Book 5
3.25
Now during the time that Cyrus was busy with the arrangements about the fortress, many of the Assyrians of the country round about surrendered their horses and many laid down their arms, because now they were afraid of all their neighbours.
3.26
And after this, Gadatas came to Cyrus andThe king threatens to invade Gadatas’s country said that messengers had come to him with the information that when the Assyrian king heard the facts about the fortress, he was exceedingly wroth and was preparing to invade his country. If, then, you will permit me to go, Cyrus, I should try to save the fortified places; the rest is of less account.
3.27
If you start now, said Cyrus, when shall you reach home?The day after to-morrow, answered Gadatas, I shall dine in my own land. But you do not think, do you, that you will find the Assyrian already there? said Cyrus. Nay, I am sure of it, he replied; for he will make haste while he thinks you are still far away.
3.28
How many days, asked Cyrus, do you think it would take me with my army to get there? Sire, Gadatas made reply, your army now is large and you could not reach my residence in less than six or seven days. Well said Cyrus, do you go as quickly as possible, and I will follow as best I can.
3.29
So Gadatas went away, and Cyrus summoned all the officers of the allies, and there seemed to be there now many noble men and brave. In this assembly, then, Cyrus spoke as follows:
