas took the raiment and departed, and when the generalssaw him, they met him with shouts and cries, "A monstrous fine fellowyou are, Pheraulas!" said one: "you are to give us our orders, itseems!" "Oh, yes, " said Pheraulas, "and carry your baggage too. Here I come withtwo cloaks as it is, one for you and another for somebody else: you mustchoose whichever you like the best. " [8] At that the officer put out his hand to take the cloak; he had cleanforgotten his jealousy, and fell to asking Pheraulas which he hadbetter choose. And Pheraulas gave his advice, adding, "But if you informagainst me, and let out that I gave you the choice, the next time I haveto wait upon you you will find me a very different sort of serving-man. " Thus he distributed the gifts he brought, and then he saw to thearrangements for the procession so that everything should be as far aspossible. [9] On the morrow all things were ready before day-break, ranks liningthe road on either hand, as they do to this day when the king isexpected to ride abroad--no one may pass within the lines unless he isa man of mark--and constables were posted with whips, to use at any signof disturbance. In front of the palace stood the imperial guard of lancers, fourthousand strong, drawn up four deep on either side of the gates. [10]And all the cavalry were there, the men standing beside their horses, with their hands wrapped in their cloaks, as is the custom to this dayfor every subject when the king's eye is on him. The Persians stood onthe right, and the allies on the left, and the chariots were posted inthe same way, half on one side and half on the other. [11] Presently thepalace-gates were flung open, and at the head of the procession wereled out the bulls for sacrifice, beautiful creatures, four and fourtogether. They were to be offered to Zeus and to any other gods that thePersian priests might name. For the Persians think it of more importanceto follow the guidance of the learned in matters pertaining to the godsthan in anything else whatever. [12] After the oxen came horses, an offering to the Sun, then a whitechariot with a golden yoke, hung with garlands and dedicated to Zeus, and after that the white car of the Sun, wreathed like the one beforeit, and then a third chariot, the horses of which were caparisoned withscarlet trappings, and behind walked men carrying fire upon a mightyhearth. [13] And then at last Cyrus himself was seen, coming forth fromthe gates in his chariot, wearing his tiara on his head, and a purpletunic shot with white, such as none but the king may wear, and trews ofscarlet, and a cloak of purple. Round his tiara he wore a diadem, andhis kinsmen wore the same, even as the custom is to this day. [14]And the king's hands hung free outside his cloak. Beside him stood acharioteer--he was a tall man, but he seemed to be dwarfed by Cyrus;whether it was really so, or whether there was some artifice at work, Cyrus towered above him. At the sight of the king, the whole companyfell on their faces. Perhaps some had been ordered to do this and soset the fashion, or perhaps the multitude were really overcome by thesplendour of the pageant and the sight of Cyrus himself, stately andtall and fair. [15] For hitherto none of the Persians had done obeisanceto Cyrus. And now, as the chariot moved onwards, the four thousand lancers wentbefore it, two thousand on either side, and close behind came themace-bearers, mounted on horseback, with javelins in their hands, threehundred strong. [16] Then the royal steeds were led past, with goldenbridles and striped housings, two hundred and more, and then followedtwo thousand spearmen and after them the squadron of cavalry firstformed, ten thousand men, a hundred deep and a hundred riding abreast, with Chrysantas at their head. [17] And behind them the second bodyof the Persian horse, ten thousand more, in the same order, underHystaspas, and then again ten thousand under Datamas, and others behindthem under Gadatas. [18] And after them the Median cavalry, and thenthe Armenians, the Hyrcanians, the Cadousians, and the Sakians in theirorder; and after the cavalry a squadron of war-chariots, drawn up fourdeep, with Artabatas the Persian in command. [19] All along the route thousands of men followed, outside thebarriers, with petitions to Cyrus. Accordingly he sent his mace-bearers, who rode beside him for the purpose, three on either side of hischariot, bidding them tell the crowd of suitors, if they had need ofanything, to acquaint one of the cavalry officers and he would speak forthem. So the petitioners withdrew, and fell to marching along thelines of the cavalry, considering whom they should address. [20] Cyrusmeanwhile would send messengers to the friends he wished to be courted, saying to them, "If any man appeals to you and you think nothing of whathe says, pay no heed to him, but if his request seems just, report it tome, and we will discuss it together and arrange matters for him. " [21]As a rule the officers so summoned did not loiter, but dashed up atfull speed, glad to enhance the authority of Cyrus and to show theirown allegiance. But there was a certain Daïpharnes, a person of somewhatboorish manners, who fancied that he would make a show of greaterindependence if he did not hurry himself. [22] Cyrus noted this, andquietly, before the man could reach him, sent another messenger to sayhe had no further need of him; and that was the last time Daïpharneswas ever summoned. [23] And when the next officer rode up, in front ofDaïpharnes though sent for after him, Cyrus presented him with a horsefrom his train and bade one of the mace-bearers lead it wherever hewished. The people saw in this a high mark of honour; and a greatercrowd than ever paid their court to the favoured man. [24] When the procession reached the sacred precincts, sacrificewas offered to Zeus, a whole burnt-offering of bulls, and a wholeburnt-offering of horses to the Sun; and then they sacrificed to theEarth, slaying the victims as the Persian priests prescribed, and thento the heroes who hold the Syrian land. [25] And when the rites weredone, Cyrus, seeing that the ground was suitable for racing, marked outa goal, and a course half-a-mile in length, and bade the cavalry andthe chariots match their horses against each other, tribe by tribe. Hehimself raced among his Persians, and won with ease, for he was far thebest horseman there. The winner among the Medes was Artabazus, thehorse he rode being a gift from Cyrus. The Syrian race was won by theirchieftain, the Armenian by Tigranes, the Hyrcanian by the general's son, and the Sakian by a private soldier who left all his rivals half thecourse behind him. [26] Cyrus, so the story says, asked the young man if he would take akingdom for his horse. "No kingdom for me, " answered the soldier, "but I would take the thanksof a gallant fellow. " [27] "Well, " said Cyrus, "I would like to show you where you couldhardly fail to hit one, even if you shut your eyes. " "Be so good as to show me now, " said the Sakian, "and I will take aimwith this clod, " picking up one from the ground. [28] Then Cyrus pointed to a group of his best friends, and the othershut his eyes and flung the clod, and it struck Pheraulas as he gallopedby, bearing some message from Cyrus. But he never so much as turned, flashing past on his errand. [29] Then the Sakian opened his eyes andasked whom he had hit? "Nobody, I assure you, " said Cyrus, "who is here. " "And nobody who is not, of course, " said the young man. "Oh yes, you did, " answered Cyrus, "you hit that officer over there whois riding so swiftly paste the chariot-lines. " [30] "And how is it, " asked the other, "that he does not even turn hishead?" "Half-witted, probably, " said Cyrus. Whereat the young man rode off to see who it was, and found Pheraulas, with his chin and beard all begrimed and bloody, gore trickling from hisnostrils were the clod had struck him. [31] The Sakian cried out to knowif he was hit. "As you see, " answered Pheraulas. "Then, " said the other, "let me give you my horse. " "But why?" asked Pheraulas. And so the Sakian had to tell him all about the matter, adding, "Andafter all, you see, I did not miss a gallant fellow. " [32] "Ah, " said Pheraulas, "if you had been wise, you would have chosena richer one; but I take your gift with all my thanks. And I pray thegods, " he added, "who let me be your target, to help me now and see thatyou may never regret your gift. For the present, mount my horse yourselfand ride back; I will be with you shortly. " So they exchanged steeds and parted. The winner of the Cadousian race was Rathines. [33] Then followed chariot-races, tribe by tribe as before: and to allthe winners Cyrus gave goblets of price, and oxen, that they might havethe wherewithal for sacrifice and feasting. He himself took an ox forhis own meed, but he gave all the goblets to Pheraulas to show hisapproval of the arrangements for the march. [34] And the manner of thatprocession, then first established by Cyrus, continues to this day, thesame in all things, save that the victims are absent when there is nosacrifice. And when it was over, the soldiers went back to the city, andtook up their quarters for the night, some in houses and some with theirregiments. [35] Now Pheraulas had invited the Sakian who had given him the horse, and he entertained him with the best he had, and set before him a fullboard, and after they had dined he filled the goblets Cyrus had givenhim, and drank to his guest, and offered them all to him. [36] Andthe Sakian looked round on the rich and costly rugs, and the beautifulfurniture, and the train of servants, and cried: "Tell me, Pheraulas, do you belong to wealthy folk at home?" [37] "Wealthy folk indeed!" cried Pheraulas, "men who live by theirhands, you