C4.34. Almost autobiographical: the advantage of having a country
seat in the neighbourhood of a big town. Here we feel the MODERNISM
of XENOPHON. The passage which Stevenson chose for the motto to his
_Silverado Squatters_ would suit Xenophon very well (Cicero, De Off. I.
xx.). Xenophon || Alfred Tennyson. [Mr. Dakyns used the geometric sign
|| to indicate parallelism of any sort. The passage from Cicero might
be translated thus: "Some have lived in the country, content with the
happiness of home. These men have enjoyed all that kings could claim,
needing nothing, under the dominion of no man, untrammelled and in
freedom; for the free man lives as he chooses."]
C4.36. The wicked man as conceived in Hellenico-Xenophontine fashion,
charged with the spirit of meanness, envy, and hatred, which cannot
brook the existence of another better than itself.
C4.38. A nice touch: we learn to know Gadatas and Xenophon also, and the
Hellenic mind.
C5.10. Pathos well drawn: _vide_ Richard II. and Bolingbroke. Euripidean
quality.
C5.12. The archic man has got so far he can play the part of intercessor
between Cyaxares and his Medes. The discussion involves the whole
difficulty of suppression ("he must increase, but I must decrease" is
one solution, not touched here).
C5.34. Perhaps this is the very point which Xenophon, Philosopher,
wishes to bring out, the pseudo-archic man and the archic man
contrasted, but Xenophon, lover of man and artist, draws the situation
admirably and truthfully without any doctrinal purpose. It is
{anthropinon} human essentially, this jealousy and humiliation of
spirit.
C5.35. Cyrus' tone of voice and manner must have some compelling charm
in them: the dialectic debate is not pursued, but by a word and look the
archic man wins his way.
C5.36. Oriental and antique Hellenic, also _modern_, formalities. I can
imagine some of those crowned heads, emperors of Germany and Austria,
going through similar ceremonies, walking arm-in-arm, kissing on both
cheeks fraternally, etc.
C5.39-40. This reveals the incorrigible weakness of Cyaxares. He can
never hold his own against the archic man. As a matter of philosophic
"historising," probably Xenophon conceives the Median element as the
corrupting and sapping one in the Persian empire (_vide_ Epilogue), only
he to some extent justifies and excuses Cyrus in his imitations of it.
That is a difficulty.
C5.41. The archic man shows self-command again: his energy somewhat
relieves ignobler actors of responsibility and so far saps their wills.
His up-and-doingness a foil to their indolence.
BOOK VI
[C.1] So the day ended, and they supped and went to rest. But early
the next morning all the allies flocked to Cyaxares' gates, and while
Cyaxares dressed and adorned himself, hearing that a great multitude
were waiting, Cyrus gave audience to the suitors his own friends had
brought. First came the Cadousians, imploring him to stay, and then
the Hyrcanians, and after them the Sakians, and then some one presented
Gobryas, and Hystaspas brought in Gadatas the eunuch, whose entreaty was
still the same. [2] At that Cyrus, who knew already that for many a day
Gadatas had been half-dead with fear lest the army should be disbanded,
laughed outright and said, "Ah, Gadatas, you cannot conceal it: you have
been bribed by my friend Hystaspas to take this view."
[3] But Gadatas lifted up his hands to heaven and swore most solemnly
that Hystaspas had not influenced him.
"Nay," said he, "it is because I know myself that, if you depart, I am
ruined utterly. And therefore it was that I took it upon me to speak
with Hystaspas myself, and ask him if he knew what was in your mind
about the disbanding of the army."
[4] And Cyrus said, "It would be unjust then, I suppose, to lay the
blame on Hystaspas." "Yes, Cyrus, most unjust," said Hystaspas, "for I
only said to Gadatas that it would be impossible for you to carry on the
campaign, as your father wanted you home, and had sent for you."
[5] "What?" cried Cyrus, "you dared to let that be known whether I
wished it or not?"
"Certainly I did," he answered, "for I can see that you are mad to be
home in Persia, the cynosure of every eye, telling your father how you
wrought this and accomplished that."
"Well," said Cyrus, "are you not longing to go home yourself?"
"No," said the other. "I am not. Nor have I any intention of going: here
I shall stay and be general-in-chief until I make our friend Gadatas the
lord and the Assyrian his slave."
[6] Thus half in jest and half in earnest they played with one another,
and meanwhile Cyaxares had finished adorning himself and came forth in
great splendour and solemnity, and sat down on a Median throne. And when
all were assembled and silence was proclaimed, Cyaxares said:
"My friends and allies, perhaps, since I am present and older than
Cyrus, it is suitable that I should address you first. It appears to me
that the moment has come to discuss one question before all others,
the question whether we ought to go on with the campaign or disband the
army. Be pleased," he added, "to state your opinions on the matter."
[7] Then the leader of the Hyrcanians stood up at once and said:
"Friends and allies, I hardly think that words are needed when facts
themselves show us the path to take. All of us know that while we stand
together we give our enemy more trouble than we get: but when we stood
alone it was they who dealt with us as they liked best and we liked
least."
[8] Then the Cadousian followed.
