Cyrupædia The institution and life of Cyrus, the first of that name, King of Persians. Eight bookes. Treating of noble education, of princely exercises, military discipline, vvarlike stratagems, preparations and expeditions: as appeareth by the contents before the beginning of the first booke. Written in Greeke by the sage Xenophon. Translated out of Greeke into English, and conferred with the Latine and French translations, by Philemon Holland of the city of Coventry Doctor in Physick. Dedicated to his most excellent Maiesty.

CHAP. V.

How Cyrus defaited the Assyrians againe, and tooke prisoners, Kings, Lords and other souldiours a great number. The order that he gave, how to bee provided presently of victuals without confusion and trouble.

WHen it was day light, the enemies, some wondred and were astoni∣ed at these occurrents: others perceived at the first what the mat∣ter was: some told it as newes: others cryed out: some unloosed their horses: others fell to trusse up bag and baggage, some flung armour and weapons from of their beasts backs: others did on their harnois: some leapt on horsebacke, others bridled them: some mounted their wives and women into wagons: others caught up their things of greatest price to save them: some againe were taken in the manner as they were hiding the same in the ground: but the most part tooke their heeles. And we must thinke, that many and sun∣dry things they did, save this onely, that there was not one of them fought, but perished without fight. Croesus the Lydian King had sent away before in the night (for that it was the hote summer season) his wives in Carroches, that du∣ring the coole aire, they might travaile more easily: and himselfe followed hard after, with his horsemen. Likewise did, by report, the Phrygian Poten∣tate who ruled that Phrygia which lieth upon Hellespont. But when they un∣derstood by those that fled and overtooke them, how the world went, them∣selves fled also as fast as ever they could. The KK. of the Cappadocians and Ara∣bians, who were next hand and made some resistance, unarmed and without their curaces, the Hyrcanians put to the sword. The most part of those that lost their lives were Assyrians and Arabians. For, being within their owne land, they made slowest haste, and went least forward. Whiles the Medes and Hyr∣canians made havocke and execution (as it was no other like) following the chace as they did and having still the upper hand, Cyrus commaunded those Cornets of horsemen which were left with him, to ride about the Campe: and whomsoever they saw going forth armed, to kill them ou••••ight: but to those who stayed within, he made proclamation, That what souldiours so ever of the enemies armie, were either Horsmen, Targuatiers or Archers, they should trusse up their armour and bring it forth, leaving their horses still at their Pavilions. But as many as did not this, they should forthwith lose their heads.

Meane while with their arming swords ready drawne, they stood in order of battaile round about the tents. They therefore that had armour, brought it forth and flung the same from them into one place where Cyrus had appointed, which they set on fire and burnt, who had commandement from him so to doe. Cyrus then, considering, that thither they were come unprovided altogither of meat and drinke, without which impossible it is, that either an expedition should hold out or any other feat of armes be exploited: and casting about, how hee might most speedily and in the best sort be therewith furnished; thought with∣all, how necessary it is for all those that undertake warfare, to have some one man, who should take charge of Pavilion and lodging, yea and purvey victuals ready for souldiers against their entrie into the Campe. Knowing therefore

that by all likelihood such as these, at this present especially might be found in the* 1.1 Campe, for that now they would be busied in providing necessaries; hee commaunded by proclamation all those* 1.2 Campe-officers to shew themselves: and if any such minister were wanting, the most auncient in every tent to come forth and appeare: and herein not to faile nor disobey at their utmost peril. They seeing their Lords and Masters to yeeld obedience, forthwith themselves obey∣ed also. When they were come in place, First hee commaunded them to sit downe, who had in their tents more provision of victuall then would serve for two moneths. After he had seene them, he bad those likewise to sit, who had one moneths victuall: and then, all in manner sat them downe. Now when he had learned thus much, he spake unto them in this manner. Goe to then, good fellowes, quoth he, whosoever of you doe hate miseries, and desire to have any good at our hands; looke to it with all diligence that there bee in every tent, double so much victualls as well meats as drinks provided, both for master and man, for Captaine likewise and souldiours, as yee were wont daily to provide. See also, that all other things be ready prepared, which may set out and furnish a feast: For, there will be here anon those, who after they have gotten the up∣per hand of their enemies, will thinke it meet that they have all necessaries plen∣teously and to the full. Know yee therefore, that it will bee for your owne good, if yee entertaine them so, as they have no cause to complaine. When they heard this, they performed diligently what they were enjoyned to doe Then Cyrus called togither his owne Centurions againe and made such an ora∣tion as this unto them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of the ••••••∣mies.
• * 1.2

  〈…〉〈…〉.