mean. My father, I can tell you, had work enough to rear meand get me a boy's schooling; he had to toil hard and live sparely, andwhen I grew to be a lad he could not afford to keep me idle, he took meto a farm in the country and set me there to work it. [38] Then it wasmy turn, and I supported him while he lived, digging with my own handsand sowing the seed in a ridiculous little plot of ground, and yet itwas not a bad bit of soil either, but as good and as honest earth asever you saw: whatever seed it got from me, it paid me back again, andso prettily and carefully and duly, principal and interest both; notthat the interest was very much, I won't say it was, though once ortwice, out of pure generosity, that land gave me twice was much as I putinto it. That's how I used to live at home, in the old days: to-day it'sdifferent, and all that you see here I owe to Cyrus. " [39] Then the Sakian cried: "O lucky fellow! Lucky in everything, and most of all in coming towealth from beggary! I know your riches must taste the sweeter, becauseyou hungered for them first and now are full. " [40] But Pheraulas answered: "Do you really think, my friend, that my joy in life has grown with thegrowth of my wealth? Do you not know, " he went on, "that I neither eatnor drink nor sleep with any more zest than I did when I was poor? WhatI get by all these goods is simply this: I have more to watch over, moreto distribute, and more trouble in looking after more. [41] I have ahost of servants now, one set asking me for food, another for drink, another for clothing, and some must have the doctor, and then a herdsmancomes, carrying the carcase of some poor sheep mangled by the wolves, orperhaps with an ox that has fallen down a precipice, or maybe he has totell me that a murrain has broken out among my flocks. It seems to me, "Pheraulas ended, "that I suffer more to-day through having much thanever I did before through having nothing. " [42] "But--Heaven help us!" cried the Sakian, "surely, when it is allsafe, to see so much of your own must make you much happier than me?" "I assure you, my friend, " said Pheraulas, "the possession of richesis nothing like so sweet as the loss of them is painful. And here is aproof for you: no rich man lies awake from pure joy at his wealth, butdid you ever know a man who could close his eyes when he was losing?" [43] "No, " said the Sakian, "nor yet one who could drop asleep when hewas winning. " [44] "True enough, " answered the other, "and if having were as sweet asgetting, the rich would be a thousand times more happy than the poor. And remember, stranger, " he added, "a man who has much must spend muchon the gods and his friends and his guests, and if he takes intensedelight in his riches, spending will cause him intense annoyance. " [45] "Upon my word, " said the Sakian, "for myself, I am not that sortof man at all: to have much and to spend much is just my idea of perfecthappiness. " [46] "Heavens!" cried Pheraulas, "what a chance for us both! You can winperfect happiness now, this instant, and make me happy too! Here, takeall these things for your own, make what use of them you please; andas for me, you can keep me as your guest, only much more cheaply ifyou like: it will be quite enough for me to share whatever you haveyourself. " "You are jesting, " said the Sakian. [47] But Pheraulas swore with all solemnity that he spoke in earnest. "Yes, my friend, " he added, "and there are other matters that I canarrange for you with Cyrus: freedom from military service or attendanceat the gates. All you will have to do will be to stay at home and growrich: I will do the rest on your behalf and mine. And if I win anytreasure through my service at court or on the field, I will bring ithome to you, and you will be lord of more; only, " he added, "you mustfree me from the responsibility of looking after it, for if you give meleisure from these cares I believe you will be of great use to Cyrus andmyself. " [48] So the talk ended and they struck a bargain on these terms, andkept it. And the Sakian thought he had found happiness because he wasthe master of much wealth, and the other felt he was in bliss because hehad got a steward who would leave him leisure to do what he likedbest. [49] For the character of Pheraulas was amiable: he was a lovingcomrade, and no service seemed so sweet to him or so helpful as theservice of man. Man, he believed, was the noblest of the animals and themost grateful: praise, Pheraulas saw, will reap counter-praise, kindnesswill stir kindness in return, and goodwill goodwill; those whom men knowto love them they cannot hate, and, in a way no other animals will, theycherish their parents in life and in death and requite their care. Allother creatures, in short, compared with man, are lacking in gratitudeand heart. [50] Thus Pheraulas was overjoyed to feel that he could now be quit ofanxiety for his wealth, and devote himself to his friends, while theSakian was delighted with all that he had and all that he could use. TheSakian loved Pheraulas because he was for ever adding something to thestore, and Pheraulas loved the Sakian because he was willing to assumethe entire burden, and however much the cares increased he never brokeinto the other's leisure. Thus those two lived their lives. [C. 4] Now Cyrus offered sacrifice and held high festival for hisvictories, and he summoned to the feast those of his friends who borehim most affection and had shown most desire to exalt him. With themwere bidden Artabazus the Mede, and Tigranes the Armenian, and thecommander of the Hyrcanian cavalry, and Gobryas. [2] Gadatas was thechief of the mace-bearers, and the whole household was arranged as headvised. When there were guests at dinner, Gadatas would not sit down, but saw to everything, and when they were alone he sat at meat withCyrus, who took delight in his company, and in return for all hisservices he was greatly honoured by Cyrus and that led to more honoursfor others. [3] As the guests entered, Gadatas would show each man tohis seat, and the places were chosen with care: the friend whom Cyrushonoured most was placed on his left hand (for that was the sidemost open to attack), the second on his right, the third next to theleft-hand guest, and the fourth next to the right, and so on, whateverthe number of guests might be. [4] Cyrus thought it well it should beknown how much each man was honoured, for he saw that where the worldbelieves merit will win no crown and receive no proclamation, there thespirit of emulation dies, but if all see that the best man gains most, then the rivalry grows keen. [5] Thus it was that Cyrus marked out themen he favoured by the seat of honour and the order of precedence. Nordid he assign the honourable place to one friend for all time; he madeit a law that by good deeds a man might rise into a higher seat orthrough sloth descend into a lower; and he would have felt ashamed if itwere not known that the guest most honoured at his table received mostfavours at his hands. These customs that arose in the reign of Cyruscontinue to our time, as we can testify. [6] While they were at the feast that day it struck Gobryas that thoughthere was nothing surprising in the abundance and variety at the tableof one who was lord over so vast an empire, yet it was strange thatCyrus, who had done such mighty deeds, should never keep any dainty forhimself, but must always be at pains to share it with the company. Morethan once also he saw Cyrus send off to an absent friend some dish thathad chanced to please him. [7] So that by the time they had finishedtheir meal all the viands had been given away by Cyrus, and the boardwas bare. Then Gobryas said, "Truly, Cyrus, until to-day I used to think it was ingeneralship that you outshone other men the most, but, by heaven! I saynow it is not in generalship at all, it is generosity. " [8] "Maybe, " said Cyrus, "at least I take far more pride in this workthan in the other. " "How can that be?" asked Gobryas. "Because, " said he, "the one does good to man and the other injury. " [9] Presently as the wine went round and round, Hystaspas turned toCyrus and said: "Would you be angry, Cyrus, if I asked something I long to know?" "On the contrary, " answered Cyrus, "I should be vexed if I saw yousilent when you longed to ask. " "Tell me then, " said the other, "have you ever called me and found Irefused to come?" "What a question!" said Cyrus, "of course not. " "Well, have I ever been slow in coming?" "No, never. " "Or failed to do anything you ordered?" "No, " said Cyrus, "I have no fault to find at all. " "Whatever I had to do, I always did it eagerly and with all my heart, did I not?" "Most assuredly, " answered Cyrus. [10] "Then why, Cyrus, why, in heaven's name, have you singled outChrysantas for a more honourable seat than me?" "Shall I really tell you?" asked Cyrus in his turn. "By all means, " said the other. "And you will not be annoyed if I tell you the plain truth?" [11] "On the contrary, it will comfort me to know I have not beenwronged. " "Well, then, Chrysantas never waited to be called; he came of his ownaccord on our behalf, and he made it his business to do, not merely whathe was ordered, but whatever he thought would help us. When somethinghad to be said to the allies, he would not only suggest what was fittingfor me to say myself, he would guess what I wanted the allies to knowbut could not bring myself to utter, since it was about myself, andhe would say it for me as though it were his own opinion; in fact, foreverything of the kind he was nothing less to me than a second and abetter self. And now he is always insisting that what he has alreadygot is quite enough for himself, and always trying to discover somethingmore for me: he takes a greater pride and joy in