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HISTORY OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE |
Cyropaedia
The Life of Kurosh The Great
Wrote by Xenophon
BOOK 4
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[4.1.1] Cyrus remained
there for a while with his army
and showed that they were ready to do
battle, if any one should come out. But as no one did come out against him, he
withdrew as far as he thought proper and encamped. And when he had stationed his
outposts and sent out his scouts, he called together his own men, took his place
in their midst, and addressed them as follows:
[4.1.2]
"Fellow-citizens of Persia, first of all I praise the
gods with all my soul; and so, I
believe, do all of you; for we not only have won a victory, but our lives have
been spared. We ought, therefore, to render to the gods thank-offerings of
whatsoever we have. And I here and now commend you as a body, for you have all
contributed to this glorious achievement; but as for the deserts of each of you
individually, I shall try by word and deed to give every man his due reward,
when I have ascertained from proper sources what credit each one deserves.
[4.1.3] But as to
Captain Chrysantas, who fought next to
me, I have no need to make enquiry from others, for I myself know how gallant
his conduct was; in everything else he did just as I think all of you also did;
but when I gave the word to retreat and called to him by name, even though he
had his sword raised to smite down an enemy he obeyed me at once and refrained
from what he was on the point of doing and proceeded to carry out my order; not
only did he himself retreat but he also with instant promptness passed the word
on to the others; and so he succeeded in getting his division out of range
before the enemy discovered that we were retreating or drew their bows or let
fly their javelins. And thus by his obedience he is unharmed himself and he has
kept his men unharmed. [4.1.4] But others," said he, "I see wounded;
and when I have enquired at what moment of the engagement they received their
wounds, I will then express my opinion concerning them. But Chrysantas, as a
mighty man of war, prudent and fitted to command and to obey--him I now promote
to a colonelship. And when God shall vouchsafe some further blessing, then, too,
I shall not forget him.
[4.1.5]
"I wish also to leave this thought with all of
you," he went on: "never cease
to bear in mind what you have just seen in this day's battle, so that you may
always judge in your own hearts whether courage is more likely to save men's
lives than running away, and whether it is easier for those to withdraw who wish
to fight than for those who are unwilling, and what sort of pleasure victory
brings; for you can best judge of these matters now when you have experience of
them and while the event is of so recent occurrence. [4.1.6] And if you would
always keep this in mind, you would be more valiant men."Now go to dinner,
as men beloved of God and brave and wise; pour libations to the gods, raise the
song of victory, and at the same time be on the lookout for orders that may
come."
[4.1.7]
When he had said this, he mounted his horse and rode away to Cyaxares. They
exchanged congratulations, as was fitting, and after Cyrus had taken note of
matters there and asked if there were anything he could do, he rode back to his
own army. Then he and his followers dined, stationed their pickets duly, and
went to rest.
[4.1.8]
The Assyrians, on the other hand, inasmuch as
they had lost their general and with him
nearly all their best men, were all disheartened, and many of them even ran away
from the camp in the course of the night. And when Croesus and the rest of their
allies saw this, they too lost heart; for the whole situation was desperate; but
what caused the greatest despondency in all was the fact that the leading
contingent of the army had become thoroughly demoralized. Thus dispirited, then,
they quitted their camp and departed under cover of the night. [4.1.9] And when
it became day and the enemy's camp was found to be forsaken of men, Cyrus at
once led hPersians first across the entrenchments. And many sheep and many
cattle and many wagons packed full of good things had been left behind by the
enemy. Directly after this, Cyaxares also and all his Medes crossed over and had
breakfast there. [4.1.10] And when they had breakfasted, Cyrus called together
his captains and spoke as follows:"What good things, fellow-soldiers, and
how great, have we let slip, it seems, while the gods were delivering them into
our hands! Why, you see with your own eyes that the enemy have run away from us;
when people behind fortifications abandon them and flee, how would any one
expect them to stand and fight, if they met us in a fair and open field? And if
they did not stand their ground when they were yet unacquainted with us, how
would they withstand us now, when they have been defeated and have suffered
heavy loss at our hands? And when their bravest men have been slain, how would
their more cowardly be willing to fight us?"
[4.1.11]
"Why not pursue them as swiftly as possible,"
said one of the men; "now that the
good things we have let slip are so manifest to us?""Because," he
replied, "we have not horses enough; for the best of the enemy, those whom
it were most desirable either to capture or to kill, are riding off on
horseback. With the help of the gods we were able to put them to flight, but we
are not able to pursue and overtake them."
[4.1.12]
"Then why do you not go and tell Cyaxares this?" said they."Come
with me, then, all of you," he answered, "so that he may know that we
are all agreed upon this point."Thereupon they all followed and submitted
such arguments as they thought calculated to gain their object.
[4.1.13]
Now Cyaxares seemed to feel some little jealousy because the proposal came from
them; at the same time, perhaps, he did not care to risk another engagement;
then, too, he rather wished to stay where he was, for it happened that he was
busily engaged in making merry himself, and he saw that many of the other Medes
were doing the same. However that may be, he spoke as follows:
[4.1.14]
"Well, Cyrus, I know from what I see and hear that you Persians are more
careful than other people not to incline to the least intemperance in any kind
of pleasure. But it seems to me that it is much better to be moderate in the
greatest pleasure than to be moderate in lesser pleasures; and what brings to
man greater pleasure than success, such as has now been granted us?
[4.1.15]
"If, therefore [when we are successful], we follow up our success with
moderation, we might, perhaps, be able to grow old in happiness unalloyed with
danger. But if we enjoy it intemperately and try to pursue first one success and
then another, see to it that we do not share the same fate that they say many
have suffered upon the sea, that is, because of their success they have not been
willing to give up seafaring, and so they have been lost; and many others, when
they have gained a victory, have aimed at another and so have lost even what
they gained by the first. [4.1.16] And that is the way with us; for if it were
because they were inferior to us in numbers that the enemy are fleeing from us,
perhaps it might be safe for us actually to pursue this lesser army. But, as it
is, reflect with what a mere fraction of their numbers we, with all our forces,
have fought and won, while the rest of theirs have not tasted of battle; and if
we do not compel them to fight, they will remain unacquainted with our strength
and with their own, and they will go away because of their ignorance and
cowardice. But if they discover that they are in no less danger if they go away
than if they remain in the field, beware lest we compel them to be valiant even
against their will. [4.1.17] And let me assure you that you are not more eager
to capture their women and children than they are to save them. And bethink you
that even wild swine flee with their young, when they are discovered, no matter
how great their numbers may be; but if any one tries to catch one of the young,
the old one, even if she happens to be the only one, does not think of flight
but rushes upon the man who is trying to effect the capture. [4.1.18] And now,
when they had shut themselves up in their fortifications, they allowed us to
manage things so as to fight as many at a time as we pleased. But if we go
against them in an open plain and they learn to meet us in separate detachments,
some in front of us (as even now), some on either flank, and some in our rear,
see to it that we do not each one of us stand in need of many hands and many
eyes. And besides," said he, "now that I see the Medes making merry, I
should not like to rout them out and compel them to go into danger."
[4.1.19]
"Nay," said Cyrus in reply; "please do not place anybody under
compulsion; but allow those who will volunteer to follow me, and perhaps we may
come back bringing to you and each of your friends here something for you all to
make merry with. For the main body of the enemy we certainly shall not even
pursue; for how could we ever overtake them? But if we find any detachment of
their army straggling or left behind, we shall bring them to you. [4.1.20] And
remember," he added, "that we also, when you asked us, came a long
journey to do you a favour; and it is therefore only fair that you should do us
a favour in return, so that we may not have to go home empty-handed nor always
be looking to your treasury here for support."
[4.1.21]
"Very well," said Cyaxares then; "if indeed any one will
volunteer to follow you, I for my part should be really grateful to
you.""Well, then," said he, "send with me some one of these
notables in positions of trust to announce your commands.""Take any of
them you wish," said the other, "and go."
[4.1.22]
Now it happened that the man who had once pretended to be a kinsman of his and
had got a kiss from him was present there. Cyrus, therefore, said at once:
"This man will do.""Let him follow you, then," said
Cyaxares. "And do you," he added to Artabazus, "say that whoever
will may go with Cyrus."
[4.1.23]
So then he took the man and went away. And when they had come out, Cyrus said:
"Now then, you shall prove if you spoke the truth when you said that you
liked to look at me.""If you talk that way," said the Mede,
"I shall never leave you.""Will you do your best, then, to bring
others also with you?" asked Cyrus."Yes, by Zeus," he answered
with an oath, "to such an extent that I shall make you also glad to look at
me."
[4.1.24]
Then, as he had his commission from Cyaxares also, he not only gave his message
to the Medes with enthusiasm, but he added that, for his part, he himself would
never leave the noblest and best of men, and what was more than all, a man
descended from the gods.
[4.2.1]
While Cyrus was thus occupied, messengers came as if providentially from the
Hyrcanians. Now the Hyrcanians are neighbours of the Assyrians; they are not a
large nation; and for that reason they also were subjects of the Assyrians. Even
then they had a reputation for being good horsemen, and they have that
reputation still. For this reason the Assyrians used to employ them as the
Spartans do the Sciritae, sparing them neither in hardships nor in dangers. And
on that particular occasion they were ordered to bring up the rear (they were
cavalrymen about a thousand strong), in order that, if any danger should
threaten from behind, they might have to bear the brunt of it instead of the
Assyrians. [4.2.2] But as the Hyrcanians were to march in the very rear, they
had their wagons also and their families in the rear. For, as we know, most of
the Asiatic peoples take the field accompanied by their entire households. So in
this particular campaign, the Hyrcanians had taken the field thus attended.
[4.2.3]
But as they reflected how they were being treated by the Assyrians, that the
Assyrian monarch was now slain and the army defeated, that there was great panic
throughout the ranks, and that the allies were disand deserting--as they thought
over these conditions, they decided that now was a good opportunity to revolt,
if Cyrus and his followers would join them in an attack. So they sent envoys to
Cyrus; for in consequence of the battle his name had been very greatly
magnified. [4.2.4] And those who were sent told Cyrus that they had good reason
to hate the Assyrians and that now, if he would proceed against them, they would
be his allies and his guides as well. And at the same time they also gave him an
account of the enemy's plight, for they wished above all things to incite him to
push the campaign.
[4.2.5]
"Do you really think," Cyrus enquired, "that we could still
overtake them before they reach their strongholds? For we," he added,
"consider it hard luck that they have run away from us when we were not
watching." Now he said this to make them think as highly as possible of his
troops.
[4.2.6]
They answered that if Cyrus and his army would start out at daybreak in light
marching order, he would come up with them the next day: for because their
numbers were so vast and so encumbered with baggage, the enemy were marching
slowly. "And besides," they said, "as they had no sleep last
night, they have gone ahead only a little way and are now encamped."
[4.2.7]
"Have you, then, any surety to give us," Cyrus asked, "to prove
that what you say is true?""Yes," they answered, "we are
ready to ride away and bring you hostages this very night. Only do you also give
us assurance in the name of the gods and give us your right hand, that we may
give to the rest of our people, too, the same assurance that we receive from
you."
[4.2.8]
Thereupon he gave them his solemn promise that, if they should make good their
statements, he would treat them as his true friends, so that they should count
for no less in his esteem than the Persians or the Medes. And even to this day
one may see the Hyrcanians holding positions of trust and authority, just like
those of the Persians and Medes who are thought to be deserving.
[4.2.9]
When they had dined, he led out his army while it was still daylight, and he
bade the Hyrcanians wait for him that they might go together. Now the Persians,
as was to be expected, came out to a man to go with him, and Tigranes came with
his army; [4.2.10] while of the Medes some came out because as boys they had
been friends of Cyrus when he was a boy, others because they liked his ways when
they had been with him on the chase, others because they were grateful to him
for freeing them, as they thought, from great impending danger, and still others
because they cherished the hope that as he seemed to be a man of ability he
would one day be exceedingly successful and exceedingly great besides; others
wished to requite him for some service he had done for them while he was growing
up in Media; many, too, owed to his kindness of heart many a favour at the hands
of his grandfather; and many, when they saw the Hyrcanians and when the report
spread that these would lead them to rich plunder, came out (apart from other
motives) for the sake of getting some gain.
[4.2.11]
The result was that almost all came out--even the Medes, except those who
happened to be feasting in the same tent with Cyaxares; these and their
subordinates remained behind. But all the rest hastened out cheerily and
enthusiastically, for they came not from compulsion but of their own free will
and out of gratitude.
[4.2.12]
And when they were out of the camp, he went first to the Medes and praised them
and prayed the gods above all things graciously to lead them and his own men,
and he prayed also that he himself might be enabled to reward them for this zeal
of theirs. In concluding, he stated that the infantry should go first, and he
ordered the Medes to follow with their cavalry. And wherever they were to rest
or halt from their march, he enjoined it upon them that some of their number
should always come to him, that they might know the need of the hour.
[4.2.13]
Then he ordered the Hyrcanians to lead the way."What!" they exclaimed,
"are you not going to wait until we bring the hostages, that you also may
have a guarantee of our good faith before you proceed?""No," he
is said to have answered; "for I consider that we have the guarantee in our
own hearts and hands. For it is with these, I think, that we are in a position
to do you a service, if you speak the truth; but if you are trying to deceive
us, we think that, as things are, we shall not be in your power, but rather, if
the gods will, you shall be in ours. And hark you, men of Hyrcania," said
he, "as you say that your people are bringing up the enemy's rear, inform
us, as soon as you see them, that they are yours, that we may do them no
harm."
[4.2.14]
When the Hyrcanians heard this, they led the way, as he ordered. They wondered
at his magnanimity; and they no longer had any fear of either the Assyrians or
the Lydians or their allies, but they feared only lest he should think that it
was not of the slightest moment whether they joined him or not.
[4.2.15]
As they proceeded, night came on, and it is said that a light from heaven shone
forth upon Cyrus and his army, so that they were all filled with awe at the
miracle but with courage to meet the enemy. And as they were proceeding in light
marching order with all dispatch, they naturally covered a great distance, and
in the morning twilight they drew near to the army of the Hyrcanians. [4.2.16]
And when the messengers recognized the fact, they reported to Cyrus that these
were their own people; for they said that they recognized them both by the fact
that they were in the rear and by the number of their fires.
