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.

Xenophon's Institution, AND Life of CYRUS the Great. BOOK IIII. (Book 4)

WHEN Cyrus had kept his Forces to∣gether some time, and declared that his Men were in a Posture to fight, if the Enemy would quit their Tren∣ches; which none doing, he withdrew his men at such a distance from them, as he judg'd con∣venient for his Purpose. When having pitch'd his Camp, and set his Watch, and sent abroad his Scouts, he himself appearing in the midst of them, made a Speech to the Souldiers that were assembled to this Effect. In the first place, I praise the Deities of Persia, and I suppose you do the same, that we have gained the Victory * 1.1 with safety and security. And for this, it becomes us to pay our Acknowledgments to the Gods according to our Abilities. And for you, I can∣not but commend you All. For what is pass'd, hath been purchased by you very honourably. But when I have enquir'd of such as are concern'd,

what each hath merited, then my Endeavours shall be to proportion Acknowledgments and Rewards to each, according to his Rank. For Chrysantas's part indeed, next in command of the Cohorts to my self, I have no need to enquire of others, for I my self am Witness how he be∣hav'd himself. For all the Services that ye all did, he performed; and when I called him off by name, although he was prepared to attaque the Enemy, yet notwithstanding he obey'd my call, and left undone what he was about to do, to do what he was commanded. For he not only drew off his own Forces, but gave his Example and my Commands to the rest; in such sort, as he drew off the Cohorts out of shot of the Ar∣rows, before the Enemy could so much as sup∣pose we would retire, and yet they could bend their Bows, and dart their Javelins at us; whence it came, that he brought himself and his men off safe, by his Obedience. Some others of you indeed I discern wounded, of whom, when I have examined what time they receiv'd their Wounds, I shall then deliver my Opinion. But for Chry∣santas, as he is stout and expert in fight, and knowing both to command and to obey, I shall confer on him at present the Honour of a Tri∣bune, and as God shall do better for us, we may for him; and for you all; (says he) I would have you taught by his Experience: for Images of what we have seen pass in this Fight, ought always to dwell upon your Minds, that so ye may de∣termine with your selves, whether you are to maintain your Lives with Honour, or by Flight? And which do better, they who stoutly stand to

their Arms, or they who basely run away? This Pleasure we owe to a Victory. For of these things we shall judge best, when we have made Tryal, and the Scene is yet fresh before our Eyes. And as you duly reflect on these things, you will commence more experienced. Now like Men acceptable to the Gods, magnanimous, yet moderate, furnish out a Banquet, sacrifice to the Gods, sing Poeans, and take care, that whatever is commanded may be put in Practice. This said, he got up on Horse-back, and rode to Cyaxares: with whom, after he had, as was fit, shared the Pleasure in common between them of mutual Congratulation, and had informed him∣self of what past there, and enquired if they had need of him, he returned to his Army. After which, his Souldiers having supped, and set their Watch, they composed themselves to Rest.

But the Assyrians, whose Prince fell, and with him the Flower of their Force, were all in great Dejection, many also were the Deserters by Night. Which when Craesus and his Compa∣nions discovered, they were perplexed, for all things were in ill Plight. But what afflicted them most was, that that Nation, whose Army had the Van, should neither have Force or Coun∣sels * 1.2 left sufficient to maintain it self. Therefore betaking themselves to flight, they abandoned their Camp by Night. As soon as Day once broke, and the Desolation in the Enemies Camp was perceiv'd, Cyrus strait drew his Forces thither; Wherein the Enemy had left many Sheep and Beeves, besides many Waggons laden with Pro∣visions. Moreover, the Medes also, who were

under the Conduct of Cyaxares, all passed over and dined in the Enemies Camp. Which once over, Cyrus having assembled the Officers of his Cohorts, spake to them after this manner. What, and how great (my Souldiers) are the Favours which Heaven hath vouchsased us? For ye your selves see, that even an Apprehension of you hath put the Enemy to flight. But they who have deserted a fortified Camp, how will they think you be able to stand their Ground, when they see us in the Field? And they who could not bear the Shock, when as yet they had not tryed your Force, how will they sustain it now that they are altogether vanquished, and reduced by you to many Straits? And they of whom the bravest are cut off, how shall their Refuse be able to dispute with you? Here one interposing; Why therefore, says he, do we delay the pursuit * 1.3 of them, when such Encouragements are fairly offered us? To whom Cyrus; We stand in need of Horse for that Matter, says he; For the choi∣cest of the Enemy, and whom it would be most advantageous to cut off or surprize, are retired with their Horse. Those indeed by the Gods Assistance we may put to flight, but we are not able to take Prisoners in the pursuit. Why therefore say they, do you not repair to Cyax∣ares, and consult him in the Matter? Do you all therefore, says he, attend me together, that he may understand these Motions are with the good liking of us All. They all then attended Cyrus, and presented to him what they thought was convenient, upon this Occasion.

Cyaxares, partly because he somewhat envied what Advices first came from them, partly be∣cause he thought he should do better, not to ex∣pose himself again to Hazard (for he then in∣dulged his Pleasure, and many of the Medes seemed to do the same) answered them in this * 1.4 manner. Among other People, O Cyrus, espe∣cially you Persians, as I have both heard and seen, make it your Aim to avoid the immode∣rate Use of all Pleasures; But for my part, it seems to me more expedient, that in the free Enjoyment of the greatest Pleasures, every one should shew a Moderation. But what greater Pleasure can arrive to us at any time, than that of good Fortune? Which proves to be our Case at this Time. If therefore, when good Fortune smiles upon us, we wisely maintain the same, we may perchance grow old in Happiness with∣out intermission. But if what we enjoy affords us no satisfaction, but we go to pursue good For∣tune in all its shapes, take care, that that be not our Fate, which is of many that put to Sea, who, transported with their good Luck, make no end of sayling till they are lost. And so in like manner, it fares with many Conquerours, who, greedy of new Victories, at length come to lose their share in the old. For if our Enemies that are o'er-run were fewer then we, it might perhaps be safe to pursue a less Number; but I would have you to consider well, with how small a part of them we all encountred in fight successfully. Those of them who never fought, if we force them not to fight, through inexperience and sloth, will retire without knowing what either

we or themselves are able to do. But if they esteem themselves in no less danger in their re∣treat, then if they fought, beware lest you press them to behave themselves with greater brave∣ry than they intended. For you cannot imagine that you are more ambitious of taking Prisoners their Wives and Children, than they are of pre∣serving them from being taken. For even wild Hogs, when once you have set sight on them, haste away with their Young, be their Herds never so great: But let any one of their Young be hunted, and the Dam, though she be single, will turn back and push the Hunter. Now while we are under Covert, they give us the Oppor∣tunity of drawing forth, as out of a Store-house, and engaging them with such Bodies as we think good; but if we shall encounter them in open Field, and they dividing their Force, shall hem us in, partly on the Front, as it hapned even now, partly on the right and left Wing, and part∣ly in the Rear, beware lest each of us have oc∣casion for many Eyes and Hands at once. Besides, says he, indeed I would not oblige the Medes, who are indulging their Pleasures, to enter up∣on so hazardous a March. Which Words Cyrus taking hold of. You would oblige none of them, says he, but permit me those at least for this Service, who would be Volunteers. Perchance * 1.5 our return may pay its thanks to you, and the rest of your Friends. For we purpose not to pur∣sue the gross of the Enemies Forces, for what means have we to come up to them. But if we meet with any Straglers from the main Body, lagging behind, as tired in the March, those we

may return with to you. And even you your self are to bear in mind, how long a march we undertook at your intreaty, that we might per∣form a thing acceptable to you. It is but just therefore that you gratifie us so far in return, that we our selves may have some Profit of our Journey, and may not all have an Eye to your Coffers. To which Cyaxares; If any one, says he, of his own free Will be inclined to follow thee, you have my leave to draw him out. Send therefore some one of your trusty Fellows to re∣present your Pleasure. Come on, says he, whom∣soever of these you have a mind to, take him. There was by chance a Mede present, who some∣time had given out, that he was Cyrus, Cousin, and had been so saluted by him. Cyrus there∣fore forthwith, This Man (says he) suffices me: He has good leave (says the other) let him fol∣low you. And do you (says he) proclaim to all, that whoever will, may go with Cyrus. Cyrus therefore embracing his Men, upon his be∣ing drawn out, strait said, Deal now ingenuously, did you speak truth, when you said the very sight of me fed you with a secret Pleasure? Sure∣ly, said that Mede, I will never leave you, since you put me in mind of that. Then added Cy∣rus: Will you take care to represent this, to move the rest of your Companions? He calling Jove to witness, Most certainly, reply'd he, till I have effected what will make me welcome to you. When therefore he had offered very readily many Encouragements to those Medes that were detached by Cyaxares, he added among other things, that he would never be wanting to so

brave and very lovely a Person; and, which was above all, to one descended from the Gods.

While these things were managed thus by Cyrus, it fell out, not without a Divine Provi∣dence, that Embassadors appeared from the Hyr∣canians. * 1.6 Now the Hyrcanians are a People bor∣dering upon the Assyrians, a Nation indeed of no great extent. For which cause they were subject to the Assyrian Yoke, but yet good Caval∣ry they ever were esteemed, and are so still. Wherefore the Assyrians made use of them in the same Nature, as the Spartans of the Scirites, employing them constantly in all Fatigues and desperate Services. And at this very time they had it in charge, to bring up the Reserve, which made us to the number of about a thousand Horse. So that if any Danger prest them in the Rear, they were to receive the Shock. And these Hyrcanians, who marched in the Rear, brought up also their Carriages and Families in the Rear. For many of the Asiatick People in their Expeditions use to carry their whole Fa∣milies along with them, which Custom the Hyrcanians also observed in this very Expediti∣on, when it came to their Minds, what they had suffered from the Assyrians, whose Prince was now lost, themselves vanquished, their whole Army in great Apprehensions, their Allies weak∣ned and dispirited: As they weighed these things with themselves, they thought a fair Opportu∣nity offered in this time of general Defection, for Cyrus his Forces together in Conjunction with them, to Charge the Enemy. They send therefore their Embassadors before to Cyrus, to

whose Name the Fight had given an extraordi∣nary Reputation. They that were employed, thus represented to Cyrus the Justice of his Ha∣tred to the Assyrians, and that if he would in∣deed attaque them at present, they would be both his Guide and Companions in such an Ex∣pedition: They also remembred him, in what Posture the Affairs of the Enemy were at pre∣sent, omitting nothing which might encourage him to undertake the Expedition. But Cyrus demanding of them, Whether, says he, do ye think, that we may yet be able to reach them be∣fore they are got into their Holds? For we reckon this no less than a great overthrow, that they have so secretly stole from us. These things he said to confirm them in their Confidence in him. To which they replyed, that it was feisible even the next day to overtake them, if upon the ap∣proach of the Morning they held themselves ready to march; For that the Enemy advanced slowly, by reason of their Numbers, and their Carriages, and because they had watched the foregoing Night; therefore they could make no great Progress in their Removes. Have ye * 1.7 therefore, says he, any Pledge to assure us of your Fidelity, by which it may appear to us, that you have been just in what you have re∣ported. We will forthwith, say they, upon our departure, return you Hostages this Night. Do you only, calling the Gods to witness, plight us your Faith, and joyn your right Hand with ours, that those Assurances you have given us, we may transmit to others. With these Rites he plighted his Faith, upon their Performances of

what they promised, that he should esteem them in the Rank of his Friends and trusty Allies, nor should they be of less value with him, than ei∣ther his Persians, or the Medes themselves. And at this very instant, we may discern that his Faith is kept with the Hyrcanians, and that they are no less admitted to Commands, then those that appear qualified among the Medes or Persians.

Cyrus drew out his Forces, after their Repast, by break of Day, and ordered them to wait the coming of the Hyrcanians, that so they might march in Conjunction. Strait all the Persians, as it became them, drew out, and the like did Tygranes with his Forces. Of the Medes some * 1.8 drew out, because in their Youth they had begun a Friendship with Young Cyrus; others from their Acquaintance with him, and his Behavi∣our, which they admired, from their Conver∣sations with him in his Huntings. Others out of Gratitude to him, for freeing them from their Fears. Others, from a Hope they had concei∣ved, because Cyrus so evidently excelled all Men in Vertue; therefore also in time he would be very Great and Fortunate. Others, because they would be something grateful to him for his Favours shewed on them in his Education among the Medes. Many truly for the many good Offices his Goodness had done for them, with his Grandfather. Many also, because they saw the Hyrcanians, and a Fame was spread abroad, that these were to shew them the way to the best of their Spoiles, for that very reason went, that they might get by their Journey. So it was, that almost all the Medes presented them∣selves,

excepting those that perhaps were left in Cyaxares his Pavilion. For these, with those under their Rule stayed behind. All the rest with willing and cheerful Minds marched off, as those who were not compelled to offer their Ser∣vices, but moved from their own free Will, and a Desire of obliging. But when they now set forth, he first adressed to the Medes, and having commended them, he intreated the Gods to fa∣vour them, and them he intreated to be his Captains. Then, that he might return them his Acknowledgements for their Endeavours, He ordered the Foot to march before, and them to follow after with the Horse. And accordingly as the Army lodged, or was posted in their Mar∣ches, he ordered that Courriers should arrive to give them advice from time to time, what Mea∣sures they were to take upon every Occasion.

