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| Cyrus waited, with his troops as they were, long enough to show
that he was ready to do battle again if the enemy would come out; but
as 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, and
then he gathered his warriors round him and spoke to them as follows: |
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| "Men of Persia, first and foremost I thank the gods of heaven with
all my soul and strength; and I know you render thanks with me, for we
have won salvation and victory, and it is meet and right to thank the
gods 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 been
accomplished, and when I have learnt what each man's part has been from
those whose place it is to tell me, I will do my best to give each man
his due, in word and deed. |
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| But I need none to tell me the exploits
of your brigadier Chrysantas; he was next to me in the battle and I
could 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 raised
his sword to strike an Assyrian down, but he heard my voice, and at once
he dropped his hand and did my bidding. He sent the word along the lines
and led his division out of range before the enemy could lay one arrow
to the string or let one javelin fly. Thus he brought himself and his
men safely out of action, because he had learnt to obey. |
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| But some
of you, I see, are wounded, and when I hear at what moment they received
their wounds I will pronounce my opinion on their deserts. Chrysantas
I know already to be a true soldier and a man of sense, able to command
because he is able to obey, and here and now I put him at the head of a
thousand troops, nor shall I forget him on the day when God may please
to give me other blessings. |
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| There is one reminder I would make to
all. Never let slip the lesson of this day's encounter, and judge for
yourselves whether it is cowardice or courage that saves a man in war,
whether the fighters or the shirkers have the better chance, and what
the 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. |
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| With such
thoughts 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 and
have done your duty bravely and steadily, and so take your meal and make
your libations and sing the paean and be ready for the watchword." |
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| So saying, Cyrus mounted his horse and galloped on to Cyaxares, and
the two rejoiced together as victors will. And then, after a glance at
matters there and an inquiry if aught were needed, he rode back to his
own detachment. Then the evening meal was taken and the watches were
posted and Cyrus slept with his men. |
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4 - 8
Meanwhile the Assyrians, finding that their king was among the slain
and almost all his nobles with him, fell into utter despair, and many of
them deserted during the night. And at this fear crept over Croesus and
the allies; they saw dangers on every side, and heaviest of all was the
knowledge that the leading nation, the head of the whole expedition, had
received a mortal blow. Nothing remained but to abandon the encampment
under cover of night. [9] |
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4 - 9
Day broke, and the camp was seen to be
deserted, and Cyrus, without more ado, led his Persians within the
entrenchments, where they found the stores that the enemy had left:
herds of sheep and goats and kine, and long rows of waggons laden with
good things. Cyaxares and his Medes followed, and all arms took their
breakfast in the camp. [10] |
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4 - 10
But when the meal was over, Cyrus summoned
his 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 have
given us the slip, as you see with your own eyes. Is it likely that men
who forsook the shelter of their own fortress will ever face us in fair
field on level ground? Will those who shrink from us before they put our
prowess to the test ever withstand us now when we have overthrown and
shattered them? They have lost their best and bravest, and will the
cowards dare to give us battle?"
[11] |
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At that one of his officers cried, "Why not pursue at once, if such
triumphs are before us?"
And Cyrus answered, "Because we have not the horses. The stoutest of our
enemies, those whom we must seize or slay, are mounted on steeds that
could sweep past us like the wind. God helping us, we can put them to
flight, but we cannot overtake them."
[12] |
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"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 see
it is the wish of all."
So they all went together and spoke as they thought best. [13] |
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4 - 13
Now
Cyaxares felt, no doubt, a certain jealousy that the Persians should be
the first to broach the matter, but he may also have felt that it was
really wiser to run no further risks for the present; he had, moreover,
abandoned himself to feasting and merrymaking, and he saw that most of
his Medes were in like case. Whatever the reason, this was the answer he
gave:
[14] |
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"My good nephew, I have always heard and always seen that you
Persians of all men think it your duty never to be insatiate in the
pursuit of any pleasure; and I myself believe that the greater the joy
the more important is self-restraint. Now what greater joy could there
be than the good fortune which waits on us to-day? [15] |
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When fortune
comes to us, if we guard her with discretion, we may live to grow old
in 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 be
ours which, the proverb tells us, falls on those mariners who cannot
forgo their voyages in the pursuit of wealth, and one day the deep sea
swallows them. Thus has many a warrior achieved one victory only to
clutch at another and lose the first. [16] |
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If indeed, our enemies who
have 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 and
conquered; the mass have had no part in the battle, and they, if we
do not force them to fight, will take themselves off through sheer
cowardice and sloth. As yet they know nothing of our powers or their
own, but if they learn that to fly is as dangerous as to hold their
ground, we run the risk of driving them to be brave in spite of
themselves. [17] |
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You may be sure they are just as anxious to save their
wives and children as you can be to capture them. Take a lesson from
hunting: the wild sow when she is sighted will scamper away with her
young, though she be feeding with the herd; but if you attack her little
ones she will never fly, even if she is all alone; she will turn on the
hunters. [18] |
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Yesterday the enemy shut themselves up in a fort, and then
handed themselves over to us to choose how many we cared to fight. But
if we meet them in open country, and they learn how to divide their
forces and take us in front and flank and rear, I wonder how many pairs
of eyes and hands each man of us would need! Finally," he added, "I have
no great wish myself to disturb my Medes in their enjoyment, and drive
them out to further dangers."
[19] |
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Then Cyrus took him up: "Nay, I would not have you put pressure on
any man; only let those who are willing follow me, and perhaps we shall
come back with something for all of you to enjoy. The mass of the enemy
we should not think of pursuing; indeed, how could we overtake them? But
if we cut off any stragglers, we could clap hands on them and bring them
back to you. [20] |
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4 - 20
Remember," he added, "when you sent for us, we came
a long way to do you service; is it not fair that you should do us a
kindness in return, and let us have something to take back with us for
ourselves, and not stand here agape at all your treasures?"
[21] |
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At that Cyaxares answered, "Ah, if any will follow you of their own
free will, I can but be most grateful."
"Send some one with me then," said Cyrus, "from these trusty men of
yours, to carry your commands."
"Take whomever you like," he answered, "and begone."
[22] |
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Now, as it chanced, among the officers present was the Mede who
had claimed kinship with Cyrus long ago and won a kiss thereby. Cyrus
pointed to him and said, "That man will do for me." "He shall go with
you then," Cyaxares replied. And turning to the officer, "Tell your
fellows," he said, "that he who lists may follow Cyrus." [23] |
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Thus
Cyrus 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 me
that 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 in
your turn that to see me is your joy." Thereupon, with the authority
of Cyaxares to support him, the officer went to the Medes and delivered
with message with all diligence, adding that he for one would never
forsake Cyrus, the bravest, noblest, and best of men, and a hero whose
lineage was divine. |
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4 - 24
While Cyrus was busied with these matters, by some strange chance
two ambassadors arrived from the Hyrcanians. These people are neighbours
of 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 the
Assyrians used them as the Lacedaemonians employ the Skirites, for
every toil and every danger, without sparing them. In fact, at that very
moment they had ordered them to furnish a rear-guard of a thousand
men and more, so as to bear the brunt of any rear attack. [2] The
Hyrcanians, as they were to be the hindmost, had put their waggons and
families in the rear, for, like most of the tribes in Asia, they take
their entire households with them on the march. [3] But when they
thought of the sorry treatment they got from the Assyrians and when they
saw the king fallen, the army worsted and a prey to panic, the allies
disheartened and ready to desert, they judged it a fine moment to revolt
themselves, if only the Medes and Persians would make common cause with
them. So they sent an embassy to Cyrus, for after the late battle there
was no name like his. [4] They told him what good cause they had to
hate the Assyrians, and how if he was willing to attack them now, they
themselves would be his allies and show him the way. At the same time
they gave a full account of the enemy's doings, being eager to get Cyrus
on the road. [5] "Do you think," said Cyrus, "we should overtake the
Assyrians before they reach their fortresses? We look on it as a great
misfortune," he added, "that they ever slipped through our fingers and
escaped." (This he said, wishing to give his hearers as high an opinion
as possible of himself and his friends.) [6] "You should certainly catch
them," they answered, "and that to-morrow, ere the day is old, if you
gird up your loins: they move heavily because of their numbers and their
train 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 the
evening." |
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[7] "Can you give us any guarantee," said Cyrus, "that what you say is
true?"
"We will give you hostages," they said; "we will ride off at once and
bring them back this very night. Only do you on your side call the gods
to witness and give us the pledge of your own right hand, that we may
give our people the assurance we have received from you ourselves."
[8] Thereupon Cyrus gave them his pledge that if they would make good
what they promised he would treat them as his true friends and faithful
followers, of no less account than the Persians and the Medes. And to
this day one may see Hyrcanians treated with trust and holding office on
an equal footing with Persians and Medes of high distinction.
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| [9] Now Cyrus and his men took their supper and then while it was still
daylight he led his army out, having made the two Hyrcanians wait so
that they might go with them. The Persians, of course, were with him to
a man, and Tigranes was there, with his own contingent, and the Median
volunteers, who had joined for various reasons. [10] Some had been
friends of Cyrus in boyhood, others had hunted with him and learnt to
admire his character, others were grateful, feeling he had lifted a load
of fear from them, others were flushed with hope, nothing doubting that
great things were reserved for the man who had proved so brave and so
fortunate already. Others remembered the time when he was brought up in
Media, and were glad to return the kindnesses that he had shown
them; many could recall the favours the boy had won for them from his
r the column
halted on the march they were to send him gallopers to receive his
orders. [13] Then he bade the Hyrcanians lead the way, but they
exclaimed, "What? Are you not going to wait until we bring the hostages?
Then you could begin the march with pledges from us in return for
yours." |
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But he answered, as the story says, "If I am not mistaken, we hold the
pledges now, in our own hearts and our own right hands. We believe that
if 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 at
ours. Nevertheless," he added, "since you tell us your own folk follow
in the Assyrian rear, point them out to us as soon as you set eyes upon
them, 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, the
Lydians, and their allies, had altogether gone; their dread now was lest
Cyrus should regard themselves as mere dust in the balance, and count it
of no importance whether they stayed with him or not. |
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| [15] As night closed in on their march, the legend runs that a strange
light shone out, far off in the sky, upon Cyrus and his host, filling
them with awe of the heavenly powers and courage to meet the foe.
Marching as they did, their loins girt and their pace swift, they
covered a long stretch of road in little time, and with the half light
of the morning they were close to the Hyrcanian rear-guard. [16] As soon
as 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 fact
that they were in the rear. [17] Therefore Cyrus sent one of the guides
to them, bidding them come out at once, if they were friendly, with
their right hands raised. And he sent one of his own men also to say,
"According as you make your approach, so shall we Persians comport
ourselves." |
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4 - 29
Thus one of the two messengers stayed with Cyrus while the other rode up
to his fellows. [18] Cyrus halted his army to watch what the tribe would
do, and Tigranes and the Median officers rode along the ranks to ask
for orders. Cyrus explained that the troops nearest to them were the
Hyrcanians, and that one of the ambassadors had gone, and a Persian with
him, to bid them come out at once, if they were friendly, with their
right hands raised. "If they do so," he added, "you must welcome them
as they come, each of you at your post, and take them by the hand and
encourage them, but if they draw sword or try to escape, you must make
an example of them: not a man of them must be left." |
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Such were his orders. [19] However, as soon as the Hyrcanians heard the
message, they were overjoyed: springing to their steeds they galloped up
to Cyrus, holding out their right hands as he had bidden. Then the Medes
and Persians gave them the right hand of fellowship in return, and bade
them be of courage. [20] And Cyrus spoke:
"Sons of the Hyrcanians, we have shown our trust in you already, and
you must trust us in return. And now tell me, how far from here do
the Assyrian headquarters lie, and their main body?" "About four miles
hence," they answered. |
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| "Forward then, my men," said Cyrus, "Persians, Medes, and
Hyrcanians. I have learnt already, you see, to call you friends and
comrades. All of you must remember that the moment has come when, if
hand falters or heart fails, we meet with utter disaster: our enemies
know 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 their
knees, others in full flight, and the rest unable to do even so much for
themselves. They are beaten already, and they will see their conquerors
fall on them before they dream of an approach, before their ranks are
formed or their preparations made, and the sight will paralyse them.
[22] If we wish to sleep and eat and live in peace and happiness from
this time forth, let us not give them leisure to take counsel or arrange
defence, or so much as see that we are men, and not a storm of shields
and battle-axes and flashing swords, sweeping on them in one rain of
blows. [23] You Hyrcanians must go in front of us as a screen, that we
may 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 of
need while I am waiting at the camp. [24] I would advise the older men
among you and the officers, to ride in close order, so that your ranks
should not be broken, if you come across a compact body of the foe; let
the younger men give chase, and do the killing; our safest plan to-day
is to leave as few of the enemy alive as possible. [25] And if we
conquer," he added, "we must beware of what has overset the fortune
of many a conqueror ere now, I mean the lust for plunder. The man who
plunders is no longer a man, he is a machine for porterage, and all
who 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 seizes
all, men and women, and wealth, and territory. Therefore make it your
one object to secure the victory; if he is conquered, the greatest
plunderer is caught. One more word--remember, even in the heat of
pursuit to rejoin me while it is still daylight, for when darkness has
fallen we will not admit a soul within the lines." |
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| With these words he sent them off to their appointed stations,
bidding them repeat his instructions on the way to their own
lieutenants, who were posted in front to receive the orders, and make
each of them pass down the word to his own file of ten. Thereupon the
advance began, the Hyrcanians leading off, Cyrus holding the centre
himself, marching with his Persians, and the cavalry in the usual way,
drawn up on either flank. |
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| As the day broke the enemy saw them for the first time: some simply
stared at what was happening, others began to realise the truth, calling
and shouting to each other, unfastening their horses, getting their
goods together, tearing what they needed off the beasts of burden, and
others arming themselves, harnessing their steeds, leaping to horse,
others helping the women into their carriages, or seizing their
valuables, some caught in the act of burying them, others, and by far
the greatest number, in sheer headlong flight. Many and divers were
their shifts, as one may well conceive, save only that not one man stood
at 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 himself
had followed with his cavalry to escort them. [30] The Lord of
Hellespontine 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 the
kings of Cappadocia and Arabia; they had not gone far, and they stood
their ground, but they had not even time to put on their corslets, and
were cut down by the Hyrcanians. Indeed, the mass of those who fell were
Assyrians and Arabians, for, being in their own country, they had
taken no precautions on the march. [32] The victorious Medes and the
Hyrcanians had their hands full with the chase, and meanwhile Cyrus made
the cavalry who were left with him ride all round the camp and cut down
any man who left it with weapons in his hands. Then he sent a herald to
those who remained, bidding the horsemen and targeteers and archers come
out on foot, with their weapons tied in bundles, and deliver them up to
him, leaving their horses in their stalls: he who disobeyed should lose
his head, and a cordon of Persian troops stood round with their swords
drawn. [33] At that the weapons were brought at once, and flung down,
and Cyrus had the whole pile burnt. |
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| Meanwhile he did not forget that his own troops had come without
food or drink, that nothing could be done without provisions, and that
to obtain these in the quickest way, it was necessary on every campaign
to have some one to see that quarters were prepared and supplies ready
for the men on their return. [35] It occurred to him it was more than
likely that such officers, of all others, would be left behind in the
Assyrian camp, because they would have been delayed by the packing. |
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| Accordingly, he sent out a proclamation that all the stewards should
present themselves before him, and if there was no such officer left,
the oldest man in every tent must take his place; any one failing to
obey would suffer the severest penalties. The stewards, following the
example of their masters, obeyed at once. And when they came before him
he ordered those who had more than two months' rations in their quarters
to sit down on the ground, and then those who had provisions for one
month. [36] Thereupon very few were left standing. [37] Having thus got
the information he needed, he spoke to them as follows: |
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| "Gentlemen, if any of you dislike hard blows and desire gentle treatment
at our hands, make it your business to provide twice as much meat and
drink in every tent as you have been wont to do, with all things that
are needed for a fine repast. The victors, whoever they are, will be
here anon, and will expect an overflowing board. You may rest assured
it will not be against your interests to give them a welcome they can
approve." |
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At that the stewards went off at once and set to work with all zeal
to carry out their instructions. Then Cyrus summoned his own officers
and said to them:
"My friends, it is clear that we have it in our power, now that our
allies' backs are turned, to help ourselves to breakfast, and take our
choice of the most delicate dishes and the rarest wines. But I scarcely
think this would do us so much good as to show that we study the
interest of our friends: the best of cheer will not give us half the
strength we could draw from the zeal of loyal allies whose gratitude we
had won. [39] If we forget those who are toiling for us now, pursuing
our foes, slaying them, and fighting wherever they resist, if they see
that we sit down to enjoy ourselves and devour our meal before we know
how 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 true
banquet for us is to study the wants of those who have run the risk and
done 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 the
belly. [40] And remember, that even if the thought of them were not
enough to shame us from it, in no case is this a moment for gluttony
and drunkenness: the thing we set our minds to do is not yet done:
everything is full of danger still, and calls for carefulness. We have
enemies in this camp ten times more numerous than ourselves, and they
are 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 cavalry
are not yet back, and we must ask ourselves where they are and whether
they mean to stay with us when they return. [41] Therefore, gentlemen, I
would say, for the present let us above all be careful to avoid the
food and drink that leads to slumber and stupefaction. [42] And there is
another matter: this camp contains vast treasures, and I am well aware
we have it in our power to pick and choose as much as we like for
ourselves 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 proving
ourselves just toward our allies, and so binding them closer. [43] I go
further: I say that we should leave the distribution of the spoil to the
Medes, the Hyrcanians, and Tigranes, and count it gain if they allot us
the smaller share, for then they will be all the more willing to stay
with us. [44] Selfishness now could only secure us riches for the
moment, while to let these vanities go in order to obtain the very fount
of wealth, that, I take it, will ensure for us and all whom we call ours
a far more enduring gain. [45] Was it not," he continued, "for this very
reason that we trained ourselves at home to master the belly and its
appetites, so that, if ever the need arose, we might turn our education
to account? And where, I ask, shall we find a nobler opportunity than
this, to show what we have learnt?" |
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4 - 38
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 when
we hunt, and keep from food so often and so long merely to lay some poor
beast low, worth next to nothing, maybe, and yet, when a world of wealth
is our quarry, let ourselves be baulked by one of those temptations
which flee before the noble and rule the bad. Such conduct, methinks,
would be little worthy of our race." |
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So Hystaspas spoke, and the rest approved him, one and all. Then
Cyrus said:
"Come now, since we are all of one mind, each of you give me five of the
trustiest fellows in his company, and let them go the rounds, and see
how the supplies are furnished; let them praise the active servants,
and where they see neglect, chastise them more severely than their own
masters could."