[4.2.17]
Upon hearing this report he sent one of the two messengers to them with orders
to say that if they were friends, they should come to meet him with their right
hands raised. And he sent along also one of his own men and ordered him to tell
the Hyrcanians that he and his army would govern their conduct according to the
way in which they should see the Hyrcanians behave. And thus it came to pass
that one of the messengers remained with Cyrus, while the other rode away to the
Hyrcanians.
[4.2.18]
While Cyrus was watching to see what the Hyrcanians were going to do, he haltedd
his army. and Tigranes and the officers of the Medes rode up to him and asked
what they should do. And he said to them: "What you see there not far away
is the Hyrcanian army; and one of their envoys has gone to them, and one of our
men with him, to tell them all, if they are our friends, to come to meet us with
their right hands upraised. Now, if they do so, give to them the right hand of
fellowship, each of you to the man opposite himself, and at the same time bid
them welcome. But if they raise a weapon or attempt to run away, we must lose no
time in trying not to leave a single one of these first alive."
[4.2.19]
Such were his commands. And the Hyrcanians were delighted when they heard the
report of the envoys, and leaping upon their horses they came at once with right
hands upraised, as directed, and the Medes and Persians gave the right hand of
fellowship and bade them welcome.
[4.2.20]
"Men of Hyrcania," Cyrus said presently, "we trust you now, as
you see; and you also ought to feel the same way toward us. But tell us first
how far it is from here to the headquarters of the enemy and the main body of
their army.""Not much more than a parasang," they answered.
[4.2.21]
"Come on, then, Persians and Medes," Cyrus cried; "and you
Hyrcanians--for now I speak with you also as confederates and allies--you must
know that we are in a position where we shall meet with nothing but disaster if
we betray a lack of courage; for the enemy know what we have come for. But if we
go into the attack upon the enemy with might and main and with stout hearts, you
will see right soon that, just like a lot of slaves caught in an atto run away,
some of them will beg for mercy, others will try to escape, others still will
not even have presence of mind to do either. For they will see us before they
have recovered from their first defeat, and they will find themselves caught
neither thinking of our coming, nor drawn up in line, nor prepared to fight.
[4.2.22] If, therefore, we wish from this time forth to eat well, to sleep
soundly, and to live comfortably, let us not give them time either to take
counsel or to provide any defence for themselves, or even to recognize at all
that we are human beings; but let them think that nothing but shields, swords,
bills, and blows have descended upon them.
[4.2.23]
"And you, Hyrcanians," said he, "spread yourselves out in the van
and march before us, in order that only your arms may be seen and that our
presence here may be concealed as long as possible. And when I come up with the
enemy's army, then leave with me, each of you, a division of cavalry for me to
use while I remain near their camp. [4.2.24] But you, officers and men of years,
march together in close order, if you are wise, so that if you fall in with any
compact body you may never be forced back; and leave the pursuit to the younger
men, and let them kill all they can; for this is the safest measure--to leave
now as few of the enemy alive as possible.
[4.2.25]
"And if we win the battle," he continued, "we must be on our
guard against an error which has lost the day for many in the hour of
victory--turning aside to plunder. For the man who does this is no longer a
soldier but a camp-follower; and any one who will is free to treat him as a
slave.
[4.2.26]
"You should realize this also, that nothing is more enriching than victory.
For the victor has swept together all the spoil at once, the men and the women,
the wealth and all the lands. Therefore have an eye to this alone--that we may
conserve our victory; for even the plunderer himself is in the enemy's power if
he is conquered. And remember even in the heat of pursuit to come back to me
while it is yet daylight; for after nightfall we shall not admit another
man."
[4.2.27]
When he had said this he sent them away to their several companies with orders
to issue, as they marched, the same directions each to his own corporals (for
the corporals were in the front so as to hear); and they were to bid the
corporals each one to announce it to his squad.Then the Hyrcanians led the way
while he himself with his Persians occupied the centre as they marched. The
cavalry he arranged, as was natural, on either flank.
[4.2.28]
And when daylight came, some of the enemy wondered at what they saw, some
realized at once what it meant, some began to spread the news, some to cry out,
some proceeded to untie the horses, some to pack up, others to toss the armour
off the pack-animals, still others to arm themselves, while some were leaping
upon their horses, some bridling them, others helping the women into the wagons,
and others were snatching up their most valuable possessions to save them; still
others were caught in the act of burying theirs, while the most of them sought
refuge in precipitate flight. We may imagine that they were doing many other
things also--all sorts of other things--except that no one offered to resist,
but they perished without striking a blow.
[4.2.29]
As it was summer, Croesus, the king of Lydia, had had his women sent on by night
in carriages, that they might proceed more comfortably in the cool of the night,
and he himself was following after with his cavalry. [4.2.30] And the Phrygian
king, the ruler of Phrygia on the Hellespont, they say, did the same. And when
they saw the fugitives who were overtaking them, they enquired of them what was
happening, and then they also took to flight as fast as they could go.
[4.2.31]
But the king of Cappadocia and the Arabian king, as they were still near by and
stood their ground though unarmed, were cut down by the Hyrcanians. But the
majority of the slain were Assyrians and Arabians. For as these were in their
own country, they were very leisurely about getting away.
[4.2.32]
Now the Medes and Hyrcanians, as they pursued, committed such acts as men might
be expected to commit in the hour of victory. But Cyrus ordered the horsemen who
had been left with him to ride around the camp and to kill any that they saw
coming out under arms; while to those who remained inside he issued a
proclamation that as many of the enemy's soldiers as were cavalrymen or
targeteers or bowmen should bring out their weapons tied in bundles and deliver
them up, but should leave their horses at their tents. Whoever failed to do so
should soon lose his head. Now Cyrus's men stood in line around them, sabre in
hand. [4.2.33] Accordingly, those who had the weapons carried them to one place,
where he directed, and threw them down, and men whom he had appointed for the
purpose burned them.
[4.2.34]
Now Cyrus recollected that they had come with neither food nor drink, and
without these it was not possible to prosecute a campaign or to do anything
else. And as he was considering how to procure the best possible supplies with
the greatest possible dispatch, it occurred to him that all those who take the
field must have some one to take care of the tent and to have food prepared for
the soldiers when they came in. [4.2.35] So he concluded that of all people
these were the ones most likely to have been caught in the camp, because they
would have been busy packing up. Accordingly, he issued a proclamation for all
the commissaries to come to him; but if a commissary officer should be lacking
anywhere, the oldest man from that tent should come. And to any one who should
dare to disobey he threatened direst punishment. But when they saw their masters
obeying, they also obeyed at once. And when they had come, he first ordered
those of them to sit down who had more than two months' supply of provisions in
their tents. [4.2.36] And when he had noted them, he gave the same order to
those who had one month's supply. Hereupon nearly all sat down. [4.2.37] And
when he had this information he addressed them as follows:"Now then, my
men," said he, "if any of you have a dislike for trouble and wish that
you might receive kind treatment at our hands, be sure to see to it that there
be twice as much food and drink prepared in each tent as you used to get ready
every day for your masters and their servants; and get everything else ready
that belongs to a good meal; for whichever side is victorious, they will very
soon be here and they will expect to find plenty of every sort of provisions.
Let me assure you, then, that it would be to your advantage to entertain those
men handsomely."