"The less we talk," said he, "about breaking-up and going home
separately the better; separation has done us anything but good, it
seems to me, even on the march. My men and I, at any rate, very soon
paid the penalty for private excursions; as I dare say you have not
forgotten."
[9] Upon that Artabazus rode, the Mede who had claimed kinship with
Cyrus in the old days.
"Cyaxares," said he, "in one respect I differ from those who have spoken
before me: they think we should stay here in order to go on with the
campaign, but I think I am always on campaign at home. [10] I was for
ever out on some expedition or other, because our people were being
harried, or our fortresses threatened, and a world of trouble I had,
what with fears within and fighting without, and all too at my own
expense. As it is now, I occupy the enemy's forts, my fear of them is
gone, I make good cheer on their own good things, and I drink their own
good wine. Since home means fighting and service here means feasting, I
am not in favour myself," said he, "of breaking up the company."
[11] Then Gobryas spoke.
"Friends," said he, "I have trusted Cyrus' word and had no fault to
find with him: what he promises that he performs: but if he leaves the
country now, the Assyrian will be reprieved, he will never be punished
for the wrongs he tried to inflict on you and did inflict on me: I shall
be punished instead, because I have been your friend."
[12] At that Cyrus rose at last and said:
"Gentlemen, I am well aware that the disbanding of our forces must mean
the decrease of our power and the increase of theirs. If some of them
have given up their weapons, they will soon procure others; if some have
lost their horses, the loss will soon be made good; if some have fallen
in battle, others, younger and stronger, will take their place. We need
not be surprised if they are soon in a condition to cause us trouble
again. [13] Why, then, did I ask Cyaxares to put the question to debate?
Because, I answer, I am afraid of the future. I see opponents against
us whom we cannot fight, if we conduct the campaign as we are doing now.
[14] Winter is advancing against us, and though we may have shelter for
ourselves we have nothing, heaven knows, for our horses and our servants
and the great mass of our soldiery, without whom we cannot even think
of a campaign. As to provisions, up to the limits of our advance and
because of that advance they have been exhausted; and beyond that line,
owing to the terror we inspire, the inhabitants will have stowed their
supplies away in strong places where they can enjoy them and we cannot
get them. [15] Where is the warrior, stout of heart and strong of will,
who can wage war with cold and hunger? If our style of soldiering is to
be only what it has been, I say we ought to disband at once of our own
accord, and not wait to be driven from the field against our will by
sheer lack of means. If we do wish to go forward, this is what we must
do: we must detach from the enemy all the fortresses we can and secure
all we can for our own: if this is done, the larger supply will be in
the hands of those who can stow away the larger store, and the weaker
will suffer siege. [16] At present we are like mariners on the ocean:
they may sail on for ever, but the seas they have crossed are no
more theirs than those that are still unsailed. But if we hold the
fortresses, the enemy will find they are living in a hostile land,
while we have halcyon weather. [17] Some of you may dread the thought of
garrison duty far from home; if so, dispel your doubts. We Persians,
who must, as it is, be exiles for the time, will undertake the positions
that are nearest to the foe, while it will be for you to occupy the land
on the marches between Assyria and yourselves and put it under tillage.
[18] For, if we can hold his inner line, your peace will not be
disturbed in the outlying parts: he will scarcely neglect the danger at
his door to attack you out in the distance."
[19] At this the whole assembly rose to express their eagerness and
assent, and Cyaxares stood up with them. And both Gadatas and Gobryas
offered to fortify a post if the allies wished, and thus provide two
cities of refuge to start with.
[20] Finally Cyrus, thus assured of the general consent to his
proposals, said, "If we really wish to carry out what we have set
ourselves, we must prepare battering-rams and siege engines, and get
together mechanics and builders for our own castles." [21] Thereupon
Cyaxares at once undertook to provide an engine at his own expense,
Gadatas and Gobryas made themselves responsible for a second, Tigranes
for a third, and Cyrus himself promised he would try to furnish two.
[22] That done, every one set to work to find engineers and artisans and
to collect material for the machines; and superintendents were appointed
from those best qualified for the work.
[23] Now Cyrus was aware that all this would take some time, and
therefore he encamped his troops in the healthiest spot he could find
and the easiest to supply, strengthening, wherever necessary, the
natural defences of the place, so that the detachment left in charge for
the time should always be in complete security, even though he might be
absent himself with the main body of his force. [24] Nor was this all;
he questioned those who knew the country best, and, learning where he
would be rewarded for his pains, he would lead his men out to forage,
and thus procure as large supplies as possible, keep his soldiers in the
best of health and strength, and fix their drill in their minds.
[25] So Cyrus spent his days, and meanwhile the deserters from Babylon
and the prisoners who were captured all told the same story: they said
that the king had gone off to Lydia, taking with him store of gold and
silver, and riches and treasures of every kind. [26] The mass of the
soldiers were convinced that he was storing his goods away from fear,
but Cyrus knew that he must have gone to raise, if possible, an opponent
who could face them, and therefore he pushed his preparations forward
vigorously, feeling that another battle must be fought. He filled up the
Persian cavalry to its full complement, getting the horses partly from
the prisoners, partly from his own friends. There were two gifts he
would never refuse, horses and good weapons. [27] He also procured
chariots, taking them from the enemy or wherever he could find them.