After this, he ordered the Hyrcanians to lead the way. But they demanding, Why do you not stay, say they, till we return you Hostages, that so you may proceed with Assurance of our Fidi∣lity? To which Cyrus is said to have made An∣swer, * 1.9 I truly am of Opinion, that we have Se∣curities for your Fidelity in our own Hearts and Hands: For we think our selves sufficient, that we have abundant means in our own Power to recompence you, upon Experience of your Truth: or if you use Deceit, we take our selves to be of that Ability, that we are not in the least at your Mercy, but you rather at ours, if it so please the Gods. And for the Hyrcanians, because you have told us they march in the Rear, as soon as you shall discern them, signifie to us that they

are your Countrymen, that they may taste our Mercy. The Hyrcanians having heard this, marched before to lead the way as Cyrus had or∣dered, having the Greatness of his Soul in Ad∣miration, nor were they any longer in Appre∣hensions either of the Assyrians, the Lydians, or the Allies of these, only of this, lest Cyrus by any means should esteem them of no Importance, whether he had their Assistance or not.

Now when they marched, and that Night came on, it seemed to Cyrus and the Army, that a great Light as it were from Heaven open∣ed to them, which humbled them to a Venera∣tion of the Deity, and raised in them a Confi∣dence towards their Enemies. And because it is but just to believe, that considering the Dispatch and Expedition of their March, they had pro∣ceeded a great way, they were together with the Evening not far removed from the Hyrcani∣an Troops. This when their Courriers once dis∣covered, they brought News to Cyrus, that those were their Countrymen. This too he him∣self might be able to judge of, both because they were posted in the Rear, and from the blaze of their Fires. Then he dispatching one of these to them, ordered him to tell them, if they were indeed his Friends, they should strait pre∣sent themselves all with their right Hands rai∣sed aloft: Some also of his own he joyned with them, to whom he gave in charge, that they should let the Hyrcanians know, that he and his should demean themselves towards them, as they saw them enclined towards them. Thus one Messenger of theirs remained with Cyrus,

at the same time another was dispatch'd to the Hyrcanians.

But in the mean time, while Cyrus was to ex∣pect what Measures the Hyrcanians would take, he ordered the Army to make a Halt. Then Tygranes and the Princes of the Medes being brought to him, he demanded what was to be done. To whom he spake thus; This next, says he, is the Troop of Hyrcanians, to whom one of the Courriers is dispatch'd, and together with him some of ours, to signifie to them, that if they are our Friends indeed, all of them should meet us with their right Hands lifted up on high. Where∣fore, if they accord to this Condition, let every one of you in his Place, embrace them with your right Hands, and so give assurance to them. But if they should make ready their Arms, or pre∣pare for flight, let it be your Endeavours that none of these Enemies escape. To this Effect were Cyrus's Commands. In the mean time, upon hearing the Courriers, the Hyrcanians were filled with Joy; and getting up nimbly on their * 1.10 Horses, presented and stretched out their Hands for the Signal, which the Medes and Persians in return, receiv'd them with their right Hands, and gave them Assurance. Then Cyrus; We truly, says he, have a Confidence in you Hyr∣canians, and it becomes you in like manner to have the same in us. But acquaint us, in the first Place, how far is the Place off, where the Head∣quarters and entire Forces are? They replyed, that the distance was somewhat greater then a Mile from thence. To which Cyrus; Go you then, says he, ye Persians, Medes, Hyrcanians, (for now

even you also I style my Friends and Allies) you ought to understand, that our Affairs are in such a Posture, as if we proceed remisly and with slackness, extraordinary Mischiefs may be∣tide us. For our Enemies cannot be ignorant of the Cause of our coming. But if pushing with all our force, we shall with due Courage and Bra∣very attaque the Enemy, they will strait appear in the fashion of Slaves and Fugitives, who are found, some to turn Supplicants, others to run away; others not to have so much Resolution left them as to run. For the vanquished will be∣hold us, c're yet they can persuade themselves into a belief of our coming. They will be sur∣prized in no Martial Order, and wholly unpre∣pared to fight. Wherefore, if we will sup sweetly, and give this Night to our selves, and live af∣terwards, we must not leave them any leisure, either of consulting, or of providing ought that they may have occasion for; nay, nor indeed of so much as reflecting that we are Men, but ra∣ther that they may imagine, that hurdles, and hunting-Spears, and Axes, and Strokes, and Wounds are their Lot. And for you, Hyrca∣nians, said he, I would have you still proceed to keep your Order in the first Rank before us, by which means, your Cognisances being discern'd a far off, at a good distance, we may impose upon the Enemy; But when I shall arrive where the Forces of the Enemy are, leave me a Band of Horse, which I, continuing with the Army, may employ as there shall be Occasion. But you, who are Princes, and old Commanders, proceed keeping your Ranks unbroken, if you are wise,

