Book 2
4.5
To those who talked in this way Clearchus replied: I too have in mind all these things; but I reflect that if we go away now, it will seem that we are going away with hostile intent and are acting in violation of the truce. And then, in the first place, no one will provide us a market or a place from which we can get provisions; secondly, we shall have no one to guide us; again, the moment we take this course Ariaeus will instantly desert us; consequently we shall have not a friend left, for even those who were friends before will be our enemies.
4.6
Then remember the rivers—there may be others, for aught I know, that we must cross, but we know about the Euphrates at any rate, that it cannot possibly be crossed in the face of an enemy. Furthermore, in case fighting becomes necessary, we have no cavalry to help us, whereas the enemy’s cavalry are exceedingly numerous and exceedingly efficient; hence if we are victorious, whom could we killHoplites, because of their heavy equipment, were ineffective in a pursuit, especially when an enemy fled, as in the battle of I. viii., long before they were within striking distance. Horsemen, of course, were at their best in following up a routed enemy.? And if we are defeated, not one of us can be saved.
4.7
For my part, therefore, I cannot see why the King, who has so many advantages on his side, should need, in case he is really eager to destroy us, to make oath and give pledge and forswear himself by the gods and make his good faith unfaithful in the eyes of Greeks and barbarians. Such arguments Clearchus would present in abundance.
4.8
Meanwhile Tissaphernes returned with his own forces as if intending to go back home, and likewise OrontasSatrap of Armenia with his forces; the latter was also taking home the King’s daughter as his wife.
4.9
Then they finally began the march, Tissaphernes taking the lead and providing a market; and Ariaeus with Cyrus’ barbarian army kept with Tissaphernes and Orontas on the march and encamped with them.
