Kyrou paideia, or, The institution and life of Cyrus the Great written by that famous philosopher and general, Xenophon of Athens, and from the original Greek made English, the first four books by Francis Digby ..., the four last by John Norris.

BOOK II. (Book 2)

DIscoursing thus together, they were ad∣vanc'd as far as the Confines of Persia; where, after an Auspicious Eagle had appear'd unto them, and conducted them in their way, first making their supplications to the Gods, and Guardians of the Persian Nation, that they would favourably and graciously dis∣miss them, they pass'd the Boundaries: which done, and again having supplicated the Tutelar Gods of Media, that they would vouchsafe them a gracious and favourable reception, They, as beseem'd them, embrac't each other, and de∣parted; the Father again into Persia, but Cyrus continu'd on his way into Media to Cyaxares his uncle. Whither, when he was come, after mutual Congratulations past, Cya•…•…ares inquir'd of Him how great an Army He had brought. He reply'd, 1 1.1 thirty thousand of those that came to you heretofore to serve as Mercenaries. Be∣sides these, there come others of the 2 1.2 Nobility that never yet went forth to War. How many of them? quoth Cyaxares: For their Number, said Cyrus, when you hear it, it will not greatly please you; but know this, that few as They are, of those we call Peers, they easily com∣mand

all the rest of the Persians. But do you, quoth He, stand in need of them? or were your fears causeless, and your Enemies come not at all? Yes assuredly they come, reply'd He, and your Number is very great. But how does this appear? Because, said He, many that come from thence, though they make dif∣ferent reports of things, yet they all agree in this. Must we then of necessity fight these men? 'Tis unavoidable, quoth He. Why then, answered Cyrus, did you not inform me what you knew of their strength, with what Power they invade vs, as likewise what our own forces are? that we being assured of the * 1.3 strength of both Parties, might take our Mea∣sures accordingly which way best to give them Battel.

Hear me then, quoth Cyaxares, Craes•…•… King of Lydia, brings, as is reported, ten thousand Horse-men; and of Tar•…•… and Bow-men more than forty thousand. Artamus, Prince of the greater Phrygia, brings into the field about eight thousand Horse-men, and of Spear-men and Targettiers no less than forty thousand. Aribaeus, King of Cappadocia, leads forth about six thousand Horse-men, and of Archers and Targettiers not fewer than thirty thousand. Maragdus, the Arabian, comes against us with ten thousand Horse, an hundred Chariots, and of Slingers an innumerable multitude. As for the Greeks that inhabit Asia, 'tis not yet certain∣ly said whether they follow or no: but for those of that part of Phrygia that borders upon the Hellespont, the report is, that Gabaeus has joyn'd

them, who comes from about the Plains of Caystrus with six thousand Horse, and ten thou∣sand bearing Shields. The Carians, Cilicians and Paphlagonians, as the Rumour goes, follow not, though they were invited. And for the Assyrian Monarch Himself (as being Lord of Babylon, and of all the rest of Assyria besides) He, I suppose, will not bring into the field less than twenty thousand Horse-men; Chariots, I be∣lieve, not above two hundred; but of Foot, I imagine (as He uses to do when He invades these Countrys) an exceeding great number. According to this your Account, quoth Cyrus, our Enemies Horse amount to threescore thou∣sand; their Targettiers and Bow-men to above two hundred thousand. Well now inform me, what is the Number of your own Forces? The Median Horse, quoth He, amount to above ten thousand; of Targettiers and Archers, we may possibly in our own Territories, levy threescore thousand. The Armenians, our Neighbours, will assist us with four thousand Horse, and twenty thousand Foot. Then at the rate you compute, quoth Cyrus, our Horse are less than one third part of the Enemy's Cavalry; and our Foot does not fully reach half their Infantry. How then? quoth Cyaxares, and don't you think those Persians, you say you have brought with you, to be very few? But whether we have, quoth Cyrus, any such need of Men, or no, we shall consult by and by: therefore tell me in order what are your several ways of fighting. We do all of us in a manner, reply'd Cyaxares, fight much after the same fashion. For there

are among them, as well as amongst Us, those that use both Arrows and Javelins. If these are their Weapons, quoth Cyrus, it must of necessity follow that there will be Excursions and Skirmishes at a distance. Undoubtedly so, quoth Cyaxares. Then, reply'd Cyrus, they must needs be Conquerours that are most nu∣merous: for 'twill be much more easie for the many to wound and destroy the few, than the few the many. If this be the Case, my dear Cyrus, said He, what can we think of better than to send dispatches to the Persians, and withall to give them to understand, that what Calamities soever befall the Medes, the same will also reach them; and thereupon to crave of them greater Assistance. Well, quoth Cyrus, but know this, that although the whole Power of Persia should come forth to aid Us, we shall not yet be able to surpass our Enemies in Number. What Expe∣dient then, quoth He, can you devise better than this. For my part, answered Cyrus, were I as you, I would immediately provide for all the Persians that are coming hither, exactly such Armour as those Noble-men of ours, which we call Peers, are furnish'd with: Which is this, a Breast-plate, a light Target for the left hand, and a Falchion, or Cymitar in the right. This if you do, we shall be able, with more safety, to close with our Enemies, and encounter them hand to hand; and they also will think it more eligable to fly than to maintain their ground. For those of them that keep the field, we Per∣sians will give them Battel, committing such as fly to you and your Horsemen; that so they may

have no opportunity either to save themselves by flight, or to rally again. Thus spake Cyrus, and Cyaxares so well approv'd of what He had said, that now He made no further mention of sending for fresh supplies, but immediately began to make ready the aforesaid Armour, which was scarce yet dispatch'd, e're the Persian Nobility were advanc'd with the Army sent out of their own Country. Whom when Cyrus had assem∣bled together, He spake to them to this ef∣fect:

Country-men and Friends, when I saw you * 1.4 thus well Arm'd, and withal perceiv'd your hearty Resolutions to joyn close Battel with the Enemy; but the rest of the Persians, your followers, no otherwise appointed than to skir∣mish here and there at random: I was highly concern'd, lest possibly, you, as you are few in Number, and destitute of others to relieve you, might, being overpower'd by your Ene∣mies, be reduc'd to Extremity and Distress. But now in regard you bring hither Bodies so man∣ly and robust, that they can't be excepted against, and they also are to be arm'd like your selves; our great business will be to ani∣mate and quicken them. For 'tis a General's Duty not only to be brave and daring Himself, but also to take effectual Care that those under Him acquit themselves with Gallantry and

Courage.

When Cyrus had thus said, and they under∣stood they should have more Companions in the Battel, they were all exceeding glad; and one of them stood forth and spake to this effect:

My

discourse perhaps would be lookt upon as very * 1.5 strange, should I take upon me to advise Cy∣rus to say any thing in our behalf, to those that are to be our Fellow-Astros in the War, when they put on their Armour: but this I am assured of, that Their words make the deepest Impressi∣on in the hearts of their Audience, who have the greatest Power to do good or ill. Likewise the Gifts and Largesses of such Men, though they are less considerable than those of a samiliar Friend, yet are they more highly valued and esteem'd by the Receivers. So now these Per∣sians would more cheerfully follow the Exhor∣tation of Cyrus himself, than if they were coun∣sell'd and encourag'd by Us. And being ad∣mitted into the Order of Peerage, they will think it more securely confirm'd to them, if it be done by their King's Son and their Gene∣ral, than if they were by Us advanc'd to the same Dignity. Nevertheless, we must not be wanting in what concerns Us, but ought by all means possible to raise and enliven the hearts of these Men: for the more valiantly they behave themselves, the more will it be

for our Honour and Advantage. Hereupon Cyrus having assembled together all the Persian Souldiery, and plae'd the Armour in the midst of them, spake to them as follows:

Men of Persia, In regard you were born and * 1.6 bred in the same Country with Us, and have Bodies nothing inferiour to Ours; 'tis requisite likewise that you equal Us in Valour and Resolution of mind. For though you are such stout Men, yet in our own Country you

never shar'd like Honours with Us: not that We debarr'd you that Priviledge, but that there was a Constraint upon you to provide Neces∣saries for your selves. But now, by the Divine Assistance, I shall take Care that there be no want of these things; and you, although you are in some sort of a lower Rank, in respect of Us; may yet, if you please, put on the same Armour we wear, and encounter the same Dan∣gers we do; and if you perform any brave and noble Exploit, be advanc'd equally with Us in Honour and Esteem. Hitherto you have been us'd to Bows and Darts as well as we, ne∣vertheless 'tis not at all to be wondred at, if your Skill and Experience herein fall short of Ours; for you had not the leisure and opportu∣nity to practise these things, which we had. But now in this kind of Armour here before you, we shall not have the least advantage of you. For every one shall have a Breast-plate fitted to him, in his left hand a light Target (such as we all have been us'd to carry) and in his right hand a Sword or Cymitar, wherewith to s•…•…ite down his Adversaries, who can't pos∣sibly escape Him if He direct his stroke aright. In these Circumstances what is it wherein we can One furpass another, but by being daring and forward? which ought to be Your Con∣cern no less than Ours. For as for Victory (which both instates Us in, and likewise se∣cures to Us all things that are honourable and good) upon what account should We be more desirous of it than You? And as for Power (which bestows upon the Conquerours all the

spoils of the Vanquished) what reason have We to endeavour after it rather than you? To conclude, you have heard the whole matter, you see all the Armour here before you; let every Man take what is fit for Him, and so give his Name to some Centurion in the Ar∣my, that he may be enroll'd in the same rank and quality with Us. As for those that content themselves with the Condition of Mercenary Souldiers, let them still continue to wear such Arms as are proper for Servants and Atten∣dants.

Thus spake Cyrus, whom when the Persians had heard, they concluded that they justly deserv'd to lead a wretched and uncomfortable Life for the future, if, upon so fair an Invitation, to par∣take of the like Dangers, and to share the same Rewards with them, they should offer to refuse: Whereupon they unanimously listed themselves, and took every Man his Armour. During the time of the Report that the Enemy was advanc'd very near them, when indeed there was no such thing, Cyrus made it his business to * 1.7 improve the strength of those that were about him, by keeping them to bodily Exercise; He instructed them in Military Arts, animating and exciting them to all the hazards and adventures of War. And first of all, Cyaxares having fur∣nish'd him with Purveyors for his Army, He com∣manded that every one should forthwith be plentifully supply'd with all things necessary for them. Which provision being made, the Soul∣diers had now nothing to do, but to exercise themselves in feats of Arms: for, it seems, He

had perfectly learn'd this Point, that they do in all things approve themselves the most excellent Men, who, forbearing to busie their thoughts about diverse concerns at once, are intent only upon one. Moreover, having debarr'd them the use of Bows and Javelins, He allow'd them no other kind of Exercise, but only to skirmish with Sword, Buckler and Breast-plate; whereby He soon wrought them into an opinion, That they must of necessity close, and come to hand-blows with the Enemy, or else confess themselves to be of no account, and utterly unworthy to be stil'd Companions in the War. But to acknowledge this were very hard, because they know they are furnish'd with Necessaries for no other End but to fight for those that supply them there∣with. Now when He considered likewise with Himself, that Men more cheerfully exercise themselves in those points wherein there ari∣seth Emulation, and Contention for Victory, He proclaimed Solemn Games amongst them, such as He knew were very advantagious for the Exercise and Improvement of his Souldiers.

Now the particulars He injoyn'd them were these: That a Common Souldier acquit Himself well; be obedient to his Officers•…•… willing to un∣dergo hardship; forward to encounter Danger, without disordering the Battel; acquainted with the Arts and Stratagems of War; in his Armour gay and brave; and in all things belonging to a Souldier push't on with Emulation and a Love of Honour. That the Leader of a 1 1.8 Half-File both behave Himself like a good Souldier, and also, as much as in Him lyes, take Care that

those he commands approve themselves so too: That he that hath the Conduct of a 1 1.9 whole File have the same regard to those he commands: That a Lieutenant likewise look to his Charge: That the Captain-General also have a special Re∣gard, not only that He himself, but all the chief Officers near him, may acquit themselves with an unreprovable Gallantry, and in like manner keep those under their respective Commands, to a constant Discharge of their Duty.

Now the Encouragements he propos'd to them were these: That those Captains, whose Con∣duct, in the management of their several Com∣panies, had been most remarkable, should be advanced to the Office of Majors; that such Lieu∣tenants as had made the greatest Improvement and best Advantage of the Commands they bore, should be promoted to the Dignity of Captains; that they who best manag'd their 2 1.10 De∣curies should be rais'd to the Honour of Lieute∣nants; that they who best behav'd themselves in leading of Five, should be rewarded with the Command of a Decury; and that those Common Souldiers who gave the most notable Proofs of their Bravery and Valour, should be encoura∣ged with the Leading of Five. Now by this means all these Officers and Captains gain'd this main principal Point to be obev'd and revered by those they commanded; and consequently, such other Honours and Respects were paid as were due to every Man's Quality and Station. Besides this, he spurr'd on those that were praise∣worthy with a fair Prospect of some greater Pro∣motion hereafter. He likewise publickly decreed

honourable Rewards as well to whole Regiments and Companies as to particular Ranks and Files, where he saw them most willing to obey and most ready to execute the Commands of their Supe∣riours; which Rewards were really such as best suited with the Condition of a Multitude. And these are the Particulars of what he himself pub∣lish'd and ordain'd, and wherein his Souldiers were train'd up and exercis'd. Tents also he built for them, in number, equal to the several 3 1.11 Prefects or Captains in the Army; and for their Extent each of them large enough to entertain a Century: now a Century consisted of an hun∣dred Men; and so every Hundred were lodged in their respective Tents. Now their encamp∣ing thus together, must needs, as he conceiv'd, be of great Import and Advantage to him in his Prosecution of the ensuing War, in regard they saw the Provisions orderly distributed to every one alike; so that no Man could have any Plea for his Cowardice or Remissness in the Battel, up∣on pretence of not having an equal Proportion of Allowance with the rest. Besides, He thought their quartering thus together would be highly advantageous, to him by promoting a mutual Acquaintance and Intimacy amongst them: for he was fully perswaded. That if they all knew one another, they would be asham'd; whereas if they were wholly unacquainted, they would, like Men in the dark, be more prone to indulge them∣selves in Idleness and Sloth. He believ'd like∣wise, That this kind of cohabiting together in the Camp would very much conduce to the due and regular marshalling of his Army; in regard

every Captain had dispos'd his Regiments in so good order, that he could as easily march out with an entire Company as lead them forth one by one: After the same method had the Lieute∣nants manag'd their respective 4 1.12 Bands; the De∣curions their Tens, and the Captains of five their Fives. Now this exact Regulation of the Army he look'd upon to be a matter of great Moment and Concern, both for the avoiding Confusion and Disorder, and also (in case of any such Misfortune) for the more speedy putting themselves in Batta∣lia again: just as we see in Stones and pieces of Timber which are to be compact and coupled toge∣in Building, provided they have some special mark whereby we may but know for what part of the Structure they were design'd; for very ea∣sie it is to fit and frame them together, tho they be never so confusedly scatter'd and disperst. The best Advantage he propos'd from their living to∣gether in their Tents was this; He concluded they would be very unwilling to desert one ano∣ther, because he saw even Brute Beasts, feeding in the same Pasture, express a strange desire one for another, if any one did forcibly drive them from their Fellows.

