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. IIII.

How the King of India sent an Embassage unto Cyrus to treat about a league with him: who sent the said Embassadours, to listen after (as spies,) the affaires of the Assyrians. The newes that they brought backe.

ABout this time there came unto his Presence those that brought him mo∣ney from the Indian King, and declared besides unto him their Cre∣dence, That the King [by way of answer] greeted him in these termes. It pleaseth me right well, ô Cyrus, and I take it kindly, that you made me ac∣quainted with what you stood in need of. Willing therefore I am to entertaine the law of hospitality and friendship with you, and so, I send you money. And if you want any thing else, send, and you shall have. Moreover I have com∣maunded those that are come from me to you, for to doe whatsoever you bid them.

Which newes when Cyrus heard, Why! then, quoth he, I charge all the rest of you, to abide here in those tents which you have taken up already; there, to have the custodie of the said money, and to live at your most pleasure: onely

three of you, at my request, shall make an errand to the enemies, as if yee came as Embassadours from the Indian King, to treat with them about an Associa∣tion in these warres. Wherein, if yee doe me good service, I will take my selfe more beholden unto you and give you greater thankes, than for the treasure which yee have brought unto me. For, these common* 1.1 Spies, in forme of slaves, can learne and report no other thing but what all men know: Whereas, such men as yee are, in quality of Embassadors, doe many times come to the intelligence even of their secret projects also. The Indians having heard this right gladly, and beene for that time courteously intertained and rewarded by Cyrus, did put themselves in readinesse, and the next day set forward on their journey; promising upon their fidelity, that when they had learned what they could of the enemies, they would repaire againe unto him with all speed possi∣ble. And Cyrus verily (as he was a man who projected no small enterprises) pro∣vided all things for the warre magnificently. Neither tooke he order for such matters onely, as his Allies thought meet, but also kindled an aemulation a∣mong his Friends: who might shew themselves in their armour most gallant, in horsmanship most skilfull, in darting and shooting most cunning, and in tra∣vaile most painfull? And these feats wrought he, what by training them forth to hunting, and what by gracing and rewarding the best in every kind. Such Captaines also and Rulers, as he saw most studious and carefull in this point, that their souldiers should prove right expert and valiant, such I say, he did put forward and embolden, as well by praising, as by gratifying them in whatso∣ever he could. And if at any time he sacrificed, or kept some festivall holiday, he would then set forth and exhibit some games of price, respective to all those feats which men practise for the use of warre. Yea and to the victour hee gave rewards most magnificently. So that much joy and mirth there was throughout his armie.

And now by this time were all things in manner finished, which he minded to use in his expedition, saving onely* 1.2 engins. For the Persian horsemen were growne already to the compleat number of 10. thousand: of si••hed chariots, that himselfe had provided, there were full one hundred: and of others that A∣bradatas the Susian tooke in hand to make, according to the patterne of Cyrus his chariots, there were as many. Moreover, Cyrus had perswaded Cyaxares, to chaunge his Median chariots, from the Trojane and Lybian fashion: and to make them after his owne. Of which sort also there was a third hundred. Further∣more, for the* 1.3 Camels, were souldiers appointed to serve upon them: for every one two archers. And the most part of his armie carried this mind, as if they had wonne the victorie already, and as if the enemies were of no worth. Now when as they stood thus affected and appointed: after that the Indians also whom Cyrus had sent to discover, were returned from the enemies, and related how Croesus was elected the Generall and Conductor of all their forces: How it was decreed by all the Confederate KK. that every one should be present with all his puissance, and bring with him great store of money, to serve partly for to wage as many as they could levie, and partly to bestow by way of largesse up∣on such as need required: Moreover, that many Thracians wearing swords by their sides were already hired: and Aegyptians, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand were under saile, and those armed with shields reaching down to their feet, and great massie speares, such as they use even at this day, and long

swords: Also that a power of Cyprians was comming by sea: And as for the C••••licians, That they were all arrived already: The Phrygians likewise of both sorts, togither with the Lycaonians, Paphlagonians, Cappadocians and Phoemcians. Furthermore, that with the Babylonian King, the Assyrians, lonians, Aeolians, and well neere all the Greeks inhabiting Asia, were enforced to follow Croesus. And that hee had sent unto Lacedaemon also for aide-souldiers. That the maine armie was assembled about the river Pactolus. That they would march forward to the Rendezvous at Thybarrhe, (where even now the Barbarians in∣habiting the lower Syria that are in subjection to the King, use to hold their mee∣tings) and how generall proclamation was made, that every man should tran∣slate the mercate of all wares and chaffer vendible, thither. Semblably, when the Captives also delivered almost the same Intelligence (for Cyrus had given order, that some should be taken prisoners, of whom he might enquire and learne somewhat: yea and sent out certaine Spies, in likenesse of slaves, as if they had bin runnagates from him.) Vpon these newes I say, which the armie of Cy∣rus heard, every man, as good reason was, began to muse and be sollicitous: they walke also up and downe abroad more silent than they were wont, neither seemed many of them to be cheereful and merry: but flocked togither in compa∣nies: questioning and communing one with another every where, as touching these occurrents. Cyrus perceiving then, that feare had possessed his armie tho∣rowout: called togither the principall Captaines and Commaunders of all his forces: yea and so many as whose discouragement might seeme to doe hurt, and whose resolute courage doe good. Hee gave his owne* 1.4 ministers about him also to understand, that if any other souldiers bearing armes were desirous to draw neere, and heare what speech he would make, they should not prohibit or keep them backe. And when they were gathered all togither, hee spake unto them in this wise.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ••••tellig••cers.
• * 1.2

  Artillery.
• * 1.3

  Dromedaries.
• * 1.4

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