The old Trojan type of charioteering, still in use to this day among the
Cyrenaeans, he abolished; before his time the Medes, the Syrians, the
Arabians, and all Asiatics generally, used their chariots in the same
way as the Cyrenaeans do now. [28] The fault of the system to his mind
was that the very flower of the army, if the picked men were in the
chariots, could only act at long range and so contribute little after
all to the victory. Three hundred chariots meant twelve hundred horses
and three hundred fighting-men, besides the charioteers, who would
naturally be men above the common, in whom the warriors could place
confidence: and that meant another three hundred debarred from injuring
the enemy in any kind of way. [29] Such was the system he abolished in
favour of the war-chariot proper, with strong wheels to resist the shock
of collision, and long axles, on the principle that a broad base is the
firmer, while the driver's seat was changed into what might be called
a turret, stoutly built of timber and reaching up to the elbow,
leaving the driver room to manage the horses above the rim. The drivers
themselves were all fully armed, only their eyes uncovered. [30] He had
iron scythes about two feet long attached to the axles on either side,
and others, under the tree, pointing to the ground, for use in a charge.
Such was the type of chariot invented by Cyrus, and it is still in use
to-day among the subjects of the Great King. Beside the chariots he had
a large number of camels, collected from his friends or captured
from the enemy. [31] Moreover, he decided to send a spy into Lydia to
ascertain the movements of the king, and he thought that the right man
for this purpose was Araspas, the officer in charge of the fair lady
from Susa. Matters had gone ill with Araspas: he had fallen passionately
in love with his prisoner, and been led to entreat her to be his
paramour. [32] She had refused, faithful to her husband who was far
away, for she loved him dearly, but she forbore to accuse Araspas to
Cyrus, being unwilling to set friend at strife with friend. [33] But
when at length Araspas, thinking it would help him in his desires, began
to threaten her, saying that if she would not yield he would have his
will of her by force, then in her dread of violence she could keep the
matter hid no longer, and she sent her eunuch to Cyrus with orders to
tell him everything. [34] And when Cyrus heard it he smiled over the man
who had boasted that he was superior to love, and sent Artabazus back
with the eunuch to tell Araspas that he must use no violence against
such a woman, but if he could persuade her, he might do so. [35] But
Artabazus, when he saw Araspas, rebuked him sternly, saying that the
woman was a sacred trust, and his conduct disgraceful, impious, and
wicked, till Araspas burst into tears of misery and shame, and was half
dead at the thought of what Cyrus would do. [36] Learning this, Cyrus
sent for him, saw him alone, and said to him face to face:
"Araspas, I know that you are afraid of me and in an agony of shame.
Be comforted; we are told that the gods themselves are made subject to
desire, and I could tell you what love has forced some men to undergo,
men who seemed most lofty and most wise. Did I not pass sentence on
myself, when I confessed I was too weak to consort with loveliness and
remain unmoved? Indeed it is I who am most to blame in the matter, for I
shut you up myself with this irresistible power."
[37] But Araspas broke in on his words:
"Ah, Cyrus, you are ever the same, gentle and compassionate to human
weaknesses. But all the rest of the world has no pity on me; they drown
me in wretchedness. As soon as the tattlers got wind of my misfortune,
all my enemies exulted, and my friends came to me, advising me to make
away with myself for fear of you, because my iniquity was so great."
[38] Then Cyrus said, "Now listen: this opinion about you may be the
means by which you can do me a great kindness and your comrades a great
service." "Oh, that it were possible!" said Araspas, "for me ever to
be of service to you!" [39] "Well," said the other, "if you went to the
enemy, feigning that you had fled from me, I think they would believe
you." "I am sure they would," said Araspas, "I know even my own friends
would think that of course I ran away." [40] "Then you will come back
to us," Cyrus went on, "with full information about the enemy's affairs;
for, if I am right in my expectation, they will trust you and let you
see all their plans, so that you need miss nothing of what we wish to
know." "I will be off this moment," said Araspas; "it will be my best
credential to have it thought I was just in time to escape punishment
from you."
[41] "Then you can really bring yourself to leave the beautiful
Pantheia?"
"Yes, Cyrus," he answered, "I can; for I see now that we have two souls.
This is the lesson of philosophy that I have learnt from the wicked
sophist Love. If we had but a single soul, how could she be at once evil
and good? How could she be enamoured at once of nobleness and baseness,
or at once desire and not desire one deed and the same? No, it is clear
that we have two souls, and when the beautiful soul prevails, all fair
things are wrought, and when the evil soul has the mastery, she lays her
hand to shame and wickedness. But to-day my good soul conquers, because
she has you to help her."
[42] "Well," said Cyrus, "if you have decided on going, it is thus you
had better go. Thus you will win their confidence, and then you must
tell them what we are doing, but in such a way as to hinder their own
designs. It would hinder them, for example, if you said that we were
preparing an attack on their territory at a point not yet decided; for
this would check the concentration of their forces, each leader being
most concerned for the safety of his own home. [43] Stay with them," he
added, "till the last moment possible: what they do when they are close
at hand is just what is most important for us to know. Advise them how
to dispose their forces in the way that really seems the best, for then,
after you are gone and although it may be known that you are aware of
their order, they will be forced to keep to it, they will not dare to
change it, and should they do so at the last moment they will be thrown
into confusion."