all my triumphs than Ido myself. " [12] "By Hera, " said Hystaspas, "I am right glad I asked you. Only onething puzzles me: how am I to show my joy at your success? Shall I clapmy hands and laugh, or what shall I do?" "Dance the Persian dance, of course, " said Artabazus. And all thecompany laughed. [13] And as the drinking deepened Cyrus put a question to Gobryas. "Tell me, Gobryas, would you be better pleased to give your daughter toone of our company to-day than the day when you met us first?" "Well, " said Gobryas, "am I also to tell the truth?" "Certainly, " said Cyrus, "no question looks for a lie. " "Then, " said Gobryas, "I assure you, I would far rather give her inmarriage to-day. " "Can you tell us why?" said Cyrus. "That I can, " said he. [14] "Say on, then. " "At that time, I saw, it is true, the gallant manner in which your menendured toil and danger, but to-day I see the modesty with which theybear success. And I believe, Cyrus, that the man who takes good-fortunewell is further to seek than he who can endure adversity; for successengenders insolence in many hearts, while suffering teaches sobriety andfortitude. " [15] And Cyrus said, "Hystaspas, did you hear the saying of Gobryas?" "I did indeed, " he answered, "and if he has many more as good, he willfind me a suitor for his daughter, a far more eager one than if he hadshown me all his goblets. " [16] "Well, " said Gobryas, "I have many such written down at home, and you may have them all if you take my daughter to wife. And as forgoblets, " he added, "since it seems you cannot away with them, perhapsI might give them to Chrysantas to punish him for having filled yourseat. " [17] "Listen to me, " said Cyrus, "Hystaspas, and all of you. If youwill but tell me, any of you, when you propose to marry, you would soondiscover what a clever advocate you had in me. " [18] But Gobryas interposed, "And if one of us wants to give hisdaughter in marriage, to whom should he apply?" "To me also, " answered Cyrus; "I assure you, I am adept in the art. " "What art is that?" Chrysantas inquired. [19] "The art of discerning the wife to suit each man. " "Then by all the gods, " said Chrysantas, "tell me what sort of wifewould do for me?" [20] "In the first place, " he answered, "she must be short, for you arenot tall yourself, and if you married a tall maiden and wanted to giveher a kiss when she stood up straight, you would have to jump to reachher like a little dog. " "Your advice is straight enough, " said Chrysantas; "and I am but a sorryjumper at the best. " [21] "In the next place, " Cyrus went on, "a flat nose would suit youvery well. " "A flat nose?" said the other, "why?" "Because your own is high enough, and flatness, you may be sure, will gobest with height. " "You might as well say, " retorted Chrysantas, "that one who has dinedwell, like myself, is best matched with the dinnerless. " "Quite so, " answered Cyrus, "a full stomach is high and an empty paunchis flat. " [22] "And now, " said Chrysantas, "in heaven's name, tell us the bridefor a flat king?" But at this Cyrus laughed outright, and all the others with him. [23]And the laughter still rang loud when Hystaspas said: "There is one thing, Cyrus, that I envy in your royal state more thanall the rest. " "And what is that?" said Cyrus. "That though you are flat, you can raise a laugh. " "Ah, " said Cyrus, "what would you give to have as much said of you? Tohave it reported on all sides and wherever you wished to stand well thatyou were a man of wit?" Thus they bantered each other and gave jest for jest. [24] Then Cyrus brought out a woman's attire and ornaments of priceand gave them to Tigranes as a present for his wife, because she hadfollowed her husband so manfully to the war, and he gave a golden gobletto Artabazus, and a horse to the Hyrcanian leader, and many anothersplendid gift among the company. "And to you, Gobryas, " said he, "I will give a husband for yourdaughter. " [25] "Let me be the gift, " said Hystaspas, "and then I shall get thosewritings. " "But have you a fortune on your side, " asked Cyrus, "to match thebride's?" "Certainly, I have, " he answered, "I may say twenty times as great. " "And where, " asked Cyrus, "may those treasures be?" "At the foot of your throne, " he answered, "my gracious lord. " "I ask no more, " said Gobryas, and held out his right hand. "Give him tome, Cyrus, " he said; "I accept him. " [26] At that Cyrus took the right hand of Hystaspas and laid it in thehand of Gobryas, and the pledge was given and received. Then Cyrus gavebeautiful gifts to Hystaspas for his bride, but he drew Chrysantas tohis breast and kissed him. [27] Thereupon Artabazus cried: "Heaven help us, Cyrus! The goblet you gave me is not of the fine goldyou have given Chrysantas now!" "Well, " said Cyrus, "you shall have the same one day. " "When?" asked the other. "Thirty years hence, " said Cyrus. "I will wait, " said Artabazus: "I will not die: be ready for me. " And then the banquet came to an end: the guests rose, and Cyrus stood upwith them and conducted them to the door. [28] But on the morrow he arranged that all the allies and all who hadvolunteered should be sent back to their homes, all except those whowished to take up their abode with him. To these he gave grants of landand houses, still held by their descendants, Medes for the greater part, and Hyrcanians. And to those who went home he gave many gifts andsent them away well content, both officers and men. [29] After thishe distributed among his own soldiers all the wealth he had taken atSardis, choice gifts for the captains of ten thousand and for his ownstaff in proportion to their deserts, and the rest in equal shares, delivering to every captain one share with orders to divide it amongtheir subordinates as he had divided the whole among them. [30]Thereupon each officer gave to the officers directly under him, judgingthe worth of each, until it came to the captains of six, who consideredthe cases of the privates in their own squads, and gave each man whathe deserved: and thus every soldier in the army received an equitableshare. [31] But after the distribution of it all there were some whosaid: "How rich Cyrus must be, to have given us all so much!" "Rich?" cried others, "what do you mean? Cyrus is no money-maker: he ismore glad to give than to get. " [32] When Cyrus heard of this talk and the opinions held about him, hegathered together his friends and the chief men of the state and spokeas follows: "Gentlemen and friends of mine, I have known men who were anxious tohave it thought they possessed more than they really had, thinking thiswould give them an air of freedom and nobility. But in my opinion theresult was the very opposite of what they wished. If it is thought thata man has great riches and does not help his friends in proportion tohis wealth, he cannot but appear ignoble and niggardly. [33] There areothers, " he went on, "who would have their wealth forgotten, and these Ilook upon as traitors to their friends: for it must often happen thata comrade is in need and yet hesitates to tell them because he doesnot know how much they have, and so he is kept in the dark and left tostarve. [34] The straightforward course, it seems to me, is always tomake no secret of our own resources, but to use them all, whatever theyare, in our efforts to win the crown of honour. Accordingly I am anxiousto show you all my possessions so far as they can be seen, and to giveyou a list of the rest. " [35] With these words he proceeded to point out his visible treasures, and he gave an exact account of those that could not be shown. He endedby saying: [36] "All these things, gentlemen, you must consider yours as much asmine. I have collected them, not that I might spend them on myself orwaste them in my own use: I could not do that if I tried. I keep them toreward him who does a noble deed, and to help any of you who may be inwant of anything, so that you may come to me and take what ou require. " Such were the words of Cyrus. [C. 5] But now that all was well in Babylon and Cyrus felt he might leavethe land, he began to prepare for a march to Persia, and sent out ordersto his men. And when he had all he needed, the steeds were yoked, andhe set off. [2] And here we will explain how it was that so vast a hostcould unpack and pack again without a break of order, and take up aposition with such speed wherever it was desired. When the king is onthe march his attendants, of course, are provided with tents and encampwith him, winter and summer alike. [3] From the first the Cyrus made ita custom to have his tent pitched facing east, and later on he fixed thespace to be left between himself and his lancers, and then he stationedhis bakers on the right and his cooks on the left, the cavalry on theright again, and the baggage-train on the left. Everything else was soarranged that each man knew his own quarters, their position and theirsize. [4] When the army was packing up after a halt, each man puttogether the baggage he used himself, and others placed it on theanimals: so that at one and the same moment all his bearers came to thebaggage-train and each man laid his load on his own beasts. Thus all thetents could be struck in the same time as one. [5] And it was thesame when the baggage had to be unpacked. Again, in order that thenecessaries should be prepared in time, each man was told beforehandwhat he had to do: and thus all the divisions could be provided for asspeedily as one. [6] And, just as the serving-men had their appointedplaces, so the different regiments had their own stations, adapted totheir special style of fighting, and each detachment knew their quartersand went to them without hesitation. [7] Even in a private house, orderliness, Cyrus knew, was a most excellent thing: every