Book 2
2.6
But anotherA comical result of literal obedience of the captains said: Our friend here, it seems, Cyrus, has fallen in with a very ill-mannered fellow. But as for me, when you had instructed us about the arrangement of the lines and dismissed us with orders each to teach his own company what we had learned from you, why then I went and proceeded to drill one platoon, just as the others also did. I assigned the lieutenant his place first and arranged next after him a young recruit, and the rest, as I thought proper. Then I took my stand out in front of them facing the platoon, and when it seemed to me to be the proper time, I gave the command to go ahead.
2.7
And that young recruit, mark you, stepped ahead—of the lieutenant and marched in front of him! And when I saw it, I said: Fellow, what are you doing? I am going ahead, as you ordered, said he. Well, said I, I ordered not only you, but all to go ahead. When he heard this, he turned about to his comrades and said: don’t you hear him scolding? He orders us all to go ahead. Then the men all ran past their lieutenant and came toward me.
2.8
But when the lieutenant ordered them back to their places, they were indignant and said: Pray, which one are we to obey? For now the one orders us to go ahead, and the other will not let us. I took this good-naturedly, however, and when I had got them in position again, I gave instructions that no one of those behind should stir before the one in front led off, but that all should have their attention on this only—to follow the man in front.