Thus they dealt with these matters. |
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| But it was not long before some of the Medes returned: one set had
overtaken the waggons that had gone ahead, seized them and turned them
back, and were now driving them to the camp, laden with all that an army
could require, and others had captured the covered carriages in which
the women rode, the wives of the Assyrian grandees or their concubines,
whom they had taken with them because of their beauty. [2] Indeed, to
this day the tribes of Asia never go on a campaign without their most
precious property: they say they can fight better in the presence of
their 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 the
cause. |
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| And when Cyrus saw the feats of arms that the Medes and the
Hyrcanians had performed, he came near reproaching himself and those
that were with him; the others, he felt, had risen with the time, had
shown their strength and won their prizes, while he and his had stayed
behind like sluggards. Indeed it was a sight to watch the victors riding
home, driving their spoil before them, pointing it out with some
display to Cyrus, and then dashing off again at once in search of more,
according to the instructions they had received. |
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4 - 42
But though he ate out his heart with envy Cyrus was careful to set all
their booty apart; and then he summoned his own officers again, and
standing where they could all hear what he had to propose, he spoke as
follows:
[4] "My friends, you would all agree, I take it, that if the spoils
displayed to us now were our own to keep, wealth would be showered on
every Persian in the land, and we ourselves, no doubt, through whom it
was won, would receive the most. But what I do not see is how we are
to 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 rout
them, what sort of horsemen or archers or light-armed troops could ever
be caught and killed, if we can only pursue them on foot? Why should
they ever be afraid to dash up and harry us, when they know full well
that they run no greater risk at our hands than if we were stumps in
their orchards? [6] And if this be so, it is plain that the cavalry now
with us consider every gain to be as much theirs as ours, and possibly
even more, God wot! [7] At present things must be so: there is no help
for it. But suppose we were to provide ourselves with as good a force
as our friends, it must be pretty evident to all of us, I think, that we
could then deal with the enemy by ourselves precisely as we do now with
their help, and then perhaps we should find that they would carry their
heads less high. It would be of less importance to us whether they chose
to 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 body
of Persian cavalry it would make all the difference to us; but no doubt
you feel the question is, how are we to get it? Well, let us consider
first, suppose we decide to raise the force, exactly what we have to
start with and what we need. [9] We certainly have hundreds of horses
now 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 or
wielded at close quarters. What else do we need? It is plain we need
men. [10] But that is just what we have already at our own command. For
nothing is so much ours as our own selves. Only, some will say, we have
not the necessary skill. No, of course not, and none of those who have
it now had it either before they learnt to get it. Ah, you object, but
they learnt when they were boys. [11] Maybe; but are boys more capable
of learning what they are taught then grown men? Which are the better at
heavy physical tasks, boys or men? [12] Besides, we, of all pupils, have
advantages that neither boys nor other men possess: we have not to be
taught 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 not
been taken up like other men's with toiling on the land or labouring at
some craft or managing household matters; we have not only had leisure
for war, it has been our life. [13] Moreover, one cannot say of riding
as of so many warlike exercises that it is useful but disagreeable. To
ride a-horseback is surely pleasanter than to trudge a-foot? And as for
speed--how pleasant to join a friend betimes whenever you wish, or
come up with your quarry be it man or beast! And then, the ease and
satisfaction of it! Whatever weapon the rider carries his horse must
help to bear the load: 'wear arms' and 'bear arms,'--they are the same
thing 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, and
then find that we are neither infantry nor thoroughgoing cavalry? This
may be a danger, but we can guard against it. We have it always in our
power to turn into infantry again at a moment's notice. I do not propose
that by learning to ride we should unlearn the arts of men on foot." |
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4 - 43
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 flatter
myself that once I can ride I shall be a sort of flying man. [16] At
present when I race I am quiet content if, with a fair start, I can beat
one of my rivals by the head, or when I sight my game I am happy if, by
laying legs to the ground, I can get close enough to let fly javelin or
arrow before he is clean out of range. But when once I am a horseman
I shall be able to overhaul my man as far as I can see him, or come up
with the beasts I chase and knock them over myself or else spear them
as though they stood stock still, for when hunter and hunted are both
of them racing, if they are only side by side, it is as good as though
neither of them moved. [17] And the creature I have always envied," he
continued, "the centaur--if only he had the intelligence and forethought
of a man, the adroit skill and the cunning hand, with the swiftness and
strength of a horse, so as to overtake all that fled before him, and
overthrow all that resisted--why, all these powers I shall collect
and gather in my own person when once I am a rider. [18] Forethought I
intend to keep with my human wits, my hands can wield my weapons, and my
horse'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 count
a great improvement on the breed, far better than being united to the
animal, body and soul. The old centaur, I imagine, must have been
for ever in difficulties; as a horse, he could not use the wonderful
inventions of man, and as a man, he could not enjoy the proper pleasures
of a horse. [20] But I, if I learn to ride, once set me astride my
horse, 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, like
the rest of my kind: in short, I shall be a jointed centaur that can be
taken to pieces and put together again. [21] And I shall gain another
point or so over the original beast: he, we know, had only two eyes to
see with and two ears to hear with, but I shall watch with four eyes and
with four ears I shall listen. You know, they tell us a horse can often
see quicker than any man, and hear a sound before his master, and give
him warning in some way. Have the goodness, therefore," he added, "to
write my name down among those who want to ride."
[22] "And ours too," they all cried, "ours too, in heaven's name!" |
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Then Cyrus spoke: "Gentlemen, since we are all so well agreed, suppose
we make it a rule that every one who receives a horse from me shall
be considered to disgrace himself if he is seen trudging afoot, be his
journey long or short?"
[23] Thus Cyrus put the question, and one and all assented; and hence it
is that even to this day the custom is retained, and no Persian of the
gentle class would willingly be seen anywhere on foot.
[C.4] In this debate their time was spent, and when it was past midday
the Median cavalry and the Hyrcanians came galloping home, bringing in
men and horses from the enemy, for they had spared all who surrendered
their arms. [2] As they rode up the first inquiry of Cyrus was whether
all of them were safe, and when they answered yes, he asked what they
had achieved. And they told their exploits in detail, and how bravely
they had borne themselves, magnifying it all. [3] Cyrus heard their
story through with a pleasant smile, and praised them for their work.
"I can see for myself," he said, "that you have done gallant deeds. You
seem to have grown taller and fairer and more terrible to look on than
when we saw you last." |
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4 - 45
Then he made them tell him how far they had gone, and whether they
had found the country inhabited. They said they had ridden a long way,
and that the whole country was inhabited, and full of sheep and goats
and 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 must
ensure that they do not run away. A well-populated country is a rich
possession, but a deserted land will soon become a desert. [6] You have
put the defenders to the sword, I know, and rightly--for that is the
only safe road to victory; but you have brought in as prisoners those
who laid down their arms. Now if we let these men go, I maintain we
should 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 over
them nor find them victuals (and we do not propose to starve them, I
presume), and in the next place, their release means more prisoners
to-morrow. [8] For if we dominate the country all the inhabitants are
ours, and if they see that these men are still alive and at large they
will be more disposed to stay where they are, and prefer obedience to
battle. That is my own view, but if any one sees a better course, let
him point it out." |
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4 - 46
However, all his hearers approved the plan proposed. Thus it came to
pass that Cyrus summoned the prisoners and said to them:
[10] "Gentlemen, you owe it to your own obedience this day that your
lives are safe; and for the future if you continue in this conduct, no
evil whatsoever shall befall you; true, you will not have the same ruler
as before, but you will dwell in the same houses, you will cultivate the
same land, you will live with your wives and govern your children as you
do 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 fight
on your behalf. And to prevent any one from ordering you to take the
field, you will bring your arms to us and hand them over. Those who do
this 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, giving
us information and helping us in any way, we will treat him not as a
servant, but as a friend and benefactor. This," he added, "we wish you
to understand yourselves and make known among your fellows. [13] And if
it should appear that you yourselves are willing to comply but others
hinder you, lead us against them, and you shall be their masters, not
they yours."
Such were his words; and they made obeisance and promised to do as he
bade. |
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4 - 47
| And when they were gone, Cyrus turned to the Medes and the men of
Armenia, 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 had
skill to find. Send us, if you will, the half of the bread that has
been baked; there is ample, I know, for both of us; but do not send any
relish with it, nor any drink, we have quite enough at hand. [2] And do
you," he added, turning to the Hyrcanians, "conduct our friends to
their quarters, the officers to the largest tents--you know where they
are--and the rest where you think best. For yourselves, you may dine
where you like; your quarters are intact, and you will find everything
there prepared for you exactly as it is for the others. [3] All of you
alike must understand that during the night we Persians will guard the
camp outside, but you must keep an eye over what goes on within; and see
that your arms are ready to hand; our messmates are not our friends as
yet." |
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4 - 48
So the Medes and Tigranes with his men washed away the stains of
battle, and put on the apparel that was laid out for them, and fell to
dinner, and the horses had their provender too. They sent half the bread
to the Persians but no relish with it and no wine, thinking that Cyrus
and his men possessed a store, because he had said they had enough and
to spare. But Cyrus meant the relish of hunger, and the draught from the
running river. [5] Thus he regaled his Persians, and when the darkness
fell he sent them out by fives and tens and ordered them to lie in
ambush around the camp, so as to form a double guard, against attack
from without, and absconders from within; any one attempting to make off
with treasures would be caught in the act. And so it befell; for many
tried to escape, and all of them were seized. [6] As for the treasures,
Cyrus allowed the captors to keep them, but he had the absconders
beheaded out of hand, so that for the future a thief by night was hardly
to be found. Thus the Persians passed their time. [7] But the Medes
drank and feasted and made music and took their fill of good cheer and
all delights; there was plenty to serve their purpose, and work enough
for those who did not sleep. |
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4 - 49
| Cyaxares, the king of the Medes, on the very night when Cyrus set
forth, drank himself drunk in company with the officers in his own
quarters to celebrate their good fortune. Hearing uproar all about him,
he thought that the rest of the Medes must have stayed behind in the
camp, except perhaps a few, but the fact was that their domestics,
finding the masters gone, had fallen to drinking in fine style and
were making a din to their hearts' content, the more so that they had
procured wine and dainties from the Assyrian camp. [9] But when it was
broad day and no one knocked at the palace gate except the guests
of last night's revel, and when Cyaxares heard that the camp was
deserted--the Medes gone, the cavalry gone--and when he went out and saw
for himself that it was so, then he fumed with indignation against Cyrus
and his own men, to think that they had gone off and left him in the
lurch. It is said that without more ado, savage and mad with anger as he
was, he ordered one of his staff to take his troopers and ride at once
to Cyrus and his men, and there deliver this message: |
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4 - 50
"I should never have dreamed that Cyrus could have acted towards
me with such scant respect, or, if he could have thought of it, that the
Medes could have borne to desert me in this way. And now, whether Cyrus
will or no, I command the Medes to present themselves before me without
delay."
[11] Such was the message. But he who was to take it said, "And how
shall I find them, my lord?"
"Why," said Cyaxares, "as Cyrus and his men found those they went to
seek."
"I only asked," continued the messenger, "because I was told that some
Hyrcanians who had revolted from the enemy came here, and went off with
him to act as guides." |
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4 - 51
| When Cyaxares heard that, he was the more enraged to think that
Cyrus had never told him, and the more urgent to have his Medes removed
from him at once, and he summoned them home under fiercer threats
than ever; threatening the officer as well if he failed to deliver the
message in full force. |
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4 - 52
| So the emissary set off with his troopers, about one hundred
strong, fervently regretting that he had not gone with Cyrus himself. On
the way they took a turning which led them wrong, and they did not
reach the Persians until they had chanced upon some of the Assyrians
in 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 to
the camp, the pickets, acting on the orders of Cyrus, would not let them
in till dawn. With the first faint gleam of morning Cyrus summoned
the Persian Priests, who are called Magians, and bade them choose the
offerings due to the gods for the blessings they had vouchsafed. [15]
And while they were about this, Cyrus called the Peers together and said
to them: |
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4 - 53
| "Gentlemen, God has put before us many blessings, but at present we
Persians are but a scant company to keep them. If we fail to guard what
we have toiled for, it will soon fall back into other hands, and if we
leave some of our number to watch our gains, it will soon be seen that
we have no strength in us. [16] I propose therefore that one of you
should go home to Persia without loss of time, and explain what I need
and bid them despatch an army forthwith, if they desire Persia to
win 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 repeat
these words, and tell them that it shall be my care to provide for the
soldiers they send me as soon as they are here. And as to what we have
won--you have seen it yourself--keep nothing back, and ask my father how
much I ought to send home for an offering to the gods, if I wish to act
in honour and according to the law, and ask the magistrates how much is
due to the commonwealth. And let them send commissioners to watch all
that we do and answer all that we ask. So, sir," he ended, "you will get
your baggage together, and take your company with you as an escort. Fare
you well." |
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4 - 54
| With that message he turned to the Medes and at the same moment the
messenger from Cyaxares presented himself, and in the midst of the whole
assembly announced the anger of the king against Cyrus, and his threats
against the Medes, and so bade the latter return home at once, even if
Cyrus wished them to stay. [19] The Medes listened, but were silent; for
they were sore bested; they could hardly disobey the summons, and
yet they were afraid to go back after his threats, being all too well
acquainted with the savage temper of their lord. [20] But Cyrus spoke: |
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4 - 55
| "Herald," said he, "and sons of the Medes, I am not surprised that
Cyaxares, who saw the host of the enemy so lately, and knows so little
of what we have done now, should tremble for us and for himself. But
when 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 on
this day of all days when his friends are destroying his foes. [21] Can
we deserve blame for doing him a service? And that not even without his
own consent? I am acting as I am, only after having gained his leave
to take you out; it is not as though you had come to me in your own
eagerness, and begged me to let you go, and so were here now; he himself
ordered 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, when
his fears are gone, it will vanish too. [22] For the moment then," he
added, turning to the messenger, "you must recruit yourself; you have
had a heavy task; and for ourselves," said he, turning to the Persians,
"since we are waiting for an enemy who will either offer us battle
or render us submission, we must draw up in our finest style; the
spectacle, perhaps, will bring us more than we could dare to hope. And
do you," he said, taking the Hyrcanian chieftain aside, "after you
have told your officers to arm their men, come back and wait with me a
moment." |
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4 - 56
| So the Hyrcanian went and returned. Then Cyrus said to him, "Son
of Hyrcania, it gives me pleasure to see that you show not only
friendliness, 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 even
more bitterly than they hate me. [24] We must consult together and see
that not one of our present allies turns his back on us, and we must do
what we can to acquire more. You heard the Mede summon the cavalry to
return, 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 is
sent to recall them, desirous to stay here himself. You must find him
quarters 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 expect
for our friends if things go well. And when you have done this, come
back again and tell me." |
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4 - 57
| So the chieftain took the Mede away to his own quarters, and
meanwhile the messenger from Persia presented himself equipped for the
journey, 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 to
Cyaxares. "I would like to read you the very words," he added, "so that
what you say yourself may agree with it, in case you have questions
asked you." |
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4 - 58
| The letter ran as follows:--"Cyrus to Cyaxares, greeting. We do not
admit that we have deserted you; for no one is deserted when he is being
made the master of his enemies. Nor do we consider that we put you in
jeopardy by our departure; on the contrary, the greater the distance
between 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 of
danger, 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 those
you asked for, but pressing in every man that I could find; you allowed
me while we were on friendly soil only to take those whom I could
persuade to follow me, and now that I am in hostile territory you insist
that 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 repay
those, and those only, who followed me. [31] Not that I could bring
myself to return you like for like; even now I am sending to Persia for
more troops, and instructing all the men who come that, if you need them
before 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] In
conclusion, I would advise you, though I am younger than yourself, not
to take back with one hand what you give with the other, or else you
will win hatred instead of gratitude; nor to use threats if you wish
men to come to you speedily; nor to speak of being deserted when you
threaten 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 have
concluded certain matters which we believe will prove a common blessing
to yourself and us. Farewell." |
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4 - 59
| "Deliver this," said Cyrus, "to Cyaxares, and whatever questions he
puts to you, answer in accordance with it. My injunctions to you about
the Persians agree exactly with what is written here." With that he gave
him the letter and sent him off, bidding him remember that speed was of
importance. |
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4 - 60
| Then he turned to review his troops, who were already fully armed,
Medes, Hyrcanians, the men Tigranes had brought, and the whole body of
the Persians. And already some of the neighbouring folk were coming up,
to bring in their horses or hand over their arms. [36] The javelins
were then piled in a heap as before and burnt at his command, after his
troops had taken what they needed for themselves, but he bade the owners
stay 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: |
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4 - 61
| "My friends and allies, you must not be surprised that I summon
you so often. Our circumstances are so novel that much still needs
adjustment, and we must expect difficulty until everything has found
its place. [38] At present we have a mass of spoil, and prisoners set to
guard it. But we do not ourselves know what belongs to each of us, nor
could the guards say who the owners are: and thus it is impossible for
them to be exact in their duties, since scarcely any of them know what
these 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 fully
supplied with meat and drink, and servants to boot, bedding, apparel,
and everything to make it a comfortable home; he has only to understand
that this is now his private property, and he must look after it
himself. But where the quarters are not furnished so well, there you
must make it your business to supply what is lacking. [40] There will be
more than enough for this; of that I am sure; the enemy had a stock
of everything quite out of proportion to our scanty numbers. Moreover,
certain treasurers have come to me, men who were in the service of the
king of Assyria and other potentates, and according to what they tell
me, they have a supply of gold coin, the produce of certain tributes
they can name. [41] You will send out a proclamation that this deposit
must be delivered up to you in your quarters; you must terrify those who
fail to execute the order, and then you must distribute the money; the
mounted 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 have
wherewith to make your purchases. [42] With regard to the camp-market,
proclamation must be made at once, forbidding any injustice; the
hucksters must be allowed to sell the goods they have brought, and when
these are disposed of they may bring more, so that the camp may be duly
supplied." |
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4 - 62
So the proclamations were issued forthwith. But the Medes and the
Hyrcanians asked Cyrus:
"How are we to distribute the spoil alone, without your men and
yourself?" |
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4 - 63
| But Cyrus met question by question: "Do you really think,
gentlemen, that we must all preside over every detail, each and all of
us together? Can I never act for you, and you for me? I could scarcely
conceive a surer way of creating trouble, or of reducing results. See,"
said he, "I will take a case in point. [45] We Persians guarded this
booty for you, and you believe that we guarded it well: now it is for
you to distribute it, and we will trust you to be fair. [46] And there
is another benefit that I should be glad to obtain for us all. You see
what a number of horses we have got already, and more are being brought
in. If they are left riderless we shall get no profit out of them; we
shall only have the burden of looking after them. But if we set riders
on 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 us
to share the brunt of danger with you, by all means give these horses
to them. But if you would rather have us fight at your side than any
others, bestow them upon us. [48] To-day when you dashed ahead to meet
danger all alone, great was our fear lest you might come to harm, and
bitter our shame to think that where you were we were not. But if once
we have horses, we can follow at your heels. [49] And if it is clear
that 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 on
foot, why, to dismount is but the work of a moment, and you will have
your infantry marching by your side at once, and we will find men to
hold our horses for us." |
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4 - 64
To which they answered:
"In truth, Cyrus, we have not men for these horses ourselves, and even
if we had them, we should not do anything against your wish. Take them,
we beg you, and use them as you think best." |
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4 - 65
| "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 the
first place," he added, "you will set apart for the gods whatever our
priests prescribe, and after that you must select for Cyaxares what you
think will please him most." |
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4 - 66
At that they laughed, and said they must choose him a bevy of fair
women. "So let it be," said Cyrus, "fair women, and anything else you
please. And when you have chosen his share, the Hyrcanians must see to
it that our friends among the Medes who followed us of their own free
will shall have no cause to find fault with their own portion. [53] And
the Medes on their side must show honour to the first allies we have
won, and make them feel their decision was wise when they chose us
for their friends. And be sure to give a share of everything to the
messenger who came from Cyaxares and to his retinue; persuade him
to stay on with us, say that I would like it, and that he could tell
Cyaxares all the better how matters stood. [54] As for my Persians," he
added, "we shall be quite content with what is left over, after you are
all provided for; we are not used to luxury, we were brought up in a
icons/up-arrow-icon.png" width="20" height="20" />
| So they dispersed to make the distribution, in great mirth over the
thought of the riding; and then Cyrus called his own officers and bade
them take the horses and their gear, and the grooms with them, number
them all, and then distribute them by lot in equal shares for each
division. [56] Finally he sent out another proclamation, saying that if
there was any slave among the Syrians, Assyrians, or Arabians who was
a Mede, a Persian, a Bactrian, a Carian, a Cilician, or a Hellene, or a
member of any other nation, and who had been forcibly enrolled, he
was to come forward and declare himself. [57] And when they heard the
herald, many came forward gladly, and out of their number Cyrus selected
the strongest and fairest, and told them they were now free, and would
be required to bear arms, with which he would furnish them, and as to
necessaries, he would see himself that they were not stinted. [58] With
that he brought them to the officers and had them enrolled forthwith,
saying they were to be armed with shields and light swords, so as to
follow the troopers, and were to receive supplies exactly as if they
were his own Persians. The Persian officers themselves, wearing corslets
and carrying lances, were for the future to appear on horseback, he
himself setting the example, and each one was to appoint another of the
Peers to lead the infantry for him. |
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4 - 68
| While they were concerned with these matters, an old Assyrian
prince, Gobryas by name, presented himself before Cyrus, mounted on
horseback and with a mounted retinue behind him, all of them armed as
cavalry. The Persian officers who were appointed to receive the weapons
bade them hand over their lances and have them burnt with the rest, but
Gobryas said he wished to see Cyrus first. At that the adjutants led him
in, but they made his escort stay where they were. [2] When the old man
came before Cyrus, he addressed him at once, saying: |
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4 - 69
| "My lord, I am an Assyrian by birth; I have a strong fortress in my
territory, 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 king
of Assyria; and if ever he had a friend, that friend was I. But he
has fallen at your hands, the gallant heart, and his son, who is my
bitterest foe, reigns in his stead. Therefore I have come to you, a
suppliant at your feet. I am ready to be your slave and your ally, and
I implore you to be my avenger. You yourself will be a son to me, for
I have no male children now. [3] He whom I had, my only son, he was
beautiful and brave, my lord, and loved me and honoured me as a father
rejoices to be loved. And this vile king--his father, my old master, had
sent for my son, meaning to give him his own daughter in marriage; and
I let my boy go, with high hopes and a proud heart, thinking that when
I 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 hunted
together, side by side, as though they were friends, and suddenly a bear
appeared, and the two of them gave chase, and the king's son let fly his
javelin, but alas! he missed his aim, and then my son threw--oh, that he
never had!--and laid the creature low. [4] The prince was stung to the
quick, though for the moment he kept his rancour hidden. But, soon after
that, they roused a lion, and then he missed a second time--no unusual
thing for him, I imagine--but my son's spear went home, and he brought
the beast down, and cried, 'See, I have shot but twice, and killed
each time!' And at this the monster could not contain his jealousy; he
snatched a spear from one of his followers and ran my son through the
body, my only son, my darling, and took his life. [5] And I, unhappy
that I am, I, who thought to welcome a bride-groom, carried home a
corpse. I, who am old, buried my boy with the first down on his chin, my
brave boy, my well-beloved. And his assassin acted as though it were an
enemy that he had done to death. He never showed one sign of remorse, he
never paid one tribute of honour to the dead, in atonement for his cruel
deed. Yet his own father pitied me, and showed that he could share the
burden of my grief. [6] Had he lived, my old master, I would never have
come to you to do him harm; many a kindness have I received from
him, and many a service have I done him. But now that his kingdom has
descended to my boy's murderer--I could never be loyal to that man, and
he, I know, could never regard me as a friend. He knows too well how I
feel towards him, and how, after my former splendour, I pass my days in
mourning, growing old in loneliness and grief. [7] If you can receive
me, if you can give me some hope of vengeance for my dear son, I think
I should grow young again, I should not feel ashamed to live, and when I
came to die I should not die in utter wretchedness." |
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4 - 70
So he spoke, and Cyrus answered:
"Gobryas, if your heart be set towards us as you say, I receive you as
my suppliant, and I promise, God helping me, to avenge your son. But
tell me," he added, "if we do this for you, and if we suffer you to keep
your stronghold, your land, your arms, and the power which you had, how
will you serve us in return?" |
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4 - 71
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; and
whenever you march out to war, I will march at your side with the men
from 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 of
the man who is now king; but she besought me herself, with tears, not
to 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 with
you." |
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4 - 72
| So it came to pass that Cyrus said, "On the faith that you have
spoken truly and with true intent, I take your hand and I give you mine;
let the gods be witness." |
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4 - 73
| And when this was done, Cyrus bade the old man depart in peace, without
surrendering his arms, and then he asked him how far away he lived,
"Since," said he, "I am minded to visit you." And Gobryas answered, "If
you 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. |
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4 - 74
| Then the Medes presented themselves; they had set apart for the gods
what 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 lady
from Susa, of whom the story says that in all Asia there was never a
woman so fair as she, and two singing-girls with her, the most skilful
among the musicians. The second choice was for Cyaxares, and for
themselves they had taken their fill of all they could need on the
campaign, since there was abundance of everything. [12] The Hyrcanians
had all they wanted too, and they made the messenger from Cyaxares share
and share alike with them. The tents which were left over they delivered
to Cyrus for his Persians; and the coined money they said should be
divided as soon as it was all collected, and divided it was. |
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5
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5 - 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 what
you have given me," he added, "I accept with pleasure, but I hold it at
the service of those among you who would enjoy it the most." |
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5 - 2
| At that one of the Medes who was passionately fond of music said, "In
truth, Cyrus, yesterday evening I listened to the singing-girls who are
yours to-day, and if you could give me one of them, I would far rather
be serving on this campaign than sitting at home." |
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5 - 3
| And Cyrus said, "Most gladly I will give her; she is yours. And I
believe I am more grateful to you for asking than you can be to me for
giving; I am so thirsty to gratify you all." |
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5 - 4
| So this suitor carried off his prize. [2] And then Cyrus called to his
side Araspas the Mede, who had been his comrade in boyhood. It was he
to whom Cyrus gave the Median cloak he was wearing when he went back to
Persia from his grandfather's court. Now he summoned him, and asked him
to take care of the tent and the lady from Susa. [3] She was the wife of
Abradatas, a Susian, and when the Assyrian army was captured it happened
that her husband was away: his master had sent him on an embassy to
Bactria to conclude an alliance there, for he was the friend and host of
the Bactrian king. And now Cyrus asked Araspas to guard the captive
lady until her husband could take her back himself. [4] To that Araspas
replied, "Have you seen the lady whom you bid me guard?" |
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5 - 5
| "No, indeed," said Cyrus, "certainly I have not." |
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5 - 6
"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 she
was seated on the ground with all her maidens round her, and she was
clad in the same attire as her slaves, but when we looked at them all
to 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 we
bade her rise, all her women rose with her, and then we saw that she was
marked out from them all by her height, and her noble bearing, and her
grace, and the beauty that shone through her mean apparel. And, under
her veil, we could see the big tear-drops trickling down her garments to
her 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 chosen
you a man to-day who is no whit inferior to him in face or form or mind
or power; Cyrus, we believe, is more to be admired than any soul on
earth, and you shall be his from this day forward.' But when the lady
heard that, she rent the veil that covered her head and gave a pitiful
cry, while her maidens lifted up their voice and wept with their
mistress. [7] And thus we could see her face, and her neck, and her
arms, and I tell you, Cyrus," he added, "I myself, and all who looked
on her, felt that there never was, and never had been, in broad Asia
a mortal woman half so fair as she. Nay, but you must see her for
yourself." |
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5 - 7
"Say, rather, I must not," answered Cyrus, "if she be such as you
describe."