one, if heneeded anything, would then know where to get it; but he held it stillmore desirable for the arrangement of an army, seeing that the momentfor action passes far more quickly in war and the evil from being toolate is far more grave. Therefore he gave more thought and care to orderand arrangement than to anything else. [8] His own position, to begin with, must be at the centre of thecamp, as this was the safest place, and next to him must come his mostfaithful followers, as their habit was. Beyond these, in a ring, lay thecavalry and the charioteers. [9] For Cyrus held to it that these troopsalso needed a safe position: their equipment could not be kept athand for them, and if they were to be of any use at all they neededconsiderable time for arming. [10] The targeteers were placed toleft and right of the cavalry, and the bowmen in front and rear. [11]Finally, the heavy-armed troops and those who carried the huge shieldssurrounded the whole encampment like a wall; so that in case of need, ifthe cavalry had to mount, the steadiest troops would stand firm in frontand let them arm in safety. [12] He insisted that the targeteers andarchers should, like the soldiers of the line, sleep at their posts, incase of alarm at night, and be ready at any moment, while the infantrydealt with the assailant at close quarters, to hurl darts and javelinsat them over the others' heads. [13] Moreover, all the generals hadstandards on their tents; and just as an intelligent serving-man in acity will know most of the houses, at any rate of the most importantpeople, so the squires of Cyrus knew the ways of the camp and thequarters of the generals and the standards of each. Thus, if Cyrusneeded any one they had not to search and seek, but could run bythe shortest road and summon him at once. [14] Owing to this cleararrangement, it was easy to see where good discipline was kept and whereduty was neglected. With these dispositions Cyrus felt that if an attackshould be made, by night or day, the enemy would find not so much acamp as an ambuscade. [15] Nor was it enough, he considered, for a realmaster of tactics to know how to extend his front without confusion, ordeepen his ranks, or get from column into line, or wheel round quicklywhen the enemy appeared on the right or the left or in the rear: thetrue tactician must also be able to break up his troops into smallbodies, whenever necessary, and place each division exactly where itwould be of the greatest use; he must know how to quicken speed whenit was essential to forestall the enemy; these and a hundred otheroperations are part of his science, and Cyrus studied them all withequal care. [16] On the march he varied the order constantly to suit theneeds of the moment, but for the camp, as a rule, he adopted the plan wehave described. [17] And now when the march had brought them into Media, Cyrus turnedaside to visit Cyaxares. After they had met and embraced, Cyrus began bytelling Cyaxares that a palace in Babylon, and an estate, had been setaside for him so that he might have a residence of his own whenever hecame there, and he offered him other gifts, most rich and beautiful. [18] And Cyaxares was glad to take them from his nephew, and thenhe sent for his daughter, and she came, carrying a golden crown, andbracelets, and a necklace of wrought gold, and a most beautiful Medianrobe, as splendid as could be. [19] The maiden placed the crown upon thehead of Cyrus, and as she did so Cyaxares said: "I will give her to you, Cyrus, my own daughter, to be your wife. Yourfather wedded the daughter of my father, and you are their son; and thisis the little maid whom you carried in your arms when you were with usas a lad, and whenever she was asked whom she meant to marry, she wouldalways answer 'Cyrus. ' And for her dowry I will give her the whole ofMedia: since I have no lawful son. " [20] So he spoke, and Cyrus answered: "Cyaxares, I can but thank you myself for all you offer me, the kinshipand the maiden and the gifts, but I must lay the matter before my fatherand my mother before I accept, and then we will thank you together. " That was what Cyrus said, but none the less he gave the maiden the giftshe thought would please her father. And when he had done so, he marchedon home to Persia. [21] And when he reached the borders of his fatherland, he left the massof his troops on the frontier, and went forward alone with his friendsto the city, leading victims enough for all the Persians to sacrificeand hold high festival. And he brought special gifts for his father andhis mother and his friends of old, and for the high officers of state, the elders, and all the Persian Peers; and he gave every Persian man andevery Persian woman such bounties as the king confers to-day whenever hevisits Persia. [22] After this Cambyses gathered together the eldersof the land and the chief officers, who have authority in the highestmatters, and spoke as follows: "Men of Persia, and Cyrus, my son, both of you are dear to me and mustneeds be dear; I am the king of my people and the father of my son;therefore I am bound to lay before you openly all that I believe to befor the good of both. [23] In the past the nation has done great thingsfor Cyrus by giving him an army and appointing him the leader, andCyrus, God helping him, has made my Persians famous in all the world byhis leadership, and crowned you with glory in Asia. Of those who servedwith him he has made the bravest wealthy for life, and given sustenanceand full pay to numbers. By founding the cavalry he has won the plainsfor Persia. [24] If your hearts are still the same in future, all of youwill bless each other: but if you, my son, would be puffed up by yourpresent fortune and attempt to rule the Persians for your own advantageas you rule the rest of the world, or if you, my people, should envythis man's power and try to drive him from his throne, I tell you, youwill cut each other off from many precious things. [25] Therefore, thatthis should never be, and only good be yours, I counsel you to offersacrifice together, and call the gods to witness and make a covenant. You, Cyrus, shall vow to resist with all your strength any man whoattacks our land of Persia or tries to overthrow our laws; and you, mypeople, must promise that if rebels attempt to depose Cyrus or ifhis subjects revolt, you will render aid to him and to yourselves inwhatever way he wishes. [26] Now, so long as I live, the kingdom ofPersia is and continues mine, but when I die it passes to Cyrus if heis still alive, and whenever he visits Persia it should be a holy customfor him to offer sacrifice on your behalf, even as I do now; and when heis abroad, it will be well for you, I think, if the member of our familywhom you count the noblest fulfils the sacred rites. " [27] Cambyses ended, and Cyrus and the officers of Persia agreed to allhe said. They made the covenant and called the gods to witness, and tothis day they keep it still, the Persians and the Great King. And whenit was done, Cyrus took his leave and came back to Media. [28] There, with the full consent of his father and his mother, he wedded thedaughter of Cyaxares, the fame of whose beauty has lasted to thisday. And after the marriage his steeds were yoked and they set out forBabylon. [C. 6] When he was in Babylon once more, he thought it would be well toappoint satraps and set them over the conquered tribes. Yet he did notwish the commandants in the citadels and the captains in charge of thegarrisons throughout the country to be under any authority but his own. Herein he showed his foresight, realising that if any satrap becameinsolent and rebellious, relying on his own wealth and the numbers athis back, he would at once find a power to oppose him within his owndistrict. [2] In order to carry out this plan, Cyrus resolved to summona council of the leading men and explain the terms on which thesatraps who went would go. In this way, he thought, they would not feelaggrieved, whereas, if a man found himself appointed and then learnt therestrictions for the first time, he might well take it ill, fancying ita sign of personal mistrust. [3] So it was that Cyrus called a counciland spoke as follows: "Gentlemen and friends of mine, you are aware that we have garrisons andcommandants in the cities we conquered, stationed there at the time. Ileft them with orders simply to guard the fortifications and notmeddle with anything else. Now I do not wish to remove them from theircommands, for they have done their duty nobly, but I propose to sendothers, satraps, who will govern the inhabitants, receive the tribute, give the garrisons their pay, and discharge all necessary dues. [4]Further, I think it right that certain of you who live here and yet onwhom I may lay the task of travelling to these nations and working forme among them, should possess houses there and estates, where tributemay be brought them, and where they may find a place of their own tolodge in. " [5] With these words he assigned houses and districts to many ofhis friends among the lands he had subdued: and to this day theirdescendants possess the estates, although they reside at courtthemselves. [6] "Now, " he added, "we must choose for the satraps who areto go abroad persons who will not forget to send us anything of value intheir districts, so that we who are at home may share in all the wealthof the world. For if any danger comes, it is we who must ward it off. " [7] With that he ended for the time, but later on when he came toknow what friends of his were ready and willing to go on the termsprescribed, he selected those he thought best qualified for the work, and sent Magabazus to Arabia, Artabatas to Cappadocia, Artacamas toGreater Phrygia, Chrysantas to Lydia and Susia, Adousius, whom theCarians had asked