lest whilst you spread wide against the gathered Forces of the Enemy, you should be forcibly repulsed. Give the Youth the Opportunity of charging and doing Execution on the Enemy. For at this time it will be our Security to permit very few of them to escape. But if that should chance, which fortunes to many by Custom, who bear rule, that we should master their Wealth, great Caution is to be used, how we ap∣ply our selves to the Pillage; For he who takes this Course, is not to be look'd upon as a brave Man and a Souldier, but a High-shoon Pedler; and whom every man ought to treat as a mer∣cinary Slave. That Saying we always ought to bear in Mind, that Nothing costs so dear as a Victory. For he that is Master of the Field, sweeps all before him, Men, Women, Baggage, and the whole Country. In this Case there is only one thing to be observed, that we main∣tain the Victory, and that even the Pillager himself is kept within the Bounds of that. Last of all, I must remember you, that you desist from the Pursuit, and return to me before Day shuts; For when the Dusk once approaches, we receive none. This said, he dismissed them all to their several Posts, and gave all in charge in common, that when they repaired to their Troops, each of them should communicate the same to his Cornets; For the Cornets being post∣ed in the Front, were capable of receiving their Orders. And every one of the Cornets they charged to report the same to those under their Command. This Order being taken, the Hyr∣canians marched first, Cyrus with the Persians

followed in the main Body, while the Horse, as was fit, were disposed in the two Wings.

When Day once appeared, some of the Ene∣mies were astonished at what they saw; Others were casting about what was to be done; Some were employed in Reports, others in Exclamati∣ons; Some turned their Horses loose, others were packing up their Goods; Some unharnessed their Horses, others harnessed them; Some leapt on * 1.11 Horse-back, others bridled their Horses; Some were stowing their Wives in the Waggons, Others were taking care to preserve what they had of great value; a third sort were burying their Treasure: but the greatest part betook themselves to flight. A great variety of many other Employments you may imagine them en∣gaged in, excepting that one thing that none of them fought, but were ruined without a stroke. * 1.12 Craesus the King of the Lydians, had conveyed away his Women in Waggons by Night, be∣cause it was Summer, that so they might take their Journeys in the Cool; Himself followed after with the Horse. The same they report of that Phrygian, who ruled the Phrygia by the Hel∣lespont. But when some of them perceived others to fly, and to come up to them, finding what was done, they also fled with all their Force. The King of the Cappadocians, and of the Arabs, who were near hand, and fought without their Armour, the Hyrcanians killed. In like man∣ner they that were slain, for the most part, were Assyrians and Arabs. For since they were arriv'd at their own Country, they had marched very slowly.

Whilst the Medes and Hyrcanians thus play∣ed their Parts in the Pursuit, as you may ima∣gine Conquerors use to do, Cyrus gave in charge to the Horse that were left behind with him, that they should ride about the Camp, and if they saw any armed men go forth, they should cut them off; and make Proclamation by a Cryer to those that kept within, that whatever Soul∣diers of the Enemy, that were either Horse, or Targetteers, or Archers, should bring in their Arms pack'd up, leaving their Horses at the Tents. This, whoever should fail to do, was to be punished with the loss of his Head: and that they should appear with their Hunting Spears all in their Hands in Order. Therefore, those of them that had any Arms, should commit them, when they were cast from them, into such a Place as Cyrus appointed, where they might be burnt by such as he had given this Matter in Charge.

But when it came to Cyrus his Mind, that they had advanced thus far without any Provisions * 1.13 for Bag or Bottle, without which, neither any Expedition was to be undertaken, nor any thing else to be done; he cast about by what means he could provide plenty of both in due manner, and with dispatch. He therefore reflected, that all Armies stood in need of some whose Office it was to take care that the Tents, and other Ne∣cessaries should be still in a readiness for the Soul∣diers in their Marches, imagining therefore, that it was highly probable, that especially at the instant they would be found in the Tents bu•…•… in packing up their Goods, he made Proclama∣tion

by his Cryers, that all the Military Purvey∣ors should present themselves, and if there were no Purvey or there, in such case the eldest Soul∣dier should come forth of his Tent, threatning very grievously those of them that should give no Obedience. They, when they found even their Masters to submit, forthwith paid Obedi∣ence. When they made their Appearance, he made them to be placed first, who had in their Tents more Provision than for two months. When he beheld these, he again ordered, that they should be placed, who had one months Provisions. Then, when almost all of them were placed, and he found this, he addressed to them in these Words. Come on then, saith he, my Hearts; Whoever of you have no love for your Sufferings, and are desirous to gain our good Will, take Order readily, that every one of you in your Tents, provide for Bag and Bottle more then double the quanity of your daily Pro∣visions for Master and Servant; and see that all things else be ready whatever they are that belong of any kind to good eating. Because the Pursuers will strait be on their return, and will expect to find plenty of all Necessaries, I would therefore have you understand, that for the future, it will be your concern to accomodate them without any grudging. When they had heard these things, they used their best Endea∣vours to execute his Commands.