[4.2.38]
When they heard this, they proceeded with great alacrity to carry out his
directions, while he called together his captains and spoke as follows: "I
realize, friends, that it is possible for us now to take luncheon first, while
our comrades are away, and to enjoy the choicest food and drink. But I do not
think that it would be of more advantage to us to eat this luncheon than it
would to show ourselves thoughtful for our comrades; neither do I think that
this feasting would add as much to our strength as we should gain if we could
make our allies devoted to us. [4.2.39] But if we show ourselves to be so
neglectful of them that we are found to have broken our fast even before we know
how they are faring, while they are pursuing and slaying our enemies and
fighting any one that opposes them, let us beware lest we be disgraced in their
eyes and lest we find ourselves crippled by the loss of our allies. If, on the
other hand, we take care that those who are bearing the danger and the toil
shall have what they need when they come back, a banquet of this sort would, in
my opinion, give us more pleasure than any immediate gratification of our
appetites. [4.2.40] And remember," said he, "that even if we weunder
no obligation to show them every consideration, even so it is not proper for us
as yet to sate ourselves with food or drink; for not yet have we accomplished
what we wish, but, on the contrary, everything is now at a crisis and requires
care. For we have enemies in camp many times our own number, and that, too,
under no confinement. We not only must keep watch against them but we must keep
watch over them, so that we may have people to look after our provisions.
Besides, our cavalry are gone, making us anxious to know where they are and
whether they will stay with us if they do come back.
[4.2.41]
"And so, my men," said he, "it seems to me that we should take
only such meat and such drink as one would suppose to be least likely to
overcome us with sleep and foolishness.
[4.2.42]
"Besides, there is also a vast amount of treasure in the camp, and I am not
ignorant of the fact that it is possible for us to appropriate to ourselves as
much of it as we please, though it belongs just as much to those who helped us
to get it. But I do not think it would bring us greater gain to take it than it
would to show that we mean to be fair and square, and by such dealing to secure
greater affection from them than we have already. [4.2.43] And so it seems best
to me to entrust the division of the treasure to the Medes and Hyrcanians and
Tigranes when they come; and if they apportion to us the smaller share, I think
we should account it our gain; for because of what they gain, they will be the
more glad to stay with us. [4.2.44] For to secure a present advantage would give
us but short-lived riches. But to sacrifice this and obtain the source from
which real wealth flows, that, as I see it, could put us and all of ours in
possession of a perennial fountain of wealth.
[4.2.45]
"And if I am not mistaken, we used to train ourselves at home, too, to
control our appetites and to abstain from unseasonable gain with this in view,
that, if occasion should ever demand it, we might be able to employ our powers
of self-control to our advantage. And I fail to see where we could give proof of
our training on a more important occasion than the present."
[4.2.46]
Thus he spoke; and Hystaspas, one of the Persian peers, supported him in the
following speech: "Why, yes, Cyrus; on the chase we often hold out without
a thing to eat, in order to get our hands on some beast, perhaps one worth very
little; and it would be strange indeed now, when the quarry we are trying to
secure is a world of wealth, if we should for a moment allow those passions to
stand in our way which are bad men's masters but good men's servants. I think,
if we did so, we should be doing what does not befit us."
[4.2.47]
Such was Hystaspas's speech, and all the rest agreed with it. Then Cyrus said:
"Come then, since we are of one mind on this point, send each of you five
of the most reliable men from his platoon. Let them go about and praise all
those whom they see preparing provisions; and let them punish more unsparingly
than if they were their masters those whom they see
neglectful."Accordingly, they set about doing so.
[4.3.1]
Now a part of the Medes were already bringing in the wagons which had been
hurried forward and which they had overtaken and turned back packed full of what
an army needs; others were bringing in the carriages that conveyed the most
high-born women, not only wedded wives but also concubines, who on account of
their beauty had been brought along; these also they captured and brought in.
[4.3.2]
For even unto this day all who go to war in Asia take with them to the field
what they prize most highly; for they say that they would do battle the more
valiantly, if all that they hold dearest were there; for these, they say, they
must do their best to protect. This may, perhaps, be true; but perhaps also they
follow this custom for their own sensual gratification.
[4.3.3]
When Cyrus saw what the Medes and Hyrcanians were doing, he poured reproach, as
it were, upon himself and his men, because during this time the others seemed to
be surpassing them in strenuous activity and gaining something by it, too, while
he and his men remained in a position where there was little or nothing to do.
And it did seem so; for when the horsemen brought in and showed to Cyrus what
they brought, they rode away again in pursuit of the others; for, they said,
they had been instructed by their officers so to do.Though Cyrus was naturally
nettled at this, still he assigned a place to the spoil. And again he called his
captains together and standing where they would all be sure to hear his words of
counsel, he spoke as follows: [4.3.4] "Friends, we all appreciate, I am
sure, that if we could but make our own the good fortune that is now dawning
upon us, great blessings would come to all the Persians and above all, as is
reasonable, to us by whom they are secured. But I fail to see how we are to
establish a valid claim to the spoil if we cannot gain it by our own strength;
and this we cannot do, unless the Persians have cavalry of their own. [4.3.5]
Just think of it," he went on; "we Persians have arms with which, it
seems, we go into close quarters and put the enemy to flight; and then when we
have routed them, how could we without horses capture or kill horsemen or bowmen
or targeteers in their flight? And what bowmen or spearmen or horsemen would be
afraid to come up and inflict loss upon us, when they are perfectly sure that
they are in no more danger of being harmed by us than by the trees growing
yonder? [4.3.6] And if this is so, is it not evident that the horsemen who are
now with us consider that everything that has fallen into our hands is theirs no
less than ours, and perhaps, by Zeus, even more so? [4.3.7] As things are now,
therefore, this is necessarily the case. But suppose we acquired a body of
cavalry not interior to theirs, is it not patent to us all that we should be
able even without them to do to the enemy what we are now doing with their aid,
and that we should find them then less presumptuous toward us? For whenever they
chose to remain or to go away, we should care less, if we were sufficient unto
ourselves without them. Well and good. [4.3.8] No one, I think, would gain-say
me in this statement, that it makes all the difference in the world whether the
Persians have their own cavalry or not. But perhaps you are wondering how this
may be accomplished. Well then, supposing that we wished to organize a division
of cavalry, had we not better consider our resources and our deficiencies?
[4.3.9] Here, then, in camp are numbers of horses which we have taken and reins
which they obey, and everything else that horses must have before you can use
them. Yes, and more, all that a horseman must use we have--breastplates as
defensive armour for the body and spears which we may use either to hurl or to
thrust. [4.3.10] What then remains? Obviously we must have men. Now these above
all other things we have; for nothing is so fully ours as we ourselves are our
own."But perhaps some one will say that we do not know how to ride. No, by
Zeus; and no one of these who now know how to ride did know before he learned.
But, some one may say, they learned when they were boys. [4.3.11] And are boys
more clever in learning what is explained to them and what is shown them than
are men? And which are better able with bodily strength to put into practice
what they have learned, boys or men? [4.3.12] Again, we have more time for
learning than either boys or other men; for we have not, like boys, to learn to
shoot, for we know how already; or to throw the spear, for we understand that,
too. No; nor yet again are we so situated as other men, some of whom are kept
busy with their farming, some with their trades, and some with other domestic
labours, while we not only have time for military operations, but they are
forced upon us. [4.3.13] And this is not like many other branches of military
disci, useful but laborious; nay, when it comes to marching, is not riding more
pleasant than tramping along on one's own two feet? And when speed is required,
is it not delightful quickly to reach a friend's side, if need be, and quickly
to overtake a man or an animal, if occasion should require one to give chase?