for themselves, to Caria, and Pharnouchus to Aeoliaand Phrygia by the Hellespont. [8] But to Cilicia, Cyprus, and Paphlagonia, Cyrus sent no satraps, because they had shown their willingness to march against Babylon;tribute, however, was imposed on them as on the others. [9] Inaccordance with the rules then laid down by Cyrus, the citadel garrisonsand the captains-of-the-guard are to this day appointed directly bythe king, and have their names on the royal list. [10] All satraps whomCyprus sent out were ordered to do as they saw him doing: each was toraise a body of cavalry and a chariot-force from the Persians and theallies who went out with him; and all who received grants of land andofficial residences were to present themselves at the palace-gates, study temperance and self-control, and hold themselves in readinessfor the service of their satrap. Their boys were to be educated at thegates, as with Cyrus, and the satrap was to lead his nobles out to hunt, and train himself and his followers in the art of war. [11] "Whicheverof you, " Cyrus added, "can show the greatest number of chariots inproportion to his power, and the largest and finest body of cavalry, Iwill honour him as my best ally and most faithful fellow-guardian ofthe Persian empire. Let the best men always have the preference at yourcourts as they have at mine, give them seats of honour as I do, and letyour table be spread, as mine is, not only for your own household, butfor your friends also, and for the honour of him who may accomplish anynoble deed. [12] You must lay out parks and breed game, and never touchfood until you have toiled for it, nor give your horses fodder untilthey have been exercised. I am but a single man, with only humanstrength and human virtue, and I could not by myself preserve the goodthings that are yours: I must have good comrades to help me in goodness, and only thus can I be your defender; and you likewise, if you are tohelp me, must be good yourselves and have good men at your side. [13]Remember that I have not spoken unto you as unto slaves: what I say youought to do I strive to do myself. And even as I bid you follow me, so Iwould have you teach those in authority under you to follow you. " [14] Such were the principles then laid down by Cyrus, and to this dayall the royal garrisons are appointed in the same manner, the gates ofall the governors are thronged in the same way, the houses, greatand small, are managed in the same fashion, everywhere the mostdistinguished guests are given seats of honour, every province isvisited on the same system, and everywhere the threads of numberlessaffairs are gathered into the hands of a few superiors. [15] Havinggiven these instructions, Cyrus assigned a body of troops to each of hissatraps, and sent them out to their provinces, bidding them to be readyfor a campaign in the new year and for a review of their soldiers, theirweapons, their horses, and their chariots. [16] And here I may noticeanother custom, also instituted by Cyrus, it is said, and still in forceto-day: every year a progress of inspection is made by an officer at thehead of an army, to help any satrap who may require aid, or bring theinsolent to their senses; and, if there has been negligence in thedelivery of tribute, or the protection of the inhabitants, or thecultivation of the soil, or indeed any omission of duty whatsoever, theofficer is there to put the matter right, or if he cannot do so himself, to report it to the king, who decides what is to be done about theoffender. The announcements so often made, such as "the king's son iscoming down, " or "the king's brother, " or "the king's eye, " refer tothese inspectors, but sometimes no one appears, for at any momentthe officer may be turned back at the king's command. [17] We hear ofanother arrangement, devised to meet the huge size of the empire andenable the king to learn with great celerity the state of affairs at anydistance. Cyrus first ascertained how far a horse could travel inone day without being over-ridden, and then he had a series ofposting-stations built, one day's ride apart, with relays of horses, andgrooms to take care of them, and a proper man in charge of each stationto receive the despatches and hand them on, take over the jaded horsesand men, and furnish fresh ones. [18] Sometimes, we are told, thispost does not even halt at night: the night-messenger relieves theday-messenger and rides on. Some say that, when this is done, the posttravels more quickly than the crane can fly, and, whether that is trueor not, there is no doubt it is the quickest way in which a human beingcan travel on land. To learn of events so rapidly and be able to dealwith them at once is of course a great advantage. [19] After a year had passed, Cyrus collected all his troops at Babylon, amounting, it is said, to one hundred and twenty thousand horse, twothousand scythe-bearing chariots, and six hundred thousand foot. [20]Then, seeing that all was got together, he set out for that campaign ofhis, on which, the story says, he subdued the nations from the bordersof Syria as far as the Red Sea. After that there followed, we are told, the expedition against Egypt and its conquest. [21] From that timeforward his empire was bounded on the east by the Red Sea, on the northby the Euxine, on the west by Cyprus and Egypt, and towards the southby Ethiopia. Of these outlying districts, some were scarcely habitable, owing to heat or cold, drought or excessive rain. [22] But Cyrus himselfalways lived at the centre of his dominions, seven months in Babylonduring the winter season, where the land is warm and sunny, three monthsat Susa in the spring, and during the height of summer in Ecbatana, so that for him it was springtime all the year. [23] Towards him thedisposition of all men was such that every nation felt they had failedunless they could send Cyrus the treasures of their land, plants, or animals, or works of art. And every city felt the same, and everyprivate person counted himself on the road to riches if he could doCyrus some special service, for Cyrus took only such things as they hadin abundance, and gave them in return what he saw they lacked. [C. 7] Thus the years passed on, and Cyrus was now in a ripe old age, andhe journeyed to Persia for the seventh time in his reign. His father andmother were long since dead in the course of nature, and Cyrus offeredsacrifice according to the law, and led the sacred dance of his Persiansafter the manner of his forefathers, and gave gifts to every manaccording to his wont. [2] But one night, as he lay asleep in the royal palace, he dreamt adream. It seemed to him that some one met him, greater than a man, andsaid to him, "Set your house in order, Cyrus: the time has come, and youare going to the gods. " With that Cyrus awoke out of sleep, and he all but seemed to know thatthe end of his life was at hand. [3] Straightway he took victims andoffered sacrifice to Zeus, the god of his fathers, and to the Sun, andall the other gods, on the high places where the Persians sacrifice, andthen he made this prayer: "Zeus, god of my fathers, and thou, O Sun, and all ye gods, accept thissacrifice, my offering for many a noble enterprise, and suffer me tothank you for the grace ye have shown me, telling me all my life, byvictims and by signs from heaven, by birds and by the voices of men, what things I ought to do and what I ought to refrain from doing. Deepis my thankfulness that I was able to recognise your care, and neverlifted up my heart too high even in my prosperity. I beseech you now tobless my children also, and my wife, and my friends, and my fatherland;and for myself, may my death be as my life has been. " [4] Then Cyrus went home again and lay down on his bed, for he longedto rest. And when the hour was come, his attendants came to him and badehim take his bath. But he said he would rather rest. And others cameafterwards, at the usual time, to set the meal before him; but he couldnot bring himself to take food: he seemed only to thirst, and drankreadily. [5] It was the same the second day, and the third, and thenhe called his sons to his side--it chanced they had followed him toPersia--and he summoned his friends also and the chief magistrates ofthe land, and when they were all met, he began: [6] "My sons, and friends of mine, the end of my life is at hand: I knowit by many signs. And when I am dead, you must show by word and deedthat you think of me as happy. When I was a child, I had all the joysand triumphs of a child, and I reaped the treasures of youth as I grewup, and all the glories of a man when I came to man'e estate. And as theyears passed, I seemed to find my powers grow with them, so that I neverfelt my old age weaker than my youth, nor can I think of anything Iattempted or desired wherein I failed. [7] Moreover, I have seen myfriends made happy by my means, and my enemies crushed beneath my hand. This my fatherland, which was once of no account in Asia, I leave atthe height of power, and of all that I won I think I have lost nothing. Throughout my whole life I have fared as I prayed to fare, and the dreadthat was ever with me lest in days to come I might see or hear or sufferevil, this dread would never let me think too highly of myself, orrejoice as a fool rejoices. [8] And if I die now, I leave my sonsbehind me, the sons the gods have given me; and I leave my fatherlandin happiness, and my friends. Surely I may hope that men will count meblessed and cherish my memory. [9] And now I must leave instructionsabout 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, theone whose experience of life is the greater, to be the leader incouncil and the guide in action. [10] Thus was I trained myself, in thefatherland that is yours and mine, to yield to my elders, my brothers