Book 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.
1.19
Nay said Cyrus in reply; please do notCyrus answers his uncle’s objections 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.
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.
1.21
Very well, said Cyaxares then; if indeedCyaxares accepts Cyrus’s proposal 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.
1.22
Now it happened that the man who had onceI. iv. 27-28 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.