And is this not convenient, that the horse should help you to carry whatever
accoutrement you must take along? Surely, to have and to carry are not quite the
same thing.
[4.3.14]
"What one might have most of all to fear, however, is that in case it is
necessary for us to go into action on horseback before we have thoroughly
mastered this task, we shall then be no longer infantrymen and not yet competent
cavalrymen. But not even this is an insurmountable difficulty; for whenever we
wish, we may at once fight on foot; for in learning to ride we shall not be
unlearning any of our infantry tactics."
[4.3.15]
Thus Cyrus spoke; and Chrysantas seconded him in the following speech: "I,
for one, am so eager to learn horsemanship, that I think that if I become a
horseman I shall be a man on wings. [4.3.16] For as we are now, I, at least, am
satisfied, when I have an even start in running a race with any man, if I can
beat him only by a head; and when I see an animal running along, I am satisfied
if I can get a good aim quickly enough to shoot him or spear him before he gets
very far away. But if I become a horseman I shall be able to overtake a man
though he is as far off as I can see him; and I shall be able to pursue animals
and overtake them and either strike them down from close at hand or spear them
as if they were standing still; [and they seem so, for though both be moving
rapidly, yet, if they are near to one another, they are as if standing still.]
[4.3.17]
Now the creature that I have envied most is, I think, the Centaur (if any such
being ever existed), able to reason with a man's intelligence and to manufacture
with his hands what he needed, while he possessed the fleetness and strength of
a horse so as to overtake whatever ran before him and to knock down whatever
stood in his way. Well, all his advantages I combine in myself by becoming a
horseman. [4.3.18] At any rate, I shall be able to take forethought for
everything with my human mind, I shall carry my weapons with my hands, I shall
pursue with my horse and overthrow my opponent by the rush of my steed, but I
shall not be bound fast to him in one growth, like the Centaurs. [4.3.19]
Indeed, my state will be better than being grown together in one piece; for, in
my opinion at least, the Centaurs must have had difficulty in making use of many
of the good things invented for man; and how could they have enjoyed many of the
comforts natural to the horse? [4.3.20] But if I learn to ride, I shall, when I
am on horseback, do everything as the Centaur does, of course; but when I
dismount, I shall dine and dress myself and sleep like other human beings; and
so what else shall I be than a Centaur that can be taken apart and put together
again?
[4.3.21]
"And then," he added, "I shall have the advantage of the Centaur
in this, too, that he used to see with but two eyes and hear with but two ears,
while I shall gather evidence with four eyes and learn through four ears; for
they say that a horse actually sees many things with his eyes before his rider
does and makes them known to him, and that he hears many things with his ears
before his rider does and gives him intimation of them. Put me down,
therefore," said he, "as one of those who are more than eager to
become cavalrymen.""Aye, by Zeus," said all the rest, "and
us too."
[4.3.22]
"How would it do, then," Cyrus asked, "since we are all so very
well agreed upon this matter, if we should make a rule for ourselves that it be
considered improper for any one of us whom I provide with a horse to be seen
going anywhere on foot, whether the distance he has to go be long or short, so
that people may think that we are really Centaurs?"
[4.3.23]
He put the question thus and they all voted aye. And so from that time even to
this day, the Persians follow that practice, and no Persian gentleman would be
seen going anywhere on foot, if he could help it.Such were their discussions on
this occasion.
[4.4.1]
And when it was past midday, the Median and Hyrcanian horsemen came in, bringing
both horses and men that they had taken. For they had spared the lives of all
who had surrendered their arms.
[4.4.2]
And when they had ridden up, Cyrus asked them first whether his men were all
safe. And when they answered this in the affirmative, he asked how they had
fared. And they narrated to him what they had accomplished and proudly told how
gallantly they had behaved in every particular. [4.4.3] And he listened with
pleasure to all they wished to tell him, and then he praised them in these
words:"It is quite evident that you have conducted yourselves as brave men;
and any one can see it, for you appear taller and handsomer and more terrible to
look upon than heretofore."
[4.4.4]
Then he enquired of them further how far they had ridden and whether the country
was inhabited. And they replied, first, that they had ridden a long way, and
second, that all the country was inhabited and that it was full of sheep and
goats, cattle and horses, grain and all sorts of produce.
[4.4.5]
"There are two things," said he, "that it were well for us to
look out for: that we make ourselves masters of those who own this property, and
that they stay where they are. For an inhabited country is a very valuable
possession, but a land destitute of people becomes likewise destitute of
produce.
[4.4.6]
Those, therefore, who tried to keep you off, you slew, I know; and you did
right. For this is the best way to conserve the fruits of victory. But those who
surrendered you have brought as prisoners of war. Now, if we should let them go,
we should, I think, do what would be in itself an advantage.
[4.4.7]
For, in the first place, we should not have to keep watch against them nor
should we have to keep watch over them, nor yet to furnish them with food; for,
of course, we do not mean to let them starve to death; and in the second place,
if we let them go, we shall have more prisoners of war than if we do not.
[4.4.8] For, if we are masters of the country, all they that dwell therein will
be our prisoners of war; and the rest, when they see these alive and set at
liberty, will stay in their places and choose to submit rather than to fight.
This, then, is my proposition; but if any one else sees a better plan, let him
speak."But when they heard his proposal they agreed to adopt it.
[4.4.9]
Accordingly, Cyrus called the prisoners together and spoke as follows: [4.4.10]
"My men," said he, "you have now saved your lives by your
submission; and in the future also, if you continue to be obedient, no change
whatever shall come to you except that you shall not have the same ruler over
you as before; but you shall dwell in the same houses and work the same farms;
you shall live with the same wives and have control of your children just as
now. [4.4.11] But you shall not have to fight either us or any one else; but
when any one injures you, we will fight for you; and that no one may even ask
military service of you, bring your arms to us. And those that bring them shall
have peace, and what we promise shall be done without guile. But as many as fail
to deliver up their weapons of war, against these we ourselves shall take the
field immediately. [4.4.12] But if any one of you comes to us in a friendly way
and shows that he is dealing fairly with us and giving us information, we shall
treat him as our benefactor and friend and not as a slave. Accept these
assurances for yourselves, and convey them to the rest also. [4.4.13] But
if," said he "while, you are willing to accept these terms of
submission, some others are not, do you lead us against them that you may be
their masters annot they yours."Thus he spoke and they did obeisance and
promised to do what he directed.
[4.5.1]
When they were gone, Cyrus said: "Medes and Armenians, it is now high time
for us all to go to dinner; and everything necessary has been prepared for you
to the best of our ability. Go, then, and send to us half of the bread that has
been baked--enough has been made for all; but do not send us any meat nor
anything to drink; for enough has been provided for us at our own quarters.
[4.5.2]
"And you, Hyrcanians," he said to these, "lead them to their
several tents--the officers to the largest (you know which they are), and the
rest as you think best. And you yourselves also may dine where it best pleases
you. For your own tents also are safe and sound, and there also the same
provision has been made as for these.