[44] Thereupon Araspas took his leave, called together his trustiest
attendants, said what he thought necessary for the occasion, and
departed.
[45] Now Pantheia, when she heard that Araspas had fled, sent a
messenger to Cyrus, saying:
"Grieve not, Cyrus, that Araspas has gone to join the foe: I will
bring you a far trustier friend than he, if you will let me send for my
husband, and I know he will bring with him all the power that he has. It
is true that the old king was my husband's friend, but he who reigns now
tried to tear us two asunder, and my husband knows him for a tyrant and
a miscreant, and would gladly be quit of him and take service with such
a man as you."
[46] When Cyrus heard that, he bade Pantheia send word to her husband,
and she did so. Now when Abradatas saw the tokens from his wife, and
learnt how matters stood, he was full of joy, and set out for Cyrus'
camp immediately, with a thousand horsemen in his train. And when he
came to the Persian outposts he sent to Cyrus saying who he was, and
Cyrus gave orders that he should be taken to Pantheia forthwith. [47] So
husband and wife met again after hope had well-nigh vanished, and were
in each other's arms once more. And then Pantheia spoke of Cyrus,
his nobleness, his honour, and the compassion he had shown her, and
Abradatas cried:
"Tell me, tell me, how can I repay him all I owe him in your name and
mine!" And she answered:
"So deal with him, my husband, as he has dealt with you."
[48] And thus Abradatas went to Cyrus, and took him by the hand, and
said:
"Cyrus, in return for the kindness you have shown us, I can say no more
than this: I give myself to you, I will be your friend, your servant,
and your ally: whatever you desire, I will help you to win, your
fellow-worker always, so far as in me lies."
[49] Then Cyrus answered:
"And I will take your gift: but for the moment you must leave me, and
sup with your wife: another day you will let me play the host, and give
you lodging with your friends and mine."
[50] Afterwards Abradatas perceived how much Cyrus had at heart the
scythe-bearing chariots and the cavalry and the war-horses with their
armour, and he resolved to equip a hundred chariots for him out of his
own cavalry force. [51] These he proposed to lead himself in a chariot
of his own, four-poled and drawn by eight horses, all the eight
protected by chest-plates of bronze. [52] So Abradatas set to work, and
this four-poled chariot of his gave Cyrus the idea of making a car
with eight poles, drawn by eight yoke of oxen, to carry the lowest
compartment of the battering engines, which stood, with its wheels,
about twenty-seven feet from the ground. [53] Cyrus felt that he had a
series of such towers brought into the field at a fair pace they would
be of immense service to him, and inflict as much damage on the enemy.
The towers were built with galleries and parapets, and each of them
could carry twenty men. [54] When the whole was put together he tested
it and found that the eight yoke of oxen could draw the whole tower with
the men more easily than one yoke by itself could manage the ordinary
weight of baggage, which came to about five-and-twenty talents apiece,
whereas the tower, build of planks about as thick as the boards for
a stage, weighed less than fifteen for each yoke. [55] Thus, having
satisfied himself that the attempt was perfectly possible, he arranged
to take the towers into action, believing that in war selfishness meant
salvation, justice, and happiness.
[C.2] About this time ambassadors came to Cyrus from India with gifts of
courtesy and a message from their king, saying:
"I send you greeting, Cyrus, and I rejoice that you told me of your
needs. I desire to be your friend and I offer you gifts; and if you have
need of anything more, I bid you say the word, and it shall be yours. I
have told my men to do whatever you command."
[2] Then Cyrus answered:
"This, then, is my bidding: the rest of you shall stay where you have
pitched your tents; you shall guard your treasures and live as you
choose: but three of you shall go to the enemy and make believe that you
have come to him about an alliance with your king, and thus you shall
learn how matters stand, and all they say and all they do, and so bring
me word again with speed. And if you serve me well in this, I shall owe
you even more than I could owe you for these gifts. There are some spies
who are no better than slaves, and have no skill to find out anything
more than is known already, but there are men of another sort, men of
your stamp, who can discover plans that are not yet disclosed."
[3] The Indians listened gladly, and for the moment made themselves at
home as the guests of Cyrus: but the next day they got ready and set
off on their journey, promising to find out as much as they could of the
enemy's secrets and bring him word again with all possible speed.
[4] Meanwhile Cyrus continued his preparations for the war on
a magnificent scale, like one who meant to accomplish no small
achievement. Not only did he carry out all the resolutions of the
allies, but he breathed a spirit of emulation into his own friends
and followers, till each strove to outshine his fellows in arms
and accoutrements, in horsemanship and spearmanship and archery, in
endurance of toil and danger. [5] Cyrus would lead them out to the
chase, and show especial honour to those who distinguished themselves in
any way: he would whet the ambition of the officers by praising all who
did their best to improve their men, and by gratifying them in every way
he could. [6] At every sacrifice and festival he instituted games and
contests in all martial exercises, and lavished prizes on the victors,
till the whole army was filled with enthusiasm and confidence. [7] By
this time Cyrus had almost everything in readiness for the campaign,
except the battering-machines. The Persian cavalry was made up to its
full number of ten thousand men, and the scythed chariots were complete,
a hundred of his own, and a hundred that Abradatas of Susa had provided.