But Cyrus, assembling the Head-Officers of his Army, delivered himself to them after this manner. We know well, my Friends, that you have Liberty to go to Dinner before your Fel∣low

Souldiers, who are gon upon Duty, and to solace your selves with your well-drest Dishes and Drinks. But I truly am of Opinion, that we shall not gain so much by our Dinner, as if it appeared that we took thought of our Fellows, or that our Feeding will conduce so much to the repairing of Nature, as it would, if we had more Consideration of our Fellow-Souldiers. But if we shall seem so much to neglect the Thought of them that are in Pursuit of, and doing Ex∣ecution on the Enemy that runs, and in Dispute with those that make Resistance; that we shall dine in such haste, before ever we so much as understand how matters go, I fear much we may blemish our selves with an imputation of Baseness, and our Strength may come to be les∣sened by the Straits of our Companions. But to take Thought of them, who undergo Fatigues, and expose themselves to Hazards, that they may not be unprovided of Necessaries upon their return; this way of Dining, in my Opinion, truly will make us much better Chear, than if we should address immediately to gratifie our Pa∣lates. This truly, I would have you bear in Mind, although you should entertain no thoughts of them, that yet nevertheless nothing ought to be shunned more by you then Ryot and Excess. * 1.14 For as yet we have not compleated what we in∣tended, but all being now on the very point of a Precipice, call for our utmost Endeavours. For we have yet an Enemy in the Field, in number much superior to us, and yet at Liberty to act against us, over whom it becoms us to keep a watchful Eye, and to make use of them, that

we may not want those that may provide us Ne∣cessaries. Our Horse besides are wanting, for whom we are in pain what may become of them, and if they return safe, cannot subsist with us. Wherefore truly, in my Opinion, we are to make such chear at present, as every one in his Opinion may judge equally removed from the proceeding extreams of Sleep and Debauches. I know also full well, that in these Tents there is lodged good store of Treasure, whereof I am not ignorant it may so fall out, that we make our selves masters as we please; so as still we share it in common with those that are Partners with us in the Spoil. But yet I conceive that it will not turn to so great Advantage to us, if we seize on them, as if we shew our selves just to them, by which means we may gain this point, that they may embrace us with less suspition then before. Besides, I am of Opinion, that the sharing of the Spoil is to be permitted to the Medes, the Hyrcanians, and Tygranes, upon their coming up to us; and if they should afford us a smaller share, even that is to be reckoned our Ad∣vantage. For these Advantages will invite them to stay with us more willingly. And for us tru∣ly at this time to have an Eye to our own Ad∣vantage, will procure us less durable Riches. Wherefore, waving these, let us provide our selves of that which Riches are built on, which truly, in my Opinion, may establish to us and all ours more lasting Treasures. Besides that, I suppose we have been accustomed at home to moderate the Pleasures of the Palate, and of ex∣cessive gain; that so we may conveniently taste

the Enjoyments of both, when Occasion requires. Now upon what Occasions we can give an In∣stance of this Moderation, better then the Pre∣sent, truly for my part I see not.

This was Cyrus his Speech; to which Hystaspes the Persian, one of the Commanders of the first Rank, gave Approbation in these Words, to this Effect. What an Absurdity would it be, O Cyrus, if we, who to maintain the Chace, or∣dinarily abridge our selves of eating, in prospect only of the Prey, and that perhaps of no great value; and now that we are in Chace of Sub∣stantial Honour and Riches, if we should suffer any such things to be an impediment to us, as indeed are the impedious Masters over the base, but yet are in subjection to great and generous Souls: it ought not therefore to be once suppo∣sed, that any thing which is so unworthy of us, should ever be imputed to us. In this manner Hystaspes approved the Opinion of Cyrus, to which he had the Consent of all the Rest. To which Cyrus added; Come on then, says he, since in this point the Opinion of all you is the same. Send every one of you out of his Band five men of the graver sort, who, riding about the Tents, may encourage them whom they ob∣serve to make due Provision of Necessaries, and to reflect upon those that are remiss, with as lit∣tle reserve, as if they had Authority over them.

Which things they did accordingly. But of the Medes, part lighting on the Waggons laden with Necessaries for the Army, which sometime since past the Enemies Tents, after they had

obliged them to return and come up to them, were carried in them. Part brought back to their Tents such Waggons as they had intercept∣ed, with the finest Women, which being their lawful Wives, or their Concubines, the Souldiers had brought with them to the War for the sake of their Beauty. For the Asiaticks, when they enter upon their Expeditions, so undertake them even at this Day, that they take with them things of the greatest value. For they say for them∣selves, that they are greedier of fighting when those things are in sight, which they hold most dear: as if a Necessity thereby was laid upon them of defending them with more Resolution. And perhaps the Case stands so indeed, or else perhaps it is so pretended, to excuse their Plea∣sures.