[4.5.3]
"And all of you may be assured of this, that we shall keep the
night-watches for you outside the camp, but do you look out for what may happen
in the tents and have your arms stacked conveniently; for the men in the tents
are not yet our friends."
[4.5.4]
Then the Medes and Tigranes and his men bathed, changed their clothes (for they
were provided with a change), and went to dinner. Their horses also were
provided for.Of the bread, half was sent to the Persians; but neither meat for
relish nor wine was sent, for they thought that Cyrus and his men had those
articles left in abundance. But what Cyrus meant was that hunger was their
relish and that they could drink from the river that flowed by.
[4.5.5]
Accordingly, when Cyrus had seen that the Persians had their dinner, he sent
many of them out, when it was dark, in squads of five and ten, with orders to
lie in hiding round about the camp; for he thought that they would serve as
sentinels, in case any one should come to attack from the outside, and at the
same time that they would catch any one who tried to run away with his
possessions. And it turned out so; for many did try to run away, and many were
caught. [4.5.6] And Cyrus permitted those who effected the capture to keep the
spoil, but the men he bade them slay; and so after that you could not easily
have found, had you tried, any one attempting to get away by night.
[4.5.7]
Thus, then, the Persians employed their time; by the Medes, but the Medes drank
and revelled and listened to the music of the flute and indulged themselves to
the full with all sorts of merry-making. For many things that contribute to
pleasure had been captured, so that those who stayed awake were at no loss for
something to do.
[4.5.8]
Now the night in which Cyrus had marched out, Cyaxares, the king of the Medes,
and his messmates got drunk in celebration of their success; and he supposed
that the rest of the Medes were all in camp except a few, for he heard a great
racket. For inasmuch as their masters had gone off, the servants of the Medes
were drinking and carousing without restraint, especially as they had taken from
the Assyrian army wine and many other supplies.
[4.5.9]
But when it was day and no one came to his headquarters except those who had
been dining with him, and when he heard that the camp was forsaken by the Medes
and the cavalry, and when he discovered on going out that such was really the
case, then he fumed and raged against both Cyrus and the Medes because they had
gone off and left him deserted. And straightway, in keeping with his reputation
for being violent and unreasonable, he ordered one of those present to take his
own cavalry corps and proceed at topmost speed to Cyrus's army and deliver the
following message:
[4.5.10]
"I should think that even you, Cyrus, would not have shown such want of
consideration toward me; and if Cyrus were so minded, I should think that at
least you Medes would not have consented to leave me thus deserted. And now, if
Cyrus will, let him come with you; if not, do you at least return to me as
speedily as possible."
[4.5.11]
Such was his message. But he to whom he gave the marching order said: "And
how shall I find them, your majesty?""How," he answered,
"did Cyrus and those with him find those against whom they
went?""Why," said the man, "by Zeus, I am told that some
Hyrcanians who had deserted from the enemy came hither and went away as his
guides."
[4.5.12]
Upon hearing this, Cyaxares was much more angry than ever with Cyrus for not
even having told him that, and he sent off in greater haste to recall the Medes,
for he hoped to strip him of his forces; and with even more violent threats than
before, he ordered the Medes to return. And he threatened the messenger also if
he did not deliver his message in all its emphasis.
[4.5.13]
Accordingly, the officer assigned to this duty set out with his cavalry, about a
hundred in number, vexed with himself for not having gone along with Cyrus when
he went. And as they proceeded on their journey, they were misled by a certain
by-path and so lost their way and did not reach the army of their friends, until
they fell in with some deserters from the Assyrians and compelled them to act as
their guides. And so they came in sight of the camp-fires sometime about
midnight. [4.5.14] And when they came up to the camp, the sentinels, following
the instructions of Cyrus, refused to admit them before daylight.Now at peep of
day the first thing that Cyrus did was to call the magi and bid them select the
gifts ordained for the gods in acknowledgment of such success; [4.5.15] and they
proceeded to attend to this, while he called the peers together and said:
"Friends, God holds out before us many blessings. But we Persians are,
under the present circumstances, too few to avail ourselves of them. For if we
fail to guard what we win, it will again become the property of others; and if
we leave some of our own men to guard what falls into our possession, it will
very soon be found out that we have no strength.
[4.5.16]
Accordingly, I have decided that one of you should go with all speed to Persia,
present my message and ask them to send reinforcements with the utmost dispatch,
if the Persians desire to have control of Asia and the revenues accruing
therefrom. [4.5.17] Do you, therefore, go, for you are the senior officer, and
when you arrive tell them this; and say also that for whatever soldiers they
send I will provide maintenance after they come. Conceal from them nothing in
regard to what we have, and you see for yourself what there is. And what portion
of these spoils honour and the law require that I should send to Persia--in
regard to what is due the gods, ask my father; in regard to what is due to the
State, ask the authorities. And let them send men also to observe what we do and
to answer our questions. And you," said he, "make ready and take your
own platoon to escort you."
[4.5.18]
After this he called in the Medes also and at the same moment the messenger from
Cyaxares presented himself and in the presence of all reported his king's anger
against Cyrus and his threats against the Medes; and at the last he said that
Cyaxares ordered the Medes to return, even if Cyrus wished to stay.
[4.5.19]
On hearing the messenger, therefore, the Medes were silent, for they were at a
loss how they could disobey him when he summoned them, and they asked themselves
in fear how they could obey him when he threatened so, especially as they had
had experience of his fury. [4.5.20] But Cyrus said: "Well, Sir Messenger
and you Medes, inasmuch as Cyaxares saw in our first encounter that the enemy
were numerous and as he does not know how we have been faring, I am not at all
surprised that he is concerned for us and for himself. But when he discovers
that many of the enemy have been slain and all have been routed, in the first
place he will banish his fears and in the second place he will realize that he
is not deserted now, when his friends are annihilating his enemies.
[4.5.21]
"But further, how do we deserve any blame, since we have been doing hgood
service and have not been doing even that on our own motion? But I, for my part,
first got his consent to march out and take you with me; while you did not ask
whether you might join the expedition and you are not here now because you
desired to make such an expedition, but because you were ordered by him to make
it--whoever of you was not averse to it. This wrath, therefore, I am quite sure,
will be assuaged by our successes and will be gone with the passing of his fear.
[4.5.22]
"Now, therefore, Sir Messenger," said he, "take some rest, for
you must be fatigued, and since we are expecting the enemy to come either to
surrender, or possibly to fight, let us, fellow-Persians, get into line in as
good order as possible; for if we present such as appearance, it is likely that
we shall better promote the accomplishment of what we desire. And you, king of
Hyrcania, be pleased to order the commanders of your forces to get them under
arms, and then attend me here."
[4.5.23]
And when the Hyrcanian had done so and returned, Cyrus said: "I am
delighted, king of Hyrcania, to see that you not only show me your friendship by
your presence, but also that you evidently possess good judgment. And now it is
evident that our interests are identical. For the Assyrians are enemies to me,
and now they are still more hostile to you than to me. [4.5.24] Under these
circumstances, we must both take counsel that none of the allies now present
shall desert us, and also that, if we can, we may secure other allies besides.
Now you heard the Mede recalling the cavalry; and if they go away, we only, the
infantry, shall be left.