ormy fellow-citizens, in the street, or in the place of meeting, or in theassembly for debate. And thus have I trained both of you, to honour yourelders and be honoured by those who are younger than yourselves. Theseare the principles that I leave with you, sanctioned by time, ingrainedin 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 melies; and to you, Tanaoxares, I give the satrapy over the Medes and theArmenians and the Cadousians, these three; and though I leave your elderbrother a larger empire and the name of king, your inheritance willbring you, I believe, more perfect happiness than his. [12] I ask myselfwhat human joy will be lacking to you: all things which gladden thehearts of men will be yours--but the craving for what is out of reach, the load of cares, the restless passion to rival my achievements, theplots and counterplots, they will follow him who wears the crown, and they are things, be well assured, that leave little leisure forhappiness. [13] And you, Cambyses, you know of yourself, without wordsfrom me, that your kingdom is not guarded by this golden sceptre, butby faithful friends; their loyalty is your true staff, a sceptre whichshall not fail. But never think that loyal hearts grow up by nature asthe grass grows in the field: if that were so, the same men would beloyal to all alike, even as all natural objects are the same to allmankind. No, every leader must win his own followers for himself, andthe way to win them is not by violence but by loving-kindness. [14] Andif you would seek for friends to stand by you and guard your throne, whoso fit to be the first of them as he who is sprung from the self-sameloins? Our fellow-citizens are nearer to us than foreigners, and ourmess-mates dearer than strangers, and what of those who are sprung fromthe same seed, suckled at the same breast, reared in the same home, loved by the same parents, the same mother, the same father? [15] Whatthe gods have given to be the seal of brotherhood do not make of noneeffect yourselves. But build upon it: make it the foundation for otherloving deeds, and thus the love between you shall never be overcome. Theman who takes thought for his brother cares for his own self. For whobut a brother can win glory from a brother's greatness? Who can behonoured as a brother can through a brother's power? Or who so safe frominjury as the brother of the great? [16] Let no one, Tanaoxares, be moreeager than yourself to obey your brother and support him: to no one canhis triumph or his danger come so near. Ask yourself from whom you couldwin a richer reward for any kindness. Who could give you stouter helpin return for your own support? And where is coldness so ugly as betweenbrothers? Or where is reverence so beautiful? And remember, Cambyses, only the brother who holds pre-eminence in a brother's heart can be safefrom the jealousy of the world. [17] I implore you both, my sons, by thegods of our fathers, hold each other in honour, if you care at all to dome pleasure: and none of you can say you know that I shall cease to bewhen I cease to live this life of ours. With your bodily eyes you havenever seen my soul, and yet you have discerned its presence through itsworking. [18] And have you never marked the terrors which the spiritsof those who have suffered wrong can send into the hearts of theirmurderers, and the avenging furies they let loose upon the wicked?Think you the honours of the dead would still abide, if the souls of thedeparted were altogether powerless? [19] Never yet, my sons, could Ibe persuaded that the soul only lives so long as she dwells within thismortal body, and falls dead so soon as she is quit of that. Nay, Isee for myself that it is the soul which lends life to it, while sheinhabits there. [20] I cannot believe that she must lose all sense onher separation from the senseless body, but rather that she will reachher highest wisdom when she is set free, pure and untrammelled at last. And when this body crumbles in dissolution, we see the several partsthereof return to their kindred elements, but we do not see the soul, whether she stays or whether she departs. [21] Consider, " he went on, "how these two resemble one another, Death and his twin-brother Sleep, and it is in sleep that the soul of a man shows her nature most divine, and is able to catch a glimpse of what is about to be, for it is then, perhaps, that she is nearest to her freedom. [22] Therefore, if thesethings are as I believe, and the spirit leaves the body behind and isset free, reverence my soul, O sons of mine, and do as I desire. Andeven if it be not so, if the spirit must stay with the body and perish, yet the everlasting gods abide, who behold all things, with whom isall power, who uphold the order of this universe, unmarred, unaging, unerring, unfathomable in beauty and in splendour. Fear them, my sons, and never yield to sin or wickedness, in thought or word or deed. [23]And after the gods, I would have you reverence the whole race of man, as it renews itself for ever; for the gods have not hidden you in thedarkness, but your deeds will be manifest in the eyes of all mankind, and if they be righteous deeds and pure from iniquity, they will blazonforth your power: but if you meditate evil against each other, you willforfeit the confidence of every man. For no man can trust you, eventhough he should desire it, if he sees you wrong him whom above allyou are bound to love. [24] Therefore, if my words are strong enough toteach you your duty to one another, it is well. But, if not, let historyteach you, and there is no better teacher. For the most part, parentshave shown kindness to their children and brothers to their brothers, but it has been otherwise with some. Look, then, and see which conducthas brought success, choose to follow that, and your choice will bewise. [25] And now maybe I have said enough of this. As for my body, when I am dead, I would not have you lay it up in gold or silver or anycoffin whatsoever, but give it back to the earth with all speed. Whatcould be more blessed than to lie in the lap of Earth, the mother of allthings beautiful, the nurse of all things good? I have been a lover ofmen all my life, and methinks I would fain become a part of that whichdoes good to man. [26] And now, " he added, "now it seems to me that mylife begins to ebb; I feel my spirit slipping away from those parts sheleaves the first. If you would take my hand once more, or look into myeyes while life is there, draw near me now; but when I have covered myface, let no man look on me again, not even you, my sons. [27] But youshall bid the Persians come, and all our allies, to my sepulchre; andyou shall rejoice with me and congratulate me that I am safe at last, free from suffering or sorrow, whether I am with God or whether I haveceased to be. Give all who come the entertainment that is fitting inhonour of a man whose life on earth was happy, and so send them away. [28] Remember my last saying: show kindness to your friends, and thenshall you have it in your power to chastise your enemies. Good-bye, mydear sons, bid your mother good-bye for me. And all my friends, who arehere or far away, good-bye. " And with these words he gave his hand to them, and then he covered hisface and died. EPILOGUE [C. 8] Of all the powers in Asia, the kingdom of Cyrus showed itself tobe the greatest and most glorious. On the east it was bounded by the RedSea, on the north by the Euxine, on the west by Cyprus and Egypt, andon the south by Ethiopia. And yet the whole of this enormous empire wasgoverned by the mind and will of a single man, Cyrus: his subjects hecared for and cherished as a father might care for his children, andthey who came beneath his rule reverenced him like a father. [2] But no sooner was he dead than his sons were at strife, cities andnations revolted, and all things began to decay. I can show that what Isay is true, and first I will speak of their impiety. In the early days, I am aware, the king and those beneath him never failed to keep theoaths they had sworn and fulfil the promises they had given, even to theworst of criminals. [3] In fact, if such had not been their characterand such their reputation, none of the Hellenic generals who marchedup with the younger Cyrus could have felt the confidence they did: theywould not have trusted a Persian any more than one trusts them to-day, now that their perfidy is known. As it was, they relied on their oldreputation and put themselves in their power, and many were taken up tothe king and there beheaded. And many of the Asiatics who served in thesame war perished as they did, deluded by one promise or another. [4] In other ways also the Persians have degenerated. Noble achievementin the old days was the avenue to fame: the man was honoured who riskedhis life for the king, or brought a city or nation beneath his sway. Butnow, if some Mithridates has betrayed his father Ariobarzanes, or someReomithres has left his wife and children and the sons of his friend ashostages at the court of Egypt, and then has broken the most solemn ofall pledges--it is they and their like who are loaded with the highesthonours, if only they are thought to have gained some advantage for theking. [5] With such examples before them, all the Asiatics have turnedto injustice and impiety. For what the leaders are, that, as a rule, will the men below them be. Thus has lawlessness increased and grownamong them. [6] And injustice has grown, and thieving. Not onlycriminals, but men who are absolutely innocent are arrested and forcedto pay fines for no reason whatsoever: to be known to have wealth ismore dangerous than guilt, so that the rich do not care to have anydealings with the powerful, and dare not even risk appearing at themuster of the royal troops. [7] Therefore, when