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The historie of Xenophon containing the ascent of Cyrus into the higher countries. VVherein is described the admirable iourney of ten thousand Grecians from Asia the Lesse into the territories of Babylon, and their retrait from thence into Greece, notwithstanding the opposition of all their enemies. Whereunto is added a comparison of the Roman manner of warres with this of our time, out of Iustus Lipsius. Translated by Ioh. Bingham.

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Title
The historie of Xenophon containing the ascent of Cyrus into the higher countries. VVherein is described the admirable iourney of ten thousand Grecians from Asia the Lesse into the territories of Babylon, and their retrait from thence into Greece, notwithstanding the opposition of all their enemies. Whereunto is added a comparison of the Roman manner of warres with this of our time, out of Iustus Lipsius. Translated by Ioh. Bingham.
Author
Xenophon.
Publication
London :: Printed by Iohn Haviland for Raphe Mabb,
1623.
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Subject terms
Greece -- History -- Early works to 1800.
Rome -- Army -- Early works to 1800.
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http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A15803.0001.001
Cite this Item
"The historie of Xenophon containing the ascent of Cyrus into the higher countries. VVherein is described the admirable iourney of ten thousand Grecians from Asia the Lesse into the territories of Babylon, and their retrait from thence into Greece, notwithstanding the opposition of all their enemies. Whereunto is added a comparison of the Roman manner of warres with this of our time, out of Iustus Lipsius. Translated by Ioh. Bingham." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A15803.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 22, 2025.

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THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF XENOPHON, TOVCHING THE Ascent of CYRVS the younger, out of Asia the Lesse, into the Higher COVNTREYS. (Book 4)

WHat happened in the Ascent of Cyrus till the battell, and what after the battell in the truce, which the King and the Grecians (that ascen∣ded with Cyrus) had concluded: and after that the King and Tissaphernes had broken the truce, what warre was made vpon the Grecians, an Armie of Persians still pursuing them, is alreadie discoursed. Now when they had proceeded thus farre, and found, that the Riuer Tygris was vnpassable by reason of his depth and great∣nesse, and that there was no other way to follow,* 1.1 because the Carduchan Mountaines being abruptly steepe, lay directly hanging ouer the same Riuer; It seemed good to the Coronels, to continue their march ouer those Mountaines. For they vnderstood by the Captiues, that, after they had once trauersed the Carduchan Mountaines, they might passe ouer the Fountaines of Tygris in Armenia, if they list, if not, they might fetch a compasse about them; and the Fountaines of Euphrates were said to be not farre off from the Fountaines of Tygris, and that there were some straights in the way. Therefore they marched toward the Cardu∣chans, partly in hope to steale away vnespied, partly to preuent the ene∣mie, in case he went about to seise vpon the tops of the Mountaines, and stop their march. It was now about the last watch, and so much night left, as would giue space to passe ouer the Plaine. The Grecians euen then rising and vpon a signe beginning their march, came by breake of day to the Mountaines foot. Cherisophus led the Vaunt, taking with him his accustomed Troopes, and all the light Armed; Xenophon and the Reare-Commanders brought vp the Reare with the Armed alone,

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hauing neuer a light-armed man with them. For it seemed, the reare was without danger to be charged in the ascent. Cherisophus attained the top of the hill,* 1.2 before any enemy perceiued it, and he leading on the rest of the armie, followed towards the villages, which were situate in the vallies and windings of the mountaines. The Carduchans forsaking their houses,* 1.3 and taking with them their wiues and children, fled to the mountaines. Great plentie of prouision was found here, and the houses garnished with many brasen vessels, which the Grecians left vntouched. Besides, they gaue chace to none of the Carduchans, of purpose to see, if they might gaine a friendly passage thorow the Countrey, especially see∣ing both the Carduchans and Grecians were enemies to the King. Yet be∣ing in necessitie they spared not the prouision, which euery man fortu∣ned to finde. The Carduchans, albeit kindly entreated, would neither heare of parley,* 1.4 nor yet shewed any other token of friendship. Whilest the reare of the Grecians descended from the height of the mountaines to the villages, it being now darke (for by reason of the straitnesse of the way, the whole day was spent in ascending the hill, and descending to the villages) some of the Carduchans, albeit but a few (for the Grecians fell vpon them at vnawares) gathering together charged the Grecians, and killed some of them,* 1.5 and hurt other some with stones and arrowes; and if many of them had beene assembled, they had no question cut off the most part of the army. That night therefore they lodged thus in the vil∣lages. The Carduchans on the other side lighted many fires in a circle on the mountaines, and so they looked one vpon another. By day breake, the Coronels and Captaines of the Grecians came to counsell, and de∣creed,* 1.6 that the carriage-beasts necessary, and such, as were best able to endure the hardnesse of the way, should be led on by their owners, the rest left behinde, and that the slaues lately taken, and remaining in the army, should all be cast off. For the carriage and captiues being many, made the march very slow, and cumbersome. And many of them, that rode, were such, as fought not, and the multitude of people being great, double prouision and carriage was requisite in comparison of that, they should otherwise haue needed.* 1.7 These things being so decreed, pro∣clamation was made for the execution. Hauing dined, they marched for∣ward, and the Coronels staying in a straight of the way, wheresoeuer they found any of these things not cast off, tooke it away. The Souldi∣ers were very obedient, vnlesse any man being in loue with a boy, or a woman of the fearest fashion, conueied them away by stealth. And so for that day they proceeded in their march, one while fighting, and another while giuing themselues to rest. The next day fell a sharpe storme, and yet a necessitie was laid vpon vs to continue our march, be∣cause our prouision failed. Cherisophus led the Vaunt, Xenophon brought vp the Reare, and the enemy pressed vs sore; and the Countrey being full of straights, they came vp close, and plied vs wirh arrowes and stones out of slings, so that the Grecians sometimes giuing chace, some∣times retiring, were forced to march on slowly. It fell out often, that

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Xenophon sent word to that Vaunt to stay, especially at that time, being roundly put to by the enemy. Cherisophus,* 1.8 that at other times vpon the receit of such messages made vsually Alt, made not Alt then, but led away apace, and commanded the rest to follow. So that it appeared, there was some great occasion, and yet there was no leisure to send and know the cause. The march seemed to the bringers vp to be a plaine run∣ning, and there was then slaine Cleonymus a braue, and valiant Lacede∣monian, being strucken into the side with an arrow thorow his target,* 1.9 and Souldiers coat; and Basius an Arcadian pierced in the head. When they were come to their quarter, Xenophon attired, as he was, stepped forth∣with to Cherisophus, and blamed him, he made not Alt, whereby he for∣ced them in the Reare to fight in their flight; and now, quoth hee, we haue lost two gallant and worthy Souldiers, and were neither able to bring them off, nor yet to bury them. Cherisophus answered; Looke vp, quoth he, to those mountaines and behold how vnpassable they are. There is no way, but that steepe one, you see, and vpon it you may dis∣cerne the huge multitude, which haue taken, and doe guard the passage. The cause of my speeding, and not staying for you, was to trie, if by any meanes I might preuent their seising vpon the height. For the guides affirme, there is no other way but this. But I haue two guides, quoth Xenophon; For when they ceased not to molest vs, I laid an ambush,* 1.10 whereby both we found way to breathe, and also killed some of them, and some other wee endeuoured to take aliue, for this cause especially, that we might vse such, as knew the Countrey, for guides: and imme∣diately bringing forth the men, they examined them apart, whether they knew any other way, than that, which was in sight. One of them, albeit he were diuersly put in feare, would not confesse. When they could get nothing out of him, that was to purpose, they slew him, the other looking on. Hee, that remained aliue, said, that his Companion would confesse nothing, because he had bestowed a daughter of his in mariage to a man dwelling thereabout. But I, said he,* 1.11 will teach you a way, thorow which the very carriage may easily passe. Being demanded, If that way had no impediment or incumbrance, he answered, There was a top of a hill, which vnlesse it were possessed, it would be impossi∣ble to proceed further. Hereupon it was thought good,* 1.12 to call for the Captaines of the Targetiers, and of the armed Foot, and to impart vn∣to them the estate of the present affaires; and to aske, if any would shew himselfe a gallant, and willingly vndertake the iourney. There offered their seruice, Aristonimus an Arcadian of Methydria, and Agasias another Arcadian of Stymphaly. Callimachus a Parrhasian Arcadian,* 1.13 and this Aga∣sias were alwaies at emulation and stroue one with another in all imploi∣ments. He offered himselfe vpon condition he might be permitted to take with him the voluntaries of the whole army; For I know, quoth he, that many of the youth will follow, if I haue the leading. Then they asked, if any of the light-armed,* 1.14 or Taxiarchs would beare the armed Company. Aristarchus the Chian, a worthy man, and one that in the like

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case had often heretofore done good seruice to the army, presented him∣selfe. It was now late, and the Souldiers were commanded to sup, and presently to march away.* 1.15 The guide was deliuered bound vnto them, and order giuen, that if they tooke the top of the hill, they should make good the place that night, and as soone, as it was day, giue a signe with the trumpet, and descend and charge the forestallers of the knowne way, and the rest of the army beneath ascend, and ioine with them in as great speed, as was possible. This order being taken, there marched out to the number of two thousand.* 1.16 In the meane time fell much raine. Xenophon, hauing with him the Reare-commanders, led toward the knowne pas∣sage, to the end the enemy might be intentiue vpon that way, and those that were appointed to take the top, might the better passe by vnespied. When the Reare was come to a hollow bottome, thorow which they must needs passe ere they came to ascend the steepe hill, the Barbarians tumbled downe round stones, of which euery one was of weight suffici∣ent to load a waggon, and many other great and little stones, which rol∣ling and beating vpon the rockes, came bouncing with such force, as if they had beene sent out of a sling, and made it impossible to come neere the way. Some of the Captaines seeing that way shut vp, sought to finde another. This continued till it was darke. The Grecians when they ima∣gined, that their departure could not be discerned, went hence to sup∣per. For the Reare had not dined that day. The enemy ceased not the whole night to send downe stones, which might easily appeare by the continuall sound and noise of the fall. In the meane time those, that had the guide,* 1.17 fetching a compasse, fell vpon the enemies guards, as they sat by the fire; and killing some, and giuing chace to the rest, themselues maintained the place that night, as if they had gained the top. But they were deceiued; for there remained yet a little knop aboue them, neere which the straight it selfe was, where the enemies guards did sit. There was indeed a passage from thence, that led to the enemy. That night therefore they spent there. As soone as day appeared, they aduanced silently, and in good order against the enemy. They were neere, before they could be descried, because of a mist, that fell at the same instant. When they saw one another the trumpet sounded, and the Grecians gi∣uing a shout, aduanced against the enemy; who receiued not the charge, but forsaking the way, and flying, lost some few of their people. For they were light-armed. The rest of the army with Cherisophus, hearing the sound of the trumpet, made all haste to ascend by the common way. Some of the Coronels tooke by-pathes, euery one, as it came to hand, and climbing, as they could, drew one another vp by the pikes, and so they were the first, that ioyned with them, that had won the top. Xeno∣phon, with halfe the Reare, followed the way, that the guide had showne to the first (for it was the easiest for the carriage-beasts) the other halfe he ordered after the carriage-beasts.* 1.18 Marching forward, they chanced vpon a hill hanging ouer the way, which was held by the enemy; by rea∣son whereof they were driuen to a necessitie, either by force to dislodge

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the enemy from the place and cut him off, or else to be secluded from the rest of the army. The souldiers might haue followed the way, that the rest held, & so haue freed themselues from danger, but the carriage could be led no other way. Exhorting therefore one another, they charged vp the hill, ordering their Companies euery one in File,* 1.19 not incompassing the enemy, but giuing them roome to flie, if they were so disposed. The Barbarians seeing them ascend each one, as he could make shift for himselfe, did neither shoot nor sling at them, as they approched the way; but presently forsooke the Hill. This Hill the Grecians tooke,* 1.20 and seeing another before them held likewise by the enemie, they resolued to goe against that also. Notwithstanding Xenophon reputing in his minde, that, if he should leaue the Hill alreadie gained without a Guard, the enemie seising againe vpon it, might distresse the cariage in passing by (for the cariage by reason of the straights were extended into a great length) he left vpon the Hill the Captaines Cephisodorus the Sonne of Kephisophon an Athenian, and Archagoras a banished Argiue;* 1.21 himselfe with the rest continued his march against the second Hill, which also was taken after the same manner. There remained yet another Hill more steepe, than the two former, euen the same, that the night before, was by the first as∣cenders won from the enemies Guards, that sat by the fire; to which when the Grecians approched, the Barbarians forsooke it without fight; which made the Grecians wonder, and imagine, they feared to be round encompassed and charged on all sides; but the truth was, that descry∣ing from the top, what was done behinde, they hasted away to fall vpon the Reare. Xenophon, and the youngest sort of Souldiers had gotten vp the Hill, and he commanded the rest to follow, till the last Captaines were come vp, and then he willed them to march forward in the way, and when they came to euen ground to lay downe their Armes.* 1.22 At this instant came Archagoras the banished Argiue, and brought newes that they, whom Xenophon left behinde, were beaten from the first Hill, and that Cephisodorus, Amphicrates, and as many other, as leaped not from the Rocke, and saued themselues amongst the rest of the Reare, were slaine. The Barbarians hauing wrought this feat, conueied themselues toward the Hill opposite against the top, where Xenophon was; and he by an Interpreter treated with them about truce, and about recouering the dead bodies out of their hands. They answered,* 1.23 they were readie to deliuer them vpon condition, the Villages might be spared from fire: to which Xenophon accorded. In the time while this parley was in hand, the rest of the Armie passed by, and were freed from danger of the place. The enemie staied there; and when the Grecians began to descend from the top to the place, where the formost had laid downe their Armes,* 1.24 they in great number and tumult ran vpward, and hauing gained the height, from whence Xenophon descended, rolled downe stones, and broke a leg of one of the Souldiers. Xenophons Target-bearer was then away with his target, which Eurylochus the Arcadian borne at Lusium, a heauy armed Souldier, perceiuing, came running vnto him, and retiring by little and

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little protected both himselfe and Xenophon with his Target. So they all came vp to the vant which stood in order of battell. Now were all the Grecians come together, and they quartered in many faire houses hauing large proui••ion, and plentie of all things. There was much Wine kept in Cisternes,* 1.25 plaistered with morter. Afterward Xenophon and Cherisophus so wrought with the Barbarians, that they recouered the bodies of the dead in exchange for the Guide, whom they deliuered vp; and they bu∣ried them with as great honour, as was possible to be giuen to worthy and valiant Souldiers. The next day we marched on without a Guide. The enemie fighting with vs, and taking the straights, which lay in our way, endeuoured to hinder and shut vp our march. But when they op∣posed against the Vant,* 1.26 Xenophon from the Reare ascending the Moun∣taines and gaining the vpper ground remoued all the impediments, the enemie could cast vpon the way: when against the Reare, Cherisophus ascending tooke the vpper ground likewise, and freed the way for them, that came behinde. So they alwaies succoured and had mutuall care one of another. Sometimes also the Barbarians, after the Grecians had got vp to the heights, annoied them spightfully in their descent. They were light-Armed, and comming close vp they might easily shift away at their pleasure, because they caried no other furniture, then Bowes, and Ar∣rowes,* 1.27 and Slings. They were excellent Archers, and had Bowes well nigh three Cubits, Arrowes more than two Cubits long. When they shot, they drew the string applying their hand somewhat toward the nether end of the Bowe, and ••etting their left foot forward. With their Arrowes they pierced both Curaces and Targets. The Grecians putting thongues to the middest of them, sent them backe againe at the enemies in stead of Darts. The Cretans were verie vse-full in these places; Strato∣cles the Cretan was their Commander. They quartered that day in the Villages,* 1.28 which lay vpon the Plaine neere the Riuer Centrites, the bredth whereof is 200 Foot, and this Riuer parteth Armenia and the Carduchans Countrey. Here the Grecians rested. The Riuer is distant from the Car∣duchan Mountaines about some six or seuen Furlongs.* 1.29 They quartered here with great pleasure both in regard of the plentie of all things, which they found, and also because they gladly remembred their trauell ouer∣gone. For in seuen whole daies, in which they marched thorow the Carduchans Countrey, they were put to continuall fight, and suffered more distresse, than whatsoeuer the King and Tissaphernes could worke them. Being therefore freed from that danger they slept and tooke their rest with great content. Assoone, as it was day, they might discerne be∣yond the Riuer Armed horse, that seemed readie to hinder their passage, and Foot-men ordered vpon the bankes aboue the Horse to stop their entry into Armenia.* 1.30 These were Armenians, Mygdonians, and Chaldeans Mercenaries to Orontes, and Artuchus. The Chaldeans were said to be a free Nation and warlike.* 1.31 Their Armes were long wicker Targets and Speares. The banks, vpon which they were embattelled, were distant some three or foure Plethers from the Riuer;* 1.32 and no way ouer but one

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could be discerned, which led vp to the higher ground, and seemed to be made with hand. The Grecians sought to passe that way. But making triall, and finding the water to reach vp aboue their breasts, and the Ri∣uer rough with many great, and slipperie stones, and perceiuing, that they could not hold their Armes in the Riuer, which by reason of the swiftnesse, and violence of the streame, would force them out of their hands, and in case a man caried them on his head, he should remaine na∣ked against the enemies missiue weapons, they returned and encamped neere the Riuer. The place, where they rested the night before, they might easily see to be full of Armed Carduchans. It caused great melan∣choly amongst them, both because they saw the hard passage of the Ri∣uer, and the enemie opposing against their passage, and also the Cardu∣chans prest to fall vpon their Reare. Remaining therefore in great anguish of spirit, this day, and the night following, they spent in the place. Xenophon is the meane time dreamed, that he was bound in fetters,* 1.33 and that they broke and fell off of their owne accord, so that being loose, he was at libertie, to goe where he list. Earely in the morning he went to Cherisophus, and told him, he hoped all should be well, and communica∣ted his dreame with him, who was much delighted therewith; and as day appeared, all the Coronels assembled, and offered sacrifice, and at the verie first the sacrifice promised good successe; and the Coronels and Captaines departing to their quarters commanded the Souldiers to dine. Whilest Xenophon was at dinner, there came running vnto him two young men (for euerie man knew, they might haue free accesse vnto him both at dinner and supper, and that they might in sleepe awake him, and impart any thing, that should seeme to tend to the good of the march) and told him they chanced to be a gathering sticks for firing, and that amongst the Rocks, on the other side the Riuer, they espied an old man, and a woman, and young maids laying vp (as it were) bundles of Clothes tied together in a hollow Caue of the Rocke. Which when they saw, and conceiued withall, there was no danger in the passage, considering the enemies Horse could not by any meanes come there, they pulled off their Clothes, and taking their drawne Daggers in their hands, they entred into the Riuer in purpose to swim ouer, if they could not otherwise passe. But going on they found themselues ouer, before they had wet their priuities; so that taking with them the gar∣ments which were hidden they returned, and came safe to this side back againe. Xenophon hearing this, dranke a health, and commanded the Cup should be filled to the two young men, and to pray to the gods (who had reuealed the dreame and passage) to finish the remnant of all, that should appertaine to the good of the iourney. Assoone as the health was ended, he led the young men to Cherisophus, and declared vnto him the newes, which they brought. Who hearing these things, drunke also a health; after which commanding the Souldiers to trusse vp their baggage, and calling the Coronels together, they aduised about the best meanes of passage, and of repulsing them, that opposed the Front,* 1.34 and of

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auoiding the danger of those, that were like to fall vpon the Reare. The resolution was, that Cherisophus should leade the Vant, & passe ouer first with halfe the Armie; the other halfe should remaine behinde with Xeno∣phon, and the cariage, and vnarmed multitude, should be conueied in the middest. When these things were thus determined, they began to march. The young men led the way hauing the riuer on their left hand. The way which tended to the Foord,* 1.35 was about foure Furlongs in length. As they marched forward on one side, the enemies Hors-men embattelled mar∣ched against them on the other. After they were come to the Foord, and bancks of the riuer,* 1.36 they laid downe their armes; and first Cherisophus crowning himselfe, and stripping off his apparel, tooke vp his armes and commanded the rest to do the like; and directed the Captaines euery one to cast their companies into a file,* 1.37 & to march some on his right, some on his left hand. The South saier offered sacrifice at the riuers side; and the enemy, albeit they plied vs with bowes & slings, yet could they not reach ouer vnto vs. The sacrifice was faire, & the Grecians sang the Paean, & gaue a shout. The women also shouted, for there were many whores in the campe.* 1.38 So Cherisophus passed ouer, and they with him. Then Xenophon ta∣king to him the lightest of the Reare, ran back againe with all speed to the passage, which led to the Ascent of the Armenian Mountaines, making countenance, as if he meant to passe ouer there, & cut betwixt the horse, that guarded the banks, & the rest of their companions. But the enemy seeing Cherisophus his forces easily wade thorow the Riuer,* 1.39 and Xenophon with his Souldiers speedily returning backe, fearing to be shut in betwixt both, fled, as fast as they could, from the riuer to the way, that led vp∣ward; & as soone as they came there, held on toward the mountaine. Lu∣cius, that commanded the horse, & Aeschines, that led the targetiers about Cherisophus, when they saw them so cowardly run, followed hard, and gaue chace. The Souldiers cried out to them not to giue ouer, but to ascend the mountaine together with the enemy. After Cherisophus had gained the passage, he followed not the horse, but presently vpon the bankes side led against the foot, that held the higher places; who being aboue on the higher ground, and seeing their horse flying, and the armed Grecians making head against them, forsooke also their ground, by the riuers side. When Xenophon perceiued now all things on the other side of the riuer, to be in good plight, he returned speedily to the forces, that were passing ouer. For the Carduchans were seene by this time to descend the mountaines, and to come into the Plaine, as though they purposed to charge the Reare. By this time had Cherisophus taken the higher ground, and Lucius following the chace with a few, won the carriages of the Reare of the enemy, and withall rich apparell, and much plate. The carriage and vnarmed multitude of the Grecians passed ouer the ri∣uer with all diligence.* 1.40 And Xenophon turning toward the Carduchans op∣posed his armed against them; and directed his Captaines euery one to order his Companie into Enomoties, and to face to the left hand, and to lead vp and to ioyne the Enomoties together in front; and that the Cap∣taines

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and Enomotarchs should make head against the Carduchans,* 1.41 the bringers vp be behinde next to the riuer; The Carduchans, when they saw the Reare left by the vnarmed multitude, and making shew but of few, singing certaine songs after their countrey manner, fell on, and charged. In the meane time Cherisophus, hauing set his owne affaires in safetie, sent the Peltasts, and Slingers, and Archers ouer to Xenophon, willing them to doe, what he commanded. When Xenophon perceiued, they passed the riuer, hee dispatched a message to stay them, where they were, till they saw him and his troopes enter into the water, and then to meet him on both sides, and make as though they purposed to returne ouer againe, the Darters with their fingers in the thongs of their darts, the Archers with their arrowes nocked; yet should they not come much further, than they were in the riuer. And he gaue order to his owne people, that as soone, as they were within the reach of slings, and had beaten with their pikes vpon their targets, to sing the Paean, and run forth against the enemy. And when the enemy was put to flight, and the trumpet sounded a charge from the riuer, the bringers vp, facing about to the pike, should leade, and the rest follow, and with all speed get the passage, euery one in the order he held, to the intent they hin∣dred not one another; And added he would account him the best Soul∣dier, that first could gaine the other banke. The Carduchans seeing but a few now left behinde (for many appointed for the Reare were shifted away, some being carefull of the carriage-beasts, some of the baggage, some of their whores) fell on boldly, and began to sling and shoot. But when the Grecians singing the Paean ran out against them, they for∣sooke their ground. For they were armed, as the mountaine fashion is,* 1.42 sufficiently to skip vp and downe, and run away, but not to come to hands in a stedfast fight. The trumpet now gaue the signe, which made the enemy flie the faster,* 1.43 and the Grecians facing about to the contrarie side hasted, all they could, to passe the riuer; which some of the enemies seeing, came running againe to the riuer, and hurt a few with their ar∣rowes; but the most of them might be discerned to continue their flight, a good while after the Grecians had gained the other banke. Some of our people, that first charged the enemy, and being too valiant,* 1.44 & following on further, than at that time was fit, got ouer a good while after the other, that were with Xenophon; and some of them also were wounded. The Grecians, being all passed ouer about noone-tide, put themselues in order and marched thorow Armenia no lesse than fiue Parasangs,* 1.45 the countrey being all plaine, and arising sometimes in little hillockes. There was no village neere the riuer, by reason of the warres against the Carduchans. The first village, they came to, was both great,* 1.46 and had also in it a royall Palace for the Vice-roy of the countrey; and the houses, for the most part were built with Turrets, and were stored with plentie of prouision.* 1.47 From thence they iourneied forward ten Parasangs in two encampings, till they came ouer the springs of the riuer Tigris. From thence they continued marching 15 Parasangs in 3 encampings,* 1.48 as

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farre as the riuer Teleboas,* 1.49 which is a faire riuer, but not large. About this riuer are many villages; and the place is called West Armenia. Teri∣bazus the Kings fauourite was gouernor of this country;* 1.50 who, if he were present, no man else might set the King on horsebacke but he. This man came riding forth vnto vs, hauing hors-men about him, and sending an interpreter before signified,* 1.51 that he desired to parley with the Comman∣ders: The Coronels resolued to heare, what he would say. So they came and met him, and being within hearing, they asked, what he would haue with them. He said his desire was to make truce with the Grecians, to the end,* 1.52 that neither he should wrong them, nor yet they burne the houses of the countrey, but onely take such victuall, as they needed in their march. The Coronels agreed hereunto, and so the truce was con∣cluded. From thence they marched thorow the plaine countrey 15 Parasangs in 3 encampings.* 1.53 Teribazus followed with his forces, keep∣ing aloofe about ten furlongs.* 1.54 They came to a Palace, which had many villages about it full of large prouision. While they encamped there, fell abundance of snow by night. It was therefore decreed in the mor∣ning,* 1.55 that the Companies and Coronells should quarter in the villages. For they neither saw enemy, and it seemed to be good and safe against the snow. Here they had all things fit for vse, namely sacrifice, wheat, old wine of excellent sauo••r, raysons, and all kinde of pulse. Some, that wandred from the Campe,* 1.56 reported they saw an army, and many fires kindled in the night. Therefore it seemed good to the Coronels not to suffer the souldiers to lie here & there dispersed, but to bring them to∣gether againe into one campe.* 1.57 So they came together again, and thought it best to lie in the field. Whilest they held this course, the snow fell so vehe∣mently in the night, that both armes and men were couered with it. The cariage-beasts also seemed, as though they had bin fettered with the snow and had much ado to arise;* 1.58 and the Souldiers, that lay vpon the ground, vpon whom the Snow fell, and slid not off, became miserably distressed. Now when Xenophon arising vp vnarmed began to cleaue wood, streight wayes one, and then another stood vp, and taking the hatchet from him, fell a cleauing likewise. Hereupon other in semblable manner arising kindled the fire, and anointed themselues. For they found much matter of oyntment there, which they vsed in stead of Oyle Oliue, as namely, Hogs grease, Oyles of Sesamin, of bitter Almonds, and of Turpentine. There was found also sweet oyntments made of the same stuffe. After this it seemed best and most conuenient to quarter againe in villages vn∣der the roofe of houses; and the Souldiers with cheerefull cries and great delight entred into the houses, and there tooke their prouision; onely those, that at the last dislodging out of houses had set them on fire, were punished with lying abroad in hutts,* 1.59 and with such other ill lod∣ging. From hence Democrates the Temenite, hauing Souldiers with him, was by night sent out to the mountaines,* 1.60 where the straglers reported they saw fires. For in former imployments he was thought to bring certaine newes concerning things discouerable, either that they were, or

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were not. He going forth and returning said, he could descry no fires, but he brought in a prisoner hauing a Persian bowe, and a quiuer, and a weapon called S••garis, such as the Amazons beare.* 1.61 This prisoner being demanded, what country-man he was, said, he was a Persian, and came from Teribazus his Campe to seeke prouision. Being asked againe, how great the Armie was, and why assembled; he answered, that Teribazus was there in person with his owne Armie, and with the mercenary Gha∣libians and Taochans, and was determined to set vpon the Grecians in the streights, that were on the mountaine tops, where there was but one way. The Coronels hearing these things found it good to assemble their troopes, and leauing sufficient guards for the Campe,* 1.62 and Sophonaetus to be their commander, they forthwith marched on, taking the prisoner for their guide. They had now passed the mountaine, when the Peltasts aduancing first, and discouering the enemy, gaue a shout, and ran in vpon their Campe, not staying for the armed. The Barbarians hearing the noyse, forsooke the place wherein they were, and ••led immediatly;* 1.63 notwithstanding some of them were slaine, and 20 horses taken; and withall the Tent of Teribazus, in which were beds with siluer feet, and plate, and some that said, they were Bakers, and Butlers. These things being so happily atchieued, the Coronels held it best to returne with all speed vnto the Campe, lest perhaps some enterpise might be made vpon those, that were left behinde,* 1.64 and forthwith by trumpet giuing a signe of retreat, they dismarched, and came to the Campe the same day. The next day they thought it good to proceed with all celerity, before the enemies Armie could againe be rallied, and possesse the streights. There∣fore they trussed vp their baggage, & hauing many guides, marched forth thorow deep Snow, and the same day getting ouer the tops, where Teri∣bazus purposed to haue charged them, they set downe and encamped. From thence in three encampings in the wildernesse they reached to the riuer Euphrates, which they waded thorow not wetting themselues fur∣ther than the Nauill.* 1.65 The fountaines of this riuer were reported not to be farre off. From thence they proceeded 15 Parasangs in three en∣campings through much Snow, which couered the plaine country. The third encamping was laborious and hard, the north wind blowing stiffe against vs, and scorching and befreezing the limbes of the Souldiers: whereupon one of the Soothsayers said,* 1.66 he would offer sacrifice to the wind to appease it, which being accordingly performed, there was no man, but held opinion, that the furie of the storme was much stilled and abated. The Snow was in this place a fathom deepe;* 1.67 so that many ca∣riage beasts, and slaues were lost, and as good as 30 Souldiers. They maintained fires the whole night, by reason that there was great quanti∣tie of wood in the place, where they encamped; and yet they, that were benighted found no wood; neither would those that first were quarte∣red, giue the late commers accesse to the fires, vnlesse in recompence they imparted vnto them wheat, or some other victuall, such as they had. So was there amongst them a mutuall communication of their commo∣dities.

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After the Snow was melted, there appeared great pits vpon the earth, where the fire was made, by which a man might easi∣ly iudge of the depth of the Snow. From thence they marched through Snow the whole next day, and many of the Souldiers were ta∣ken with the disease called Boulimia. Xenophon bringing vp the Reare, and raising those Souldiers, that lay vpon the ground, was ignorant what the disease meant, till one, who had experience, told him, that it was a plaine Oxe-hunger,* 1.68 and that they would immediatly stand vp, if they had any thing to eat. Therefore going to the cariage-beasts, if he saw any drinke, or victuals, he distributed it either by himselfe, or by such as were able to runne about, to those that were pinched with hunger, and they had no sooner eaten, but they stood vp, and marched. In this march Cherisophus about twilight came to a Village, where he found women and maids drawing, and carying water before a Fort. The Interpreter told them in the Persian tongue, that they came to the Viceroy from the King. They answered, the Vice-roy was not there, but about a Para∣sang from thence.* 1.69 Cherisophus, because it was late, entred with the water-bearers into the Fort vnto the Gouernour, where he, and as many as the place was capable of, quartered that night. The rest of the Souldi∣ers, that could not reach to the iournies end, lodged that night without meat or fire, so that some of them perished there. There were of the enemy, that gathered head, and followed the Reare, and taking the ca∣riage-beasts,* 1.70 such as were vnable to trauell, fell foule together about the diuision of them. Some also of the Souldiers, whose sight was perished with the Snow, or had their toes rotted off with the cold, were left be∣hinde.* 1.71 The remedy against the Snow for the eyes was the wearing some blacke thing before them, while they marched: for the feet, continuall mouing and resting no where; and in the night time putting off their shooes from their feet. As many as slept shod, the strings of their shooes were imprinted in their feet, and their shooes fast frozen to them. For there were some, that after they had worne out their old shooes, made themselues countrey shooes of raw hides newly drawne from the Oxe. Some therefore of the Souldiers were left behind inforced by such ne∣cessities; who casting their eyes vpon a peece of ground that was black, by reason the Snow was gone, they imagined it was melted there. And it was indeed melted by a Spring, that sent out vapours in a wooddy val∣ley not farre from thence. Thither they turned, and said they would march no further.* 1.72 As soone as Xenophon, that had the Reare, percei∣ued it, he prayed them, and vsed all art and endeuour to perswade them not to remaine behinde, alledging that the enemy being assembled in great number followed at their heeles. At the last, when he profited no∣thing, he began to be angry; they bid him kill them, if he would; for they were able to goe no further. Hereupon it was thought best, to put a feare, if it might be, into the enemy that followed. The darknesse was now come, and the enemy approached with much tumult and contro∣uersie amongst themselues about the prey they had taken. There they of

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the Reare, as many as were in health, rising vp, ranne vpon the enemy: the other, that were weary, shouting as intirely as they could, beat their pikes vpon their targets.* 1.73 Wherewith the enemy being affrighted cast himselfe into this Valley thorow the Snow, and thence forward was not so much as a word heard from any of them the whole night. Xenophon and the Souldiers with him marched on, and he told them that were weary, that he would send some to visit them the next day. They had not gone foure furlongs, but they hapned vpon other Souldiers, that rested in the way vpon the Snow, being also couered with it, and had put out no watch or guard. He made them stand vp, and they gaue him to vnderstand, that the Vaunt moued no further forward. Himselfe there∣fore passing by, and sending the ablest of the Peltasts to the Vaunt, wil∣led them to bring word, what the impediment was. They brought word, that the whole Armie rested in the same manner. Therefore they that were about Xenophon, setting out such guards as they could, lodged that night without fire or supper. When it was toward day, Xenophon sent the youngest Souldiers about him vnto the sicke, commanding to raise them from the ground, and to compell them to march on. In the meane space were certaine men dispatched away by Cherisophus, to inquire how it was with the Reare; who saw them gladly, and deliuered the sicke men vnto them to be conueighed to the Campe. Themselues marched on, and after 20 furlongs march came to the Village,* 1.74 where Cherisophus quartered; and all being come together, they resolued they might safely quarter in the Villages thereabout. Cherisophus remained where he was. The other casting lots for the Villages they saw,* 1.75 euery one went and tooke possession of his owne. Polycrates an Athenian Captaine asked leaue to goe before, and taking with him the light-armed, and hasting to the Village, that fell to Xenophons lot, found within it all the inhabitants, and the Comarch, or chiefe Ruler of the Village, and 17 Colts, that were fed as a tribute for the King, and the daughter of the Gouernour, who had beene maried some nine daies before, whose husband was then ab∣sent hunting the Hare, and so came not to be taken in any of the Villages. The houses were vnder ground,* 1.76 and the doore of them like the mouth of a Well, but broad and large beneath. The entry for cariage beasts was digged, men ascended by ladders. In the houses were goats, sheepe, oxen, and birds with their young ones by them.* 1.77 All the beasts were fed within doores with fodder. There was besides wheat and barley, and pulse, and wine (in great vessels) made of barley.* 1.78 The barley filled the vessels to the very top, and there lay vpon it Reeds without knots, some great, some little. If a man were thirsty, these Reeds were to be taken into the mouth and sucked; and it was a strong drinke, if vnmingled with water, and very pleasant to them that were acquainted with it. Xe∣nophon tooke the Comarch vnto him, and that night set him at his owne table, and willed him to be of good cheere,* 1.79 assuring him he should not lose his children, and that if he would shew himselfe a friend to the Gre∣cians in leading and directing their Army, till they came to another

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Countrey, he would at his departing fill his house with all things fit for vse. The Comarch promised he would, and in token of loue, shewed the place where wine was stored vnder the earth. So the Souldiers being thus lodged, passed the night in abundance of all things they could de∣sire, hauing the Comarch in their custody, and his children before their eyes.* 1.80 The next day Xenophon taking the Comarch with him went to Cherisophus, and passing thorow the Villages in his way, visited them that were lodged there, and found them banqueting and merry in euery place; neither would they suffer him to depart, vntill they had set din∣ner before him; and in all houses the tables were furnished with lambe, kid, porke, veale, fowle, and with much bread, some made of wheat, some of barley. If any man of curtesie would drinke to another, he drew him to the vessell,* 1.81 to which he was to stoope, and drinke supping like an Oxe. They gaue the Comarch leaue to take what he list, yet tooke he nothing, vnlesse he espied by chance any of his kinsmen, whom hee caried away with him. When they came to Cherisophus, they found all the Souldiers in the houses crowned with hay garlands, and Armenian boyes clad in Barbarian apparell waiting vpon them; to whom, when they would haue any thing done, they were faine to make signes, as to deafe men. After Cherisophus and Xenophon had beene merry together, they asked the Comarch by an Interpreter, what the Countrey was. He answered it was Armenia. Againe they asked him, for whom those hor∣ses were bred and kept;* 1.82 he answered, they were the Kings tribute. The next Countrey, he said, was the Chalybians countrey, and shewed them the way that led thither. After this Xenophon brought him home to his house, and the old horse (which he had taken) he gaue him to be reser∣ued for a sacrifice. For he heard, that he was consecrated to the Sunne, and feared he would die,* 1.83 because he fainted in the iourney. He himselfe tooke to him one of the Colts, and distributed the rest to the other Co∣ronels and Captaines. The horse of that Countrey are lesse than the Per∣sian horse, but much more deedy, and full of metall. The Comarch also taught them,* 1.84 as often as their horse or cariage-beasts were to be driuen thorow the Snow, to binde little bags about their feet; for without these bags, they fell vp to the belly in Snow. When the eight day was come, Xenophon deliuered the Comarch to Cherisophus to be their guide, but left all his houshold to him, except only one of his sonnes, who was lately come to mans estate. Him he deliuered to Episthenes the Amphipolitan to be kept vpon condition, that if he guided the Armie well, he might take his sonne home with him at his returne. Besides they conueighed into his house as many things as they could, and so rising with their whole Campe, they marched forward. The Comarch guided them vn∣bound, because of the Snow: and now they were in the third encam∣ping,* 1.85 when Cherisophus waxed angry with the Guide, because he con∣ducted them to no Villages. He answered, that there were none there∣about. Cherisophus beat him, but bound him not, by reason whereof he shifted away by night, leauing his sonne behinde him. This was the only

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difference and distaste betwixt Cherisophus and Xenophon during this whole iourney. For the Guide was ill intreated, and yet not looked vn∣to, nor made fast. Episthenes was in loue with the boy, and carrying him home into Greece, found him alwaies after exceeding faithfull and trustie. After this they marched forward seuen encampings; fiue Para∣sangs euery day, euen as farre as the riuer Phasis, which is a plether broad.* 1.86 From thence they marched 10 Parasangs in two encampings. The Chalybians, Taochans, and Phasians shewed themselues on the top of a hill, from whence the descent into the Plaine lay. Cherisophus after he perceiued the enemy on the height of the hill, made Alt about thirtie furlongs off,* 1.87 being loth to approach them with his army led in a wing, & he gaue the word, that the following Companies should slee••e vp by the first, to the end the army might be formed into a Phalange, or broad fronted battell. When the Reare was come vp, immediately he called a Court of Coronels and Captaines; and spake thus: ••he enemy, as you see, hath taken the top of the mountaine; It is time for vs to ad∣uise, how we shall most commodiously come to fight with them. Mine opinion is, therefore, that we first command the Souldiers to dine, and then in the meane space consult, whether it be best to passe ouer the mountaine to day or to morrow.

And mine opinion is, said Cleanor, that after dinner we presently arme, and with all celeritie goe against them. For if we linger this day, the enemy, that beholds vs now, will wax bolder, and other animated with their boldnesse, will ioyne vnto them. After him Xenophon spake, and said: I conceiue thus; that if we must needs fight, we are to prepare our selues to fight with the greatest aduantage, we are able. But if we desire to passe the hill with least trou∣ble, we ought to consider, how to receiue fewest wounds, and lose fewest men. The hill, which we see, is more than 60 furlongs in length,* 1.88 and men no where appeare to hinder vs, but onely vpon the way, of our march. It is better therefore to endeuour priuily, to steale, if we can, and to lay bold of, and, as it were,* 1.89 to snatch away by preuention a peece of the void mountaine, than to fight both against a strong place, and against men ready, and resolued to trie their fortune. For it is much more easie to mount a steepe passage without fight, than to trauerse a Plaine beset on euery side with enemies; and a man not fighting shall by night better discerne any thing before his feet, than by day, if he be in fight; and rough places are more euen to his feet, that fighteth not, than plaine ground to him, whose head is in danger. And it seemeth to me not im∣possible to steale some part or other of the hill, in regard, that we haue both the benefit of the night not to be seene, and m••y vse such circuit in ascending, that the enemy shall neuer perceiue vs;* 1.90 and if we make a shew, as though we meant to passe the way, we are in, we shall finde the rest of the mountaine more cleere and void of resistance, because it is likely, he will make good the place, which he holdeth, with all his forces. But what doe I talke of theft before you Cherisophus. For I heare that you Lacedemonians, as many of you, as are of the equalls,* 1.91 meditate from

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your childhood how to steale; & that it is no shame, but a praise-worthy thing to steale such things, as the law forbiddeth not to steale, & to the in∣tent, you steale and conceale your theft with more cunning, the law or∣daineth, that if you be taken with the manner, you shall be well whipped for your paines. Now therefore it is a fit time for you to shew your edu∣cation, and to beware that in stealing the mountaine we be not taken with the manner, lest we be beaten with many stripes. Cherisophus replied: And I likewise heare, that you Athenians steale the riches of your State most artificially, albeit it be no small danger for him that stealeth; and that the best of you, if the best desire to beare rule in the State, are guilty of this crime. So that it is good time for you also to shew your education. I, quoth Xenophon, am ready after we haue supped, to goe with the Reare, and seize vpon the top of the mountaine; Guides I am prouided of. For our light-armed tooke some of the theeues that followed to surprise vs; and I heare, that the mountaine is not vnpassable, but is fed with Goats and Neat. So that if we take any part thereof, we shall finde also a way for our cariage-beasts; and I hope, the enemy after we haue once gained the height, and are in euen ground with them, will no longer maintaine the place, the rather because they haue no great minde to descend now vnto vs into the Plaine.
Yea, but what need you goe, quoth Cherisophus, and leaue the Reare. Rather, if no man be willing to goe of himselfe, let vs make choice of some one or other. Hereupon Aristonymus the Methy∣drian came vp, and presented himselfe with armed foot, and Aristaeus the Chian with light-armed, and Nicomachus the Oetaean likewise with light-armed;* 1.92 and the signe was agreed vpon, namely, to make fires, after the top was taken. All things being thus concluded, they dined. Then Cheri∣sophus led the Army forward toward the enemy some 10 furlongs,* 1.93 as though he had a purpose to continue his march that way. When they had supped, and it was night, those that were appointed proceeded on, and tooke the top of the mountaine; the rest of the Armie remained in the place, where they were. The enemy perceiuing that the top of the moun∣taine was taken, watched and made fires all the night. By breake of day Cherisophus offered sacrifice, and led the Armie in the way, they marched before, and they, that had wonne the hill, and the height thereof, made head against the enemy, who in greatest number remained vpon the or∣dinarie way that lay toward the top,* 1.94 but a part of them aduanced against the Grecians, that had gained the height, who came to hands, before the whole Armie ioyned; in which conflict the Grecians had the better, and followed the chace vpon the enemy. In this meane time the Peltasts of the Grecians that were in the Plaine, ran vp the hill to their companions, that had the victory.* 1.95 Cherisophus with the armed followed as fast as he could, without disordering their troupes. The enemy, that lay vpon the way, when they saw their companions beaten on the height of the hill, abandoned the place, and fled. Many of them were slaine: and they left behinde many wicker targets, which the Grecians cutting in peeces with their swords made for euer after vnprofitable, and of no vse. When

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they came to the top of the mountaine, they offered sacrifice, and ere∣cting a Trophey descended into the Plaine,* 1.96 and into Villages stored with plenty of all things. After this they marched toward the Taochans, 30 Parasangs in fiue encampings. Their victuals here began to wax scant, because the Taochans inhabited strong holds,* 1.97 into which they had con∣ueighed all their vsefull prouision: they crept into a Hold, that had nei∣ther city, nor house in it, and in it men, and women, and many beasts were gathered together. Cherisophus presently marched against it, and so dis∣posed his troupes, that when the first was weary,* 1.98 another streight succee∣ded, and then another. For they could not with their whole forces be∣set the place round, because it was prerupt in all the circuit. When Xeno∣phon came vp with the Reare both Peltasts and armed, Cherisophus told him he was welcome. For the place, said he, must needs be forced, be∣cause henceforth we shall haue no prouision for the Armie, if we omit this Hold. Hereupon they aduised in common; and when Xenophon asked what impediment there was, why it might not be entred, Cheri∣sophus answered:

There is no other way, but this one, that you see; and when any man proffereth to ascend, they tumble downe stones from the high rocke hanging ouer, and vpon whomsoeuer the stones light, thus is hee serued; and withall shewed many Souldiers that had their legs and sides crushed, and broken a peeces. But when the stones are spent, quoth Xenophon, what other impediment shall we haue? For we see but these few oppose against vs, and of them but two or three armed men. And the space, which is so dangerous, is not aboue three halfe Plethers;* 1.99 and thereof about a Plether is be∣set with a thicket of great Pine trees, after which the Souldiers stand∣ing, what hurt can they haue, either from stones throwne, or tumbled downe?
There remaineth then but halfe a Plether,* 1.100 which must be passed running in the time, whilest the stones cease. But, quoth Cherisophus, we can no sooner moue toward the thicket, but the stones come rowling downe in abundance. So should it be, quoth Xenophon; for so they will the sooner be spent. But let vs, if we can, haste thither, from whence least way remaines afterward to run, and from whence, if we be disposed, we may retire with most ease. Then Cherisophus and Xenopho••, and Callima∣chus the Parrhasian Captaine (for he had the leading of the Captaines of the Reare that day) began to aduance.* 1.101 The rest of the Captaines re∣mained in safetie in the place where they were.* 1.102 Then about 70 Souldi∣ers got to the trees, not thronging together but one by one, each of them heedfull to auoid the danger, as he could. Agasias the S••ymphalian, and Aristonymus the Methydrian, who were also Captaines in the Reare, and some other stood behinde the trees; for it was not safe for more than a Company to shelter themselues there.* 1.103 Here Callimachus put in pra∣ctise a deuice of his owne. Hee ranne two or three steps from the tree, behinde which hee stood, and when the stones came row∣ling downe, hee quickly retired. Vpon euery stepping forth of his, were spent more than ten waggons of stones. When Agasias

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saw, what Callimachus did, and that it was in the sight of the army, fea∣ring he would be the first, that should enter the hold, neither signifying any thing to Aristonymus, that stood next him, nor yet to Eurylochus the Lusian (who were both his Companions) nor to any other, he put for∣ward, and outwent all the rest. Callimachus seeing him passe by caug••t hold of the circumference of his Target. In the meane time Aristony∣mus the Methydrian, and Eurylochus the Lucian came by (for all these were at contention and strife amongst themselues, which of them should be esteemed the most valiant) & in this emulation they entred the place.* 1.104 No sooner had one of them entred, but the tumbling downe of sto••es was staid. A grieuous spectacle was thence-forth there to be beheld. The women, after they had cast downe their children from the Rocke, threw themselues after; and so did the men. There also Aeneas the Stymphalian Captaine seeing one, that had on a faire garment, running to cast himselfe downe, laid hold vpon him to saue him. But the other drawing him on, both tumbled headlong downe together, and immedi∣ately died of the fall. In this place were few men, but multitudes of Oxen, Asses, and Sheepe taken. From thence they marched thorow the Chalybia••s Countrey 50 Parasangs in seuen encampings.* 1.105 That Na∣tion was the valiantest of all, that the Grecians passed thorow, and such as durst come to handie blowes with them. They bore Linen Curaces, that reached downe to their bellies, and in stead of wings had thicke ropes wound and fastened together. They had besides Greaues and Head-peeces,* 1.106 and on their Girdle a short Sword like a Lacedemonian Cemiterie, wherewith they slay them, whom they ouercome; and cut∣ting off their heads returne to their friends singing and dancing, espe∣cially if it be in the enemies sight.* 1.107 They haue furthermore a Pike of about fifteene Cubits long, armed at one end with a head of Yron. They remained in Townes, and when the Grecians passed by, they followed them still skirmishing. Afterward they remoued into strong places, and conueighed their prouision thither. So that the Grecians could get no∣thing there, but were faine to feed vpon the cariage-beasts, which they tooke from the Tacchans. From thence they departed to the Riuer Harpa∣sus,* 1.108 a Riuer of foure Plethers bredth; and then thorow the Scythinians Countrey 20 Parasangs in foure encampings. It was a plaine Countrey, and in it they found villages, in which they remained three daies making prouision of Corne. From thence they proceeded in foure encampings 20 Parasangs,* 1.109 and came to a great, wealthy, and well inhabited Citie na∣med Gymnias. The Lieutenant of the Country sent the Grecians a guide to leade them thorow the enemies Countrey. Himselfe comming vnto them told them, that he in person would within fiue daies bring them to a place, from whence they should see the Sea; if not, he refused not to be put to death. When he was come into his enemies Countrey, he willed them to burne and destroy the Land. Whereby appeared, that no good affection, he bare them, but the losse of the enemie was the only cause, he came vnto the Grecians. The fifth day they came to the holy

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Mountaine, which was called Theches.* 1.110 Assoone as they first came to the top of the Mountaine and saw the Sea, there was much shouting and hollowing. Xenophon and the Reare hearing it, imagined that some enemie gaue vpon the Vant. For there were, that followed them out of the Countrey, which they had fired, and of them some were taken, others slaine, by the Reare, which laid an ambush for them, and they got besides 20 wicker Targets couered with raw and hairie hides of Oxen. When the cry grew more and more, and those, that came after, still ran with all speed to the other, that cried in the Vant, and as more trooped together, the cry the more increased; Xenophon conceiued it was not without great cause. Therefore getting to hors-backe, and taking with him Lucius and the Horse, he speeded on to succour. They heard streight way the voices of Souldiers comforting one another, & crying, The Sea, the Sea; whereupon they ran all forward, both they, that came in the Reare, and also the cariage-beasts, and Horses. When all were come to the top of the Mountaine, they fell to embracing both of one another, and also of the Coronels and Captaines, and that not without teares, and presently, it is not knowne by whose commandement, the Souldiers ca∣ried together stones, and raised vp a great heape, and laid thereon a num∣ber of Targets couered with raw Oxe hides, and of staues and of wicker targets taken from the enemy. The guide himselfe cut asunder the wicker targets, & perswaded the rest to do the like. After this the Grecians sent a∣way their guide hauing giuen him a Horse, a siluer bowle, a Persian sute of apparell, & 10 Daricks. Aboue all other things he desired the rings,* 1.111 they wore, & had a great many giuen him by the Souldiers. And so shewing them a village, wherein they might lodge, and the way, that led to the Ma∣crons, assoone as the euening approched he departed, holding on his iourney by night. From thence the Grecians marched forward thorow the Macrons Countrey 10 Parasangs in three encampings.* 1.112 The next day they came as far, as the riuer, that diuideth the territories of the Macrons, & of the Scythinians; on their right hand they had a very steep mountaine hard to ascend, on their left another riuer, into which the riuer, that diuideth the countries, did run; and thorow that riuer they must needs passe. It was be∣set with thick trees, albeit not standing very closely together.* 1.113 These trees the Grecians cut down, when they came to the riuer side, making as great diligence, as they could, to rid themselues out of the Countrey.* 1.114 The Ma∣crons. armed with wicker targets, with pikes and coats made of haire, stood imbattelled on the aduerse side of the riuer, incouraging one another, and casting stones into the riuer, which notwithstanding reached not the Gre∣cians, nor hurt any man. There one of the targetiers came to Xenophon, and told him, that he had serued as a slaue in Athens, & added, that he seemed to know the language of the enemy, & I thinke, quoth he, that this is mine own country; and, if you thinke good, I would faine speake with them. You may do it freely, quoth Xenophon, if you lift; and know of them first, what people they are. They answered, they were Macrons. Aske them a∣gaine, quoth he, why they oppose against vs in armes, & desire to be our

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enemies. They answered, because you go about to inuade our countrey. The Coronels willed the interpreter to say, they came not to offer wrong, but hauing made war against the king, they returned into Greece, and would faine come to the Sea. The Macrons asked the Grecians againe, whether they would giue assurance of that,* 1.115 they said; Who answered, they were readie to giue, & take assurance. Hereupon the Macrons gaue to the Grecians a Barbarian speare, and the Grecians a Grecian speare to them. For they said, that this was the manner of assurance amongst them. But both parties called the gods to witnesse. After assurance giuen the Ma∣crons helped the Grecians to cut down trees, & leuelled the way to further our passage, & came and conuersed with the Grecians furnishing out such a market, as they were able, and led them forward three daies iourney, till they had set them vpon the Colchan mountaines.* 1.116 There was in that coun∣trey a high Mountaine, but yet passable, vpon which the Colchans had ranged themselues in battell. At the first the Grecians ordered their troops against them in a Phalange, as if they purposed to inuade the Mountaine in that forme.* 1.117 Xenophon aduised them, that laying aside the forme of a Phalange, the best course would be to put themselues into single Compa∣nies drawne out in File.

For a Phalange, said he, will soone be broken by reason of the inequalitie of way, which in some part of the Mountaine will be easie enough, in other parts hard to ascend. And it will quickly discourage the Souldiers, to see the Phalange disordered, in which they march. Furthermore if we aduance in a large Front, the enemie, that ex∣ceedeth vs in number, will ouer-front vs, and vse his multitude to most aduantage; if in a narrow Front, it will be no maruell to see our Phalange cut in peeces with the number of missiue weapons and with multitude of men, that will fall vpon it; which comming to passe in any part, the whole Phalange will be distressed. Therefore, as I said, I hold it best to order our selues in companies stretched out in file or depth, euery com∣panie hauing such distance from other,* 1.118 that the out-most companies may ouer-front, and be without the points of the enemies wings. So shall we both gain the aduantage of ouer-fronting their army, & marching on the companies being in file, our best men shall first giue on vpon the enemie. And let euerie companie make choise of the fittest way for ascent. Now for the spaces betwixt each companie it will not be easie for the enemie to enter them, the companies flancking euerie space, nor yet to cut off a companie aduancing in such depth. And if any companie chance to be distressed, the next companie is to succour it. And in case any one of the companies attaine the top of the Hill, assure your selues no enemie will keepe his ground.
The aduice was approued by all, and they drew their companies euerie one into a File. Xenophon going from the right wing to the left, said to the Souldiers;
These, ô Souldiers, whom you see, are the only hindrance of our passage thither, whither we haste with so great desire. If it be possible, we must deuoure them raw.
When euerie man was in his place, and euerie companie in File, the companies of the ar∣med amounted to about 80 in number, and euerie companie contained

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well-neere 100 men.* 1.119 The Targetiers and Archers were diuided into three parts. One part marched without the left Wing, another without the right, the third in the middest. Then the Coronels commanded the Souldiers to pray. When they had praied, they sang the P••an, and so aduanced forward; and the enemie made head against them. Cheriso∣phus, and Xenophon, and the Targetiers with them, being without the points of the enemies battell marched on. The enemie perceiuing it, sought to meet them, and some of them drawing to the right, some to the left hand, they rent their Phalange asunder, and left much void space in the middest. When the Arcadian Peltasts, whose Captaine Aeschines the Acarnan was, saw them distracted, and seuered, they imagined they fled, and ran on with as much speed, as they could. They were the first, that gained the Mountaine. The armed Arcadians commanded by Cleanor the Orchomenian followed at their heeles. The enemie stood firme in no place, after they saw them come running on, but fled, some one way, some another.* 1.120 So the Grecians ascending the Mountaine quartered in many Villages replenished with all things necessarie. In other things there was no cause of maruell, only there were many Bee-hiues, the Hony-combes whereof whosoeuer eat, they became euerie man mad,* 1.121 and scoured vpward and downeward, and none was able to stand vpon their feet. They that eat but a little were like drunken, that eat much like mad, and some like dead men; and there lay so many vpon the ground, that a man would haue thought an ouerthrow had been receiued from an enemie: which caused much discouragement amongst the Troopes. The next day there was no man found dead, and they came to their right sense about the same houre, they fel into their malady. The third & fourth day after they arose, as if they had receiued some medicine. From thence they marched seuen Parasangs in two encampings, & came to the sea side to Trapezond a Grecian city well inhabited, which is situate vpon the Eux∣ine Sea, being a Colonie of the Sinopeans planted in the Colchan Countrey. They remained about 30 dayes in the Colchan countrey spoiling & prey∣ing it. The Trapezuntines exhibited a Market to the Campe, and gaue the Grecians gifts of hospitalitie, viz. Oxen, Meale, and Wine, entertaining them kindly. They transacted likewise for the next neighbour Colchans, especially for those, that inhabited the Plaine, from whom also were sent gifts of hospitalitie, which were for the most part Oxen. Here the Armie prepared the sacrifice, which they had vowed (for a sufficient number of Oxen was sent vnto them) to Iupiter the sauiour, & to Hercules,* 1.122 who had so well guided and protected them in their whole iourney. They praied likewise to other gods. Besides they ordeined Games of exercise in the Mountaine, where they encamped,* 1.123 & chose Dracontius the Lacedemonian (who being yet a boy fled his Countrey for killing another boy with the stroke of a Cimitery against his will) to order the running, and to be pre∣sident of the Games. When the sacrifice was ended, they gaue the beasts skins to Dracontius, & willed him to leade to the place which he had ap∣pointed for the race. He shewed them the place, where they stood, saying:

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This Hill is the fittest place to run in, chuse what part thereof you will. They replyed: Who can wrestle in so rough and wooddie a ground? The more, quoth he, will be his paine, that taketh the fall. The boies, that were prisoners, did for the most part run the Furlong. More than 60 Cretans,* 1.124 ran the race called Dolichon. Other wrestled, and fought with fists, and vsed the Quinquertian exercise; so that it was a pleasant sight to behold them. For many put themselues into the Exercise, and much emulation arose by reason their companions looked on. The horses also ran, and they were appointed to gallop downe the steepe hill to the Sea with high speed, and againe to returne vp to the alter. So many of them tumbled from the height downeward one vpon another; and when they were to returne vpward, they had much adoe, though neuer so leisurely, to raise themselues against the huge steepnesse of the place. Here you might heare great cries, laughter, and incouragements of one to another.

Finis Libri Quarti.

Notes

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