"And why not?" asked the young man.
"Because," said he, "if the mere report of her beauty could persuade me
to go and gaze on her to-day, when I have not a moment to spare, I fear
she would win me back again and perhaps I should neglect all I have to
do, and sit and gaze at her for ever."
[9] At that the young man laughed outright and said: |
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5 - 8
| "So you think, Cyrus, that the beauty of any human creature can compel
a man to do wrong against his will? Surely if that were the nature of
beauty, all men would feel its force alike. [10] See how fire burns
all men equally; it is the nature of it so to do; but these flowers of
beauty, one man loves them, and another loves them not, nor does every
man love the same. For love is voluntary, and each man loves what he
chooses to love. The brother is not enamoured of his own sister, nor the
father of his own daughter; some other man must be the lover. Reverence
and law are strong enough to break the heart of passion. [11] But if a
law 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 heat
inflame thee in summer,' I say there is no law that could compel us to
obey; for it is our nature to be swayed by these forces. But love is
voluntary; each man loves to himself alone, and according as he chooses,
just as he chooses his cloak or his sandals." |
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5 - 9
| "Then," said Cyrus, "if love be voluntary, why cannot a man cease
to love when he wishes? I have seen men in love," said he, "who have
wept for very agony, who were the very slaves of those they loved,
though before the fever took them they thought slavery the worst of
evils. I have seen them make gifts of what they ill could spare, I have
seen them praying, yes, praying, to be rid of their passion, as though
it were any other malady, and yet unable to shake it off; they were
bound hand and foot by a chain of something stronger than iron. There
they stood at the beck and call of their idols, and that without rhyme
or reason; and yet, poor slaves, they make no attempt to run away, in
spite of all they suffer; on the contrary, they mount guard over their
tyrants, for fear these should escape." |
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5 - 10
| But the young man spoke in answer: "True," he said, "there are such
men, but they are worthless scamps, and that is why, though they are
always praying to die and be put out of their misery and though ten
thousand avenues lie open by which to escape from life, they never
take one of them. These are the very men who are prepared to steal and
purloin 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 you
blame the thief and the robber; you do not pity him, you punish him.
[14] In the same way, beautiful creatures do not compel others to
love them or pursue them when it is wrong, but these good-for-nothing
scoundrels 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 still
abstain from each and all alike, and lay no finger on them against the
law of honour. [15] Take my own case," he added, "I have seen this lady
myself, and passing fair I found her, and yet here I stand before you,
and am still your trooper and can still perform my duty." |
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5 - 11
| "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 may
touch fire for a moment and not be burnt; a log will not kindle all at
once; and yet for all that, I am not disposed to play with fire or look
on beauty. You yourself, my friend, if you will follow my advice, will
not let your own eyes linger there too long; burning fuel will only burn
those who touch it, but beauty can fire the beholder from afar, until he
is all aflame with love." |
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5 - 12
| "Oh, fear me not, Cyrus," answered he; "if I looked till the end of
time I could not be made to do what ill befits a man." |
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5 - 13
"A fair answer," said Cyrus. "Guard her then, as I bid you, and be
careful of her. This lady may be of service to us all one day."
With these words they parted. But afterwards, after the young man
saw from day to day how marvellously fair the woman was, and how noble
and gracious in herself, after he took care of her, and fancied that she
was not insensible to what he did, after she set herself, through her
attendants, to care for his wants and see that all things were ready for
him when he came in, and that he should lack for nothing if ever he were
sick, after all this, love entered his heart and took possession, and it
may be there was nothing surprising in his fate. So at least it was. |
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5 - 14
Meanwhile Cyrus, who was anxious that the Medes and the allies
should stay with him of their own free choice, called a meeting of their
leading 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 not
from need of money that you went out with me, nor yet in order to serve
Cyaxares; you came for my sake. You marched with me by night, you ran
into danger at my side, simply to do me honour. [21] Unless I were a
miscreant, I could not but be grateful for such kindness. But I must
confess that at present I lack the ability to make a fit requital. This
I am not ashamed to tell you, but I would feel ashamed to add, 'If you
will stay with me, I will be sure to repay you,' for that would look
as though I spoke to bribe you into remaining. Therefore I will not say
that; I will say instead, 'Even if you listen to Cyaxares and go back
to-day, I will still act so that you shall praise me, I will not forget
you in the day of my good fortune.' [22] For myself, I will never go
back; I cannot, for I must confirm my oath to the Hyrcanians and the
pledge I gave them; they are my friends and I shall never be found a
traitor to them. Moreover, I am bound to Gobryas, who has offered us the
use of his castle, his territory, and his power; and I would not have
him repent that he came to me. [23] Last of all, and more than all, when
the great gods have showered such blessings on us, I fear them and I
reverence 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 think
best, and you will acquaint me with your decision."
So he spoke, and the first to answer was the Mede who had claimed
kinship with Cyrus in the old days. |
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5 - 15
| "Listen to me," he said, "O king! For king I take you to be by right of
nature; even as the king of the hive among the bees, whom all the bees
obey and take for their leader of their own free will; where he stays
they stay also, not one of them departs, and where he goes, not one of
them 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 remember
the day you left us to go home to Persia? Was there one of us, young or
old, 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 your
friends poured after you? And again, when you had set your heart on this
expedition, we know that the Medes flocked to your standard with one
consent. [26] To-day we have learnt to feel that even in an enemy's
country 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 for
themselves, and tell you how they will act, but for myself, Cyrus, and
for those under me, I say we will stand by you; we shall not grow weary
of gazing at you, and we will continue to endure your benefits." |
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5 - 16
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 Hyrcanian
chieftain said, "For my part, if you Medes turn back to-day I shall say
it was the work of some evil genius, who could not brook the fulfilment
of your happiness. For no human heart could think of retiring when the
foe 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, I
swear it by the holy gods, takes delight to do us service, not to enrich
himself." |
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5 - 17
Thereupon the Medes cried with one consent:
"It was you, Cyrus, who led us out, and it is you who must lead us home
again, when the right moment comes." |
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5 - 18
And when Cyrus heard that, he prayed aloud:
"O most mighty Zeus, I supplicate thee, suffer me to outdo these friends
of mine in courtesy and kindly dealing." |
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5 - 19
| Upon that he gave his orders. The rest of the army were to place
their outposts and see to their own concerns, while the Persians took
the tents allotted to them, and divided them among their cavalry and
infantry, to suit the needs of either arm. Then they arranged for the
stewards to wait on them in future, bring them all they needed, and keep
their horses groomed, so that they themselves might be free for the work
of war. Thus they spent that day. |
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5 - 20
But on the morrow they set out for their march to Gobryas. Cyrus
rode on horseback at the head of his new Persian cavalry, two thousand
strong, with as many more behind them, carrying their shields and
swords, and the rest of the army followed in due order. The cavalry were
told to make their new attendants understand that they would be punished
if they were caught falling behind the rear-guard, or riding in advance
of the column, or straggling on either flank. [2] Towards evening of the
second day the army found themselves before the castle of Gobryas, and
they saw that the place was exceedingly strong and that all preparations
had been made for the stoutest possible defence. They noticed also that
great herds of cattle and endless flocks of sheep and goats had been
driven up under the shelter of the castle walls. [3] Then Gobryas
sent word to Cyrus, bidding him ride round and see where the place was
easiest of approach, and meanwhile send his trustiest Persians to enter
the fortress and bring him word what they found within. [4] Cyrus, who
really wished to see if the citadel admitted of attack in case Gobryas
proved false, rode all round the walls, and found they were too strong
at every point. Presently the messengers who had gone in brought back
word that there were supplies enough to last a whole generation and
still not fail the garrison. [5] While Cyrus was wondering what this
could mean, Gobryas himself came out, and all his men behind him,
carrying wine and corn and barley, and driving oxen and goats and
swine, enough to feast the entire host. [6] And his stewards fell to
distributing the stores at once, and serving up a banquet. Then Gobryas
invited 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 his
word, and sent in scouts and a strong detachment before he entered the
palace himself. Once within, he had the gates thrown open and sent for
all his own friends and officers. [7] And when they joined him, Gobryas
had beakers of gold brought out, and pitchers, and goblets, and costly
ornaments, and golden coins without end, and all manner of beautiful
things, and last of all he sent for his own daughter, tall and fair,
a marvel of beauty and stateliness, still wearing mourning for her
brother. And her father said to Cyrus, "All these riches I bestow on
you for a gift, and I put my daughter in your hands, to deal with as you
think 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." |
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5 - 21
And Cyrus made answer:
"I gave you my promise before that if you kept faith with me I would
avenge you, so far as in me lay, and to-day I see the debt is due, and
the promise I made to you I repeat to your daughter; God helping me, I
will 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 her
hand in marriage. One gift only I will take with me when I go, but
that is a thing so precious that if I changed it for all the wealth of
Babylon or the whole world itself I could not go on my way with half so
blithe a heart." |
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5 - 22
| And Gobryas wondered what this rare thing could be, half suspecting
it might be his daughter. "What is it, my lord?" said he. And Cyrus
answered, "I will tell you. A man may hate injustice and impiety
and lies, but if no one offers him vast wealth or unbridled power or
impregnable fortresses or lovely children, he dies before he can show
what manner of man he is. [10] But you have placed everything in my
hands to-day, this mighty fortress, treasures of every kind, your own
power, and a daughter most worthy to be won. And thus you have shown
all men that I could not sin against my friend and my host, nor act
unrighteously for the sake of wealth, nor break my plighted word of my
own free will. [11] This is your gift, and, so long as I am a just man
and known to be such, receiving the praise of my fellow-men, I will
never forget it; I will strive to repay you with every honour I can
give. [12] Doubt not," he added, "but that you will find a husband
worthy of your daughter. I have many a good man and true among my
friends, and one of them will win her hand; but I could not say whether
he will have less wealth, or more, than what you offer me. Only of one
thing you may be certain; there are those among them who will not admire
you one whit the more because of the splendour of your gifts; they will
only envy me and supplicate the gods that one day it will be given to
them to show that they too are loyal to their friends, that they too
will never yield to their foes while life is in them, unless some god
strike them down; that they too would never sacrifice virtue and fair
renown for all the wealth you proffer and all the treasure of Syria and
Assyria to boot. Such is the nature, believe me, of some who are seated
here." |
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5 - 23
| And Gobryas smiled. "By heaven, I wish you would point them out to
me, and I would beg you to give me one of them to be my son-in-law." And
Cyrus said, "You will not need to learn their names from me; follow us,
and you will be able to point them out yourself." |
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5 - 24
| With these words he rose, clasped the hand of Gobryas, and went
out, all his men behind him. And though Gobryas pressed him to stay and
sup in the citadel, he would not, but took his supper in the camp and
constrained Gobryas to take his meal with them. [15] And there, lying on
a couch of leaves, he put this question to him, 'Tell me, Gobryas, who
has the largest store of coverlets, yourself, or each of us?" And the
Assyrian answered, "You, I know, have more than I, more coverlets, more
couches, and a far larger dwelling-place, for your home is earth and
heaven, and every nook may be a couch, and for your coverlets you need
not count the fleeces of your flocks, but the brushwood, and the herbage
of hill and plain." |
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5 - 25
| Nevertheless, when the meal began, it must be said that Gobryas,
seeing the poverty of what was set before him, thought at first that his
own men were far more open-handed than the Persians. [17] But his mood
changed as he watched the grace and decorum of the company; and saw that
not a single Persian who had been schooled would ever gape, or snatch at
the viands, or let himself be so absorbed in eating that he could attend
to nothing else; these men prided themselves on showing their good sense
and their intelligence while they took their food, just as a perfect
rider sits his horse with absolute composure, and can look and listen
and talk to some purpose while he puts him through his paces. To be
excited or flustered by meat and drink was in their eyes something
altogether swinish and bestial. [18] Nor did Gobryas fail to notice that
they only asked questions which were pleasant to answer, and only jested
in a manner to please; all their mirth was as far from impertinence and
malice as it was from vulgarity and unseemliness. [19] And what struck
him most was their evident feeling that on a campaign, since the danger
was the same for all, no one was entitled to a larger share than any
of his comrades; on the contrary, it was thought the perfection of the
feast 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: |
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5 - 26
| "I begin to understand, Cyrus, how it is that while we have more goblets
and more gold, more apparel and more wealth than you, yet we ourselves
are 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." |
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5 - 27
But Cyrus only answered:
"My friend, be here without fail to-morrow, and bring all your cavalry
in full armour, so that we may see your power, and then lead us through
your 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. |
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5 - 28
| But when the day dawned Gobryas appeared with his cavalry and led the
way. 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 own
strength. [23] With this in view, he summoned the Hyrcanian chief and
Gobryas himself; for they were the two he thought most likely to give
him the information that he needed. |
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5 - 29
| "My friends," said he, "I think I shall not err if I trust to your
fidelity and consult you about the campaign. You, even more than I, are
bound to see that the Assyrians do not overpower us. For myself, if I
fail, there may well be some loophole of escape. But for you, if
the 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 is
against 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." |
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5 - 30
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 the
turn events might take.
[25] Thereupon Cyrus put his questions: "Does the king suppose that
you alone are his enemies, or do you know of others who hate him too?"
"Certainly we do," replied the Hyrcanian, "the Cadousians are his
bitterest foes, and they are both numerous and warlike. Then there are
the Sakians, our neighbours, who have suffered severely at his hands,
for he tried to subdue them as he subdued us." |
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5 - 31
"Then you think," said Cyrus, "that they would be glad to attack
him in our company?" "Much more than glad," answered they; "if they
could manage to join us." "And what stands in their way?" asked he. "The
Assyrians themselves," said they, "the very people among whom you are
marching now." [27] At that Cyrus turned to Gobryas:
"And what of this lad who is now on the throne? Did you not charge him
with unbridled insolence?" |
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5 - 32
"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 suffer
too?"
[28] "Many others," said Gobryas, "but some of them were weak, and why
should I weary you with the insults they endured? I will tell you of a
young man whose father was a much greater personage than I, and who was
himself, like my own son, a friend and comrade of the prince. One day
at a drinking-bout this monster had the youth seized and mutilated, and
why? Some say simply because a paramour of his own had praised the boy's
beauty and said his bride was a woman to be envied. The king himself now
asserts it was because he had tried to seduce his paramour. That young
man, eunuch as he is, is now at the head of his province, for his father
is dead." |
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5 - 33
| "Well," rejoined Cyrus, "I take it, you believe he would welcome
us, 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 right
past Babylon itself." [30] "And where is the difficulty in that?" said
Cyrus. "Heaven help us!" cried Gobryas. "The city has only to open
her gates, and she can send out an army ten thousand times as large as
yours. That is why," he added, "the Assyrians are less prompt than they
were at bringing in their weapons and their horses, because those who
have seen your army think it so very small, and their report has got
about. So that in my opinion it would be better to advance with the
utmost care." |
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5 - 34
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 advance
on Babylon, if Babylon is the centre of the enemy's strength. They are
numerous, 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 disappeared
from fear of them, you may take it as certain that they will be quit of
the terror we have inspired. Courage will spring up in its place, and
grow the greater the longer we lie hid. But if we march straight on
then, we shall find them still mourning for the dead whom we have slain,
still nursing the wounds we have inflicted, still trembling at the
daring of our troops, still mindful of their own discomfiture and
flight. [33] Gobryas," he added, "be assured of this; men in the mass,
when aflame with courage, are irresistible, and when their hearts fail
them, the more numerous they are the worse the panic that seizes them.