Cyrus, after he had been Witness of the Ex∣ploits of the Medes and Hyrcanians, seemed a little displeased with himself and his, that others at this instant seemed Superior to them in Vigour, and to make their Acquests while they lay out of the way of exercising their skill: For they who returned home with Spoil, having presented to Cyrus what they brought, marched back strait in quest of the Enemy. For which course they pleaded the Orders of their several respective Officers. These things, though they galled Cy∣rus, yet he reserved their Spoils in a convenient Place.

But summoning at length his Head-Officers together, when he had so placed himself, that what he said might be heard of all, he thus de∣livered himself. I suppose, my Friends, you re∣flect

of what importance it is for all the Persians to be accomodated with all Necessaries and we especially, as it is reason, by whose assistance all is gotten, if we truly would be Masters of what we see exposed to view; But by what means we * 1.15 may arrive to be Masters of the like Treasure, since we have not strength sufficient to acquire it, unless the Persians had Horse of their own, I for my part understand not. For I would have you still to bear in mind, says he, that we Per∣sians are abundantly supplied with those Arms, with which, when we come close with the Enemy, we may be enabled to put them to flight. But when they once are put to flight, what, either Horse-men, or Archers, or Targetteers, or Slin∣gers, can we either cut in pieces, or take Prisoners, when we are unprovided of Horse for the Pursuit? On the other side, who of them should fear to charge us, and with what Mischiefs may they plague us, whether it be their Bow-men, their Slingers, or their Horse-men, when they are as∣sured they shall have no more Annoyance from us, then from so many rows of rooted Trees? Which things, when they are so, is it not plain that those Horse-men who were with you but now, will reckon upon all this Plunder as no less their own, then Ours? Nay perhaps much more their own then ours; since of Necessity this was not acquired but by their Horse. Now then if we shall provide our selves with Horse, not in∣feriour to theirs, will it not appear most evident to all; it may well be, that we may do against the Enemy without them, what we do only now with them, and that so we may expect them less

insulting in their Behaviour towards us? Besides, we shall be in less pain, whether they give us their Assistance or not, if we of our selves alone can do our own Business without them. But to let pass these things; no man in my Opinion can be against this Proposition, but will altogether grant it, that the Persians should furnish out their own Horse. But perchance ye may de∣mand, by what means this may be brought about. Let us consider then, if we would be supplyed with Horse, what we are furnished with, and in what we are wanting. Horses we have good store of the Enemies in the Tents; Bits we have to manage them, and other things of which there may be need for the equipping them. Fur∣niture too besides, this we want not for Horse∣men, as Armour for the Back and Brest, to guard their Bodies, and Weapons which may be of use to dart or defend themselves. What therefore remains? It is plain, that we have need of Men, which indeed we have more then all. For Nothing is so truly Ours, as we our selves. But yet some perhaps will object, that we areun∣disciplin'd. But truly, not any one of them who are expert, before he was trained was expert. Perhaps it will be objected here, that they were trained in their Youth. Hath Youth therefore a stronger Inclination to follow what they are shewed and taught, than Men? Or after they have been taught, whether have Men or Youths abler Bodies for Exercising? Besides that, we have had Leisure and Opportunity to practice, which neither Youths, no nor all Men have at their command. For the Art of

Archery is not now to be taught us, as to Youth, because we have been now long since acquaint∣ed with it; Nor the skill of slinging also we are no Strangers to it. Nor is our Lot the same with that of other Men, who have the Avocati∣ons of Husbandry, Trades, or Civil Affairs. But for us, we have not only Leisure to exercise the Military Art, but are oblig'd to it by Necessity. Moreover, in Matters of War, the case is not the same, as in many other things, which if they are gainful, are not without their Difficulties: For in a Journey, is it not more pleasant to ride than go a Foot? In Races, is it not more desi∣rable to use dispatch, to meet a Friend upon Oc∣casion, and in the Chace, to intercept Man or Beast in the full Career, according to Occasion? In bearing of Arms, are not any kind of them light and easie, when the Burden is the Horses and not Yours? Indeed, it is the same thing to possess and wield them. But perhaps, what you are in most Apprehensions of, lest of Necessity we should endure the brunt of the Fight on Horse-back, e're yet we rightly know how to manage our Horse. If so, I must tell you, we are neither able Foot-Souldiers, nor good Horse∣men; for this is not difficult to clear to you thus: For whenever we please, we may dismount and fight a foot: for having been taught the Dis∣cipline of Horse-men, does in no wise unteach us the Discipline of the Foot.