[8] Beside these there were a hundred of the old Median chariots which
Cyrus had persuaded Cyaxares to remodel on his own type, giving up
the Trojan and Lydian style. The camels were ready also, each animal
carrying a couple of mounted archers.
The bulk of the great army felt almost as though they had already
conquered, and the enemy's power was held of no account.
[9] While matters were thus, the Indians whom Cyrus had sent out
returned with their report. Croesus had been chosen leader and
general-in-chief; a resolution had been passed, calling on all the
allied kings to bring up their entire forces, raise enormous sums for
the war, and spend them in hiring mercenaries where they could and
making presents where they must. [10] Large numbers of Thracians, armed
with the short sword, had already been enrolled, and a body of Egyptians
were coming by sea, amounting--so said the Indians--to 120,000 men,
armed with long shields reaching to their feet, huge spears (such as
they carry to this day), and sabres. Beside these, an army was expected
from Cyprus, and there were already on the spot all the Cilicians, the
men of both the Phrygias, of Lycaonia, Paphlagonia, and Cappadocia,
the Arabians, the Phoenicians, and all the Assyrians under the king of
Babylon. Moreover, the Ionians, and Aeolians, and indeed nearly all the
Hellenic colonists on the coast were compelled to follow in the train of
Croesus. [11] Croesus himself had already sent to Lacedaemon to propose
an alliance with the Spartans. The armament was mustering on the banks
of the Pactolus, and they were to push forward presently to Thymbrara
(the place which is still the mustering-ground for all the Asiatic
subjects of the Great King west of Syria), and orders had been issued to
open a market there. This report agreed with the accounts given by the
prisoners, for Cyrus was always at pains to gave men captured from
whom he could get some information, and he would also send out spies
disguised as runaway slaves.
[12] Such were the tidings, and when the army heard the news there was
much anxiety and concern, as one may well suppose. The men went about
their work with an unusual quietness, their faces clouded over, or
gathered in knots and clusters everywhere, anxiously asking each other
the news and discussing the report. [13] When Cyrus saw that fear was in
the camp, he called a meeting of his generals, and indeed of all
whose dejection might injure the cause and whose confidence assist it.
Moreover, he sent word that any of the attendants, or any of the rank
and file, who wished to hear what he had to say, would be allowed to
come and listen. When they met, he spoke as follows:
[14] "My friends and allies, I make no secret of the reason I have
called you here. It was because I saw that some of you, when the reports
of the enemy reached us, looked like men who were panic-stricken. But I
must say I am astonished that any of you should feel alarm because the
enemy is mustering his forces, and not be reassured by remembering that
our own is far larger than it was when we conquered him before, and far
better provided, under heaven, with all we need. [15] I ask you how you
would have felt, you who are afraid now, if you had been told that a
force exactly like our own was marching upon us, if you had heard that
men who had conquered us already were coming now, carrying in their
hearts the victory they had won, if you knew that those who made short
work then of all our bows and javelins were advancing again, and others
with them, ten thousand times as many? [16] Suppose you heard that the
very men who had routed our infantry once were coming on now equipt as
before, but this time on horseback, scorning arms and javelins, each man
armed with one stout spear, ready to charge home? [17] Suppose you heard
of chariots, made on a new pattern, not to be kept motionless, standing,
as hitherto, with their backs turned to the foe as if for flight, but
with the horses shielded by armour, and the drivers sheltered by wooden
walls and protected by breastplates and helmets, and the axles fitted
with iron scythes so that they can charge straight into the ranks of the
foe? [18] And suppose you heard that they have camels to ride on, each
one of which would scare a hundred horses, and that they will bring
up towers from which to help their own friends, and overwhelm us with
volleys of darts so that we cannot fight them on level ground? [19] If
this were what you had heard of the enemy, I as you, once again, you who
are now so fearful what would you have done? You who turn pale when
told that Croesus has been chosen commander-in-chief, Croesus who proved
himself so much more cowardly than the Syrians, that when they were
worsted in battle and fled, instead of helping them, his own allies, he
took to his heels himself. [20] We are told, moreover, that the enemy
himself does not feel equal to facing you alone, he is hiring others
to fight for him better than he could for himself. I can only say,
gentlemen, that if any individual considers our position as I describe
it alarming or unfavourable, he had better leave us. Let him join our
opponents, he will do us far more service there than here."
[21] When Cyrus had ended, Chrysantas the Persian stood up and said:
"Cyrus, you must not wonder if the faces of some were clouded when they
heard the news. The cloud was a sign of annoyance, not of fear. Just as
if," he went on, "a company were expecting breakfast immediately, and
then were told there was some business that must be got through first, I
do not suppose any of them would be particularly pleased. Here we were,
saying to ourselves that our fortunes were made, and now we are informed
there is still something to be done, and of course our countenances
fell, not because we were afraid, but because we could have wished it
all over and done with. [22] However, since it now appears that Syria
is not to be the only prize--though there is much to be got in Syria,
flocks and herds and corn and palm-trees yielding fruit--but Lydia as
well, Lydia the land of wine and oil and fig-trees, Lydia, to whose
shores the sea brings more good things than eyes can feast on, I say
that once we realise this we can mope no longer, our spirits will rise
apace, and we shall hasten to lay our hands on the Lydian wealth without
delay."