[34] It comes upon them magnified by a thousand lies, blanched by a
thousand pallors, it gathers head from a thousand terror-stricken looks,
until it grows so great that no orator can allay it by his words, no
general arouse the old courage by a charge, or revive the old confidence
by retreat; the more their leader cheers them on, the worse do the
soldiers take their case to be. [35] Now by all means let us see exactly
how things stand with us. If from henceforward victory must fall
to those who can reckon the largest numbers, your fears for us are
justified, and we are indeed in fearful danger; but if the old rule
still holds, and battles are decided by the qualities of those who
fight, then, I say, take heart and you will never fail. You will find
far more stomach for the fight among our ranks than theirs. [36] And to
hearten you the more, take note of this: our enemies are far fewer now
than when we worsted them, far weaker than when they fled from us, while
we are stronger because we are conquerors, and greater because fortune
has been ours; yes, and actually more numerous because you and yours
have joined us, for I would not have you hold your men too low, now that
they are side by side with us. In the company of conquerors, Gobryas,
the hearts of the followers beat high. [37] Nor should you forget," he
added, "that the enemy is well able to see us as it is, and the sight of
us will certainly not be more alarming if we wait for him where we are
than if we advance against him. That is my opinion, and now you must
lead us straight for Babylon." |
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5 - 35
| And so the march continued, and on the fourth day they found
themselves at the limit of the territory over which Gobryas ruled. Since
they were now in the enemy's country Cyrus changed the disposition of
his men, taking the infantry immediately under his own command, with
sufficient cavalry to support them, and sending the rest of the mounted
troops to scour the land. Their orders were to cut down every one with
arms in his hands, and drive in the rest, with all the cattle they could
find. The Persians were ordered to take part in this raid, and though
many came home with nothing for their trouble but a toss from their
horses, others brought back a goodly store of booty. |
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5 - 36
When the spoil was all brought in, Cyrus summoned the officers of
the Medes and the Hyrcanians, as well as his own peers, and spoke as
follows:
"My friends, Gobryas has entertained us nobly; he has showered good
things upon us. What say you then? After we have set aside the customary
portion for the gods and a fair share for the army, shall we not give
all the rest of the spoil to him? Would it not be a noble thing, a sign
and symbol at the outset that we desire to outdo in well-doing those who
do good to us?" |
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5 - 37
At that all his hearers with one consent applauded, and a certain
officer rose and said:
"By all means, Cyrus, let us do so. I myself cannot but feel that
Gobryas must have thought us almost beggars because we were not laden
with coins of gold and did not drink from golden goblets. But if we do
this, he will understand that men may be free and liberal without the
help of gold." |
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5 - 38
"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 rest
to him."
So they took what they needed and gave all the rest to Gobryas. |
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5 - 39
Forthwith Cyrus pressed on towards Babylon, his troops in battle
order. But as the Assyrians did not come out to meet them, he bade
Gobryas ride forward and deliver this message:
"If the king will come out to fight for his land, I, Gobryas, will fight
for him, but, if he will not defend his own country, we must yield to
the conquerors." |
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5 - 40
So Gobryas rode forward, just far enough to deliver the message in
safety. And the king sent a messenger to answer him:
"Thy master says to thee: 'It repents me, Gobryas, not that I slew thy
son, but that I stayed my hand from slaying thee. And now if ye will do
battle, come again on the thirtieth day from hence. We have no leisure
now, our preparations are still on foot.'" |
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5 - 41
And Gobryas made answer:
"It repents thee: may that repentance never cease! I have begun to make
thee suffer, since the day repentance took hold on thee." |
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5 - 42
Then Gobryas brought back the words of the king to Cyrus, and Cyrus
led 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 by
the king would be upon our side?" |
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5 - 43
| "And I am sure he will," answered Gobryas, "for we have spoken freely to
each other many a time, he and I." [9] "Then," said Cyrus, "you must go
to him when you think the right moment has come: and you must so act at
first that only he and you may know what he intends, and when you are
closeted with him, if you find he really wishes to be a friend, you
must contrive that his friendship remain a secret: for in war a man can
scarcely do his friends more good than by a semblance of hostility, or
his enemies more harm than under the guise of friendship." [10] "Aye,"
answered Gobryas, "and I know that Gadatas would pay a great price to
punish the king of Assyria. But it is for us to consider what he can
best do." [11] "Tell me now," rejoined Cyrus, "you spoke of an outpost,
built against the Hyrcanians and the Sakians, which was to protect
Assyria in time of war,--could the eunuch be admitted there by the
commandant 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 his
strongholds 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 some
messengers sent by me to those you say are the enemies of Assyria, and
these prisoners would let it be known that they were on their way to
fetch an army with scaling-ladders to attack this fortress, and the
eunuch, hearing their story, would pretend that he came to warn the
commandant in time." [13] "Undoubtedly," said Gobryas, "if things went
thus, the commandant would admit him; he would even beg him to stay
there until you withdrew." |
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5 - 44
"And then," Cyrus continued, "once inside the walls, he could put the
place into our hands?" [14] "We may suppose so," said Gobryas. "He
would be there to settle matters within, and you would be redoubling the
pressure from without."
"Then be off at once," said Cyrus, "and do your best to teach him his
part, and when you have arranged affairs, come back to me; and as for
pledges of good faith, you could offer him none better than those you
received from us yourself." |
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5 - 45
Then Gobryas made haste and was gone, and the eunuch welcomed
him gladly; he agreed to everything and helped to arrange all that was
needed. Presently Gobryas brought back word that he thought the eunuch
had everything in readiness, and so, without more ado, Cyrus made his
feigned attack on the following day, and was beaten off. [16] But on
the other hand there was a fortress, indicated by Gadatas himself, that
Cyrus took. The messengers Cyrus had sent out, telling them exactly
where to go, fell into the hands of Gadatas: some were allowed
to escape--their business was to fetch the troops and carry the
scaling-ladders--but the rest were narrowly examined in the presence of
many witnesses, and when Gadatas heard the object of their journey he
got his equipment together and set out in the night at full speed
to 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 the
commandant to the best of his ability. But as soon as Cyrus appeared he
seized the place, aided by the Persian prisoners he had taken. [18] This
done, and having set things in order within the fortress, Gadatas went
out to Cyrus, bowed before him according to the custom of his land, and
said, "Cyrus, may joy be yours!" |
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5 - 46
| "Joy is mine already," answered he, "for you, God helping you, have
brought it to me. You must know," he added, "that I set great store by
this 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 of
the ability to beget children, remember he has not stolen your power to
win friends; you have made us yours, I tell you, by this deed, and we
will stand by as faithfully as sons and grandsons of your own." |
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5 - 47
So Cyrus spoke. And at that instant the Hyrcanian chief, who had
only just learnt what had happened, came running up to him, and seizing
him by the hand cried out:
"O Cyrus, you godsend to your friends! How often you make me thank the
gods for bringing me to you!" |
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5 - 48
| "Off with you, then," said Cyrus, "and occupy this fortress for
which you bless me so. Take it and make the best use of it you can, for
your own nation, and for all our allies, and above all for Gadatas, our
friend, who won it and surrenders it to us." |
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5 - 49
| "Then," said the chieftain, "as soon as the Cadousians arrive and
the Sakians and my countrymen, we must, must we not? call a council of
them all, so that we may consult together, and see how best to turn it
to account." |
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5 - 50
| Cyrus thought the proposal good, and when they met together it was
decided to garrison the post with a common force, chosen from all who
were concerned that it should remain friendly and be an outer balwark to
overawe the Assyrians. [24] This heightened the enthusiasm of them all,
Cadousians, Sakians, and Hyrcanians, and their levies rose high, until
the Cadousians sent in 20,000 light infantry and 4000 cavalry, and
the Sakians 11,000 bowmen, 10,000 on foot and 1000 mounted, while the
Hyrcanians were free to despatch all their reserves of infantry and make
up their horsemen to a couple of thousand strong, whereas previously
the larger portion of their cavalry had been left at home to support the
Cadousians and Sakians against Assyria. |
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5 - 51
| And while Cyrus was kept in the fortress, organising and arranging
everything, many of the Assyrians from the country round brought in
their horses and handed over their arms, being by this time in great
dread of their neighbours. |
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5 - 52
| Soon after this Gadatas came to Cyrus and told him that messengers
had come to say that the king of Assyria, learning what had happened to
the fortress, was beside himself with anger, and was preparing to attack
his territory. "If you, Cyrus," said he, "will let me go now, I will try
to 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 the
third day from this I can sup in my own house." "Do you think," asked
Cyrus, "that you will find the Assyrian already there?" "I am sure of
it," he answered, "for he will make haste while he thinks you are still
far off." [28] "And I," said Cyrus, "when could I be there with my
army?" 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 or
seven." "Well," Cyrus replied, "be off yourself: make all speed, and I
will follow as best I can." |
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5 - 53
| So Gadatas was gone, and Cyrus called together all the officers of
the allies, and a great and goodly company they seemed, noble gentlemen,
beautiful and brave. And Cyrus stood up among them all and said: |
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5 - 54
"My allies and my friends, Gadatas has done deeds that we all feel
worthy of high reward, and that too before ever he had received any
benefit from us. The Assyrians, we hear, have now invaded his territory,
to take vengeance for the monstrous injury they consider he has done
them, and moreover, they doubtless argue that if those who revolt to us
escape scot-free, while those who stand by them are cut to pieces, ere
long 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 friend
and benefactor; and truly it is only just and right thus to repay
gift for gift, and boon for boon. Moreover, as it seems to me, what we
accomplish will be much to our own interest. [32] If all men see that we
are ready to give blow for blow and sting for sting, while we outdo our
benefactors in generous deeds, it is only natural that multitudes will
long to be our friends, and no man care to be our foe. [33] Whereas, if
it be thought that we left Gadatas in the lurch, how in heaven's name
shall we persuade another to show us any kindness? How shall we dare to
think well of ourselves again? How shall one of us look Gadatas in
the face, when all of us, so many and so strong, showed ourselves less
generous than he, one single man and in so sore a plight?"
[34] Thus Cyrus spoke, and all of them assented right willingly, and
said it must be done. |
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5 - 55
| "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 is
acquainted with the roads, and for the rest he is a man of skill. But we
ourselves will push on with our stoutest men and our strongest horses,
taking provision for three days and no more: the lighter and cheaper
our gear the more gaily shall we break our fast and take our supper and
sleep on the road. [36] And now," said he, "let us arrange the order
of the march. You, Chrysantas, must lead the van with your cuirassiers,
since the road is broad and smooth, and you must put your brigadiers
in the first line, each regiment marching in file, for if we keep close
order we shall travel all the quicker and be all the safer. [37] I put
the cuirassiers in the front," he added, "because they are our heaviest
troops, and if the heaviest are leading, the lighter cannot find it hard
to 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 always
running away. [38] And behind the cuirassiers," he went on, "Artabazas
is to follow with the Persian targeteers and the bowmen, and behind
them Andamyas the Mede with the Median infantry, and then Embas and
the Armenian infantry, and then Artouchas with the Hyrcanians, and
then Thambradas with the Sakian foot, and finally Datamas with the
Cadousians. [39] All these officers will put their brigadiers in the
first line, their targeteers on the right, and their bowmen on the left
of their own squares: this is the order in which they will be of most
use. [40] All the baggage-bearers are to follow in the rear: and their
officers 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 the
baggage-train," he added, "there will be, first, Madatas the Persian
with the Persian cavalry, and he too must put his brigadiers in the
front, 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 cavalry
leaders with the men they brought. The Sakians will follow you, and last
of all will come the Cadousians, who were the last to join us, and
you, Alkeunas, who are to command them, for the present you will take
complete 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 be
most 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 night
any confusion is a far more serious matter than by day, and far more
difficult to put right. For this reason silence must be studied and
order absolutely maintained. [44] Whenever you mean to rise before
daybreak, you must make the night-watches as short and as numerous as
possible, so that no one may suffer on the march because of his long
vigil before it; and when the hour for the start arrives the horn must
be blown. [45] Gentlemen, I expect you all to present yourselves on
the road to Babylon with everything you require, and as each detachment
starts, let them pass down the word for those in the rear to follow." |
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5 - 56
| So the officers went to their quarters, and as they went they
talked of Cyrus, and what a marvellous memory he had, always naming
each officer as he assigned him his post. [47] The fact was Cyrus took
special pains over this: it struck him as odd that a mere mechanic could
know the names of all his tools, and a physician the names of all his
instruments, but a general be such a simpleton that he could not name
his own officers, the very tools he had to depend on each time he wanted
to 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 when
he wished to honour him. [48] And he was sure that the man who feels he
is personally known to his commander is more eager to be seen performing
some noble feat of arms, and more careful to refrain from all that is
unseemly and base. [49] Cyrus thought it would be quite foolish for him
to give his orders in the style of certain householders: "Somebody fetch
the 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 one
is to blame, and no one is ashamed or afraid, because there are so many
beside himself. Therefore Cyrus always named the officers whenever he
gave an order. |
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5 - 57
| That, then, was his view of the matter. The army now took supper
and posted their guards and got their necessaries together and went to
rest. [52] And at midnight the horn was blown. Cyrus had told Chrysantas
he 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, and
waited till Chrysantas appeared shortly afterwards at the head of his
cuirassiers. [53] Then Cyrus put the guides under his command, and told
him to march on, but to go slowly until he received a message, for all
the troops were not yet on the road. This done, Cyrus took his stand on
the line of march, and as each division came up, hurried it forward to
its place, sending messengers meanwhile to summon those who were still
behind. [54] When all had started, he despatched gallopers to Chrysantas
to tell him that the whole army was now under way, and that he might
lead on as quick as he could. [55] Then he galloped to the front
himself, reined up, and quietly watched the ranks defile before him.
Whenever a division advanced silently and in good order, he would ride
up and ask their names and pay them compliments; and if he saw any sign
of confusion he would inquire the reason and restore tranquillity. [56]
One point remains to add in describing his care that night; he sent
forward 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, and
he was not to lose sight of them; they were to use their ears and all
their wits, and report at once to Chrysantas if they thought there
was any need. They had an officer to direct their movements, announce
anything of importance, and not trouble about trifles. |
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5 - 58
| Thus they pressed forward through the night, and when day broke
Cyrus ordered the mass of the cavalry to the front, the Cadousians alone
remaining with their own infantry, who brought up the rear, and who
were as much in need as others of cavalry support. But the rest of the
horsemen he sent ahead because it was ahead that the enemy lay, and in
case of resistance he was anxious to oppose them in battle-order, while
if 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 stay
with himself: he never allowed the whole army to be broken up. [59] Thus
Cyrus conducted the advance, but it is not to be thought that he kept
to one particular spot; he was always galloping backwards and forwards,
first at one point and then at another, supervising everything and
supplying any defect as it arose. Thus Cyrus and his men marched
forward. |
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5 - 59
| Now there was a certain officer in the cavalry with Gadatas, a man
of power and influence, who, when he saw that his master had revolted
from Assyria, thought to himself, "If anything should happen to him, I
myself could get from the king all that he possessed." |
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5 - 60
| Accordingly he sent forward a man he could trust, with instructions
that, 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 were
with him, if he thought fit to make an ambuscade. [2] And the messenger
was also to say what force Gadatas had at his command and to announce
that Cyrus was not with him. Moreover, the officer stated the road by
which Gadatas was coming. Finally, to win the greater confidence, he
sent word to his own dependents and bade them deliver up to the king of
Assyria the castle which he himself commanded in the province, with all
that it contained: he would come himself, he added, if possible, after
he had slain Gadatas, and, even if he failed in that, he would always
stand by the king. |
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5 - 61
| Now the emissary rode as hard as he could and came before the king
and told his errand, and, hearing it, the king at once took over the
castle and formed an ambuscade, with a large body of horse and many
chariots, 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 his
chariots 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, who
also fell into the trap and gave himself up to the chase. |
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5 - 62
| The Assyrians waited till the quarry was within their grasp and then
sprang out from their ambuscade. [5] The men, with Gadatas, seeing
what had happened, turned back and fled, as one might expect, with
the Assyrians at their heels, while the officer who had planned it all
stabbed Gadatas himself. He struck him in the shoulder, but the blow was
not mortal. Thereupon the traitor fled to the pursuers, and when
they found out who he was he galloped on with them, his horse at full
stretch, side by side with the king. [6] Naturally the men with the
slower horses were overtaken by the better mounted, and the fugitives,
already wearied by their long journey, were at the last extremity when
suddenly 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. |
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5 - 63
| The first feeling of Cyrus was sheer astonishment, but he soon saw
how matters stood. The whole force of the Assyrian cavalry was rolling
on him, and he met it with his own army in perfect order, till the
enemy, realising what had happened, turned and fled. Then Cyrus ordered
his pursuing party to charge, while he followed more slowly at the pace
he thought the safest. [8] The enemy were utterly routed: many of the
chariots were taken, some had lost their charioteers, others were seized
in the sudden change of front, others surrounded by the Persian cavalry.
Right and left the conquerors cut down their foes, and among them fell
the officer who had dealt the blow at Gadatas. [9] But of the Assyrian
infantry, those who were besieging the fortress of Gadatas escaped
to the stronghold that had revolted from him, or managed to reach an
important city belonging to the king, where he himself, his horsemen,
and his chariots had taken refuge. |
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5 - 64
After this exploit Cyrus went on to the territory of Gadatas, and
as soon as he had given orders to those who guarded the prisoners, he
went himself to visit the eunuch and see how it was with him after his
wound. Gadatas came out to meet him, his wound already bandaged. And
Cyrus was gladdened and said, "I came myself to see how it was with
you." [11] "And I," said Gadatas, "heaven be my witness, I came out to
see how a man would look who had a soul like yours. I cannot tell what
need you had of me, or what promise you ever gave me, to make you do as
you have done. I had shown you no kindness for your private self: it was
because 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, if
I had been a father as I was born to be, God knows whether I could
have found in the son of my loins so true a friend as you. I know of
sons--this king of ours is such an one, who has caused his own father
ten thousand times more trouble than ever he causes you." |
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5 - 65
And Cyrus made answer:
"You have overlooked a much more wonderful thing, Gadatas, to turn and
wonder 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." |
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5 - 66
Then Gadatas prayed aloud:
"O Father Zeus, may the gods heap blessings on them also, but above
all on him who has made them what they are! And now, Cyrus, that I may
entertain as they deserve these men you praise, take the gifts I bring
you 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 all
to over sacrifice who listed; and the whole army was entertained in a
manner worthy of their feat and their success. |
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5 - 67
| Meanwhile the Cadousians had been always in the rear, unable to
share in the pursuit, and they longed to achieve some exploit of their
own. So their chieftain, with never a word to Cyrus, led them forth
alone, and raided the country towards Babylon. But, as soon as they
were scattered the Assyrians came out from their city of refuge in good
battle-order. [16] When they saw that the Cadousians were unsupported
they attacked them, killing the leader himself and numbers of his men,
capturing many of their horses and retaking the spoil they were in the
act of driving away. The king pursued as far as he thought safe, and
then turned back, and the Cadousians at last found safety in their own
camp, 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, to
have his wounds dressed, while he helped to house the others in their
quarters, 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 the
hour for dinner came, and the others went away, he was still there on
the ground with the attendants and the surgeons; not a soul would he
leave uncared for if anything could be done: he either saw to it himself
or sent for the proper aid. |
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5 - 68
So for that night they rested. But with daybreak Cyrus sent out
a herald and summoned a gathering of all the officers and the whole
Cadousian army, and spoke as follows:
"My friends and allies, what has happened is only natural; for it is
human nature to err, and I cannot find it astonishing. Still we may gain
at least one advantage from what has occurred, if we learn that we must
never cut off from our main body a detachment weaker than the force of
the enemy. [20] I do not say that one is never to march anywhere, if
necessary, with an even smaller fraction than the Cadousians had; but,
before doing so you must communicate with some one able to bring up
reinforcements, and then, though you may be trapped yourself, it is at
least probable that your friends behind you may foil the foilers, and
divert them from your own party: there are fifty ways in which one can
embarrass the enemy and save one's friends. Thus separation need not
mean isolation, and union with the main force may still be kept, whereas
if you sally forth without telling your plan, you are no better off than
if you were alone in the field. [21] However, God willing, we shall take
our 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 we
will bury those who fell, and show our enemies that the very field where
they thought themselves victorious is held by those who are stronger
than they: they shall never look again with joy upon the spot where they
slew our comrades. Or else, if they refuse to come out and meet us, we
will burn their villages and harry all their land, so that in lieu of
rejoicing at the sight of what they did to us, they shall gnash their
teeth at the spectacle of their own disasters. [22] Go now," said
he, "the rest of you, and take your breakfast forthwith, but let the
Cadousians first elect a leader in accordance with their own laws, and
one who will guide them well and wisely, by the grace of God, and with
our human help, if they should need it. And when you have chosen your
leader, and had your breakfast, send him hither to me." |
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5 - 69
So they did as Cyrus bade them, and when he led the army out, he
stationed their new general close to his own person, and told him to
keep his detachment there, "So that you and I," said he, "may rekindle
the courage in their souls."
In this order they marched out, and thus they buried the Cadousian dead
and ravaged the country. Which done, they went back to the province of
Gadatas, laden with supplies taken from the foe. |
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5 - 70
| Now Cyrus felt that those who had come over to his side and who
dwelt in the neighbourhood of Babylon would be sure to suffer unless he
were constantly there himself, and so he bade all the prisoners he set
free take a message to the king, and he himself despatched a herald
to say that he would leave all the tillers of the soil unmolested and
unhurt if the Assyrian would let those who had come over to him continue
their work in peace. [25] "And remember," he added, "that even if you
try to hinder my friends, it is only a few whom you could stop, whereas
there 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 be
you. If, however, any of my people take up arms against you, or any of
yours against me, we must, of course, each of us, defend ourselves as
best we can." |
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5 - 71
| With this message Cyrus despatched the herald, and when the
Assyrians heard it, they urged the king to accept the proposal, and so
limit the war as much as possible. [27] And he, whether influenced by
his own people or because he desired it himself, consented to the terms.
So an agreement was drawn up, proclaiming peace to the tillers of the
soil and war to all who carried arms. |
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5 - 72
| Thus Cyrus arranged matters for the husbandmen, and he asked his
own supporters among the drovers to bring their herds, if they liked,
into his dominions and leave them there, while he treated the enemy's
cattle as booty wherever he could, so that his allies found attraction
in the campaign. For the risk was no greater if they took what they
needed, while the knowledge that they were living at the enemy's expense
certainly seemed to lighten the labour of the war. |
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5 - 73
| When the time came for Cyrus to go back, and the final preparations
were being made, Gadatas brought him gifts of every kind, the produce
of a vast estate, and among the cattle a drove of horses, taken from
cavalry 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 these
for your own, and I would pray you to make such use of them as you think
best, but I would have you remember that all else which I call mine
is 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 die
myself, my house must perish with me, my family and my name. [31] And I
must suffer this, Cyrus, I swear to you by the great gods above us, who
see all things and hear all things, though never by word or deed did I
commit injustice or foulness of any kind." |
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5 - 74
But here the words died on his lips; he burst into tears over his
sorrows, and could say no more. [32] Cyrus was touched with pity at his
suffering and said to him:
"Let me accept the horses, for in that I can help you, if I set loyal
riders on them, men of a better mind, methinks, than those who had them
before, and I myself can satisfy a wish that has long been mine, to
bring my Persian cavalry up to ten thousand men. But take back, I pray
you, all these other riches, and guard them safely against the time
when you may find me able to vie with you in gifts. If I left you now so
hugely in your debt, heaven help me if I could hold up my head again for
very shame." |
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5 - 75
| Thereto Gadatas made answer, "In all things I trust you, and will
trust you, for I see your heart. But consider whether I am competent
to guard all this myself. [34] While I was at peace with the king, the
inheritance I had from my father was, it may be, the fairest in all the
land: it was near that mighty Babylon, and all the good things that can
be gathered from a great city fell into our laps, and yet from all the
trouble of it, the noise and the bustle, we could be free at once by
turning our backs and coming home here. But now that we are at war, the
moment you have left us we are sure to be attacked, ourselves and all
our wealth, and methinks we shall have a sorry life of it, our enemies
at our elbow and far stronger than ourselves. [35] I seem to hear
some one say, why did you not think of this before you revolted? But I
answer, Cyrus, because the soul within me was stung beyond endurance by
my wrongs; I could not sit and ponder the safest course, I was always
brooding over one idea, always in travail of one dream, praying for
the day of vengeance on the miscreant, the enemy of God and man, whose
hatred never rested, once aroused, once he suspected a man, not of
doing wrong, but of being better than himself. [36] And because he is a
villain, he will always find, I know, worse villains that himself to
aid 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 fiend
would deal with him and never cease to plot against him until he had
dragged him in the dust, only because he was the better man. And to work
me trouble and disaster, he and his wicked tools will, I fear me, have
strength enough and to spare." |
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5 - 76
Cyrus thought there was much in what he said, and he answered
forthwith:
"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 not
taking the field with us now, so that, if the gods be on our side as
they are to-day, that scoundrel may fear you, not you him? Go now, bring
with you all you have that is sweet to look on and to love, and then
join our march: you shall be, I am persuaded, of the utmost service to
me, and I, so far as in me lies, will give you help for help." |
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5 - 77
When Gadatas heard that, he breathed again, and he said:
"Could I really be in time to make my preparations and be back before
you 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 you
say that all is ready." |
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5 - 78
So it came to pass that Gadatas went his way, and with the aid of
Cyrus put a strong garrison in his fortress, and got together the
wealth of his broad estates. And moreover he brought with him in his own
retinue servants he could trust and in whom he took delight, as well as
many others in whom he put no trust at all, and these he compelled to
bring their wives with them, and their sisters, that so they might be
bound 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, and
lead them where there was most abundance. |
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5 - 79
| At last they came in sight of Babylon once more, and it seemed
to Cyrus that the road they were following led under the very walls.
Therefore he summoned Gobryas and Gadatas, and asked them if there was
not 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 thought
you would certainly want to pass as near the city as possible, and
display the size and splendour of your army to the king. I knew that
when your force was weaker you advanced to his walls, and let him
see us, few as we were, and I am persuaded that if he has made any
preparation for battle now, as he said he would, when he sees the
power you have brought with you, he will think once more that he is
unprepared." |
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5 - 80
But Cyrus said:
"Does it seem strange to you, Gobryas, that when I had a far smaller
army I took it right up to the enemy's walls, and to-day when my force
is 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 up
with his troops disposed in the best order for battle and a wise leader
will draw them off so as to secure safety rather than sped. [45] But
in marching past there is no means of avoiding long straggling lines of
waggons, long strings of baggage-bearers, and all these must be screened
by 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 the
enemy choose to attack at any point with their full force, they can
strike with far more weight than any of the troops available to meet
them at the moment. [47] Again, the length of line means a long delay in
bringing up relief, whereas the enemy have only a handsbreadth to cover
as they rush out from the walls or retire. [48] But now, if we leave
a distance between ourselves and them as wide as our line is long,
not only with they realise our numbers plainly enough, but our veil of
glittering armour will make the whole multitude more formidable in
their eyes. [49] And, if they do attack us anywhere, we shall be able to
foresee their advance a long way off and be quite prepared to give them
welcome. But it is far more likely, gentlemen," he added, "that they
will 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 of
ours: they know that retreat will be difficult and dangerous." |
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5 - 81
So Cyrus spoke, and his listeners felt that he was right, and
Gobryas led the army by the way that he advised. And as one detachment
after another passed the city, Cyrus strengthened the protection for the
rear and so withdrew in safety.
[51] Marching in this order, he came back at last to his first
starting-point, on the frontier between Assyria and Media. Here he dealt
with three Assyrian fortresses: one, the weakest, he attacked and took
by force, while the garrisons of the other two, what with the eloquence
of Gadatas and the terror inspired by Cyrus, were persuaded to
surrender. |
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5 - 82
| And now that his expedition was completed, Cyrus sent to Cyaxares
and urged him to come to the camp in order that they might decide best
how to use the forts which they had taken, and perhaps Cyaxares, after
reviewing 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 him
and take up my encampment there." [2] So the emissary went off with the
message, and meanwhile Cyrus gave orders that the Assyrian tent chosen
for Cyaxares should be furnished as splendidly as possible, and the
woman brought to her apartment there, and the two singing-girls also,
whom they had set aside for him. |
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5 - 83
| And while they were busied with these things the envoy went to
Cyaxares and delivered his message, and Cyaxares listened and decided
it was best for Cyrus and his men to stay on the frontier. The Persians
whom Cyrus had sent for had already arrived, forty thousand bowmen and
targeteers. [4] To watch these eating up the land was bad enough, and
Cyaxares thought he would rather be quit of one horde before he received
another. On his side the officer in command of the Persian levy,
following the instructions from Cyrus, asked Cyaxares if he had any need
of the men, and Cyaxares said he had not. Thereupon, and hearing that
Cyrus had arrived, the Persian put himself at the head of his troops and
went off at once to join him. [5] Cyaxares himself waited till the next
day and then set out with the Median troopers who had stayed behind. And
when Cyrus knew of his approach he took his Persian cavalry, who were
now 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 to
meet Cyaxares and show the power he had won. [6] But when Cyaxares saw
so large a following of gallant gentlemen with Cyrus, and with
himself so small and mean a retinue, it seemed to him an insult, and
mortification filled his heart. And when Cyrus sprang from his horse
and came up to give him the kiss of greeting, Cyaxares, though he
dismounted, turned away his head and gave him no kiss, while the tears
came into his eyes. [7] Whereupon Cyrus told the others to stand aside
and rest, and then he took Cyaxares by the hand and led him apart under
a grove of palm-trees, and bade the attendants spread Median carpets for
them, and made Cyaxares sit down, and then, seating himself beside him,
he said: |
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5 - 84
| "Uncle of mine, tell me, in heaven's name, I implore you, why are
you angry with me? What bitter sight have you seen to make you feel such
bitterness?" |
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5 - 85
And then Cyaxares answered:
"Listen, Cyrus; I have been reputed royal and of royal lineage as far
back as the memory of man can go; my father was a king and a king I
myself was thought to be; and now I see myself riding here, meanly
and miserably attended, while you come before me in splendour and
magnificence, followed by the retinue that once was mine and all your
other forces. [9] That would be bitter enough, methinks, from the hand
of an enemy, but--O gods above us!--how much more bitter at the hands of
those from whom we least deserve it! Far rather would I be swallowed in
the earth than live to be seen so low, aye, and to see my own kinsfolk
turn against me and make a mock of me. And well I know," said he, "that
not 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 could
repay." |
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5 - 86
But here he stopped, overcome by a passion of weeping, so much so
that for very pity Cyrus' own eyes filled with tears. There was silence
between them for a while, and then Cyrus said:
"Nay, Cyaxares, what you say is not true, and what you think is not
right, if you imagine that because I am here, your Medes have been
equipt to do you any harm. [11] I do not wonder that you are pained, and
I 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 a
grievous error in a ruler to quarrel with all his subjects at once.
Widespread terror must needs be followed by widespread hate: anger with
all creates unity among all. [12] It was for this reason, take my word
for it, that I would not send them back to you without myself, fearing
that 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 for
you: but that you should regard yourself as wronged by me,--I cannot but
feel it bitter, when I am doing all in my power to help my friends, to
be accused of plotting against them. [13] However," he continued, "let
us not accuse each other in this useless way; if possible, let us see
exactly in what I have offended. And as between friend and friend, I
will lay down the only rule that is just and fair: if I can be shown to
have done you harm, I will confess I am to blame, but if it appears that
I have never injured you, not even in thought, will you not acquit me of
all injustice towards you?" |
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5 - 87
"Needs must I," answered Cyaxares.
[14] "And if I can show that I have done you service, and been zealous
in your cause to the utmost of my power, may I not claim, instead of
rebuke, some little meed of praise?"
"That were only fair," said Cyaxares. |
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5 - 88
| "Then," said Cyrus, "let us go through all I have done, point by
point, and see what is good in it and what is evil. [16] Let us begin
from 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 enemies
gathering together against you, and ready to sweep over your land and
you, 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 they
might send. Was I not obedient to your word? Did I not come myself with
the best and bravest I could bring?" |
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5 - 89
"You did indeed," answered Cyaxares.
"Tell me, then, before we go further, did you see any wrong in this? Was
it not rather a service and a kindly act?" "Certainly," said Cyaxares,
"so far as that went, I saw nothing but kindliness." [18] "Well, after
the enemy had come, and we had to fight the matter out, did you ever see
me 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 was
ours, and the enemy retreated, and I implored you to let us pursue them
together, take vengeance on them together, win together the fruits
of any gallant exploit we might achieve, can you accuse me then of
self-seeking or self-aggrandisement?" |
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5 - 90
But at that Cyaxares was silent. Then Cyrus spoke again. "If you
would rather not reply to that, tell me if you thought yourself injured
because, 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 lay
in asking for that, when I had already offered to work with you, side by
side, you must prove it to me; and it will need some eloquence."
[21] He paused, but Cyaxares still kept silence. "Nay," said Cyrus, "if
you will not answer that either, tell me at least if my offence lay in
what followed, when you said that you did not care to stop your Medes in
their merry-making and drive them out into danger, do you think it was
wrong in me, without waiting to quarrel on that score, to ask you for
what I knew was the lightest boon you could grant and the lightest
command you could lay on your soldiers? For I only asked that he who
wished it might be allowed to follow me. [22] And thus, when I had
won your permission, I had won nothing, unless I could win them too.
Therefore I went and tried persuasion, and some listened to me, and with
these 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 not
even the acceptance of your own gifts can be free from blame. [23] It
was thus we started, and after we had gone, was there, I ask you, a
single deed of mine that was not done in the light of day? Has not the
enemy's camp been taken? Have not hundreds of your assailants fallen?
And hundreds been deprived of their horses and their arms? Is not the
spoiler spoiled? The cattle and the goods of those who harried your land
are now in the hands of your friends, they are brought to you, or to
your subjects. [24] And, above all and beyond all, you see your own
country growing great and powerful and the land of your enemy brought
low. Strongholds of his are in your power, and your own that were torn
from you in other days by the Syrian domination are now restored to you
again. I cannot say I should be glad to learn that any of these things
can be bad for you, or short of good, but I am ready to listen, if so it
is. [25] Speak, tell me your judgment of it all." |
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5 - 91
Then Cyrus paused, and Cyaxares made answer:
"To call what you have done evil, Cyrus, is impossible. But your
benefits are of such a kind that the more they multiply upon me, the
heavier 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 this
way by you. These deeds of yours are a crown of glory to you; but they
bring dishonour to me. [27] And for the wealth, I would rather have made
largess of it to yourself than receive it at your hands in the way
you give it now. Goods so gotten only leave me the poorer. And for my
subjects--I think I would have suffered less if you had injured them
a 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 would
ask you to forget me and imagine that you are in my place and see how it
would appear to you then. Suppose a friend of yours were to take care of
your dogs, dogs that you bred up to guard yourself and your house, such
care that he made them fonder of him than of yourself, would you be
pleased with him for his attention? [29] Or take another instance, if
that one seems too slight: suppose a friend of yours were to do so much
for your own followers, men you kept to guard you and to fight for
you, that they would rather serve in his train than yours, would you be
grateful to him for his kindness? [30] Or let me take the tenderest of
human ties: suppose a friend of yours paid court to the wife of your
bosom so that in the end he made her love him more than yourself, would
he rejoice your heart by his courtesy? Far from it, I trow; he who did
this, 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 such
attention to your Persians that they learnt to follow him instead of
you, would you reckon that man your friend? No; but a worse enemy
than if he had slain a thousand. [32] Or again, say you spoke in all
friendship to a friend and bade him take what he wished, and straightway
he took all he could lay hands on and carried it off, and so grew rich
with your wealth, and you were left in utter poverty, could you say that
friend was altogether blameless? [33] And I, Cyrus, I feel that you have
treated me, if not in that way, yet in a way exactly like it. What you
say is true enough: I did allow you to take what you liked and go, and
you took the whole of my power and went, leaving me desolate, and to-day
you bring the spoil you have won with my forces, and lay it so grandly
at my feet--magnificent! And you make my country great through the help
of my own might, while I have no part or lot in the performance, but
must step in at the end, like a woman, to receive your favours, while in
the eyes of all men, not least my faithful subjects yonder, you are the
man, 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 as
you are kin, above all else you would have been careful not to rob me
of my dignity and honour. What advantage is it to me for my lands to be
made broad if I myself am dishonoured? When I ruled the Medes, I ruled
them not because I was stronger than all of them, but because they
themselves thought that our race was in all things better than theirs." |
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5 - 92
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 any
kindness, 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 see
that what I have done has really brought you good, then, when I embrace
you, embrace me in return and call me your benefactor, and if not, you
may blame me as you please." |
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5 - 93
"Perhaps," answered Cyaxares, "you are right. I will do as you
wish."
"Then I may kiss you?" said Cyrus.
"Yes, if it pleases you. "And you will not turn aside as you did just
now?" "No, I will not turn aside." And he kissed him. |
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5 - 94
| And when the Medes saw it and the Persians and all the allies--for
all were watching to see how matters would shape--joy came into their
hearts and gladness lit up their faces. Then Cyrus and Cyaxares mounted
their horses and rode back, and the Medes fell in behind Cyaxares, at
a nod from Cyrus, and behind Cyrus the Persians, and the others behind
them. [38] And when they reached the camp and brought Cyaxares to the
splendid 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 a
musician, while others brought cups and goblets and beautiful apparel;
almost every one gave something out of the spoils they had won. [40] So
that the mood of Cyaxares changed, and he seemed to see that Cyrus had
not stolen his subjects from him, and that they made no less account of
him than they used to do. |
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5 - 95
| Now when the hour came for the banquet, Cyaxares sent to Cyrus and
begged 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 see
that all these soldiers of ours have been raised by us to the pitch of
expectation? And it were ill on my part if I seemed to neglect them for
the sake of my private pleasure. If soldiers feel themselves neglected
even the good become faint-hearted, and the bad grow insolent. [42] With
yourself it is different, you have come a long journey and you must fall
to without delay, and if your subjects do you honour, welcome them and
give 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 present
themselves at your gate to hear from you what you think our next step
ought to be. You will tell us whether we ought to pursue the campaign
further or whether the time has now come to disband our army." |
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5 - 96
| Thereupon Cyaxares betook himself to the banquet and Cyrus called
a council of his friends, the shrewdest and the best fitted to act with
him, and spoke to them as follows: |
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5 - 97
| "My friends, thanks to the gods, our first prayers are granted. Wherever
we set foot now we are the masters of the country: we see our enemies
brought low and ourselves increasing day by day in numbers and in
strength. [45] And if only our present allies would consent to stay with
us a little longer, our achievements could be greater still, whether
force were needed or persuasion. Now it must be your work as much as
mine to make as many of them as possible willing and anxious to remain.
[46] Remember that, just as the soldier who overthrows the greatest
number 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 side
will be thought the most eloquent, the best orator and the ablest man of
action. [47] Do not, however, prepare your speeches as though we asked
you to give a rhetorical display: remember that those whom you convince
will show it well enough by what they do. [48] I leave you then," he
added, "to the careful study of your parts: mine is to see, so far as in
me lies, that our troops are provided with all they need, before we hold
the council of war." |
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6 o.
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6 - 1
| So the day ended, and they supped and went to rest. But early
the next morning all the allies flocked to Cyaxares' gates, and while
Cyaxares dressed and adorned himself, hearing that a great multitude
were waiting, Cyrus gave audience to the suitors his own friends had
brought. First came the Cadousians, imploring him to stay, and then
the Hyrcanians, and after them the Sakians, and then some one presented
Gobryas, and Hystaspas brought in Gadatas the eunuch, whose entreaty was
still the same. [2] At that Cyrus, who knew already that for many a day
Gadatas had been half-dead with fear lest the army should be disbanded,
laughed outright and said, "Ah, Gadatas, you cannot conceal it: you have
been bribed by my friend Hystaspas to take this view." |
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6 - 2
But Gadatas lifted up his hands to heaven and swore most solemnly
that Hystaspas had not influenced him.
