Kitap 7
2.7
When they heard this, the Chaldaeans were afraid; they besought him to lay aside his wrath and promised to give up their plunder. But he said he did not want it. But said he, if you wishGood discipline rewarded me to forget my displeasure, surrender all that you have taken to those who have not relaxed their guard of the citadel. For if the rest of the soldiers find out that those who have been obedient to orders are better off than the rest, everything will be as I wish.
2.8
The Chaldaeans, accordingly, did as Cyrus bade; and the obedient received a large amount of spoil of every description. And Cyrus encamped his men in that part of the city where he deemed it most convenient, ordering them to stay in their quarters and take luncheon there.
2.9
When he had attended to this, he orderedCroesus before Cyrus Croesus to be brought before him. And when Croesus saw Cyrus, he said: I salute you, my sovereign lord; for fortune grants that henceforth you should bear this title and I address you by it.
2.10
And I you, Croesus; for we are both men. But, Croesus, he added, would you be willing to give me a bit of advice? Aye, Cyrus, said he; I wish I could find something of practical value to say to you. For that, I think, would prove good for me as well.
2.11
Listen, then, Croesus, said he. I observe that my soldiers have gone through many toils and dangers and now are thinking that they are in possession of the richest city in Asia, next to Babylon; and I think that they deserve some reward. For I know that if they do not reap some fruit of their labours, I shall not be able to keep them in obedience very long. Now, I do not wish to abandon the cityCyrus proposes to spare Sardis to them to plunder; for I believe that then the city would be destroyed, and I am sure that in the pillaging the worst men would get the largest share.
