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CHAP. VI.
The beginning of the warres betweene the Assyrians and the Medes. Of the forces that Cyrus levied in Persia to aide the King of Media his Vnkle.
BVr in processe of time Astyages [the King] dyed in Media: and Cyaxares Astyages his sonne, and brother to Cyrus Mother, succeeded in the Empire of the Medes. Then the King of the Assyrians, who had vanquished all the Syrians, (and those were no small nation,) subdued the King of the Arabians, and brought him to his obedience, and who held already the Hyrcanians like∣wise under his subjection, and now warred upon the Bactrians and besieged their cities, thought this with himselfe, that if he could once conquer the Medians al∣so, or weaken their estate, he might soone become the absolute Monarch of all the neighbour countries round about him. For, this Nation, of all the borde∣rers was reputed most puissant. Sending therefore unto his owne subjects, and to those who were under his alleageance: likewise to Croesus King of the Lydi∣ans, and to the King of the Cappadocians: to the inhabitants of Phrygia, both the one and the other, to the Carians, Paphlagonians, to the Indians and Cilicians, he layd open unto them many grievous imputations against the Medes and Persians, alleadging, how great and mighty these States were, how they combined and linked themselves together by mutuall marriages: and in a word, were so knit and united in perpetuall league and amity, that unlesse some one arose by good forecast to prevent their growth and abate their force, great daunger there was, that they would invade one nation after another, and so subdue them all. These Princes and States therefore, partly perswaded by these his suggestions, and in part inveagled by his presents and money, whereof he had exceeding store, con∣descended and entred into association with him. But Cyaxares Astyages his sonne, perceiving what traines were laid and purveyance addressed against him; imme∣diately both made what preparation he could himselfe: and also dispatched his Embassadours to the Persians as well unto the States there, as also to Cambyses his brother in law, who had married his sister and raigned King of Persia. Hee sent also to Cyrus, requesting him that in case the C••••ncell and State of Persia sent any power of men to aide, he would indeavour to be the Generall of those forces. For, now by this time, had Cyrus spent his ten yeeres with the Youths, and was reckoned in the ranke of men full growne. Cyrus therefore having well approoved the motion, was by the Elders (Councellers of the State) elected Lord Generall in this expedition into Media. They gave him also commission to choose unto him 200. Gentlemen as Peeres called* 1.1 Homotimi. Also every one of those 200. they licenced to make election of foure others like unto them∣selves in degree: which number amounteth unto one thousand. Semblably to every one of this thousand they granted for to levy from out of the common people of the Persians, 10. light targuatiers, ten slingers, and tenne archers. By which meanes, over and above the thousand Peeres or Gentlemen aforesaid, there were in all ten thousand Archers, ten thousand Targuatiers, and ten thou∣sand Slingers. This so great an army was committed to the conduct of Cyrus: who was no sooner chosen, but forthwith he began devoutly at the service of