"Nay," said he, "it is because I know myself that, if you depart, I am
ruined utterly. And therefore it was that I took it upon me to speak
with Hystaspas myself, and ask him if he knew what was in your mind
about the disbanding of the army." |
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6 - 3
And Cyrus said, "It would be unjust then, I suppose, to lay the
blame on Hystaspas." "Yes, Cyrus, most unjust," said Hystaspas, "for I
only said to Gadatas that it would be impossible for you to carry on the
campaign, as your father wanted you home, and had sent for you."
[5] "What?" cried Cyrus, "you dared to let that be known whether I
wished it or not?" |
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6 - 4
"Certainly I did," he answered, "for I can see that you are mad to be
home in Persia, the cynosure of every eye, telling your father how you
wrought this and accomplished that." |
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6 - 5
"Well," said Cyrus, "are you not longing to go home yourself?" |
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6 - 6
| "No," said the other. "I am not. Nor have I any intention of going: here
I shall stay and be general-in-chief until I make our friend Gadatas the
lord and the Assyrian his slave." |
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6 - 7
Thus half in jest and half in earnest they played with one another,
and meanwhile Cyaxares had finished adorning himself and came forth in
great splendour and solemnity, and sat down on a Median throne. And when
all were assembled and silence was proclaimed, Cyaxares said:
"My friends and allies, perhaps, since I am present and older than
Cyrus, it is suitable that I should address you first. It appears to me
that the moment has come to discuss one question before all others,
the question whether we ought to go on with the campaign or disband the
army. Be pleased," he added, "to state your opinions on the matter." |
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6 - 8
Then the leader of the Hyrcanians stood up at once and said:
"Friends and allies, I hardly think that words are needed when facts
themselves show us the path to take. All of us know that while we stand
together we give our enemy more trouble than we get: but when we stood
alone it was they who dealt with us as they liked best and we liked
least." |
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6 - 9
Then the Cadousian followed.
"The less we talk," said he, "about breaking-up and going home
separately the better; separation has done us anything but good, it
seems to me, even on the march. My men and I, at any rate, very soon
paid the penalty for private excursions; as I dare say you have not
forgotten." |
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6 - 10
Upon that Artabazus rode, the Mede who had claimed kinship with
Cyrus in the old days.
"Cyaxares," said he, "in one respect I differ from those who have spoken
before me: they think we should stay here in order to go on with the
campaign, but I think I am always on campaign at home. [10] I was for
ever out on some expedition or other, because our people were being
harried, or our fortresses threatened, and a world of trouble I had,
what with fears within and fighting without, and all too at my own
expense. As it is now, I occupy the enemy's forts, my fear of them is
gone, I make good cheer on their own good things, and I drink their own
good wine. Since home means fighting and service here means feasting, I
am not in favour myself," said he, "of breaking up the company." |
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6 - 11
Then Gobryas spoke.
"Friends," said he, "I have trusted Cyrus' word and had no fault to
find with him: what he promises that he performs: but if he leaves the
country now, the Assyrian will be reprieved, he will never be punished
for the wrongs he tried to inflict on you and did inflict on me: I shall
be punished instead, because I have been your friend." |
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6 - 12
At that Cyrus rose at last and said:
"Gentlemen, I am well aware that the disbanding of our forces must mean
the decrease of our power and the increase of theirs. If some of them
have given up their weapons, they will soon procure others; if some have
lost their horses, the loss will soon be made good; if some have fallen
in battle, others, younger and stronger, will take their place. We need
not be surprised if they are soon in a condition to cause us trouble
again. [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 against
us 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 for
ourselves we have nothing, heaven knows, for our horses and our servants
and the great mass of our soldiery, without whom we cannot even think
of a campaign. As to provisions, up to the limits of our advance and
because of that advance they have been exhausted; and beyond that line,
owing to the terror we inspire, the inhabitants will have stowed their
supplies away in strong places where they can enjoy them and we cannot
get 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 to
be only what it has been, I say we ought to disband at once of our own
accord, and not wait to be driven from the field against our will by
sheer lack of means. If we do wish to go forward, this is what we must
do: we must detach from the enemy all the fortresses we can and secure
all we can for our own: if this is done, the larger supply will be in
the hands of those who can stow away the larger store, and the weaker
will 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 no
more theirs than those that are still unsailed. But if we hold the
fortresses, the enemy will find they are living in a hostile land,
while we have halcyon weather. [17] Some of you may dread the thought of
garrison duty far from home; if so, dispel your doubts. We Persians,
who must, as it is, be exiles for the time, will undertake the positions
that are nearest to the foe, while it will be for you to occupy the land
on the marches between Assyria and yourselves and put it under tillage.
[18] For, if we can hold his inner line, your peace will not be
disturbed in the outlying parts: he will scarcely neglect the danger at
his door to attack you out in the distance." |
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6 - 13
| At this the whole assembly rose to express their eagerness and
assent, and Cyaxares stood up with them. And both Gadatas and Gobryas
offered to fortify a post if the allies wished, and thus provide two
cities of refuge to start with. |
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6 - 14
| Finally Cyrus, thus assured of the general consent to his
proposals, said, "If we really wish to carry out what we have set
ourselves, we must prepare battering-rams and siege engines, and get
together mechanics and builders for our own castles." [21] Thereupon
Cyaxares at once undertook to provide an engine at his own expense,
Gadatas and Gobryas made themselves responsible for a second, Tigranes
for 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 and
to collect material for the machines; and superintendents were appointed
from those best qualified for the work. |
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6 - 15
| Now Cyrus was aware that all this would take some time, and
therefore he encamped his troops in the healthiest spot he could find
and the easiest to supply, strengthening, wherever necessary, the
natural defences of the place, so that the detachment left in charge for
the time should always be in complete security, even though he might be
absent himself with the main body of his force. [24] Nor was this all;
he questioned those who knew the country best, and, learning where he
would 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 the
best of health and strength, and fix their drill in their minds. |
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6 - 16
| So Cyrus spent his days, and meanwhile the deserters from Babylon
and the prisoners who were captured all told the same story: they said
that the king had gone off to Lydia, taking with him store of gold and
silver, and riches and treasures of every kind. [26] The mass of the
soldiers were convinced that he was storing his goods away from fear,
but Cyrus knew that he must have gone to raise, if possible, an opponent
who could face them, and therefore he pushed his preparations forward
vigorously, feeling that another battle must be fought. He filled up the
Persian cavalry to its full complement, getting the horses partly from
the prisoners, partly from his own friends. There were two gifts he
would never refuse, horses and good weapons. [27] He also procured
chariots, taking them from the enemy or wherever he could find them.
The old Trojan type of charioteering, still in use to this day among the
Cyrenaeans, he abolished; before his time the Medes, the Syrians, the
Arabians, and all Asiatics generally, used their chariots in the same
way as the Cyrenaeans do now. [28] The fault of the system to his mind
was that the very flower of the army, if the picked men were in the
chariots, could only act at long range and so contribute little after
all to the victory. Three hundred chariots meant twelve hundred horses
and three hundred fighting-men, besides the charioteers, who would
naturally be men above the common, in whom the warriors could place
confidence: and that meant another three hundred debarred from injuring
the enemy in any kind of way. [29] Such was the system he abolished in
favour of the war-chariot proper, with strong wheels to resist the shock
of collision, and long axles, on the principle that a broad base is the
firmer, while the driver's seat was changed into what might be called
a turret, stoutly built of timber and reaching up to the elbow,
leaving the driver room to manage the horses above the rim. The drivers
themselves were all fully armed, only their eyes uncovered. [30] He had
iron 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 use
to-day among the subjects of the Great King. Beside the chariots he had
a large number of camels, collected from his friends or captured
from the enemy. [31] Moreover, he decided to send a spy into Lydia to
ascertain the movements of the king, and he thought that the right man
for this purpose was Araspas, the officer in charge of the fair lady
from Susa. Matters had gone ill with Araspas: he had fallen passionately
in love with his prisoner, and been led to entreat her to be his
paramour. [32] She had refused, faithful to her husband who was far
away, for she loved him dearly, but she forbore to accuse Araspas to
Cyrus, being unwilling to set friend at strife with friend. [33] But
when at length Araspas, thinking it would help him in his desires, began
to threaten her, saying that if she would not yield he would have his
will of her by force, then in her dread of violence she could keep the
matter hid no longer, and she sent her eunuch to Cyrus with orders to
tell him everything. [34] And when Cyrus heard it he smiled over the man
who had boasted that he was superior to love, and sent Artabazus back
with the eunuch to tell Araspas that he must use no violence against
such a woman, but if he could persuade her, he might do so. [35] But
Artabazus, when he saw Araspas, rebuked him sternly, saying that the
woman was a sacred trust, and his conduct disgraceful, impious, and
wicked, till Araspas burst into tears of misery and shame, and was half
dead at the thought of what Cyrus would do. [36] Learning this, Cyrus
sent for him, saw him alone, and said to him face to face: |
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6 - 17
| "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 to
desire, 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 on
myself, when I confessed I was too weak to consort with loveliness and
remain unmoved? Indeed it is I who am most to blame in the matter, for I
shut you up myself with this irresistible power." |
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6 - 18
But Araspas broke in on his words:
"Ah, Cyrus, you are ever the same, gentle and compassionate to human
weaknesses. But all the rest of the world has no pity on me; they drown
me 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 make
away with myself for fear of you, because my iniquity was so great." |
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6 - 19
| Then Cyrus said, "Now listen: this opinion about you may be the
means by which you can do me a great kindness and your comrades a great
service." "Oh, that it were possible!" said Araspas, "for me ever to
be of service to you!" [39] "Well," said the other, "if you went to the
enemy, feigning that you had fled from me, I think they would believe
you." "I am sure they would," said Araspas, "I know even my own friends
would think that of course I ran away." [40] "Then you will come back
to 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 you
see all their plans, so that you need miss nothing of what we wish to
know." "I will be off this moment," said Araspas; "it will be my best
credential to have it thought I was just in time to escape punishment
from you." |
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6 - 20
| "Then you can really bring yourself to leave the beautiful
Pantheia?" |
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6 - 21
| "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 wicked
sophist Love. If we had but a single soul, how could she be at once evil
and 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 clear
that we have two souls, and when the beautiful soul prevails, all fair
things are wrought, and when the evil soul has the mastery, she lays her
hand to shame and wickedness. But to-day my good soul conquers, because
she has you to help her." |
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6 - 22
"Well," said Cyrus, "if you have decided on going, it is thus you
had better go. Thus you will win their confidence, and then you must
tell them what we are doing, but in such a way as to hinder their own
designs. It would hinder them, for example, if you said that we were
preparing an attack on their territory at a point not yet decided; for
this would check the concentration of their forces, each leader being
most concerned for the safety of his own home. [43] Stay with them," he
added, "till the last moment possible: what they do when they are close
at hand is just what is most important for us to know. Advise them how
to 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 of
their order, they will be forced to keep to it, they will not dare to
change it, and should they do so at the last moment they will be thrown
into confusion." |
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6 - 23
| Thereupon Araspas took his leave, called together his trustiest
attendants, said what he thought necessary for the occasion, and
departed. |
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6 - 24
Now Pantheia, when she heard that Araspas had fled, sent a
messenger to Cyrus, saying:
"Grieve not, Cyrus, that Araspas has gone to join the foe: I will
bring you a far trustier friend than he, if you will let me send for my
husband, and I know he will bring with him all the power that he has. It
is true that the old king was my husband's friend, but he who reigns now
tried to tear us two asunder, and my husband knows him for a tyrant and
a miscreant, and would gladly be quit of him and take service with such
a man as you." |
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6 - 25
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, and
learnt how matters stood, he was full of joy, and set out for Cyrus'
camp immediately, with a thousand horsemen in his train. And when he
came to the Persian outposts he sent to Cyrus saying who he was, and
Cyrus gave orders that he should be taken to Pantheia forthwith. [47] So
husband and wife met again after hope had well-nigh vanished, and were
in each other's arms once more. And then Pantheia spoke of Cyrus,
his nobleness, his honour, and the compassion he had shown her, and
Abradatas cried:
"Tell me, tell me, how can I repay him all I owe him in your name and
mine!" |
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6 - 26
And she answered: "So deal with him, my husband, as he has dealt with you."
[48] |
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6 - 27
And thus Abradatas went to Cyrus, and took him by the hand, and
said:
"Cyrus, in return for the kindness you have shown us, I can say no more
than 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, your
fellow-worker always, so far as in me lies." |
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6 - 28
Then Cyrus answered:
"And I will take your gift: but for the moment you must leave me, and
sup with your wife: another day you will let me play the host, and give
you lodging with your friends and mine." |
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6 - 29
| Afterwards Abradatas perceived how much Cyrus had at heart the
scythe-bearing chariots and the cavalry and the war-horses with their
armour, and he resolved to equip a hundred chariots for him out of his
own cavalry force. [51] These he proposed to lead himself in a chariot
of his own, four-poled and drawn by eight horses, all the eight
protected by chest-plates of bronze. [52] So Abradatas set to work, and
this four-poled chariot of his gave Cyrus the idea of making a car
with eight poles, drawn by eight yoke of oxen, to carry the lowest
compartment of the battering engines, which stood, with its wheels,
about twenty-seven feet from the ground. [53] Cyrus felt that he had a
series of such towers brought into the field at a fair pace they would
be of immense service to him, and inflict as much damage on the enemy.
The towers were built with galleries and parapets, and each of them
could carry twenty men. [54] When the whole was put together he tested
it and found that the eight yoke of oxen could draw the whole tower with
the men more easily than one yoke by itself could manage the ordinary
weight of baggage, which came to about five-and-twenty talents apiece,
whereas the tower, build of planks about as thick as the boards for
a stage, weighed less than fifteen for each yoke. [55] Thus, having
satisfied himself that the attempt was perfectly possible, he arranged
to take the towers into action, believing that in war selfishness meant
salvation, justice, and happiness. |
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6 - 30
About this time ambassadors came to Cyrus from India with gifts of
courtesy and a message from their king, saying:
"I send you greeting, Cyrus, and I rejoice that you told me of your
needs. I desire to be your friend and I offer you gifts; and if you have
need of anything more, I bid you say the word, and it shall be yours. I
have told my men to do whatever you command." |
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6 - 31
Then Cyrus answered:
"This, then, is my bidding: the rest of you shall stay where you have
pitched your tents; you shall guard your treasures and live as you
choose: but three of you shall go to the enemy and make believe that you
have come to him about an alliance with your king, and thus you shall
learn how matters stand, and all they say and all they do, and so bring
me word again with speed. And if you serve me well in this, I shall owe
you even more than I could owe you for these gifts. There are some spies
who are no better than slaves, and have no skill to find out anything
more than is known already, but there are men of another sort, men of
your stamp, who can discover plans that are not yet disclosed." |
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6 - 32
| The Indians listened gladly, and for the moment made themselves at
home as the guests of Cyrus: but the next day they got ready and set
off on their journey, promising to find out as much as they could of the
enemy's secrets and bring him word again with all possible speed. |
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6 - 33
| Meanwhile Cyrus continued his preparations for the war on
a magnificent scale, like one who meant to accomplish no small
achievement. Not only did he carry out all the resolutions of the
allies, but he breathed a spirit of emulation into his own friends
and followers, till each strove to outshine his fellows in arms
and accoutrements, in horsemanship and spearmanship and archery, in
endurance of toil and danger. [5] Cyrus would lead them out to the
chase, and show especial honour to those who distinguished themselves in
any way: he would whet the ambition of the officers by praising all who
did their best to improve their men, and by gratifying them in every way
he could. [6] At every sacrifice and festival he instituted games and
contests in all martial exercises, and lavished prizes on the victors,
till the whole army was filled with enthusiasm and confidence. [7] By
this time Cyrus had almost everything in readiness for the campaign,
except the battering-machines. The Persian cavalry was made up to its
full 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 which
Cyrus had persuaded Cyaxares to remodel on his own type, giving up
the Trojan and Lydian style. The camels were ready also, each animal
carrying a couple of mounted archers. |
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6 - 34
The bulk of the great army felt almost as though they had already
conquered, and the enemy's power was held of no account.
[9] While matters were thus, the Indians whom Cyrus had sent out
returned with their report. Croesus had been chosen leader and
general-in-chief; a resolution had been passed, calling on all the
allied kings to bring up their entire forces, raise enormous sums for
the war, and spend them in hiring mercenaries where they could and
making presents where they must. [10] Large numbers of Thracians, armed
with the short sword, had already been enrolled, and a body of Egyptians
were coming by sea, amounting--so said the Indians--to 120,000 men,
armed with long shields reaching to their feet, huge spears (such as
they carry to this day), and sabres. Beside these, an army was expected
from Cyprus, and there were already on the spot all the Cilicians, the
men of both the Phrygias, of Lycaonia, Paphlagonia, and Cappadocia,
the Arabians, the Phoenicians, and all the Assyrians under the king of
Babylon. Moreover, the Ionians, and Aeolians, and indeed nearly all the
Hellenic colonists on the coast were compelled to follow in the train of
Croesus. [11] Croesus himself had already sent to Lacedaemon to propose
an alliance with the Spartans. The armament was mustering on the banks
of the Pactolus, and they were to push forward presently to Thymbrara
(the place which is still the mustering-ground for all the Asiatic
subjects of the Great King west of Syria), and orders had been issued to
open a market there. This report agreed with the accounts given by the
prisoners, for Cyrus was always at pains to gave men captured from
whom he could get some information, and he would also send out spies
disguised as runaway slaves. |
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6 - 35
| Such were the tidings, and when the army heard the news there was
much anxiety and concern, as one may well suppose. The men went about
their work with an unusual quietness, their faces clouded over, or
gathered in knots and clusters everywhere, anxiously asking each other
the news and discussing the report. [13] When Cyrus saw that fear was in
the camp, he called a meeting of his generals, and indeed of all
whose dejection might injure the cause and whose confidence assist it.
Moreover, he sent word that any of the attendants, or any of the rank
and file, who wished to hear what he had to say, would be allowed to
come and listen. When they met, he spoke as follows: |
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6 - 36
| "My friends and allies, I make no secret of the reason I have
called you here. It was because I saw that some of you, when the reports
of the enemy reached us, looked like men who were panic-stricken. But I
must say I am astonished that any of you should feel alarm because the
enemy is mustering his forces, and not be reassured by remembering that
our own is far larger than it was when we conquered him before, and far
better provided, under heaven, with all we need. [15] I ask you how you
would have felt, you who are afraid now, if you had been told that a
force exactly like our own was marching upon us, if you had heard that
men who had conquered us already were coming now, carrying in their
hearts the victory they had won, if you knew that those who made short
work then of all our bows and javelins were advancing again, and others
with them, ten thousand times as many? [16] Suppose you heard that the
very men who had routed our infantry once were coming on now equipt as
before, but this time on horseback, scorning arms and javelins, each man
armed with one stout spear, ready to charge home? [17] Suppose you heard
of 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, but
with the horses shielded by armour, and the drivers sheltered by wooden
walls and protected by breastplates and helmets, and the axles fitted
with iron scythes so that they can charge straight into the ranks of the
foe? [18] And suppose you heard that they have camels to ride on, each
one of which would scare a hundred horses, and that they will bring
up towers from which to help their own friends, and overwhelm us with
volleys of darts so that we cannot fight them on level ground? [19] If
this were what you had heard of the enemy, I as you, once again, you who
are now so fearful what would you have done? You who turn pale when
told that Croesus has been chosen commander-in-chief, Croesus who proved
himself so much more cowardly than the Syrians, that when they were
worsted in battle and fled, instead of helping them, his own allies, he
took to his heels himself. [20] We are told, moreover, that the enemy
himself does not feel equal to facing you alone, he is hiring others
to fight for him better than he could for himself. I can only say,
gentlemen, that if any individual considers our position as I describe
it alarming or unfavourable, he had better leave us. Let him join our
opponents, he will do us far more service there than here." |
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6 - 37
When Cyrus had ended, Chrysantas the Persian stood up and said:
"Cyrus, you must not wonder if the faces of some were clouded when they
heard the news. The cloud was a sign of annoyance, not of fear. Just as
if," he went on, "a company were expecting breakfast immediately, and
then were told there was some business that must be got through first, I
do not suppose any of them would be particularly pleased. Here we were,
saying to ourselves that our fortunes were made, and now we are informed
there is still something to be done, and of course our countenances
fell, not because we were afraid, but because we could have wished it
all over and done with. [22] However, since it now appears that Syria
is 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 as
well, Lydia the land of wine and oil and fig-trees, Lydia, to whose
shores the sea brings more good things than eyes can feast on, I say
that once we realise this we can mope no longer, our spirits will rise
apace, and we shall hasten to lay our hands on the Lydian wealth without
delay."
So he spoke, and the allies were well pleased at his words and gave him
loud applause. |
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6 - 38
| "Truly, gentlemen," said Cyrus, "as Chrysantas says, I think we
ought to march without delay, if only to be beforehand with our foes,
and reach their magazines before they do themselves; and besides, the
quicker we are, the fewer resources we shall find with them. [24] That
is how I put the matter, but if any one sees a safer or an easier way,
let him instruct us." |
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6 - 39
But many speakers followed, all urging an immediate march, without one
speech 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 get
together what we need for ourselves and our animals on a march of at
least twenty days. I reckon that the journey itself must take more than
fifteen, and not a vestige of food shall we find from end to end. It has
all been made away with, partly by ourselves, partly by our foes, so far
as they could. [26] We must collect enough corn, without which one can
neither fight nor live: and as for wine, every man must carry just
so much as will accustom him to drink water: the greater part of the
country will be absolutely devoid of wine, and the largest supply we
could take with us would not hold out. [27] But to avoid too sudden a
change and the sickness that might follow, this is what we must do. We
must begin by taking water with our food: we can do this without any
great change in our habits. [28] For every one who eats porridge has
the oatmeal mixed with water, and every one who eats bread has the wheat
soaked in water, and all boiled meat is prepared in water. We shall not
miss the wine if we drink a little after the meal is done. [29] Then we
must gradually lessen the amount, until we find that, without knowing
it, we have become water-drinkers. Gradual change enables every creature
to go through a complete conversion; and this is taught us by God, who
leads us little by little out of winter until we can bear the blazing
heat of summer, and out of heat back again into the depths of winter. So
should we follow God, and take one step after another until we reach our
goal. [30] What you might spend on heavy rugs and coverlets spend rather
on food: any superfluity there will not be wasted: and you will not
sleep less soundly for lack of bedclothes; if you do, I give you leave
to blame me. But with clothing the case is different: a man can hardly
have too much of that in sickness or in health. [31] And for seasoning
you should take what is sharp and dry and salted, for such meats
are more appetising and more satisfying. And since we may come into
districts as yet unravaged where we may find growing corn, we ought to
take handmills for grinding: these are the lightest machines for
the purpose. [32] Nor must we forget to supply ourselves with
medicines--they are small in bulk and, if need arises, invaluable. And
we ought to have a large supply of straps--I wonder what is not fastened
by a strap to man or horse? But straps wear out and get broken and then
things 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 not
to forget a plane, and also to carry a rasp, for the man who sharpens a
spearhead will sharpen his spirit too. He will feel ashamed to whet the
edge and be a coward. And we must take plenty of timber for chariots and
waggons; there is bound to be many a breakdown on the road. [34] Also
we shall need the most necessary tools for repairs, since smiths and
carpenters are not to be found at every turn, but there are few who
cannot patch up a makeshift for the time. Then there should be a mattock
and a shovel apiece for every waggon, and on every beast of burden a
billhook and an axe, always useful to the owner and sometimes a boon
to all. [35] The provisions must be seen to by the officers of the
fighting-line; they must inspect the men under their command and see
that nothing is omitted which any man requires; the omission would be
felt by us all. Those of you who are in command of the baggage-train
will inspect what I have ordered for the animals and insist upon every
man being provided who is not already supplied. [36] You, gentlemen, who
are in command of the road-makers, you have the lists of the soldiers I
have disqualified from serving as javelin-men, bowmen, or slingers, and
you will make the old javelin men march with axes for felling timber,
the bowmen with mattocks, and the slingers with shovels. They will
advance by squads in front of the waggons so that if there is any
road-making to be done you may set to work at once, and in case of need
I may know where to get the men I want. [37] I mean also to take a corps
of smiths, carpenters, and cobblers, men of military age, provided with
the proper tools, to supply any possible need. These men will not be
in the fighting-line, but they will have a place assigned to them where
they can be hired by any one who likes. [38] If any huckster wishes
to follow the army with his wares, he may do so, but if caught selling
anything during the fifteen days for which provisions have been ordered,
he will be deprived of all his goods: after the fifteen days are done he
may sell what he likes. Any merchant who offers us a well-stocked market
will receive recompense and honour from the allies and myself. [39]
And if any one needs an advance of money for trading, he must send me
guarantors who will undertake that he will march with the army, and then
he can draw on our funds. These are the general orders: and I will ask
any of you who think that anything has been omitted to point it out
to me. [40] You will now go back to your quarters and make your
preparations, and while you do so I will offer sacrifice for our journey
and when the signs are favourable we will give the signal. At that
you must present yourselves, with everything I have ordered, at the
appointed place, under your own officers. [41] And you, gentlemen," said
he, turning to the officers, "when your divisions are all in line, you
will come to me in a body to receive your final orders." |
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6 - 40
With these instructions the army went to make their preparations
while Cyrus offered sacrifice.
As soon as the victims were favourable, he set out with his force. |
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6 - 41
| On the first day they encamped as near by as possible, so that anything
left behind could easily be fetched and any omission readily supplied.
[2] Cyaxares stayed in Media with a third of the Median troops in order
not to leave their own country undefended. Cyrus himself pushed forward
with all possible speed, keeping his cavalry in the van and constantly
sending explorers and scouts ahead to some look-out. Behind the cavalry
came the baggage, and on the plains he had long strings of waggons and
beasts of burden, and the main army behind them, so that if any of the
baggage-train fell back, the officers who caught them up would see that
they did not lose their places in the march. [3] But where the road was
narrower the fighting-men marched on either side with the baggage in the
middle, and in case of any block it was the business of the soldiers
on the spot to attend to the matter. As a rule, the different regiments
would be marching alongside their own baggage, orders having been
given that all members of the train should advance by regiments
unless absolutely prevented. [4] To help matters the brigadier's own
body-servant led the way with an ensign known to his men, so that each
regiment marched together, the men doing their best to keep up with
their comrades. Thus there was no need to search for each other,
everything was to hand, there was greater security, and the soldiers
could get what they wanted more quickly. |
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6 - 42
| After some days the scouts ahead thought they could see people in
the plain collecting fodder and timber, and then they made out beasts of
burden, some grazing and others already laden, and as they scanned the
distance they felt sure they could distinguish something that was either
smoke rising or clouds of dust; and from all this they concluded
that the enemy's army was not far off. [6] Whereupon their commander
despatched a messenger with the news to Cyrus, who sent back word that
the scouts should stay where they were, on their look-out, and tell him
if they saw anything more, while he ordered a squadron of cavalry to
ride forward, and intercept, if they could, some of the men on the plain
and so discover the actual state of affairs. [7] While the detachment
carried out this order Cyrus halted the rest of his army to make such
dispositions as he thought necessary before coming to close quarters.
His first order was for the troops to take their breakfast: after
breakfast 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 the
battering engines and the baggage train, and they came to him. [9]
Meanwhile the troop of horse had dashed into the plain, cut off some
of the men, and now brought them in captive. The prisoners, on being
questioned by Cyrus, said they belonged to the camp and had gone out
to forage or cut wood and so had passed beyond their own pickets, for,
owing to the size of their army, everything was scarce. |
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6 - 43
| "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 should
think there was," they answered; "it was all over the camp that you were
coming." "Ah," said Cyrus, "I suppose they were glad to hear we were
coming so soon?" (putting this question for his officers to hear the
answer). "That they were not," said the prisoners, "they were anything
but glad; they were miserable." [11] "And what are they doing now?"
asked Cyrus. "Forming their line of battle," answered they; "yesterday
and the day before they did the same." |
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6 - 44
"And their commander?" said Cyrus, "who is he?" "Croesus himself," said
they, "and with him a Greek, and also another man, a Mede, who is said
to be a deserter from you."
"Ah," cried Cyrus, "is that so? Most mighty Zeus, may I deal with him as
I wish!" |
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6 - 45
| Then he had the prisoners led away and turned to speak to his
officers, but at this moment another scout appeared, saying that a large
force of cavalry was in the plain. "We think," he added, "that they are
trying to get a sight of our army. For about thirty of them are riding
ahead at a good round pace and they seem to be coming straight for our
little company, perhaps to capture our look-out if they can, for there
are only ten of us there." |
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6 - 46
| At that Cyrus sent off a detachment from his own bodyguard,
bidding them gallop up to the place, unseen by the enemy, and stay there
motionless. "Wait," he said, "until our own ten must leave the spot and
then dash out on the thirty as they come up the hill. And to prevent any
injury from the larger body, do you, Hystaspas," said he, turning to the
latter, "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 as
soon as you have secured our post. And if any of your opponents ride up
with their right hands raised, welcome them as friends." |
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6 - 47
| Accordingly Hystaspas went off and got under arms, while the
bodyguard galloped to the spot. But before they reached the scouts, some
one 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 news
reached Cyrus, he sprang up from his seat, went to meet him himself,
and clasped his hand, but the others, who of course knew nothing, were
utterly dumbfounded, until Cyrus said: |
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6 - 48
| "Gentlemen, the best of our friends has come back to us. It is high
time that all men should know what he has done. It was not through any
baseness, or any weakness, or any fear of me, that he left us; it was
because I sent him to be my messenger, to learn the enemy's doings and
bring 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 only
just that all of you should pay him honour. Good and true I call him who
risked himself for our good, and took upon himself a reproach that was
heavy t e 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 not
make out the power of the enemy less than it really is. It is far better
that we should find it smaller than we looked for rather than strong
beyond our expectations." [18] "Well," began Araspas, "in order to
learn their numbers, I managed to be present at the marshalling of their
troops." "Then you can tell us," said Cyrus, "not only their numbers but
their disposition in the field." "That I can," answered Araspas, "and
also how they propose to fight." "Good," said Cyrus, "but first let us
hear their numbers in brief." [19] "Well," he answered, "they are drawn
up 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." |
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6 - 50
| "And the Egyptians?" Cyrus said, "how are they drawn up? I noticed
you said, 'all except the Egyptians.'" |
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6 - 51
| "The Egyptians," he answered, "are drawn up in companies of ten
thousand, under their own officers, a hundred deep, and a hundred
broad: that, they insisted, was their usual formation at home. Croesus,
however, was very loth to let them have their own way in this: he wished
to outflank you as much as possible." "Why?" Cyrus asked, "what was his
object?" "To encircle you, I imagine, with his wings." "He had better
take 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 will
look to your weapons and your harness. It often happens that the lack
of some little thing makes man or horse or chariot useless. To-morrow
morning early, while I am offering sacrifice, do you take your breakfast
and give your steeds their provender, so that when the moment comes to
strike you may not be found wanting. And then you, Araspas, must hold
the right wing in the position it has now, and the rest of you who
command a thousand men must do the same with your divisions: it is no
time to be changing horses when the race is being run; and you will send
word to the brigadiers and captains under you to draw up the phalanx
with each company two deep." (Now a company consisted of four-and-twenty
men.) |
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6 - 52
Then one of the officers, a captain of ten thousand, said:
"Do you think, Cyrus, that with so shallow a depth we can stand against
their tremendous phalanx?" |
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6 - 53
| "But do you suppose," rejoined he, "that any phalanx so deep that the
rear-ranks cannot close with the enemy could do much either for friend
or foe? [23] I myself," he added, "would rather this heavy infantry of
theirs were drawn up, not a hundred, but ten thousand deep: we should
have all the fewer to fight. Whereas with the depth that I propose, I
believe we shall not waste a man: every part of our army will work with
every other. [24] I will post the javelin-men behind the cuirassiers,
and the archers behind them: it would be absurd to place in the van
troops who admit that they are not made for hand-to-hand fighting;
but with the cuirassiers thrown in front of them they will stand firm
enough, and harass the enemy over the heads of our own men with their
arrows and their darts. And every stroke that falls on the enemy means
so much relief to our friends. [25] In the very rear of all I will post
our 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, and
both of them good. [26] You," he added, "will draw up the ranks to suit
these orders, and you who command the targeteers will follow with your
companies in the same depth, and you who command the archers will follow
the targeteers. [27] Gentlemen of the reserve, you will hold your men in
the rear, and pass the word down to your own subordinates to watch the
men in front, cheer on those who do their duty, threaten him who plays
the coward, and if any man show signs of treachery, see that he dies the
death. It is for those in the van to hearten those behind them by word
and deed; it is for you, the reserve, to make the cowards dread you more
than 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 that
the waggons with the towers keep as close to the phalanx as possible.
[29] And you, Daouchus, bring up the whole of your baggage-train under
cover of the towers and make your squires punish severely any man who
breaks the line. [30] You, Carouchas, keep the women's carriages close
behind the baggage-train. This long line of followers should give
an impression of vast numbers, allow our own men opportunity for
ambuscades, and force the enemy, if he try to surround us, to widen his
circuit, 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 horse
into the fighting-line, you must get them under arms by themselves
behind the carriages: and then come to me with the other officers as
fully-equipt as if you were to be the first to fight. [53] You, sir, who
command the camel-corps will take up your post behind the carriages
and look for further orders to Artagersas. [34] Officers of the
war-chariots, you will draw lots among yourselves, and he on whom the
lot falls will bring his hundred chariots in front of the fighting-line,
while the other two centuries will support our flanks on the right and
left." |
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6 - 54
Such were the dispositions made by Cyrus; but Abradatas, the lord
of Susa, cried:
"Cyrus, let me, I pray you, volunteer for the post in front." |
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6 - 55
And Cyrus, struck with admiration for the man, took him by the
hand, and turning to the Persians in command of the other centuries
said:
"Perhaps, gentlemen, you will allow this?" |
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6 - 56
| But they answered that it was hard to resign the post of honour, and so
they all drew lots, and the lot fell on Abradatas, and his post was
face to face with the Egyptians. Then the officers left the council and
carried out the orders given, and took their evening meal and posted the
pickets and went to rest. |
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6 - 57
| But early on the morrow Cyrus offered sacrifice, and meanwhile the
rest of the army took their breakfast, and after the libation they armed
themselves, a great and goodly company in bright tunics and splendid
breastplates and shining helmets. All the horses had frontlets and
chest-plates, the chargers had armour on their shoulders, and the
chariot-horses on their flanks; so that the whole army flashed with
bronze, and shone like a flower with scarlet. [2] The eight-horse
chariot of Abradatas was a marvel of beauty and richness; and just as he
was 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 and
broad bracelets for his wrists, and a full flowing purple tunic, and
a hyacinth-coloured helmet-plume. All these she had made for him in
secret, taking the measure of his armour without his knowledge. [3] And
when he saw them, he gazed in wonder and said: |
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6 - 58
"Dear wife, and did you destroy your own jewels to make this armour for
me?"
But she said, "No, my lord, at least not the richest of them all, for
you 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 to
hide it, the tears rolled down her cheeks. |
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6 - 59
| And truly, when Abradatas was arrayed in the new panoply, he, who
had 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 the
reins from the charioteer, and was about to set foot on the car, when
Pantheia 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 any
woman loved her husband more than her own soul, I am of her company. Why
should 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 love
between us that I would rather go down to the grave beside you after a
hero's death than live on with you in shame. I have thought you worthy
of the highest, and believed myself worthy to follow you. [7] And I
bear in mind the great gratitude we owe to Cyrus, who, when I was his
captive, chosen for his spoil, was too high-minded to treat me as a
slave, or dishonour me as a free woman; he took me and saved me for
you, as though I had been his brother's wife. [8] And when Araspas, my
warder, 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 more
faithful." |
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6 - 60
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 to
heaven he prayed aloud:
"O most mighty Zeus, make me worthy to be Pantheia's husband, and the
friend of Cyrus who showed us honour!" |
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6 - 61
| Then he opened the driver's seat and mounted the car, and the
driver 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 and
she followed unseen till Abradatas turned and saw her and cried, "Be
strong, Pantheia, be of a good heart! Farewell, and hie thee home!" |
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6 - 62
| Thereupon her chamberlains and her maidens took her and brought her
back to her own carriage, and laid her down and drew the awning. But
no man, of all who was there that day, splendid as Abradatas was in his
chariot, had eyes to look on him until Pantheia had gone. |
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6 - 63
| Meanwhile Cyrus had found the victims favourable, and his army was
already 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 his
final words: |
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6 - 64
| "Gentlemen, my friends and allies, the sacred signs from heaven are
as they were the day the gods gave us victory before, and I would call
to your minds thoughts to bring you gladness and confidence for the
fight. [14] You are far better trained than your enemies, you have
lived together and worked together far longer than they, you have won
victories together. What they have shared with one another has been
defeat, and those who have not fought as yet feel they have traitors to
right and left of them, while our recruits know that they enter battle
in company with men who help their allies. [15] Those who trust each
other will stand firm and fight without flinching, but when confidence
has gone no man thinks of anything but flight. [16] Forward then,
gentlemen, against the foe; drive our scythed chariots against their
defenceless cars, let our armed cavalry charge their unprotected horse,
and charge them home. [17] The mass of their infantry you have met
before; and as for the Egyptians, they are armed in much the same way as
they 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 merest
handful fighting. [18] If they count on forcing us back by their weigh,
they must first withstand our steel and the charge of our cavalry. And
if 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 be
there to help us, they will smite the enemy until he flies instead of
fighting. [19] If you think there is anything wanting, tell me now; God
helping 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 to
whom we have sacrificed, and then fall in. [20] Let each man say to his
own men what I have said to him, let him show the men he rules that he
is fit to rule, let them see the fearlessness in his face, his bearing,
and his words." |
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7
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7 - 1
| So they prayed to the gods and went to their place, and the
squires brought food and drink to Cyrus and his staff as they stood
round the sacrifice. And he took his breakfast where he stood, after
making the due offering, sharing what he had with all who needed it, and
he poured out the libation and prayed, and then drank, and his men with
him. |
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7 - 2
| Then he supplicated Zeus, the god of his fathers, to be his leader and
helper in the fight, and so he mounted his horse and bade those about
him follow. [2] All his squires were equipped as he was, with scarlet
tunics, breastplates of bronze, and brazen helmets plumed with white,
short swords, and a lance of cornel-wood apiece. Their horses had
frontlets, chest-plates, and armour for their shoulders, all of bronze,
and the shoulder-pieces served as leg-guards for the riders. In one
thing only the arms of Cyrus differed from the rest: theirs was covered
with a golden varnish and his flashed like a mirror. [3] As he sat on
his steed, gazing into the distance, where he meant to go, a peal of
thunder rang out on the right, and he cried, "We will follow thee, O
Zeus most high!" |
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7 - 3
| So he set forth with Chrysantas on his right at the head of cavalry and
Arsamas on his left with infantry. [4] And the word went down the lines,
"Eyes on the standard and steady marching." |
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7 - 4
| The standard was a golden eagle, with outspread wings, borne aloft on
a long spear-shaft, and to this day such is the standard of the Persian
king. |
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7 - 5
| Before they came in full sight of the Assyrians Cyrus halted the army
thrice. [5] And when they had gone about two miles or more, they began
to see the enemy advancing. As soon as both armies were in full view
of each other, and the Assyrians could see how much they outflanked
the Persians on either side, Croesus halted, in order to prepare an
encircling movement, and pushed out a column on the right wing and the
left, so that the Persian forces might be attacked on every side at
once. |
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7 - 6
| Cyrus saw it, but gave no sign of stopping; he led straight on as
before. Meanwhile he noticed that the turning-point where the Assyrians
had pushed out on either flank was an immense distance from their
centre, and he said to Chrysantas: |
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7 - 7
| "Do you see where they have fixed their angle?" "Yes, I do," answered
Chrysantas, "and I am surprised at it: it seems to me they are drawing
their 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 wings
are in touch with us while their centre is still some way off."
"But," went on Chrysantas, "how can they support each other at such a
distance?" "Doubtless," said Cyrus, "as soon as their wings are opposite
our flanks, they will wheel round, and then advance at once on every
side and so set us fighting everywhere at once." [8] "Well," said
Chrysantas, "do you think the movement wise?" "Yes," said Cyrus, "it
is good enough in view of what they can see, but, in view of what they
cannot, it is worse for them than if they had advanced in a single
column. Do you," he said, turning to Arsamas, "advance with your
infantry, slowly, taking your pace from me, and do you, Chrysantas,
march beside him with your cavalry, step for step. I will make for their
angle myself, where I propose to join battle, first riding round the
army 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 then
you must quicken your pace. You will know when we have closed with the
enemy, the din will be loud enough. At the same moment Abradatas will
dash 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 the
enemy at the height of his confusion. And, God helping me, I shall be
with you also, cutting my way through the rout by the quickest road I
can. |
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7 - 8
| So he spoke, and sent the watchword down the lines, "Zeus our
saviour, and Zeus our leader," and went forward. As he passed between
the chariots and the cuirassiers, he would say to some, "My men, the
look 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 all
that we have won ere now, and for all our happiness to come." [11] And
to others, "My friends, we can never reproach the gods again: to-day
they have put all blessings in our hands. [12] Let us show ourselves
good men and true." Or else, "Gentlemen, can we invite each other to a
more glorious feast than this? This day all gallant hearts are bidden;
this day they may feast their friends." [13] Or again, "You know, I
think, the prizes in this game: the victors pursue and smite and slay,
and win wealth and fame and freedom and empire: the cowards lose them
all. He who loves his own soul let him fight beside me: for I will have
no 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 brave
man's part in battle, and the craven's." [15] And when he came to
Abradatas, he halted, and Abradatas gave the reins to his charioteer
and came up to him, and others gathered round from the infantry and the
chariots, and Cyrus said: |
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7 - 9
| "God has rewarded you, Abradatas, according to your prayer, you and
yours. You hold the first rank among our friends. And you will not
forget, when the moment for action comes, that those who watch you will
be Persians, and those who follow you, and they will not let you bear
the brunt alone." |
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7 - 10
And Abradatas answered:
"Even so, Cyrus; and with us here, methinks, all looks well enough: but
the state of our flanks troubles me: the enemy's wings are strong and
stretch far: he has chariots there, and every kind of arm as well, while
we have nothing else with which to oppose him. So that for myself," said
he, "if I had not won by lot the post I hold, I should feel ashamed to
be here in the safest place of all." |
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7 - 11
| "Nay," answered Cyrus, "if it is well with you, have no concern for
the 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 detachments
that you fear." |
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7 - 12
So much of boasting did Cyrus allow himself on the eve of action, though
he 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 the
enemy weakest and your own men strongest. [18] And while there is time,
Abradatas, be sure to drive along your front and prepare your men for
the charge, kindle their courage by your looks, lift up their hearts by
your hopes. Breathe a spirit of emulation into them, to make them prove
themselves the flower of the chariot-force. Be assured if things go well
with us all men will say nothing is so profitable as valour." |
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7 - 13
| Accordingly Abradatas mounted his chariot and drove along the lines
to do as Cyrus bade. |
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7 - 14
Meanwhile Cyrus went on to the left where Hystaspas was posted with half
the Persian cavalry, and he called to him and said:
"Hystaspas, here is work to test your pace! If we are quick enough in
cutting off their heads, none of us will be slaughtered first." |
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7 - 15
And Hystaspas answered with a laugh:
"Leave it to us! We'll see to the men opposite. But set some one to deal
with the fellows on our flank: it would be a pity for them to be idle." |
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7 - 16
| 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 foeman
is on the field, attack we must, again and again, until the last has
yielded." |
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7 - 17
With that he passed on, and as he came to the flank he went up to
the officer in command of the chariots and said to him:
"Good, I intend to support you myself. And when you hear me fall on
the wing, at that instant do your best to charge straight through your
opponents; you will be far safer once outside their ranks than if you
are caught half-way." |
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7 - 18
| Then he went on to the rear and the carriages, where the two
detachments were stationed, a thousand horse and a thousand foot, and
told Artagersas and Pharnouchus, their leaders, to keep the men where
they were. |
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7 - 19
| "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 are
weakest, while you advance in line, at your full strength. Their lines,
as you see, are closed by cavalry; hurl your camels at these, and you
may be sure, even before the fighting begins, they will cut a comic
figure." |
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7 - 20
| Thus, with all his dispositions made, Cyrus rode round the head
of his right. By this time Croesus, believing that the centre, where he
himself was marching, must be nearer the enemy than the distant wings,
had the signal raised for them to stop their advance, halt, and wheel
round where they were. When they were in position opposite the Persian
force, he signalled for them to charge, and thus three columns came at
once against Cyrus, one facing his front and one on either flank. [24]
A tremor ran through the whole army; it was completely enclosed, like a
little brick laid within a large, with the forces of the enemy all
round it, on every side except the rear, cavalry and heavy infantry,
targeteers, archers, and chariots. [25] None the less, the instant
Cyrus gave the word they swung round to confront the foe. There was deep
silence through the ranks as they realised what they had to face, and
then Cyrus, when the moment came, began the battle-hymn and it thundered
through the host. [26] And as it died away the war-cry rang out unto the
God 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 they
attacked 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 on
the left, hurling his camels forward as Cyrus had advised. Even at a
distance the horses could not face the camels: they seemed to go mad
with fear, and galloped off in terror, rearing and falling foul of one
another: such is the strange effect of camels upon horses. [28] So that
Artagersas, his own troops well in hand, had easy work with the enemy's
bewildered masses. At the same moment the war-chariots dashed in, right
and left, so that many, flying from the chariots, were cut down by the
troopers, 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 steeds
forward till their flanks were bloody with the goad, the other
charioteers racing hard behind him. The enemy's chariots fled before
them instantly, some not even waiting to take up their fighting-men.
[30] But Abradatas drove on through them, straight into the main body of
the Egyptians, his rush shared by his comrades on either hand. And then,
what has often been shown elsewhere was shown here, namely, that of
all strong formations the strongest is a band of friends. His
brothers-in-arms and his mess-mates charged with him, but the others,
when they saw that the solid ranks of the Egyptians stood firm, swung
round and pursued the flying chariots. [31] Meanwhile Abradatas and his
companions could make no further way: there was not a gap through the
Egyptian lines on either hand, and they could but charge the single
soldiers where they stood, overthrow them by the sheer weight of horse
and car, and crush them and their arms beneath the hoofs and wheels. And
where the scythes caught them, men and weapons were cut to shreds. [32]
In the midst of indescribable confusion, the chariots rocking among the
weltering mounds, Abradatas was thrown out and some of his comrades with
him. There they stood, and fought like men, and there they were cut
down and died. The Persians, pouring in after them, dealt slaughter
and destruction where Abradatas and his men had charged and shaken the
ranks, but elsewhere the Egyptians, who were still unscathed, and they
were many, moved steadily on to meet them. |
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7 - 21
There followed a desperate struggle with lance and spear and sword,
and still the Egyptians had the advantage, because of their numbers and
their weapons. Their spears were immensely stout and long, such as they
carry to this day, and the huge shield not only gave more protection
than corslet and buckler, but aided the thrust of the fighter, slung as
it was from the shoulder.
[34] Shield locked into shield, they thrust their way forward; and the
Persians could not drive them back, with their light bucklers borne on
the 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 second
shower of blows fell on the Egyptians, while the reserves would allow no
flight of the archers or the javelin-men: at the sword's point they made
them do their duty. [35] Thick was the slaughter, and loud the din of
clashing weapons and whirring darts, and shouting warriors, cheering
each other and calling on the gods.
[36] At this moment Cyrus appeared, cutting his way through his own
opponents. To see the Persians thrust from their position was misery
to him, but he knew he could check the enemy's advance most quickly by
galloping round to their rear, and thither he dashed, bidding his troops
follow, and there they fell upon them and smote them as they were gazing
ahead, and there they mowed them down. |
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7 - 22
| The Egyptians, seeing what had happened, cried out that the enemy
had taken them in the rear, and wheeled round under a storm of blows. At
this the confusion reached its height, cavalry and infantry struggling
all together. An Egyptian fell under Cyrus' horse, and as the hoofs
struck him he stabbed the creature in the belly. The charger reared
at the blow and Cyrus was thrown. [38] Then was seen what it is for
a leader to be loved by his men. With a terrible cry the men dashed
forward, conquering thrust with thrust and blow with blow. One of his
squires leapt down and set Cyrus on his own charger. [39] And as Cyrus
sprang on the horse he saw the Egyptians worsted everywhere. For by now
Hystaspas was on the ground with his cavalry, and Chrysantas also. Still
Cyrus would not allow them to charge the Egyptian phalanx: the archers
and javelin-men were to play on them from outside. Then he made his way
along the lines to the artillery, and there he mounted one of the towers
to take a survey of the field, and see if any of the foe still held
their ground and kept up the fight. [40] But he saw the plain one chaos
of flying horses and men and chariots, pursuers and pursued, conquerors
and conquered, and nowhere any who still stood firm, save only the
Egyptians. These, in sore straits as they were, formed themselves into
a circle behind a ring of steel, and sat down under cover of their
enormous shields. They no longer attempted to act, but they suffered,
and suffered heavily. [41] Cyrus, in admiration and pity, unwilling that
men so brave should be done to death, drew off his soldiers who were
fighting round them, and would not let another man lift sword. |
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7 - 23
| Then he sent them a herald asking if they wished to be cut to pieces for
the sake of those who had betrayed them, or save their lives and keep
their reputation for gallantry? And they answered, "Is it possible that
we can be saved and yet keep our reputation untarnished?" [42] And Cyrus
said, "Surely yes, for we ourselves have seen that you alone have held
your ground and been ready to fight." "But even so," said the Egyptians,
"how can we act in honour if we save ourselves?" |
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7 - 24
| "By betraying none of those at whose side you fought," answered Cyrus:
"only surrender your arms to us, and become our friends, the friends of
men who chose to save you when they might have destroyed you." [43] "And
if we become your friends," said they, "how will you treat us?" "As you
treat us," answered he, "and the treatment shall be good." |
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7 - 25
| "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, and
when peace comes, if you choose to stay with me, lands and cities and
women and servants." [44] Then they asked him if he would excuse them
from one duty, service against Croesus. Croesus, they said, was the only
leader who knew them; for the rest, they were content to agree. And so
they came to terms, and took and gave pledges of good faith. [45] Thus
it came about that their descendants are to this day faithful subjects
of the king, and Cyrus gave them cities, some in the interior, which are
still called the cities of the Egyptians, beside Larissa and Kyllene and
Kyme on the coast, still held by their descendants. |
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7 - 26
When this matter was arranged darkness had already fallen, and Cyrus
drew off his army and encamped at Thymbrara.
[46] In this engagement the Egyptians alone among the enemy won
themselves renown, and of the troops under Cyrus the Persian cavalry was
held to have done the best, so much so that to this day they are still
armed in the manner that Cyrus devised. [47] High praise also was given
to the scythe-bearing chariots, and this engine of war is still employed
by the reigning king. [48] As for the camels, all they did was to scare
the horses; their riders could take no part in the slaughter, and were
never touched themselves by the enemy's cavalry. For not a horse would
come near the camels. [49] It was a useful arm, certainly, but no
gallant gentleman would dream of breeding camels for his own use or
learning to fight on camel-back. And so they returned to their old
position among the baggage-train. |
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7 - 27
| Then Cyrus and his men took their evening meal and posted their
pickets and went to rest. But Croesus and his army fled in haste to
Sardis, and the other tribes hurried away homewards under cover of
night as fast and as far as they could. [2] When day broke Cyrus marched
straight for Sardis, and when he came before the citadel he set up
his engines as though for the assault and got out his ladders. But the
following night he sent a scaling party of Persians and Chaldaeans to
climb the fortifications at the steepest point. The guide was a Persian
who had served as a slave to one of the garrison in the citadel, and who
knew a way down to the river by which one could get up. [4] As soon as
it became clear that the heights had been taken, all the Lydians without
exception fled from the walls and hid wherever they could. At daybreak
Cyrus entered the city and gave orders that not a man was to leave the
ranks. [5] Croesus, who had shut himself up inside his palace, cried
out on Cyrus, and Cyrus left a guard round the building while he himself
went to inspect the captured citadel. Here he found the Persians keeping
guard in perfect order, but the Chaldaean quarters were deserted, for
the men had rushed down to pillage the town. Immediately he summoned
their officers, and bade them leave his army at once. [6] "I could never
endure," he said, "to have undisciplined fellows seizing the best of
everything. You know well enough," he added, "all that was in store for
you. 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 one
stronger than yourselves on your way home." |
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7 - 28
Fear fell on the Chaldaeans at this, and they intreated him to lay
aside his anger and vowed they would give back all the booty they had
taken. He answered that he had no need of it himself. "But if," he
added, "you wish to appease me, you will hand it over to those who
stayed and guarded the citadel. For if my soldiers see that discipline
means reward, all will be well with us."
So the Chaldaeans did as he bade them, and the faithful and obedient
received all manner of good things. |
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7 - 29
Then Cyrus made his troops encamp in the most convenient quarter of
the town, and told them to stay at their posts and take their breakfast
there. [9] That done, he gave orders that Croesus should be brought to
him, and when he came into his presence, Croesus cried:
"Hail, Cyrus, my lord and master! Fate has given you that title from now
henceforward, and thus must I salute you." |
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7 - 30
| "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 me
as a friend?" "I should be more than glad," said Croesus, "to do you
any good. It would mean good for myself, I know." [11] "Listen, then,"
answered Cyrus: "I see that my soldiers have endured much toil and
encountered many dangers, and now they are persuaded that they have
taken the wealthiest city in all Asia, after Babylon. I would not have
them cheated of their recompense, seeing that if they win nothing by
their 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 believe
it would be utterly destroyed, and moreover I know full well that in
plunder the worst villains win the most." |
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7 - 31
| To this Croesus answered, "Suffer me then to tell what Lydians I
please 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 in
return that my men will bring you willingly everything that is costly
and beautiful in Sardis. If I can announce such terms, I am certain
there is not one treasure belonging to man or woman that will not be
yours to-morrow. Further, on this day year, the city will overflow once
more with wealth and beauty. But if you sack it, you will destroy
the crafts in its ruin, and they, we know, are the well-spring of all
loveliness. [14] Howbeit, you need not decide at once, wait and see what
is brought to you. Send first," he added, "to my own treasuries, and let
your guards take some of my own men with them." |
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7 - 32
To all this Cyrus consented, and then he said:
[15] "And now, O Croesus, tell me one thing more. How did matters go
between you and the oracle at Delphi? It is said that you did much
reverence to Apollo and obeyed him in all things." |
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7 - 33
| "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 can
that be?" said Cyrus. "Explain it to me: for your words seem strange
indeed." [17] "Because," he answered, "in the first place, instead of
asking the god for all I wanted I must needs put him to the test, to see
if he could speak the truth. This," he added, "no man of honour could
endure, let be the godhead. Those who are doubted cannot love their
doubters. [18] And yet he stood the test; for though the things I did
were strange, and I was many leagues from Delphi, he knew them all. And
so I resolved to consult him about my children. [19] At first he would
not so much as answer me, but I sent him many an offering, some of gold
and some of silver, and I propitiated him, as I deemed, by countless
sacrifices, and at last he answered me when I asked him what I must do
that sons might be born to me. He said they should be born. [20] And so
they were; in that he uttered no lie, but they brought me no joy. One
of them was dumb his whole life long, and the noblest perished in the
flower of his youth. And I, crushed by these sorrows, sent again to the
god and asked him how I could live in happiness for the rest of my days,
and he answered: |
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7 - 34
"'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 me
happiness in return. Some of his neighbours a man may know and others
not: but every one can know himself. [22] So I thought, and in truth so
long as I was at peace I had no fault to find with my lot after my
son's death; but when the Assyrian persuaded me to march against you
I encountered every danger. Yet I was saved, I came to no harm. Once
again, therefore, I have no charge to bring against the god: when I
_knew myself_ incapable of warring against you, he came to my help
and saved mine and me. [23] But afterwards, intoxicated by my wealth,
cajoled by those who begged me to be their leader, tempted by the gifts
they showered on me, flattered by all who said that if I would but lead
them they would obey me to a man, and that I would be the greatest ruler
in all the world, and that all their kings had met together and chosen
me for their champion in the war, I undertook the generalship as though
I 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 from
the seed of the gods, born of a royal line, trained in valour and virtue
from your youth, while I--I believe that the first of my ancestors to
reign won his freedom and his crown on the self-same day. For this dull
ignorance of mine I see I am justly punished. [25] But now at last, O
Cyrus," he cried, "now I _know myself_. And tell me, do you think the
god will still speak truth? Do you think that, knowing myself, I can be
happy now? I ask you, because you of all men have it in your power to
answer best. Happiness is yours to give." |
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7 - 35
| Cyrus answered, "Give me time to deliberate, Croesus. I bear in
mind your former happiness and I pity you. I give you back at once your
wife and your daughters (for they tell me you have daughters), and your
friends and your attendants; they are yours once more. And yours it is
to sit at your own table as you used to live. But battles and wars I
must put out of your power." |
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7 - 36
| "Now by the gods above us," cried Croesus, "you need take no
further 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 I
knew that they were right." [28] "And who," said Cyrus, "who was it that
lived that life of happiness?" "My own wife," said Croesus; "she shared
all my good things with me, my luxuries, my softest joys; but in the
cares on which those joys were based, in war and battle and strife, she
had no part or lot. Methinks, you will provide for me as I provided for
her whom I loved beyond all others in the world, and I must needs send
to Apollo again, and send thank-offerings." |
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7 - 37
| And as Cyrus listened he marvelled at the man's contentedness of
soul, and for the future wherever he went he took Croesus with him,
either because he thought he might be useful or perhaps because he felt
it was safer so. |
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7 - 38
| So for that night they rested. But the next day Cyrus called his
friends and generals together and told some to make an inventory of
their treasures and others to receive all the wealth that Croesus
brought in. First they were to set aside for the gods all that the
Persian priests thought fit, and then store the rest in coffers, weight
them, and pack them on waggons, distributing the waggons by lot to take
with them on the march, so that they could receive their proper share at
any convenient time. [2] So they set about the work. |
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7 - 39
Then Cyrus called some of his squires and said:
"Tell me, have any of you seen Abradatas? I wonder that he who used to
come to me so often is nowhere to be found." |
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7 - 40
| Then one of the squires made answer, "My lord, he is dead: he fell
in the battle, charging straight into the Egyptian ranks: the rest, all
but 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 her
own car, and has brought it here to the banks of the Pactolus. [5] Her
chamberlains and her attendants are digging a grave for the dead man
upon a hill, and she, they say, has put her fairest raiment on him
and her jewels, and she is seated on the ground with his head upon her
knees." |
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7 - 41
| Then Cyrus smote his hand upon his thigh and leapt up and sprang to
horse, galloping to the place of sorrow, with a thousand troopers at his
back. [7] He bade Gadatas and Gobryas take what jewels they could find
to honour the dear friend and brave warrior who had fallen, and follow
with all speed: and he bade the keepers of the herds, the cattle, and
the horses drive up their flocks wherever they heard he was, that he
might sacrifice on the grave. |
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7 - 42
But when he saw Pantheia seated on the ground and the dead man lying
there, the tears ran down his cheeks and he cried:
"O noble and loyal spirit, have you gone from us?" |
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7 - 43
Then he took the dead man by the hand, but the hand came away with his
own: 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 Cyrus
and 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?" And
presently she said, "All this, I know, he suffered for my sake, and for
yours too, Cyrus, perhaps as much. I was a fool: I urged him so to bear
himself as became a faithful friend of yours, and he, I know, he never
thought once of his own safety, but only of what he might do to show his
gratitude. Now he has fallen, without a stain upon his valour: and I,
who urged him, I live on to sit beside his grave." |
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7 - 44
And Cyrus wept silently for a while, and then he said:
"Lady, his end was the noblest and the fairest that could be: he died
in the hour of victory. Take these gifts that I have brought and adorn
him." |
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7 - 45
| For now Gobryas and Gadatas appeared with store of jewels and rich
apparel. "He shall not lack for honour," Cyrus said; "many hands will
raise his monument: it shall be a royal one; and we will offer such
sacrifice as befits a hero. [12] And you, lady," he added, "you shall
not be left desolate. I reverence your chastity and your nobleness, and
I will give you a guardian to lead you withersoever you choose, if you
will but tell me to whom you wish to go." |
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7 - 46
And Pantheia answered:
"Be at rest, Cyrus, I will not hide from you to whom I long to go." |
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