Cyrus had always a special Regard to this, that they should never go to Dinner or Supper unless they had first labour'd till they Sweated again: And for this purpose, He either led them forth to hunt, or else contriv'd such Exercises and Di∣versions for them, as would effectually cause the same: or if he were to engage in any Enterprize, he would so lead them on to the Execution of it, that without Sweating they should not come off.

And this he thought did not only make them eat with a better Appetite and Relish, and kept them in perfect Health, but also did very much conduce to the enabling them to undergo Labour and Travel. Besides, he look'd upon it that their being Fellow-Labourers together would be a fair opportunity of endearing them each to other; just as it is with Horses, those that have been wrought hard at the same Drudgery and Toil, stand more quietly and gently together in the same Stall. And undoubtedly, they give the best Proofs of their Bravery against the Enemy, who are conscious to themselves how well they have acted in their exercises one with another.

Cyrus also erected a Pavilion for himself, fit for the Accommodation and Reception of those that he invited to sup with him. Now, for the most part, he invited of his chief Captains, such as he thought proper and convenient: sometimes he sent for his Lieutenants to his Table; some∣times for the 5 1.13 Corporals; and sometimes for the Captains over Five. Upon some Occasions like∣wise, he admitted private Souldiers; sometimes also half a File together; sometimes a whole File; sometimes an entire Band of Souldiers, and some∣times a whole Regiment. And this kind of In∣vitation and honouring them thus was usual with him, when he saw any particular Person perform that which he would have recommended to the Army in general: now the Entertainment he provided was always the same for himself and his Guests. He took also special Care that those Messengers that followed and attended the Camp, * 1.14 should in all things share equally with the rest,

in that he look'd upon such Officers to be, in no case, less deserving of Honour and Advance∣ment than Heralds and Ambassadors: for he con∣cluded that they must needs be Men of Fidelity, and Skill in Military Affairs, Understanding, in Business earnest, quick of dispatch, diligent, and undaunted. Over and above all this, Cyrus knew 'twas expedient that these kind Officers should be treated with the same Regard as they that were reputed the best amongst them, and so to be manag'd that they might refuse nothing that was enjoyn'd them; but that in all things they might make their Prince's Commands the Measure of their Obedience.

It was likewise his constant Care, as oft as he made these publick Entertainments in his Tent, to provide that they might be season'd with such Discourses as would at once create Mirth, and incite to some noble and generous Undertaking. So on a time he occasionally entred upon this kind of Discourse:

How think you, Country∣men, quoth he, do you esteem others any * 1.15 way our Inferiors, or to fall short of us, because they have not had the same Advantage of Education and Discipline as we have? Or will there, think you, be no Difference betwixt them and us, neither in our common Conver∣sation, nor when we come to give the Enemy Battel? To him Hystaspes reply'd; How they will behave themselves against the Enemy I don't yet understand: but, I vow to you, in their ordinary Converse one with another, some of them seem, already, very morose and refractory. for, Cyaxares sent lately consecrate

Victims to every Company, which being di∣stributed, every Man had at least three Divi∣dends of Flesh for his share. The Cook, when he carried about the first Course, began with me: but when he came in with the second, I bad him invert his method, and begin with the last. Whereupon, one of the Souldiers that sat about the middle cry'd out, and said, In good faith this is by no means fair dealing, if he shall never begin with us that sit here in the midst. Which when I perceiv'd, I was very much disturb'd that they should think they were cozen'd; and immediately call'd the Souldier to me: and therein he as readily obey'd. Now by that time the Messes which were carry'd about came to us, and we, I re∣member, being to be serv'd last, the Pieces of Meat that were left were very small; whereat he being heartily vex'd, was not able any longer to contain himself, but mutter'd out these Words: What hard Fortune had I to be call'd hither, and * 1.16 speed so much the worse! To whom I reply'd, Come, trouble not your self, for by and by he will begin with us; then you shall choose with the first, and have the largest Portion. This said, in comes the Cook with the third Course, even all that was left undistributed: and here he had his choice next after me. But when a third had likewise taken, and had, as he thought, met with a larger piece than himself, down again he threw what he had already pitch'd upon, as if he would make a second Choice. But the Cook supposing the Man had no need of Meat, kept

on his way, and carried the Mess quite about before he could seize on another piece. Whereupon, he took this Disaster so hei∣nously, because that which he had chosen be∣fore was all eaten up, that he overturn'd even the Sauce that was left, out of a mere Trans∣port of Vexation and Rage at his ill fortune. Which when the Officer that stood next Us perceived, clapping his hands together, he burst out into a great Laughter: and I, for my part, was forc'd to counterfeit a Cough, not being able otherwise to forbear laughing out-right. Such a one as this, Cyrus, quoth he, can I shew you amongst our own Fellows. Whereat, all of them, as well they might, laugh'd heartily. Then stood up another of the Captains, and said; This Gentleman it seems has light upon a very peevish humour∣some Fellow. But when you dismist us with your Instructions for Marshalling an Army, and commanded every one of us what we had learnt of you, to teach the same to our respe∣ctive Companies, then went I, as the rest did, and exercis'd one Party. When having pla∣ced their Leader at the head of them, and next to him a brisk Young-man, and so the rest in such order as I thought fit, I stood forth and fac'd them; where, viewing the whole Band, when I saw my own time, I command∣ed * 1.17 them to march forward: Presently my Young-man stepping forth, march'd in the Van before his Leader. Which, when I per∣ceiv'd, You, Sir, what do you mean, said I? To march on, replied he, as you command∣ed.

But my Commands, quoth I, were not to you only, but to all the rest. Upon these Words, turning him about to the Company, What, hear you not, saith he, how our Cap∣tain commands us all to advance forward? Hereupon the whole Band moving on, march'd before their Leader, and came up to Me. And when their Officer commanded them back * 1.18 again, they began to be discontented, and to murmur, saying; Whether of these two must we obey? for here one commands us, and the other forbids us, to march forward. All this I patiently bore with, and replacing every one in his proper Order, I gave them in charge, That not a Man of those that came behind should fair a foot till he before him began to move; but that they should all have a special regard to this, That every Man follow his Lead∣er. Now so it was, that one going for Persia, came to wait upon me for my Letter which I had wrote to my Friends; wherefore, I wish'd the Officer (for he knew where the Letter lay) to run and fetch it: He did accordingly; when immediately the aforesaid Young-man guarded, as he was, with a Breast-Plate, and a Halbert in his hand, followed his Leader; which the rest of the Company perceiving, all ran after, so that the whole Band of Souldiers came and brought me my Letter. Thus you see, quoth he, how perfectly my Party have learnt all that you enjoyn'd me to teach them. Hereupon some indeed laughed exceedingly, that a Letter should be guarded with such a Military Convoy as this: But Cyrus, O Heavens,

quoth he, What brave Men have we for our Associates! so easie to be obliged, that a small piece of Meat shall ingage many of them to be your Friends; so ready to obey, that their Performance shall even prevent your Com∣mands: so that for my part I cannot imagine what manner of Men I should rather wish for than such as I already have. Thus did Cyrus at once both laugh at the Discourse, and com∣mend

the Souldiers.

It fortun'd that there was at this time in his Tent one of his Captains named Aglaïtadas, a Man of a rough unpleasing Temper, who be∣gan after this manner:

Do you suppose it, Cy∣rus, to be Truth what these Men tell you? Why, reply'd Cyrus, what can they propose to themselves by framing Lies? What think you, quoth he, but that they have a mind to create Laughter, for which Reason they tell you these Stories, and proudly boast themselves in so do∣ing. Nay, soft and fair, answered Cyrus, don't look upon them as 2 1.19 Braggadocio's, for that Name, I take it, is appropriate only to those who pretend they are really more wealthy, or more courageous than in truth they are, or make Protestations of their performing that which they are not able to affect; and that too, when it evidently appears that they do it upon the account of some by-end or private Advan∣tage. But they that go about to move the Company to Laughter, not out of any Princi∣ple of Profit to themselves, nor prejudice to the Hearers, nor with a design of doing any the least Injury, why should they not be stil'd (as

in Justice they ought) merry-conceited faceti∣ous Drolls rather than proud Boasters? And thus did Cyrus plead for, and excuse those that caused Merriment and Laughter. Then stood up an Officer, the same that had told the plea∣sant Story of his Party of Souldiers, and said, I suppose, Aglaïtadas, had we applyed our selves to cause you to weep, (as some there are who in their Songs and Orations by devising la∣mentable doleful Tales endeavour to force Tears from us) you would have reprov'd us very severely, seeing you treat us with such Contumely and Reproach, notwithstanding you your self know very well, that 'tis our de∣sire only to make you merry, and not to injure or affront you in the least: Yes, upon my Life, should I, quoth Aglaïtadas, and that very justly too. For I look upon him that causes his Friends to sit down and lament, to deserve incomparably better of them than one that moves them to Mirth and Laughter. And even you, if you examine the matter rightly, will find that I speak Truth. For 'tis by ma∣king them weep that Parents teach their Chil∣dren Modesty, that Masters instruct their Scho∣lars in Arts and Sciences: and the Laws, so long as they constrain Subjects to sit down and weep, so long do they oblige them to live just∣ly and honestly. But for those that provoke to Laughter, wherein can you affirm that they either advantage the Body, or so improve the Mind as to make it more fit for the Administra∣tion of Affairs, whether private or publick? To him Hystaspes spake after this manner; Come,

Aglaïtadas, if you will be rul'd by me, you shall boldly and bravely bestow this upon your Enemies which you value at so high a rate, and do your Endeavour to make them sit down and bemoan themselves; but upon us that are your Friends, by any means, expend some∣thing of that you set so lightly by, your Laugh∣ter: For I know you cannot but have a great Reserve of it in store, in regard you your self have never used it lavishly or profusely, nor do you, by your good Will, allow either Friends or Strangers to partake of it. So that you can have no pretence in the World why you should not afford us a little Laughter. To whom Aglaïtadas reply'd; And do you, Hystas∣pes, intend to force a Laugh from me? No said the above-mention'd Officer, I swear, he were a Fool if he did; for I believe one may sooner strike Fire out of you than move you to Laugh∣ter. Hereupon the rest of the Company, be∣ing acquainted with the Humour and Temper of the Man, laughed out-right; and Aglaïtadas himself offer'd at a Smile: when Cyrus, seeing him somewhat dispos'd to be pleasant, Sir, said he, to the aforesaid Officer, you do not do as becomes you, thus to impose upon any sober grave Man, to constrain him in a manner to laugh, especially one that is so profess'd an Enemy to all kind of Laughter. And here con∣cluded

this kind of Discourse: when, Chrysan∣tas stood forth, and spake after this manner. * 1.20

Cyrus, and Allye the rest that are here pre∣sent, I suppose there are come with us in this Expedition, Persons, some of greater and some

of lesser worth: Now if our Enterprize be at∣tended with Success, they will all expect to be rewarded alike. But for my part I think no∣thing in the whole World can be more un∣reasonable and absur'd than that Cowardise and Valour should go hand in hand in the Distribu∣bution of Rewards. Hereunto Cyrus reply'd, 'Tis therefore most requisite, Sirs, that this be propos'd as matter of Debate to the Army; Whether (if God crown our Actions with Suc∣cess) we should make all Fellow-sharers alike, or dispose of Honours and Rewards in Propor∣tion to every Mans particular Deferts. And what need is there, answer'd Chrysantas, to propound this to the Army, and not rather so∣lemnly declare that your Pleasure is so? For have not you already proclaim'd Publick Games and appointed Prizes for the Victors? 'Tis confess'd, quoth Cyrus; but in good Truth, that's nothing to this Purpose. For whatsoever they get in the Progress of this War, that I sup∣pose they will look upon as common to them all: the Conduct perhaps and Command of the Army they may allow to belong to me by right of Deputation from the State. And therefore I believe they will not think me to be Arbitrary or Unjust if I take upon me to constitute Offi∣cers over them. Think you then, quoth Chry∣santas, that the whole Multitude being assem∣bled together will come to any such Resoluti∣on as this, That every Man shall not share alike; but that in the Disposal of Honours and Rewards, Consideration shall especially be had of the best? In earnest, for my Part, answered Cyrus, I am

of that Opinion, both because, I suppose, you will acquiesce in what I say; and also 'tis very scandalous and base for any one to offer to op∣pose this, That he ought to be most honoura∣bly rewarded, who behaves himself with the greatest Bravery and Courage, and does his Country the best Service. And I verily believe it will animate even Cowardise it self to see Va∣lour honour'd and preferr'd. Cyrus was very * 1.21 willing that such a Decree should pass upon the account, and for the sake of the Nobility; for he took it for granted, that they would shew them∣selves more valorous according as they saw themselves rewarded in proportion to the Ser∣vices they did. He thought it therefore very seasonable at this time to determine the Point by Votes and Suffrages, when the Nobility began to repine at, and dread this levelling kind of Equa∣lity. Wherefore, by the unanimous Consent of those that were met together in Cyrus's Pavilion, it was thought good to put the Matter to the Vote, that every one who would be reputed a Man indeed, should countenance and further it.

Hereat one of the Captains smiling, said,

I know a certain Fellow, a Common-Souldier, who will readily give his Assent that this unadvised Equality shall never pass. Another ask'd him who he meant; I mean, quoth he, a certain Tent-Fellow of mine, who presses upon all Oc∣casions to share more than the rest. What, said the other, in Labour too? Nay, hold there, reply'd he, not a Word of that; there I con∣fess you have caught me: for in Labour and

Toil, or any thing of that Nature, he will give any one, that will, free leave to take a greater share than himself. But, Sirs, quoth Cyrus, * 1.22 my Resolution is, that such Fellows, as he now speaks of, ought to be cashier'd, and expell'd the Camp, if we intend to have a stout, vali∣ant, and faithful Army. For I look upon the Generality of Souldiers to be naturally dispos'd to follow what way soever any one leads them. Now I believe Men of Gallantry and Courage are zealous to excite others to noble and brave Exploits; whereas bad Men make it their Bu∣siness to betray them into Villany and Folly. And indeed it often falls out, that Men of base corrupt Principles bring more over to their Opinion and Party than those that are truly vertuous and good. For Vice coming recom∣mended with present Pleasures, does by their Allurements induce many to comply with and embrace it: but Virtue aiming only at Heights and Difficulties, is not powerful and attractive enough to draw us readily to her, especially when others invite us the clean contrary way, to our beloved Ease and Pleasure. So that if there be any who contract a vicious Habit mere∣ly by a sluggish stupid Disposition, such I esteem as Drones, expensive only, and burthensome to their Fellows: but where they are backward to engage in common Duty and Service, yet shameless and eager in pursuit of their own private Advantage, they are likely to be Ring-Leaders to Mischief and Vice; be∣cause they are many times able to evi∣dence to the World, that their Villany has

been crown'd with Profit and Success. Where∣fore such as these ought by all means to be discharg'd. Nor need you be hereupon sol∣licitous how to recruit your broken Forces with Country-men of your own, but, as in Hor∣ses, you don't confine your self to those of your own breed, but make choice of such as are best: even so in Men of all others, choose especially such as you think most able to do you the best Service and Honour. Now that this kind of proceeding will turn to our good I am abundantly satisfied, because neither can a Chariot be swift which is drawn by slow Hor∣ses; nor a Family well govern'd where disso∣lute Servants are employ'd. Nay, less prejudi∣cial were it to have no Servants at all, than to be molested with those that are vitious and false. Besides, assure your selves of this, my Friends, quoth he, that by this purging of ill Men out of the Army, we shall not only gain this great point that we shall be fairly quit of them; but also as many of those that are left behind, as Vice has already seiz'd on and in∣fected, will again be purged of the same: and those also that are good and faithful when they see base Villanies slighted and disgrac'd; will

with more chearfull Resolution embrace Vertue. And this was the Effect of Cyrus's Discourse, All which his Friends unanimously approved of, and did accordingly.

Then Cyrus began to be pleasant again, and perceiving that one of his Officers had brought a Guest with him to Supper, and had made him sit down by him very hairy and ugly as he was,

calling the Officer by his Name, he said unto him:

What Sambulas, and do you too follow the Greek Fashion, and carry about that delicate Youth that sits next to you, for his Beauty? Yes, quoth Sambulas, as I live, I take great Pleasure both in his Converse and Coun∣tenance, which when the rest of the Company heard, they all turned about, and viewing well the Young Man's extraordinary deformity, laught out right. And one among the rest, Now, for Heavens sake, Sambulas, quoth he, prithee tell me, how this Fellow has thus ingra∣tiated himself with thee? I will tell you, quoth he, Friends, the very Truth; How oft soever I have called upon Him either by Night or by Day, He never pretended Business to ex∣cuse himself, nor does he go about his work lazily, but always with Vigour and Dispatch. Nor did I ever see him go about any thing I commanded him, but he wrought at it till he sweat again. Besides, he has made twelve others really such as himself, demonstrating to them not by Word, but by Fact, how they ought to behave and acquit themselves. Upon this, says one, seeing He is such a Person as you speak of, how can you forbear to greet and kiss him as one of your Kinsmen? To whom the ill-look'd Fellow himself reply'd, He does not do that because he hates taking Pains; for if he should offer to kiss me, it would excuse him sufficiently from all other Exercises. Such kind of Story's as these partly jocular, and partly serious, were discoursed of and debated in the Tent. At last having offer'd Sacrifice a third time, and be∣seeching

the Gods to bless them with Victory and Success, the Company brake up, and betook

themselves all to their Rest. The day follow∣ing Cyrus, in a full Assembly of his whole Army, spake to this Effect.

Country-men and Friends, the Battel now * 1.23 approaches; our Enemies are at hand. If Vi∣ctory attend us, the Enemy, and all they pos∣sess, will be certainly ours: if we are vanquished (and we must ever suppose the worst) all that we are Masters of, will, as their Reward, fall into the hands of the Conquerors. This there∣fore you must know, that where Men, con∣cerned in the same common Engagements of War, make this Resolution to themselves, that nothing can succeed well, unless every particu∣lar Person heartily espouse the Cause, there, in a short time, they are able to perform great and glorious Exploits; and that upon this Account, that no Man, out of a slothful Negligence for∣gets to discharge his Duty. But when every one shall think that others will bear the Burthen of the Day, and encounter the Dangers of the War, tho they indulge themselves in Softness and Ease, then you may assure your selves of this, that all such Persons are subject to all manner of Calamity and Distress. And Provi∣dence it self seems in some sort so to order it, that they that will not impose it as a Task up∣on themselves to labour and contend in an ho∣nourable way, shall be sure to have Task-masters set over them to command them. Now there∣fore let some one amongst you stand forth, and speak to this Point, Whether he thinks we shall

be induc'd rather to acquit our selves valiantly like Men, because he that performs best, and exposes himself to the greatest Hazards, shall likewise have the greatest share of Honour and Reward; or because it makes no Difference whether we come off like Cowards or not, in regard the Spoil shall be equally divided among All. Then stood up Chrysantas, one of the No∣bility, neither for Stature big, nor to the view strong, but a Man of admirable Wisdom, who thus began.

I suppose, Cyrus, quoth he, you did not * 1.24 propose this Question to us, as if it were your Opinion that Cowardise and Valour ought to be had in equal Esteem; but to prove whether there be any Man here that will declare in be∣half of him, who (tho he himself perform no∣thing honourable and praise-worthy) expects nevertheless to carry off an equal Portion of all that Honour which others by their Valour have acquir'd. I, for my part, neither excell in the strength of my Arm, nor the swiftness of my Feet: and I am abundantly convinc'd, that for what I shall atchieve in my own Per∣son, I shall neither merit the first, nor the se∣cond, nay, I believe not the thousandth, per∣haps not the ten thousandth Place. Notwith∣standing, this I am sure of, that if the brave Men amongst us vigorously prosecute the Busi∣ness of the War, I my self shall have such a share in their Conquests as in Equity and Justice I ought to have: but if the lazy Refuse of the Army shall do nothing at all, and our stout and valiant Men be crest-fall'n and disheart'ned,

I am afraid I shall partake, and that in a far greater measure than I desire, of something else rather than of what is honourable and good. When Chrysantas had thus spoke, Pheraulas, one of the Commons of Persia, who upon the Account of their domestick Converse, was familiar with, and belov'd of Cyrus. A Man of no ungraceful Meen, nor of a Humour any way unbeseeming a Gentleman. And he began to this Effect:

I believe, O Cyrus, and all ye Persians here * 1.25 present, that we do all with equal Earnestness and Contention strive for Honour; because I per∣ceive we generally accustom our Bodies to the same sort of Dyet, we use the same mutual So∣ciety and Converse, and have all the same ho∣nourable Advantages set before us. For to obey our Superiours is a Duty alike incumbent upon all; and he that does it most frankly and open∣ly, him, I observe, Cyrus always treats with Honour and Respect. In like manner, to give signal Proof of our Courage against the Enemy, is not commendable in one, and not so in ano∣ther, but confessedly acknowledg'd to be equal∣ly laudable in All. We are now in prospect of a Battel; and how every Man should be∣have himself therein, Nature, I perceive, has sufficiently instructed us: just as we see in other Creatures; they have all learnt some way of Fighting or other, and that from no other Principle but the mere Dictates and Instinct of Nature. For instance, the Bull fights with his Horns; the Horse with his Hoof; the Dog with his Mouth; and the Boar with his Tusk; and all these Creatures are naturally prompted to avoid

that of which they ought especially to beware, without coming under the Discipline of any Teacher. And I remember, even from a Child, I knew how presently to desend and guard my self from him that I thought had a Design to strike me; for, if I had no other Weapon, as well as I could, I put by, and re∣sisted his Stroke with my Hands: and this I did not only without any Body's Suggestion, but even when I was sure to be punished and scour∣ged for the same. Indeed, when I was yet but a meer Child, I would, without any more ado, snatch up a Sword wherever I saw it, not having learn'd of any one so much as how to take hold of it, but only, as I conceive, by the meer Guidance of Nature. Nay, I was so far from being taught by any, that I was expresly forbidden; as there are other things which Nature did, in some sort, force me to do, in direct Opposition to the Commands of my Parents. And if I could smite any thing un∣discovered with my Sword, I was sure to do it. For it was not only as natural to me, as it is to walk or to run; but over and above that, I found, methoughts, a certain Complacency to my self in so doing. In regard therefore that here is a Battel at hand, wherein cheerful Courage is like to succeed better than Art and Stratagem; why should not we, out of a gene∣rous Emulation, strive and contend with these Peers; seeing the Rewards of Valour are on either hand the same; but we don't both run equal Hazards: For they expose an honourable Life, which is the only, the most desirable;

but we, a toilsome, inglorious Life, which I look upon to be, of all others, the most irksom and uneasie. But above all, my Fellow-Soul∣diers, that which chiefly animates and excites me briskly to undertake this Contest with the Peers, is, because we shall have Cyrus for our Judge, whose impartial Sentence no Prejudice can sway; who I believe (and I dare call Hea∣ven to witness it) loves those that he sees be∣have themselves valiantly, no less than he does himself. For I observe, He takes more Plea∣sure in bestowing what he has among such, than in keeping it to himself. 'Tis true indeed, I know they value themselves much upon this Account, That their Education has prepared them to endure Hunger, and Thirst, and Cold; not considering rightly in the mean time, that all this we have throughly learn'd, and that under the Institution of a better Teacher than they. For in things of this Nature there can be no such Discipline as that of Necessity, which has taught us to be very accurate and exact therein. They have been us'd to exercise them∣selves in bearing Arms, which all Men have so contriv'd, that they might be most light and portable: but for us, We have been compell'd not only to Go, but to Run, and that under the Pressure of heavy Loads; so that now the weight of my Armour seems to me rather like Wings than a Burden. Know therefore, O Cy∣rus, that I will do my utmost Endeavour, and be my Condition what it will, according to my Merit and Desert so shall I expect to be re∣warded. As for you my Friends and Fellow-Commoners,

I exhort you vigorously and reso∣lutely to maintain this Conflict with these well disciplin'd and experienc'd Gentlemen. For, in∣deed, these Men are now over-match'd in this

Popular Contention.

So spake Pheraulas. Many others there were who rose up, and declar'd their Approbation both of the one Opinion and the other. So it was re∣solved, that every ones Reward ought to bear Proportion to his Worth; and Cyrus to be the Judge of the Merits of the Cause. And thus proceeded these Matters.

Cyrus also on a time invited to Supper with him a Captain and his whole Company; because he had seen him divide his Souldiers into two Parties, and set them in Battel Array one against another; both Divisions being arm'd with Breast-Plates, and light 1 1.26 Targets in their Left-hands: in their Right-hands he gave to one half good stout Truncheons; the other half he commanded to take up Clods, and therewith to pelt their Ad∣versaries. Now when they all stood thus ready arm'd, he gave the Signal for the Skirmish. Then one Party threw their Clods, and hit some of them on the Breast-Plates, some on the Targets, some on the Thighs, and some on the Legs. But when they came to it hand to hand, they that were arm'd with Truncheons smote their Adver∣saries, some of them Hip and Thigh, some on the Hands, and some of them that stoop'd down to take up Clods, on the Neck and Shoulders. At last the Battoon bearers put the others to flight, and smote them, and chas'd them, with much Sport and Laughter. In like manner, when

heir turn came, the other took the Truncheons, and dealt just after the same rate with those that threw Clods against them. Cyrus greatly admi∣red this notable Invention of the Captain, and commended the Obedience of the Souldiers, who did at once both Exercise and recreate them∣selves; and withall observing that they that imitated the Persian way of Arming themselves, always came off with Victory, he was mightily pleased therewith, and invited the Combatants to Supper. Now when in his Pavilion he espy'd some with their Legs bound up, and some their Arms, he ask'd them, what they ailed? They answered, They had been bruised with Clods. He then put the Question further to them, whe∣ther they were hurt when they came to close, or when they fought at a distance? The Truncheon∣ers * 1.27 reply'd, When they skirmish'd at a distance. For said they, when we came to it hand to hand, we had very pleasant Sport on't. Then they that had been sorely maul'd with the Truncheons cry'd out, That they did not think it such fine Pastime to be bastinado'd at that rate when they came to close fighting; and withall shewed in their Arms and Necks, nay, and some of them in their Faces too, the very Prints and Strokes of the Batoons. This done, as well they might, they laugh'd at, and derided one another. The next day all the whole Field was throng'd with Men, who came to practise this way of Combat∣ing: and whenever they were not taken up with Business of greater moment, they constantly us'd this kind of Exercise and Recreation. Ano∣ther time he saw a Captain leading his Company

from the River one by one to 3 1.28 Dinner, who, when he saw his time, commanded the Rere∣band to pass by the third and fourth Ward, and march up into the Fore-front. Now when they stood all in the Van-guard, he commanded them to double their Files, and lead them out by two and two. Then the Decurions, with their * 1.29 Files, advanced into the Front: Where he, when he thought convenient, commanded them again to re-double their Files, and lead them on by four and four. Then came on in order the Captains of five, yet so that they also might march by four and four. Now when he was come to his Tent door, he gave the Word that they should again march one by one; so he led in his Van-guard, and commanded the next to follow them in the Rere; and giving the same Charge to the third and the fourth, he led them all into his Pavilion, where he made them sit down to meat in the same order they came in. Cyrus mightily admir'd the Man, as well for the Mildness of his Temper, as for his Discipline and his Industry; and therefore solemnly invited Him and his whole Company to Supper.

Now it fortun'd, that at the same time there was another Captain invited to Supper, who thus bespake Cyrus:

Why don't you invite my Company to your Tent? for when they are here at Supper they do the very same thing that these do.

And when the Entertainment in your Pavilion is at an end, the Leader of the last File brings out the Rere-ward, and in the first place sets them in Battel Array. Then fol∣lows the Leader of the second Band; and so in or∣der

the third and the fourth: that so when they are to make good a Retreat, they may know in what Order they ought to do it. Now when we come into a Plain where we use to have a run∣ning March, if it be toward the Sun-rising, I lead the Van, and the foremost Band takes place first, after that the second, and so in Course the third and the fourth; then follow the lesser Bands of Ten, and of Five, so long as I give the Word of Command. But if we march toward the Sun∣setting, then the Rere-ward and the Officer that leads it, begin to march off first; and they do nevertheless obey me though I come hindmost of all? that so they may with equal Obedience accustom themselves both to lead and to follow. And do you, quoth Cyrus, use always to do thus? Yes, I assure you, reply'd he, as constantly and duely as we go to our Meals. I invite you there∣fore, answer'd Cyrus, partly because you careful∣ly practise to keep good Order both in your Ap∣proaches and Retreats, whether by Night or by Day; and partly because you exercise your Bo∣dies by moving up and down, and also improve your Understandings by Experience and Practice. * 1.30 So that in regard you perform a double Duty in every Thing, 'tis but reasonable that you should be treated with a double Repast. Not in one day, for Heavens sake, quoth the Captain, unless you will supply us with double Bellies too. And thus ended this Entertainment in the Tent. The next day, as also the Day following, Cyrus invited this Company to his Pavilion: which when the other Regiments understood, they all ever after imitated them.

Now Cyrus held a general Rendezvous of all his Forces in their Arms, and was mustering them in order for Battel; when Cyaxares, by an Ex∣press, advertis'd him of an Embassy arrived from * 1.31 India, and withall signified his Pleasure, That he should immediately repair unto him. The Messenger likewise told him, That he had brought him, from Cyaxares, a very noble Robe of State: for, quoth he, his Desire is, that you should appear with all Magnificence and Splen∣dour imaginable, because the Indians will see how you make your Entry. Cyrus having re∣ceiv'd this Message, he gave order to the princi∣pal Officer that led the Van-guard, that he should draw out his Company one by one, and place himself in the Front. He commanded him like∣wise to give the same Charge to the next, and so on, that it might pass through the whole Army. In obedience to his Commands, they immediately gave the Charge, and All as readi∣ly perform'd it: so that in a very short time, there were two Hundred in the Fore-front (for so * 1.32 many principal Captains he had) and the Files were each of them an hundred-deep. In this Order he commanded them to follow, as he should lead them; and presently he began to march at a very great rate. But when he un∣derstood that the way leading to the Palace-Royal was too narrow for them to march thus all afront, he gave Command that the first Thousand should follow him in the same Order they were placed, and that the next Thousand should close with their Rere-ward and follow them; and the same Method to be observ'd

throughout the whole Army. Thus he led them on without any stop, and one Thousand still orderly succeeded and followed another. He dispatch'd likewise before him two of his Atten∣dants, to make Proof of the straightness of the Way, that so if any one were at a loss therein, they might of them be informed what they ought to do. Now when they were come to Cyaxares his Palace-Gates, he commanded the Captain of the first Band so to order his Files that they might stand twelve deep, and to place the File-Leaders afront before the Palace. He commanded that the same Charge should be given to the second Captain, and so on through∣out the Army. And all this they accordingly perform'd.

Cyrus came into Cyaxares's Presence in a plain Persian Robe, whom when Cyaxares saw, being well pleased that he had repair'd to him with such Celerity and Dispatch, but disturb'd at the Meanness of his Garment, he thus bespake him:

What mean you, Cyrus, to appear thus in such a Garb before the Indian Embassy? My De∣sire was, that you should have made your En∣try in a most splendid manner; for it would have been much for my Reputation and Ho∣nour, that my Nephew should have appear'd in all Magnificence and Royalty. To this Cyrus reply'd, Whether should I have done you more Honour by deferring and slighting the Execution of your Commands, that so I might have come before you, array'd in Purple, adorn'd with Bracelets, and bedeck'd with Chains; or rather (as I have now done) by ex∣pressing

my Obedience and Diligence in leading hither so great and gallant an Army, and all to maintain your Grandeur and Honour? I come adorn'd, you see, with Sweat and La∣bour, that I may make you glorious by teach∣ing others to obey you. When Cyrus had

thus spoke, Cyaxares approv'd well of what he said, and commanded that the Indian Ambassa∣dours should be introduc'd. Who, when they were admitted to Audience, declar'd, that they * 1.33 were sent by the King of India with Instructions to demand the Reasons and Grounds of the War betwixt the Medes and Assyrians; and that when they had receiv'd his Answer, they vvere fur∣ther impovver'd to go likevvise and demand the same of the King of Assyria: and upon the whole matter to let each of you understand, that the Indian King was resolved, out of a due regard to Justice and Equity, to joyn with and ass•…•…ist the injur'd Party. To this Embassy Cyaxares

answer'd; Hear therefore what I shall declare: We have been no ways injurious to the Assy∣rian King. Go on therefore in your vvay to

him, and learn vvhat his Declaration is in this Point. Cyrus also being present, crav'd leave of Cyaxares to impart his Thoughts to them; vvhich being granted, he thus bespake them:

To the King of India, (Your Master) if Cya∣xares please, make this Report: That if the King of Assyria pretend he has been any ways injur'd by Us, We declare'tis our Resolution,

to refer to the King of India the Arbitration of the Matter. Their Audience thus ended, they departed; whereupon Cyrus began to address himself to Cyaxares in this manner.

I came from Home furnish'd with no great store of Treasure of my own; and of what I had I have very little left, having expended most of it upon my Souldiers; which perhaps you may wonder at in regard'tis You that Victual * 1.34 and provide for the Army. But assure your self, I have employ'd it no otherwise than in re∣warding and gratifying such of them as have deserv'd my Admiration and Esteem. For I am clearly of Opinion, that for all such whose Assistance we desire in any Concern whatso∣ever, 'tis much more easie and pleasant to win and ingage them to us by good Words and kind Treatment, than to fright them into their Duty by Rigour and Compulsion. And especially in Cases of War, he that would have his Souldi∣ers cheerfully and heartily espouse his Cause, must be sure to gain upon them by all man∣ner of indearing and gracious Expressions; for they must be Friends and not Foes, that will stand and fall with, and (without any little pre∣tences for Excuse) follow the Fortune of their General, neither repining at his Successes, nor murmuring at his Misfortunes. These things consider'd, I conceive it necessary that I have Treasure at Command. But to expect a Supply of every thing from you, especially when I know what extraordinary Charges you are at, I look upon it to be very preposterous and ab∣surd. Therefore I think You and I ought joynt∣ly to consult the common Interest that you may not be destitute of Money. For this I am assu∣red of, if you abound, I shall not want when I have occasion; especially if I receive it with

that Intent, that the expending thereof may redound the more to your Honour and Advan∣tage. Sir, I remember I lately heard you say, * 1.35 That the Armenian King does at this Juncture despise you, because he is advertised our Ene∣mies are coming against Us, so that he will neither assist you with an Army, nor send the Tribute he stands obliged to pay. This is the Case, Cyrus, quoth he, and thus he treats me; so that I am at a Stand whether I should make War upon him, and by force of Arms endea∣vour to bring him to Reason; or whether, as Affairs now are, it were not better for me to take no notice of him, lest thereby I should oblige him also to joyn with, and increase the Number of our Enemies. Cyrus then proceed∣ed to enquire, Are the Towns of Armenia situ∣ate in strong defensible Places, or not? Why truly, reply'd Cyaxares, they are not very strongly fortified; for I have been particularly curious in that Point. But Mountains there are, whither, if the Armenian King retire, he may so secure himself, and whatsoever he re∣moves thither, that he need not fall quickly into the Enemy's Hand, unless he will sit down to beleaguer and streighten him with a stand∣ing Camp, as my Father has sometimes done. Here Cyrus went on, and said: If therefore, you think fit to send me with a convenient Num∣ber of Horse, I doubt not but, with the Gods Assistance, to compell him to aid you with an Army, and oblige him to pay the Tribute due to you. Nay, and after all this, I make no Question but he shall hold a stricter Friendship

with you than at present he does. And I am perswaded, quoth Cyaxares, the Armenian will much rather come in, and joyn with You, than with Us. For, I have been informed, that some of that King's Children have been your Com∣panions in Hunting, and they may probably strike in with you again. Now if you can but get any of them into your Hands, we can't fail of effecting what we our selves desire. But what think you, saith Cyrus, is it not expedi∣ent that this Design of ours should be carried on with Secresie and Concealment? By all means, reply'd Cyaxares, for so we may with less diffi∣culty trepan some of them; and if we should in an hostile manner set upon them, they will be less provided against such a Surprise. Hear me then, quoth Cyrus, whether what I shall say be to the purpose or no. I, and all my Train of Persians that attended me, have often hunted about the Confines of Media and Ar∣menia, and that many times I have been fol∣lowed with a Troop of Horse-men, my Friends and Familiars from hence. You may there∣fore, reply'd Cyaxares, make the same Attempt now without incurring the least Suspicion: But if you lead out considerably more Forces now than did usually follow you to Hunting, this will make them jealous of your Design. But we may, quoth Cyrus, even in that Case, frame a very specious Pretence; as suppose some one spread a Report there, that I intend a great and solemn Hunting, and for that end have openly requested you to furnish me with Horse∣men. I approve well of what you say•…•…

quoth Cyaxares, and indeed those I shall fur∣nish you with will be but very few, because I my self will make shew, as if I intended to visit my Frontier Garrisons upon the Borders of As∣syria, which I do verily purpose to do, and to make them strong and fit for Service. Now so soon as you are advanced to the Confines with what Forces you have, and have spent some two days in Hunting, I will send you of the Forces I have levyed a sufficient Recruit both of Cavalry and Infantry, with whom (as soon as they have joyn'd you) you may im∣mediately march on further into the Country: and I, with the Remainder of my Army, will endeavour to keep at such a distance, that whenever Occasion serves, I may come in to

your Relief.

Hereupon Cyaxares presently drew together a Body of Horse and Foot for the Service of his Garrisons; and withall, sent Wagons •…•…aden with Provisions the very direct way leading there∣unto. But Cyrus, in order to his March, did Sacrifice to the Gods; and at the same time sent to Cyaxares to request of him his younger Horse∣men: He, tho great Numbers of them readily offer'd him their Service, yet sent him but a few. Now as Cyaxares was marching at the Head of his Forces to visit his Castles, Cyrus by Sacrifice had an auspicious Presage of a fortunate Expedi∣tion against the King of Armenia: whereupon, * 1.36 out he leads his Men, as one prepared only to hunt. No sooner was he entred the first Field, but up starts a Hare; when an Eagle, coming from a luckey Quarter, and perceiving her Flight,

made at her, beat her down, seiz'd her, and so took Wing again; and carrying the captive Prey to the top of a neighbouring Hill, she us'd it as she pleased. Cyrus liked this Omen well, and rejoycing for the same, he pay'd his devout Acknowledgments to King Jupiter, and withall, told those that were present; My Friends, quoth he, by the Favour of Heaven, this will prove a fortunate Hunting to us. Now when they were come to the Frontiers, as his usual manner was, he began his Sport. When the ordinary sort, as well Horse as Foot, rushing forth, beat up and down, to rouse their Game; but for the more choice Men, they stood distributed here and there, that they might be in a readiness to receive and pursue the wild Beasts, many where∣of they took, as wild Boars, Goats, Stags, and Asses: for there are in those Parts good store of wild Asses even at this day. Now when they had concluded that days Sport, Cyrus entring the Marches of Armenia, sat down and supped there; and the next day renewing his Game again, he made his Approaches to those Moun∣tains where he long'd to be; which done, and his Hunting ended, to Supper he sat down again. But so soon as he discover'd Cyaxares his Army marching towards him, he sent pri∣vate Dispatches to them, that they should sup some eight miles distance from him; for he * 1.37 foresaw this would very much conduce to con∣ceal his Approaches from the Enemy. He like∣wise signified his Pleasure, that after Supper the chief Captain should repair unto him. So when Supper was ended, he commanded the Officers

of the Army to appear before him, and when they were assembled, bespake them after this manner:

Heretofore, my Friends, the King of Armenia * 1.38 was in Confederacy with, and also tributary to Cyaxares. But now, understanding that we are invaded by our Enemies, he despises us, neither does he send us any Supply either of Men or Money. He therefore is now to be our Game; Him we are to Hunt out if we can. In order to which, I think, we must thus pro∣ceed: You, Chrysantas, after you have some∣what refresh'd your self with Sleep, shall take with you one half of the Persians that are here, and entering the mountainous part of the Coun∣try, make your self Master of those Hills, whi∣ther, 'tis reported, He uses to fly when he is apprehensive of Danger. Guides I will give you to direct you: and, they say, those Mountains are so thick and wooddy, that I hope there is no fear of your being discovered. However, if you send out some before the Army, that may both for their Number and their Garb resemble Robbers, nimble active Men; look what Armenians they meet with, if they can take them Prisoners, they will be sure to pre∣vent their giving Intelligence; but if they let them escape their Hands, they will force and drive them so far off, that they shall not pos∣sibly have a sight of the main Body of the Ar∣my, nor design any thing more against you than what they would against common Ro∣vers. And this, quoth he, Chrysantas, shall be your Charge: I, for my part, with the re∣maining

half of the Foot, and all the Horse, will, by break of day, march the direct and plain Road to the Palace Royal; where, if we find any Opposition, we shall of necessity be obliged to fight; but if he quit the plain Field, then we must undoubtedly pursue him. Now if we fly to the Mountains, there it will especi∣ally be your business to suffer none to escape that fall into your Hands. For, you must ima∣gine this to be a kind of Hunting-match; and look upon us as those that are to find out and rouse the Game whilst you your self attend the Toiles. Be sure therefore, that all the Avenues and Passes be stopt before your Chase begin. And they that are appointed to manage this Concern, must take care to lye close under Covert, lest, as their Game makes up towards them, they startle it, and turn it back again. But for you, Chrysantas, you must not think to do now, what out of your extream Love to Hunting, at other times you have been us'd to do. For you have often spent the whole Night without Sleep: but now you must allow your * 1.39 Men to take some moderate Repose, that they may be able to encounter Sleep, and repell it: Neither must you attempt now to pass difficult and uncouth places, because heretofore you have been us'd to travel over Mountains and Craggs, even without a Guide, that you might be sure to follow your Game closely, which way soever it went; but you must command your Guides to lead you the easiest and most passable, if there be not another far shorter and more expeditious way. For to an Army,

the easier their Way is, the quicker their Dis∣patch. Nor must you lead your Men a run∣ning March over the Mountains, because you your self were us'd to pass them at that rate; but you must advance moderately, and hasten leisurely, that the Body of your Army may be able to keep Pace with you. It would likewise be a matter of very good Consequence, that some of the stoutest and most forward Men should now and then stay behind to encourage the rest; for when such a Wing moves, it will be a great Incitement to the rest to quicken their March, when they see their Leaders walk at that rate before them, that the Residue of

the Army shall seem to run.

When Chrysantas had heard this, being trans∣ported with the Instructions that Cyrus had given him, he took with him his Guides, and depart∣ed; and having given his necessary Orders to those that were to march with him, he betook himself to his Repose. Now when they had ta∣ken what Rest he thought convenient, he began to advance toward the Mountains. And Cyrus, early the next Morning, dispatch'd a Messenger to the King of Armenia, giving him it in Charge to speak to him to this Effect.

Cyrus his Commands to you, O King of Ar∣menia, are, that you do thus and thus; name∣ly, That you repair unto Him with all possible Diligence, and bring with you both your Tri∣bute and an Army. If he enquire of you where I am, tell him the Truth, that I am already entred his Frontiers. If he enquire further, whether I come my self in Person or no; tell

him here also the Truth, and answer him, You know not. But if he be still inquisitive to learn how strong we are, bid him send out

some of his Spies to inform him.

With these Instructions Cyrus dispatch'd his Messenger; for he look'd upon this kind of Treatment to be more civil and friendly, than altogether to surprize him with an unexpected Invasion. This done, and Himself being every way well appointed either to perform the Expe∣dition, or, if occasion were, to give the Enemy Battel, he march'd on; having first given it in Charge to his Souldiers, that they should injure no Man: but look what Armenians soever they met with, they should bid them take Heart, and fear nothing; and tell them, that any Man that pleased, might come and keep Market wherever the Camp was, and sell them Provi∣sions either of Meat or Drink.

The End of the Second Book.

Notes

• 1 1.1

  al. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 20000,
• 2 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Parium, the Nobi∣lity.
• * 1.3

  We ought to know our Ene∣my's strength.
• * 1.4

  Cyrus's O∣ration to the Noblemen of Persia.
• * 1.5

  The Orati∣on of one of the No∣bility.
• * 1.6

  Cyrus's O∣ration to his Souldiers.
• * 1.7

  Cyrus in∣structs his Souldiers in the Arts of War.
• 1 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 1 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 2 1.10

  The com∣mand of 10 Souldiers.
• 3 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 4 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 5 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.14

  Or Serge∣ants at Arms.
• * 1.15

  How Cyrus commun'd with his Captains, &c.
• * 1.16

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.17

  A notable Instance of Military Discipline.
• * 1.18

  Or Leader,
• 2 1.19

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.20

  Chrysantas's Advice a∣bout dispo∣sing of Re∣wards.
• * 1.21

  The admi∣rable Wis∣dom of Cy∣rus.
• * 1.22

  An excel∣lent Dis∣course of Cyrus.
• * 1.23

  Cyrus's Ora∣tion to the whole Camp.
• * 1.24

  The Ora∣tion of Chrysantas.
• * 1.25

  The Cra∣tion of Pheraulas.
• 1 1.26

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 made of Twigs.
• * 1.27

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• 3 1.28

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as most •…•…ples 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it.
• * 1.29

  Leaders of Ten.
• * 1.30

  Cyrus wit∣tily encou∣rageth his Souldiers.
• * 1.31

  An Embas∣sy from In∣dia.
• * 1.32

  Rather, as Leuncla∣vius ob∣serves, it should be 300, which multiply'd by 100 makes compleatly 30000.
• * 1.33

  Cyaxares gives Au∣dience to an Indian Embassy.
• * 1.34

  Cyrus con∣fers with Cyaxares about rai∣sing Mo∣ney.
• * 1.35

  Cyaxares and Cyrus consult a∣bout the reducing the King of Armenia.
• * 1.36

  Cyrus un∣der colour of Hunting invades the K. of Armenia.
• * 1.37

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.38

  Cyrus's Oration.
• * 1.39

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