Book 3
2.22
But in these points, let us say, you realize that our present situation is better; you believe, however, that the rivers are a difficulty, and you think you were immensely deceived when you crossed them;e.g., the Tigris (Xen. Anab. 2.4.13-24). then consider whether this is not really a surpassingly foolish thing that the barbarians have done.viz., in leading the Greeks across (i.e. to the eastern bank of) the Tigris. For, Xenophon argues (see below), the Greeks will now be compelled to march to the source of the river in order to cross, and hence will be living on the country so much the longer a time. For all rivers, even though they be impassable at a distance from their sources, become passable, without even wetting your knees, as you approach toward the sources.
2.23
But assume that the rivers will not afford us a crossing and that we shall find no one to guide us; even in that case we ought not to be despondent. For we know that the Mysians, whom we should not admit to be better men than ourselves, inhabit many large and prosperous cities in the King’s territory, we know that the same is true of the Pisidians, and as for the LycaoniansPeoples of Asia Minor who were in almost constant rebellion against Persian authority; cp. esp. Xen. Anab. 1.2.19, Xen. Anab. 2.5.13. we even saw with our own eyes that they had seized the strongholds in the plains and were reaping for themselves the lands of these Persians;
2.24
so, in our case, my own view would be that we ought not yet to let it be seen that we have set out for home; we ought, rather, to be making our arrangements as if we intended to settle here. For I know that to the Mysians the King would not only give plenty of guides, but plenty of hostages, to guarantee a safe conduct for them out of his country; in fact, he would build a road for them, even if they wanted to take their departure in four-horse chariots. And I know that he would be thrice glad to do the same for us, if he saw that we were preparing to stay here.