So he spoke, and the allies were well pleased at his words and gave him
loud applause.
[23] "Truly, gentlemen," said Cyrus, "as Chrysantas says, I think we
ought to march without delay, if only to be beforehand with our foes,
and reach their magazines before they do themselves; and besides, the
quicker we are, the fewer resources we shall find with them. [24] That
is how I put the matter, but if any one sees a safer or an easier way,
let him instruct us."
But many speakers followed, all urging an immediate march, without one
speech in opposition, and so Cyrus took up the word again and said:
[25] "My friends and allies, God helping us, our hearts, our bodies,
and our weapons have now been long prepared: all that remains is to get
together what we need for ourselves and our animals on a march of at
least twenty days. I reckon that the journey itself must take more than
fifteen, and not a vestige of food shall we find from end to end. It has
all been made away with, partly by ourselves, partly by our foes, so far
as they could. [26] We must collect enough corn, without which one can
neither fight nor live: and as for wine, every man must carry just
so much as will accustom him to drink water: the greater part of the
country will be absolutely devoid of wine, and the largest supply we
could take with us would not hold out. [27] But to avoid too sudden a
change and the sickness that might follow, this is what we must do. We
must begin by taking water with our food: we can do this without any
great change in our habits. [28] For every one who eats porridge has
the oatmeal mixed with water, and every one who eats bread has the wheat
soaked in water, and all boiled meat is prepared in water. We shall not
miss the wine if we drink a little after the meal is done. [29] Then we
must gradually lessen the amount, until we find that, without knowing
it, we have become water-drinkers. Gradual change enables every creature
to go through a complete conversion; and this is taught us by God, who
leads us little by little out of winter until we can bear the blazing
heat of summer, and out of heat back again into the depths of winter. So
should we follow God, and take one step after another until we reach our
goal. [30] What you might spend on heavy rugs and coverlets spend rather
on food: any superfluity there will not be wasted: and you will not
sleep less soundly for lack of bedclothes; if you do, I give you leave
to blame me. But with clothing the case is different: a man can hardly
have too much of that in sickness or in health. [31] And for seasoning
you should take what is sharp and dry and salted, for such meats
are more appetising and more satisfying. And since we may come into
districts as yet unravaged where we may find growing corn, we ought to
take handmills for grinding: these are the lightest machines for
the purpose. [32] Nor must we forget to supply ourselves with
medicines--they are small in bulk and, if need arises, invaluable. And
we ought to have a large supply of straps--I wonder what is not fastened
by a strap to man or horse? But straps wear out and get broken and then
things are at a standstill unless there are spare ones to be had. [33]
Some of you have learnt to shave spears, so that it would be as well not
to forget a plane, and also to carry a rasp, for the man who sharpens a
spearhead will sharpen his spirit too. He will feel ashamed to whet the
edge and be a coward. And we must take plenty of timber for chariots and
waggons; there is bound to be many a breakdown on the road. [34] Also
we shall need the most necessary tools for repairs, since smiths and
carpenters are not to be found at every turn, but there are few who
cannot patch up a makeshift for the time. Then there should be a mattock
and a shovel apiece for every waggon, and on every beast of burden a
billhook and an axe, always useful to the owner and sometimes a boon
to all. [35] The provisions must be seen to by the officers of the
fighting-line; they must inspect the men under their command and see
that nothing is omitted which any man requires; the omission would be
felt by us all. Those of you who are in command of the baggage-train
will inspect what I have ordered for the animals and insist upon every
man being provided who is not already supplied. [36] You, gentlemen, who
are in command of the road-makers, you have the lists of the soldiers I
have disqualified from serving as javelin-men, bowmen, or slingers, and
you will make the old javelin men march with axes for felling timber,
the bowmen with mattocks, and the slingers with shovels. They will
advance by squads in front of the waggons so that if there is any
road-making to be done you may set to work at once, and in case of need
I may know where to get the men I want. [37] I mean also to take a corps
of smiths, carpenters, and cobblers, men of military age, provided with
the proper tools, to supply any possible need. These men will not be
in the fighting-line, but they will have a place assigned to them where
they can be hired by any one who likes. [38] If any huckster wishes
to follow the army with his wares, he may do so, but if caught selling
anything during the fifteen days for which provisions have been ordered,
he will be deprived of all his goods: after the fifteen days are done he
may sell what he likes. Any merchant who offers us a well-stocked market
will receive recompense and honour from the allies and myself. [39]
And if any one needs an advance of money for trading, he must send me
guarantors who will undertake that he will march with the army, and then
he can draw on our funds. These are the general orders: and I will ask
any of you who think that anything has been omitted to point it out
to me. [40] You will now go back to your quarters and make your
preparations, and while you do so I will offer sacrifice for our journey
and when the signs are favourable we will give the signal. At that
you must present yourselves, with everything I have ordered, at the
appointed place, under your own officers. [41] And you, gentlemen," said
he, turning to the officers, "when your divisions are all in line, you
will come to me in a body to receive your final orders."