[4.5.25]
Accordingly, it is necessary for you and for me to do all we can to make this
man also who is recalling them desire to remain with us himself. Do you,
therefore, find and assign to him a tent where he will have the best kind of a
time, with everything he wants; while I, for my part, will try to assign him
some post that he himself would rather fill than go away. And do you have a talk
with him and tell him what wealth we have hopes that all our friends will
obtain, if we are successful in this; and when you have done this, come back
again to me."
[4.5.26]
Accordingly, the Hyrcanian took the Mede and went away to a tent. And then the
officer who was going to leave for Persia presented himself ready to start. And
Cyrus commissioned him to tell the Persians what has been set forth in the
foregoing narrative and also to deliver a letter to Cyaxares. "Now,"
said he, "I wish to read my message to you also, that you may understand
its contents and confirm the facts, if he asks you anything in reference to
them."Now the contents of the letter ran as follows:
[4.5.27]
"My Dear Cyaxares:We have not left you deserted; for no one is deserted by
his friends at a time when he is conquering his enemies. We do not even think
that we have brought you into any danger through our departure; but we maintain
that the farther away we are, the greater the security we provide for you.
[4.5.28]
For it is not those who sit down nearest to their friends that provide them with
the greatest security; but it is those who drive the enemy farthest away that
help their friends most effectually out of danger.
[4.5.29]
"And consider how I have acted toward you and how you have acted toward me,
and yet in spite of all, you are finding fault with me. At all events, I brought
you allies--not merely as many as you persuaded to come, but as many as ever I
had it in my power to bring; whereas you gave to me, when I was on friendly
soil, as many as I could persuade to join me, and now when I am in the enemy's
territory you are recalling not merely those who may be willing to leave me, but
all my men.
[4.5.30]
Indeed, I thought at that time that I was under obligation both to you and to
your men; but now you are acting so as to force me to leave you out of
consideration and to try to devote all my gratitude to those who have followed
me.
[4.5.31]
"However, I cannot on my part treat you in the same spirit as you treat me,
but at this very moment I am sending to Persia for reinforcements, with
directions that as many as shall come to join me shall be at your service, if
you need them for anything before we return, not as they may be pleased to
serve, but as you may wish to employ them.
[4.5.32]
"Furthermore, although I am a younger man than you, let me advise you not
to take back what you have once given, lest ill-will be your due instead of
gratitude, nor to summon with threats those whom you would have come to you
quickly; and again let me advise you not to employ threats against large
numbers, while at the same time you assert that you are deserted, for fear you
teach them to pay no attention to you.
[4.5.33]
"We shall try, however, to come to you just as soon as we have accomplished
what we think it would be a common benefit to you and to us to have
done.Farewell.Cyrus."
[4.5.34]
"Deliver this to him and whatever he asks you in regard to these matters,
answer him in keeping with what is written. And you can do this with perfect
truth, for my instructions to you in regard to the Persians correspond exactly
with what is written in my letter."Thus he spoke to him and giving him the
letter sent him away, adding the injunction that he should make haste as one who
knows that it is important to be back again promptly.
[4.5.35]
At this moment he observed that all--both the Medes and the Hyrcanians and
Tigranes's men--were already under arms, and the Persians also stood under arms.
And some of the natives from near by were already delivering up horses and arms.
[4.5.36]
And the javelins he commanded them to throw down in the same place as in the
former instance, and they whose task this was burned all that they did not
themselves need. But as for the horses, he commanded those who brought them to
keep them and wait until he sent them word. Then he called in the officers of
the cavalry and of the Hyrcanians and spoke as follows:
[4.5.37]
"Friends and allies, do not wonder that I call you together so often. For
our present situation is novel, and many things about it are in an unorganized
condition; and whatever lacks organization must necessarily always cause us
trouble until it is reduced to order.
[4.5.38]
"We now have much spoil that we have taken, and men besides. But, as we do
not know how much of it belongs to each one of us, and as the captives do not
know who are their several masters, it is consequently impossible to see very
many of them attending to their duty, for almost all are in doubt as to what
they are expected to do. [4.5.39] In order, therefore, that this may not go on
so, divide the spoil; and whoever has been assigned a tent with plenty of food
and drink and people to serve him, and bedding and clothing and other things
with which a soldier's tent should be furnished so as to be comfortable--in such
a case nothing more need be added, except that he who has received it should be
given to understand that he must take care of it as his own. But if any one has
got into quarters that lack something, do you make a note of it and supply the
want. [4.5.40] And I am sure that what is left over will be considerable, for
the enemy had more of everything than is required by our numbers. Furthermore,
the treasurers, both of the Assyrian king and of the other monarchs, have come
to me to report that they have gold coin in their possession, by which they
referred to certain payments of tribute.
[4.5.41]
Notify them, therefore, to deliver all this also to you, wherever you have your
headquarters. And give that man reason to fear who shall not do as you command.
And do you take the money and pay it out to the cavalry and infantry in the
proportion of two to one, in order that you may all have the wherewithal to buy
whatever you still may need.
[4.5.42]
"Further," he added, "let the herald proclaim that no one shall
interfere with the market in the camp, but that the hucksters may swhat each of
them has for sale and, when they have disposed of that, get in a new stock, that
our camp may be supplied."
[4.5.43]
And they proceeded at once to issue the proclamation. But the Medes and
Hyrcanians asked: "How could we divide this spoil without help from you and
your men?"
[4.5.44]
And Cyrus in turn answered their question as follows: "Why, my good men, do
you really suppose that we must all be present to oversee everything that has to
be done, and that I shall not be competent in case of need to do anything on
your behalf, nor you again on ours? How else could we make more trouble and
accomplish less than in this way? [4.5.45] No," said he; "you must
look to it, for we have kept it for you and you must have confidence in us that
we have kept it well; now for your part, do you divide it, and we shall have the
same confidence in your dividing it fairly. [4.5.46] And there is something more
that we, on our part, shall try to gain for the common advantage. For here, you
observe, first of all, how many horses we have right now, and more are being
brought in. If we leave them without riders, they will be of no use to us but
will only give us the trouble of looking after them; but if we put riders upon
them, we shall at the same time be rid of the trouble and add strength to
ourselves. [4.5.47] If, therefore, you have others to whom you would rather give
them and with whom you would rather go into danger, if need should be, than with
us, offer them the horses. If, however, you should wish to have us as your
comrades in preference to others, give them to us. [4.5.48] And I have good
reasons for asking; for just now when you rode on into danger without us, you
filled us with apprehension lest something should happen to you and made us very
much ashamed because we were not at your side. But if we get the horses, we
shall follow you next time. [4.5.49] And if it seems that we are of more use to
you by fighting with you on horseback, in that case we shall not fail for want
of courage. But if it seems that by turning footmen again we could assist to
better advantage, it will be open to us to dismount and at once stand by you as
foot soldiers; and as for the horses, we shall manage to find some one to whom
we may entrust them."
[4.5.50]
Thus he spoke, and they made answer: "Well, Cyrus, we have no men whom we
could mount upon these horses; and if we had, we should not choose to make any
other disposition of them, since this is what you desire. So now," they
added, "take them and do as you think best."
[4.5.51]
"Well," said he, "I accept them; may good fortune attend our
turning into horsemen and your dividing the common spoils. In the first place,
set apart for the gods whatever the magi direct, as they interpret the will of
the gods. Next select for Cyaxares also whatever you think would be most
acceptable to him."