any man makes war onPersia, whoever he may be, he can roam up and down the country to hisheart's content without striking a blow, because they have forgotten thegods and are unjust to their fellow-men. In every way their hearts andminds are lower than in days gone by. [8] Nor do they care for their bodies as they did of old. It was alwaystheir custom neither to spit nor blow the nose, only it is clear thiswas instituted not from concern for the humours of the body, but inorder to strengthen themselves by toil and sweat. But nowadays, thoughthis habit is still in vogue, to harden the body by exercise has quitegone out of fashion. [9] Again, from the first it was their rule only totake a single meal in the day, which left them free to give their timeto business and exercise. The single meal is still the rule, but itcommences at the earliest hour ever chosen for breakfast, and the eatingand drinking goes on till the last moment which the latest revellerwould choose for bed. [10] It was always forbidden to bring chamber-potsinto the banquet-hall, but the reason lay in their belief that theright way to keep body and brain from weakness was to avoid drinkingin excess. But to-day, though as in the old time no such vessels may becarried in, they drink so deep that they themselves are carried out, tooweak to stand on their own legs. [11] It was a national custom from thefirst not to eat and drink on the march nor be seen satisfying the wantsof nature, but nowadays, though they still abstain, they make each marchso short that no man need wonder at their abstinence. [12] In the old time they went out to hunt so often that the chase gaveenough exercise and training for man and horse alike. But when the daycame that Artaxerxes and all his court were the worse for wine, the oldcustom of the king leading the hunt in person began to pass away. And ifany eager spirits hunted with their own followers it was easy to see thejealousy, and even the hatred, aroused by such superiority. [13] It is still the habit to bring up the boys at the palace-gates, butfine horsemanship has disappeared, for there is no place where the ladscan win applause by their skill. The old belief that the children ofPersia would learn justice by hearing the judges decide the cases hasbeen turned upside down: the children have only to use their eyes andthey see that the verdict goes to the man with the longest purse. [14]Children in former times were taught the properties of plants in orderto use the wholesome and avoid the harmful; but now they seem to learnit for the mere sake of doing harm: at any rate, there is no countrywhere deaths from poison are so common. [15] And the Persian to-day isfar more luxurious than he was in the time of Cyrus. Then they stillclung to the Persian style of education and the Persian self-restraint, merely adopting the Median dress and a certain grace of life. But nowthe old Persian hardihood may perish for all they care, if only theypreserve the softness of the Mede. [16] I might give instances of theirluxury. They are not content with soft sheets and rugs for their beds, they must have carpets laid under the bed-posts to prevent any jarringfrom the floor. They have given up none of the cooked dishes inventedin former days; on the contrary, they are always devising new ones, andcondiments to boot: in fact, they keep men for the very purpose. [17] Inthe winter it is not enough to have the body covered, and the head andthe feet, they must have warm sleeves as well and gloves for the hands:and in the summer they are not content with the shade from the trees orthe rocks, they must have servants standing beside them with artificialscreens. [18] To have an endless array of cups and goblets is theirspecial pride: and if these are come by unjustly, and all the worldknows it, why, there is nothing to blush for in that: injustice hasgrown too common among them, and ill-gotten gain. [19] Formerly noPersian was ever to be seen on foot, but the sole object of the customwas to make them perfect horsemen. Now they lay more rugs on theirhorses' backs than on their own beds; it is not a firm seat they carefor, but a soft saddle. [20] As soldiers we may imagine how they have sunk below the ancientstandard; in past times it was a national institution that theland-owner should furnish troopers from his own estate, and men werebound to go on active service, while the garrison troops in the countryreceived regular pay; but now the Persian grandees have manufactureda new type of cavalry, who earn their pay as butlers and cooks andconfectioners and cupbearers and bathmen and flunkeys to serve at tableor remove the dishes, and serving-men to put their lords to bed and helpthem to rise, and perfumers to anoint them and rub them and make thembeautiful. [21] In numbers they make a very splendid show, but they areno use for fighting; as may be seen by what actually takes place: anenemy can move about their country more freely than the inhabitantsthemselves. [22] It will be remembered that Cyrus put a stop to theold style of fighting at long range, and by arming men and horses withbreastplates and giving each trooper a short spear he taught them tofight at close quarters. But nowadays they will fight in neither onestyle nor the other. [23] The infantry still carry the large shields, the battle-axes, and the swords, as if they meant to do battle as theydid in Cyrus' day. [24] But they will never close with the enemy. Nor dothey use the scythe-bearing chariots as Cyrus intended. By thehonours he gave he raised the dignity and improved the quality of hischarioteers till he had a body of men who would charge right into theenemy's ranks; but the generals of to-day, though they do not even knowthe charioteers by sight, flatter themselves that untrained men willserve their purpose quite as well as trained. [25] So the charioteerswill dash off, but before they reach the enemy half the men have fallenfrom their boxes, and the others will jump out of their own accord, and the teams, left without their drivers, will do more harm to theirfriends than to their foes. [26] And since in their hearts the Persiansof to-day are well aware what their fighting condition really is, theyalways give up the struggle, and now none of them will take the fieldat all without Hellenes to help them, whether they are fighting amongthemselves or whether Hellenes are in arms against them: even then itis a settled thing that they must have the aid of other Hellenes to facethem. [27] I venture to think I have shown the truth of the statement that Imade. I asserted that the Persians of to-day and their allies are lessreligious than they were of old, less dutiful to their kindred, lessjust and righteous towards other men, and less valiant in war. And ifany man doubts me, let him examine their actions for himself, and hewill find full confirmation of all I say. NOTES C1. Xenophon puts into the mouth of Chrysantas his favourite theory ofmonarchism, the relationship strongly cemented by obedience and trustbetween subjects and king. C1. 4, med. On _willing_ service. This again is one of the bestutterances in all Xenophon. It has a deep spiritual import. C1. 4, fin. He is thinking of Athens, perhaps. It is a choice: obey theruler or knock under to foreign foes. C1. 8. Surely a remark of the author. It is an old inveterate thought ofhis: "the Master's eye. " I feel the _old_ man at times. C1. 9-10. This side of the Persian state-machine strongly impressed themind and imagination of Xenophon. Hence he works it into the treatiseon economy as well as here. In fact his expansion of the Socraticreflections into the _Economist_ has to do, I believe, with thesereflections on state economy. C1. 13. Hellenic aristocratic theory of existence. Leisure for the grandduties which devolve on the lords of mankind. It doesn't seem tostrike Xenophon that this rigid system of self-absorption in the higherselfhood of the social system might be destructive of individual life. Of course he would say, "No, it enlarges the individual life. " C1. 17-20. Seems to me to show Xenophon struggling with the hard partsof the later Persian system. The theory of Persian feudalism is toohigh-strung for these grand satraps, rulers of provinces as big asordinary kingdoms. It tends to snap, and from the beginning did. Thearchic man has no charm to compel his followers to archic virtue. It isa negative {episteme} after all. Does Xenophon realise this, or is hgd. Wrong? C1. 21. Cf. Headmasters with preposters in a public school, based on thesame system of high aims and duties corresponding to rights. C1. 23, init. Cf. Louis Napoleon in Browning's poem [_PrinceHohensteil-Schwangau_]. C1. 23, med. The Magians, the Persian order of priests. Yet we have heardof them throughout. C1. 27. A very true saying and very nice the feeling it gives us towardsXenophon. We think of him with his wife and his little sons and hisfriends and their friends. C1. 28. How true of women! C1. 33. A reduplication of the description in Bk. I. , and also asumming-up of Xenophon's own earthly paradise--quite Tennysonian. C1. 37. An important point or principle in Xenophon's politicaltheory--indeed the key and tone of it: no one has a right to commandexcept by virtue of personal superiority. C1. 40 foll. "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of themorning!" The section, if, as I think it is, by Xenophon, throwslight on the nature and composition of the book. The author isn't sodisengaged from "history" that he can set aside obviously integralparts of the Persian system traceable to Cyrus, or at any rate probablyoriginal, and their false-seeming and bamboozling mode of keeping updignity has to be taken account of. It has its analogy in the admissionof thaumaturgy on the part of religious teachers, and no doubt a gooddeal can be said for it. The archic man in low spirits, if he ever isso, has some need of bamboozling himself. Titles do give some moralsupport even nowadays to certain kinds of minds. C1. 46-48. The archic man's dealings by those of his subjects who are aptto rule, the men of high thoughts and ambitions, with whom he must comeinto constant personal contact. With them the spiritual dominance alonewill do. They shall be made to love him rather than themselves. (The only thing just here that jars is a sort of Machiavellianself-consciousness, resented in the archic man). C1. 46. A cumbrous disjointed sentence, but the thought of it is clearenough. Even Xenophon's style breaks down when he tries to say ina breath more than he naturally can. Is it a sign of senility, orhalf-thought-out ideas, or what? C2. 2, fin. Does Xenophon feel the bathos of this, or is hdg. Wrong andthere is no bathos? It may be said that the sacramental and spiritualside is not in abeyance. Xenophon has to account for the "common board"and he has the Spartan Lycurgan "common board" to encourage him, so thatimaginatively he provides this royal being with a sumptuous table atwhich thousands will share alike. C2. 3. How far was this a custom among Hellenes? It reveals a curiousstate of society, real or imaginary; but I suppose that at Rome inimperial days (cf. _panem et circenses_) the theory of meat and drinklargesses being the best would hold. C2. 4, fin. The last remark is so silly (?) I am almost disposed tofollow Lincke and admit interpolation. Yet on the whole I think it isthe voice of the old man explaining in his Vicar-of-Wakefield style, to his admiring auditors, wife, children, and grandsons, I fancy, andslaves, the _raison d'être_ of Persian dinner-largesse customs. C2. 6. Qy. : What was Xenophon's manner of composing? The style hereis loose, like that of a man talking. Perhaps he lectured and theamanuensis took down what he said. C2. 8. Ineptitudes. One does somewhat sniff an editor here, I think, butI am not sure. There's a similar touch of ineptitude (senility, perhaps)in the _Memorabilia_, _ad fin_. On the other hand I can imagine Xenophonpurring over this side of Orientalism quite naturally. C2. 12. This slipshod style, how accounted for? The most puzzling thingof all is the sort of mental confusion between Cyrus and the king ingeneral. C2. 15-16. Thoroughly Xenophontine and Ruskinian and eternal. C2. 24. Here is the germ of benefit societies and clubs and insurancesand hospitals. Xenophon probably learns it all from Ctesias, and othersof the sort. Cyrus provides doctors and instruments and medicines anddiet, in fact, all the requisites of a hospital, in his palace. Nor doeshe forget to be grateful to the doctors who cured the sick. [Ctesias, the Greek physician to the Persian king. See _Anabasis_, I. Viii. Works, Vol. I. P. 108. ] C2. 26 ff. Xenophon's Machiavellianism. Does it work? C2. 17-28. It seems to me that all this is too elaborate for aninterpolator: it smacks of Xenophon in his arm-chair, theorising andhalf-dreaming over his political philosophy. C3. 2. Prototype, a procession to Eleusis or elsewhere: the Panathenaic, possibly. Xenophon's sumptuous taste and love of bright colours. C3. 3, fin. , C3. 4. What a curious prototypic sound! Truly this is thevery _modus_ of the evangelist's type of sentence. His narrative mustrun in this mould. C3. 4, fin. This is the old Cyrus. It comes in touchingly here, thisrefrain of the old song, now an echo of the old life. C3. 14. Xenophon delights somewhat in this sort of scene. It is aturning-point, a veritable moral peripety, though the decisive step wastaken long ago. What is Xenophon's intention with regard to it? Has heany _parti pris_, for or against? Does he wish us to draw conclusions?Or does it correspond to a moral meeting of the waters in his own mind?Here love of Spartan simplicity, and there of splendour and regalityand monarchism? He does not give a hint that the sapping of the systembegins here, when the archic man ceases to depend on his own spiritualarchic qualities and begins to eke out his dignity by artificial meansand external shows of reverence. C3. 20. Is this worthy of the archic man? It is a method, no doubt, of {arkhe}, but has it any spiritual "last" in it? The incident ofDaïpharnes somewhat diverts our attention from the justice of the systemin reference to the suitors. On the whole, I think Xenophon can't getfurther. He is blinded and befogged by two things: (1) his (i. E. Their)aristocratism, and again (2) his satisfaction in splendour and get-up, provided it is attached to moral greatness. We are in the same maze, Ifancy. Jesus was not, nor is Walt Whitman. C3. 23. Cyrus is made to behave rather like the autocratic father of agoody story-book. C3. 25. Realistic and vivid detailing: our curiosity is satisfied. "Whohas won?" we ask. "Oh, so-and-so, Smith. " Well, it's something to knowthat Smith has won. Xenophon, the artist, 'cutely introduces the Sakianto us. One scene takes up another, just as in real life. Quite soonwe know a great deal more about this young man, a mere Sakian privatesoldier, who wins the race so easily on his splendid horse. Cyrusand good fortune introduce him to the very man he is suited to: viz. Pheraulas. C3. 37. Pheraulas' boyhood has already been sketched by himself (II. C3. 7), the active sturdy little youngster, snatching at a knife, andhacking away _con amore_. We know him well: Xenophon's modernism comesout in these things. Here we have the old father, a heart of oak, likethe old Acharnian in Aristophanes. One of the prettiest morsels in allXenophon. Xenophon's own father, is he there? C3. 47. The desire for "leisure" is as strong in Xenophon as in hgd. OrS. T. I. , I think. [S. T. Irwin, also a master at Clifton. ] C4. 1. Why is the Hyrcanian never named? Is it conceivable that Xenophonshrinks from using a proper name except when he has some feeling for thesound of the language? (Sic. Sakians, Cadousians, Indians, etc. ) C4. 4 The "mark" system again which Xenophon believes in, but hgd. Not. Shows how he tried to foster competitiveness. It's after all a beliefin the central sun, a species of monarch-worship, logical and consistentenough. C4. 8. Xenophon reveals himself and the Hellenic feeling with regard towar and its use. The _pax Romana_ is anticipated in their minds. C4. 9. Hystaspas is rather like the sons of Zebedee or the elder brotherof the Prodigal. C4. 12, fin. Looks rather like a Greek joke. But what is the joke? C4. 13-23. Broad type of joke, but not unhealthy or prurient. Prototypeprobably Agesilaus and the younger Cyrus at the supper-table, with justthis touch of coarseness. C4. 32-36. This is = to the Comtist theory of the duties of capitalists, and is one of the noblest disquisitions in all Xenophon, {os g' emoidokei}. Cyrus' theory is based on fraternal feeling among the _elite_ ofthe world, and that is the sole difference, a large one doubtless, and measures the gap between Xenophon and A. C. And our advance inDemocracy. C5. 17. How far is this historical, i. E. Semi-historical? I can't helpsupposing that the commoner notion of a conquest of Media by Persia wascurrent and familiar to Xenophon apart from any other account, which forhis present purpose he chose to go upon and possibly believed in. C5. 18-20. Will Cyrus take her to wife, his old playmate? All this showsonce more Xenophon's love of children. C5. 23-25. The Persian Magna Charta, parallel to that between the Spartanking and the ephorate. C6. 1-3. (a) Satraps; to be counterpoised by (b) military governors inthe citadels, and (c) visitors living at court, but possessed of landsin the provinces. The object is, no doubt, to create a commoninterest between the nobles and the king which will keep the satrap incounterpoise. C6. 11. The Oriental feeling again. C6. 12, fin. One of the nicest (monarchical) remarks ever uttered. C6. 13. Marked Greek Testament parallel S. Joan. 13, 13. Surely theevangelist had read this at school: I mean, the Greek scribe whoHellenised the evangel. C6. 23. Free trade or favoured-nation principle and commercial treaty. C7. 10. Prototype: Socrates and his sons. Perhaps also Xenophon and his. One seems to hear his own voice addressing Gryllus. C7. 14. A very noble passage. C7. 27. That's also nice: "Summon the Persians to rejoice with me at myjoyous release;" a refined form of funeral festival--"nothing is herefor tears"--nor have we, perhaps, arrived beyond it. C7. 28. His last remark is Xenophon-Hellenic, but less edifying;fortunately it is only the penultimate, for there is the final{khairete} [good-bye] and message to his wife. Why was she not present?I suppose she was at home in Babylon. [C8. It has been doubted whether C8 is by Xenophon at all. C8. 3, withits reference to the _Anabasis_, certainly looks as though it might havebeen written after his death. Some scholars have also thought the styleunlike Xenophon's, but it is clear from his marginal notes that Mr. Dakyns did not lean towards this view. To stress the degeneracy of thePersians is, no doubt, to make a curious comment on the institutions of"the born ruler, " but on the other hand the preceding chapter (C7) isfull of grave warnings, and, throughout, Xenophon has been at pains toinsist that everything depends on the continuous and united effort ofthe ruling classes towards virtue and self-control. Again, as Mr. Dakynspointed out (in his _Sketch of Xenophon's Life_, Works, Vol. I. P. Cxxxvii. ), the epilogue bears a marked analogy to the account of Spartandegeneracy in c. Xiv. Of the _Laconian Polity_ (see Vol. II. P. 322), achapter he took to be genuine. On the whole, therefore, we may concludethat he would have considered this epilogue to be genuine also. --F. M. S. ]