[C.3] With these instructions the army went to make their preparations
while Cyrus offered sacrifice.
As soon as the victims were favourable, he set out with his force.
On the first day they encamped as near by as possible, so that anything
left behind could easily be fetched and any omission readily supplied.
[2] Cyaxares stayed in Media with a third of the Median troops in order
not to leave their own country undefended. Cyrus himself pushed forward
with all possible speed, keeping his cavalry in the van and constantly
sending explorers and scouts ahead to some look-out. Behind the cavalry
came the baggage, and on the plains he had long strings of waggons and
beasts of burden, and the main army behind them, so that if any of the
baggage-train fell back, the officers who caught them up would see that
they did not lose their places in the march. [3] But where the road was
narrower the fighting-men marched on either side with the baggage in the
middle, and in case of any block it was the business of the soldiers
on the spot to attend to the matter. As a rule, the different regiments
would be marching alongside their own baggage, orders having been
given that all members of the train should advance by regiments
unless absolutely prevented. [4] To help matters the brigadier's own
body-servant led the way with an ensign known to his men, so that each
regiment marched together, the men doing their best to keep up with
their comrades. Thus there was no need to search for each other,
everything was to hand, there was greater security, and the soldiers
could get what they wanted more quickly.
[5] After some days the scouts ahead thought they could see people in
the plain collecting fodder and timber, and then they made out beasts of
burden, some grazing and others already laden, and as they scanned the
distance they felt sure they could distinguish something that was either
smoke rising or clouds of dust; and from all this they concluded
that the enemy's army was not far off. [6] Whereupon their commander
despatched a messenger with the news to Cyrus, who sent back word that
the scouts should stay where they were, on their look-out, and tell him
if they saw anything more, while he ordered a squadron of cavalry to
ride forward, and intercept, if they could, some of the men on the plain
and so discover the actual state of affairs. [7] While the detachment
carried out this order Cyrus halted the rest of his army to make such
dispositions as he thought necessary before coming to close quarters.
His first order was for the troops to take their breakfast: after
breakfast they were to fall in and wait for the word of command. [8]
When breakfast was over he sent for all the officers from the cavalry,
the infantry, and the chariot brigade, and for the commanders of the
battering engines and the baggage train, and they came to him. [9]
Meanwhile the troop of horse had dashed into the plain, cut off some
of the men, and now brought them in captive. The prisoners, on being
questioned by Cyrus, said they belonged to the camp and had gone out
to forage or cut wood and so had passed beyond their own pickets, for,
owing to the size of their army, everything was scarce.
[10] "How far is your army from here?" asked Cyrus. "About seven miles,"
said they. "Was there any talk about us down there?" said he. "We should
think there was," they answered; "it was all over the camp that you were
coming." "Ah," said Cyrus, "I suppose they were glad to hear we were
coming so soon?" (putting this question for his officers to hear the
answer). "That they were not," said the prisoners, "they were anything
but glad; they were miserable." [11] "And what are they doing now?"
asked Cyrus. "Forming their line of battle," answered they; "yesterday
and the day before they did the same."
"And their commander?" said Cyrus, "who is he?" "Croesus himself," said
they, "and with him a Greek, and also another man, a Mede, who is said
to be a deserter from you."
"Ah," cried Cyrus, "is that so? Most mighty Zeus, may I deal with him as
I wish!"
[12] Then he had the prisoners led away and turned to speak to his
officers, but at this moment another scout appeared, saying that a large
force of cavalry was in the plain. "We think," he added, "that they are
trying to get a sight of our army. For about thirty of them are riding
ahead at a good round pace and they seem to be coming straight for our
little company, perhaps to capture our look-out if they can, for there
are only ten of us there."
[13] At that Cyrus sent off a detachment from his own bodyguard,
bidding them gallop up to the place, unseen by the enemy, and stay there
motionless. "Wait," he said, "until our own ten must leave the spot and
then dash out on the thirty as they come up the hill. And to prevent any
injury from the larger body, do you, Hystaspas," said he, turning to the
latter, "ride out with a thousand horse, and let them see you suddenly,
face to face. But remember not to pursue them out of sight, come back as
soon as you have secured our post. And if any of your opponents ride up
with their right hands raised, welcome them as friends."
[14] Accordingly Hystaspas went off and got under arms, while the
bodyguard galloped to the spot. But before they reached the scouts, some
one met them with his squires, the man who had been sent out as a spy,
the guardian of the lady from Susa, Araspas himself. [15] When the news
reached Cyrus, he sprang up from his seat, went to meet him himself,
and clasped his hand, but the others, who of course knew nothing, were
utterly dumbfounded, until Cyrus said:
"Gentlemen, the best of our friends has come back to us. It is high
time that all men should know what he has done. It was not through any
baseness, or any weakness, or any fear of me, that he left us; it was
because I sent him to be my messenger, to learn the enemy's doings and
bring us word. [16] Araspas, I have not forgotten what I promised you,
I will repay you, we will all repay you. For, gentlemen, it is only
just that all of you should pay him honour. Good and true I call him who
risked himself for our good, and took upon himself a reproach that was
heavy to bear."