[4.5.52]
They laughed and said that they would have to choose women for him."Choose
women then," said he, "and whatever else you please. And when you have
made your choice for him, then do you Hyrcanians do all you can to see that all
those who volunteered to follow me have no cause to complain.
[4.5.53]
"And do you Medes, in your turn, show honour to those who first became our
allies, that they may think that they have been well advised in becoming our
friends. And allot his proper share of everything to the envoy who came from
Cyaxares and to those who attended him; and invite him also to stay on with us
(and give him to understand that this is my pleasure also), so that he may know
better the true state of things and report the facts to Cyaxares concerning each
particular. [4.5.54] As for the Persians with me," he said, "what is
left after you are amply provided for will suffice for us; for we have not been
reared in any sort of luxury, but altogether in rustic fashion, so that you
would perhaps laugh at us, if anything gorgeous were to be put upon us, even as
we shall, I know, furnish you no little cause for laughter when we are seated
upon our horses, and, I presume," he added, "when we fall off upon the
ground."
[4.5.55]
Hereupon they proceeded to the division of the spoil, laughing heartily at his
joke about the Persian horsemanship, while he called his captains and ordered
them to take the horses and the grooms and the trappings of the horses, and to
count them off and divide them by lot so that they should each have an equal
share for each company.
[4.5.56]
And again Cyrus ordered proclamation to be made that if there were any one from
Media or Persia or Bactria or Caria or Greece or anywhere else forced into
service as a slave in the army of the Assyrians or Syrians or Arabians, he
should show himself. [4.5.57] And when they heard the herald's proclamation,
many came forward gladly. And he selected the finest looking of them and told
them that they should be made free, but that they would have to act as carriers
of any arms given them to carry; and for their sustenance he himself, he said,
would make provision.
[4.5.58]
And so he led them at once to his captains and presented them, bidding his men
give them their shields and swords without belts, that they might carry them and
follow after the horses. Furthermore, he bade his captains draw rations for them
just as for the Persians under him. The Persians, moreover, he bade always ride
on horseback with their corselets and lances, and he himself set the example of
doing so. He also instructed each one of the newly-mounted officers to appoint
some other peer to take his place of command over the infantry of the peers.
[4.6.1]
Thus, then, they were occupied. Meanwhile Gobryas, an Assyrian, a man well
advanced in years, came up on horseback with a cavalry escort; and they all
carried cavalry weapons. And those who were assigned to the duty of receiving
the weapons ordered them to surrender their spears, that they might burn them as
they had done with the rest. But Gobryas said that he wished to see Cyrus first.
Then the officers left the rest of the horsemen there, but Gobryas they
conducted to Cyrus. [4.6.2] And when he saw Cyrus, he spoke as
follows:"Sire, I am by birth an Assyrian; I have also a castle, and wide
are the domains which I govern. I have also about a thousand horse which I used
to put at the disposal of the Assyrian king, and I used to be his most devoted
friend. But since he has been slain by you, excellent man that he was, and since
his son, who is my worst enemy, has succeeded to his crown, I have come to you
and fall a suppliant at your feet. I offer myself to be your vassal and ally and
ask that you will be my avenger; and thus, in the only way I may, I make you my
son, for I have no male child more. [4.6.3] For he who was my son, my only son,
a beautiful and brave young man, Sire, and one who loved me and paid me the
filial reverence that would make a father happy--1 him this present king-- when
the old king, the father of the present ruler, invited my son to his court
purposing to give him his daughter in marriage--and I let him go; for I was
proud that, as I flattered myself, I should see my son wedded to the king's
daughter--then, I say, the man who is now king invited him to go hunting with
him and gave him permission to do his best in the chase, for he thought that he
himself was a much better rider than my son. And my boy went hunting with him as
his friend, and when a bear came out, they both gave chase and the present ruler
let fly his javelin but missed. Oh! would to God he had not! Then my son threw
(as he should not have done) and brought down the bear.
[4.6.4]
And then that man was vexed, to be sure, as it proved, but covered his jealousy
in darkness. But when again a lion appeared, he missed again. There was nothing
remarkable in that, so far as I can see; but again a second time my son hit his
mark and killed the lion and cried, `Have I not thrown twicin succession and
brought an animal down each time!' Then that villain no longer restrained his
jealous wrath but, snatching a spear from one of the attendants, smote him in
the breast--my son, my only, well-loved son--and took away his life. [4.6.5] And
I, unhappy I, received back a corpse instead of a bridegroom, and, old man that
I am, I buried with the first down upon his cheeks my best, my well-beloved son.
But the murderer, as if he had slain an enemy, has never shown any repentance,
nor has he, to make amends for his wicked deed, ever deigned to show any honour
to him beneath the earth. His father, however, expressed his sorrow for me and
showed that he sympathized with me in my affliction. [4.6.6] And so, if he were
living, I should never have come to you in a way to do him harm; for I have
received many kindnesses at his hands and I have done him many services. But
since the sceptre has passed on to the murderer of my son, I could never be
loyal to him and I am sure that he would never regard me as a friend. For he
knows how I feel toward him and how dark my life now is, though once it was so
bright; for now i am forsaken and am spending my old age in sorrow.
[4.6.7]
"If, therefore, you will receive me and I may find some hope of getting
with your help some vengeance for my dear son, I think that I should find my
youth again and, if I live, I should no longer live in shame; and if I die, I
think that I should die without a regret."
[4.6.8]
Thus he spoke; and Cyrus answered: "Well, Gobryas, if you prove that you
really mean all that you say to us, I not only receive you as a suppliant, but
promise you with the help of the gods to avenge the murder of your son. But tell
me," said he, "if we do this for you and let you keep your castle and
your province and the power which you had before, what service will you do us in
return for that?"
[4.6.9]
"The castle," he answered, "I will give you for your quarters
when you come; the tribute of the province, which before I used to pay to him, I
will pay to you; and whithersoever you march I will march with you at the head
of the forces of my province. Besides," said he, "I have a daughter, a
maiden well-beloved and already ripe for marriage. I used once to think that I
was rearing her to be the bride of the present king. But now my daughter herself
has besought me with many tears not to give her to her brother's murderer; and I
am so resolved myself. And now I leave it to you to deal with her as I shall
prove to deal with you."
[4.6.10]
"According as what you have said is true," Cyrus then made answer,
"I give you my right hand and take yours. The gods be our
witnesses."When this was done he bade Gobryas go and keep his arms; he also
asked him how far it was to his place, for he meant to go there. And he said:
"If you start to-morrow early in the morning, you would spend the night of
the second day with us."
[4.6.11]
With these words he was gone, leaving a guide behind. And then the Medes came
in, after they had delivered to the magi what the magi had directed them to set
apart for the gods. And they had selected for Cyrus the most splendid tent and
the lady of Susa, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in Asia, and two
of the most accomplished music-girls; and afterward they had selected for
Cyaxares the next best. They had also supplied themselves with such other things
as they needed, so that they might continue the campaign in want of nothing; for
there was an abundance of everything.
[4.6.12] And the Hyrcanians also took what they wanted; and they made the messenger from Cyaxares share alike with them. And all the tents that were left over they delivered to Cyrus for the use of his Persians. The coin they said they would divide, as soon as it was all collected; and this they did.
4,6,3,n1. 1.The grief-stricken father's recital is broken with sobs; the sentences begun are never finished.