[17] At that all crowded round Araspas and took him by the hand and made
him welcome. Then Cyrus spoke again:
"Enough, my friends, Araspas has news for us, and it is time to hear it.
Tell us your tale, Araspas, keep back nothing of the truth, and do not
make out the power of the enemy less than it really is. It is far better
that we should find it smaller than we looked for rather than strong
beyond our expectations." [18] "Well," began Araspas, "in order to
learn their numbers, I managed to be present at the marshalling of their
troops." "Then you can tell us," said Cyrus, "not only their numbers but
their disposition in the field." "That I can," answered Araspas, "and
also how they propose to fight." "Good," said Cyrus, "but first let us
hear their numbers in brief." [19] "Well," he answered, "they are drawn
up thirty deep, infantry and cavalry alike, all except the Egyptians,
and they cover about five miles; for I was at great pains," he added,
"to find out how much ground they occupied."
[20] "And the Egyptians?" Cyrus said, "how are they drawn up? I noticed
you said, 'all except the Egyptians.'"
"The Egyptians," he answered, "are drawn up in companies of ten
thousand, under their own officers, a hundred deep, and a hundred
broad: that, they insisted, was their usual formation at home. Croesus,
however, was very loth to let them have their own way in this: he wished
to outflank you as much as possible." "Why?" Cyrus asked, "what was his
object?" "To encircle you, I imagine, with his wings." "He had better
take care," said Cyrus, "or his circle may find itself in the centre.
[21] But now you have told us what we most needed to know, and you,
gentlemen," said he to the officers, "on leaving this meeting, you will
look to your weapons and your harness. It often happens that the lack
of some little thing makes man or horse or chariot useless. To-morrow
morning early, while I am offering sacrifice, do you take your breakfast
and give your steeds their provender, so that when the moment comes to
strike you may not be found wanting. And then you, Araspas, must hold
the right wing in the position it has now, and the rest of you who
command a thousand men must do the same with your divisions: it is no
time to be changing horses when the race is being run; and you will send
word to the brigadiers and captains under you to draw up the phalanx
with each company two deep." (Now a company consisted of four-and-twenty
men.)
[22] Then one of the officers, a captain of ten thousand, said:
"Do you think, Cyrus, that with so shallow a depth we can stand against
their tremendous phalanx?"
"But do you suppose," rejoined he, "that any phalanx so deep that the
rear-ranks cannot close with the enemy could do much either for friend
or foe? [23] I myself," he added, "would rather this heavy infantry of
theirs were drawn up, not a hundred, but ten thousand deep: we should
have all the fewer to fight. Whereas with the depth that I propose, I
believe we shall not waste a man: every part of our army will work with
every other. [24] I will post the javelin-men behind the cuirassiers,
and the archers behind them: it would be absurd to place in the van
troops who admit that they are not made for hand-to-hand fighting;
but with the cuirassiers thrown in front of them they will stand firm
enough, and harass the enemy over the heads of our own men with their
arrows and their darts. And every stroke that falls on the enemy means
so much relief to our friends. [25] In the very rear of all I will post
our reserve. A house is useless without a foundation as well as a roof,
and our phalanx will be no use unless it has a rear-guard and a van, and
both of them good. [26] You," he added, "will draw up the ranks to suit
these orders, and you who command the targeteers will follow with your
companies in the same depth, and you who command the archers will follow
the targeteers. [27] Gentlemen of the reserve, you will hold your men in
the rear, and pass the word down to your own subordinates to watch the
men in front, cheer on those who do their duty, threaten him who plays
the coward, and if any man show signs of treachery, see that he dies the
death. It is for those in the van to hearten those behind them by word
and deed; it is for you, the reserve, to make the cowards dread you more
than the foe. [28] You know your work, and you will do it. Euphratus,"
he added, turning to the officer in command of the artillery, "see that
the waggons with the towers keep as close to the phalanx as possible.
[29] And you, Daouchus, bring up the whole of your baggage-train under
cover of the towers and make your squires punish severely any man who
breaks the line. [30] You, Carouchas, keep the women's carriages close
behind the baggage-train. This long line of followers should give
an impression of vast numbers, allow our own men opportunity for
ambuscades, and force the enemy, if he try to surround us, to widen his
circuit, and the wider he makes it the weaker he will be. [31] That,
then, is your business; and you, gentlemen, Artaozus and Artagersas,
each of you take your thousand foot and guard the baggage. [32] And you,
Pharnouchus and Asiadatas, neither of you must lead your thousand horse
into the fighting-line, you must get them under arms by themselves
behind the carriages: and then come to me with the other officers as
fully-equipt as if you were to be the first to fight. [53] You, sir, who
command the camel-corps will take up your post behind the carriages
and look for further orders to Artagersas. [34] Officers of the
war-chariots, you will draw lots among yourselves, and he on whom the
lot falls will bring his hundred chariots in front of the fighting-line,
while the other two centuries will support our flanks on the right and left." |
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