This was Cyrus his Speech; which Crysantas * 1.16 approving of, spake after this manner. Indeed, said he, I so passionately affect being taught the Horse-mans Art, that I should fancy my self be∣come

a flying Man at the same instant that I commenced an Horse-man. For hitherto I thought it sufficient, if in a Race I was able to top any man upon full Speed, or to command the Chace so well, as to be able to prevent any wild Beast in its Career, by piercing him with Dart or Sling, before he could out-run me. But, were I once made a Horse-man, I would propose to kill a Man as far off as I could see him, and to wound Beasts in the Chace, partly by coming up close to intercept them, and partly by shoot∣ing at them, as if they stood like Butts. For two fleet things brought upon full speed within a little distance of one another, want but a little of standing still together. From this Ground it is says he, that of all Creatures, I ever use to ad∣mire most the Centaures, if at least there were ever any such in Being; because they used their Reason like Men, and what they had need of they wrought with their Hands; and who had Strength and Speed to overcome in the Chace, and to subdue in Fight; which Qualifications should all meet in me, were I a Horse-man: The Reason of a Man to direct me, his hands to bear Arms, the Feet of a Horse to pursue, and his Back to bestride the Enemy. Nor will there be need to pinion me to the Horse, as the Cen∣taures, though that be better than to grow to the Horse by Nature. For I truly am of Opinion, that the Centaures are in a sort Strangers both to many Pleasures which Art hath invented for Men, and which Nature hath allowed to Hor∣ses. But should I e're learn to play the Horse∣man, on Horse-back, I would lead the Centaures

Life, and when I lighted off my Horse, I would choose to become a Man, and feed, and dress, and sleep like such a one; what other thing then should I prove at this rate but a Centaur, who could be thus artificially taken in Pieces, and set together again? In this respect indeed I should be superior to a Centaur, for he sees alone with two Eyes, and hears with two Ears; but I truly should have no less then four Eyes for Spies, and four Ears to take every Alarm. For it is said, that a Horse will after his fashion tell his Rider the News of all what he hath seen and heard. Therefore set me down in the number of those that would be Horse-men, and the like said all the rest. To which Cyrus: What say you then, says he, since this choice is wonderfully approved by us all? Shall we impose a Law upon our selves, that it shall be a disgrace for any Man whom I shall sup∣ply with Horses, to appear on Foot in any of our Marches, be the Journey either little or great; that so we may have reason to perswade our selves, that we are in all points Centaures.

This demand he no sooner made, then they all agreed to it; whence it comes to pass, that this very thing, even from that time unto this Day, is in use with the Persians: nor are any of the gentiler Persians by their good Wills ever seen as yet on foot. With these Discourses they were at that time taken up. When now, after Noon once was over, in came the Medes and Hyrcanians, and with them several Men and Horses Prisoners. For they put none of them to the Sword, who delivered their Arms. Upon their Arrival, Cyrus first demanded, whether all

of them were safe? which they having satisfied him in, he then enquired after what manner they had behaved themselves? They reported to him their Adventures, and were not sparing to set forth with Embroidery their Bravery upon each Occasion. Cyrus, when he had patiently heard all that they had to say, gave them Praises after this manner. It is very visible, says he, that you have behaved your selves with Bravery, we can read it in your Looks; for you make a goodlier, a more graceful, and fiercer Figure than before. He then demanded, how far they had marched into the Country, and whether it were well Peopled? They replyed, they had traversed the greatest part of it, and that they found the Country every were Peopled, and stored with Sheep, Goats, Beeves, Horses, Grain, and all kind of Provisions. Two things, says he, we are to have in Prospect. First, that we may have in our Power those that have all these in Possession; Next, that they may not look out for other Masters. For that Country which is Peopled, is sufficiently rich, and the same, if it be depopulated, wants even those Provisions which it hath. I understand you put those to the Sword, who stood upon their Defence, and it was well done. For this Course principally assures a Victory. But those that submitted their Arms, you made Prisoners * 1.17 of War. Whom, if we set free, we shall therein, I think, consult our own Interest. For first, we shall be in no Apprehensions of them, nor shall we keep any Guard over them, nor dress any Victuals for them; for to be sure we shall not starve them when we have dismissed them.

Besides, when we have parted with these, we shall not want Captives enow for our Occasions. For if we possess our selves of the Country, we shall make all the People Captives, who will have more Reason to continue in our Ser∣vice, and shew stronger Inclinations to obey, than to try it out on the Swords point, when they perceive these living, and enlarged. This is my Opinion; if any one judges any other Course better, let him propose it. They all allowed his Advices were fit to be put in Practice. Cyrus then summoning the Captives, spake to them in these Words; My Friends, * 1.18 ye have preserved your Lives by submitting your selves; and if you demean your selves accordingly for the future, no Mischief will be∣fall you more then this, that those who were your Lords before, will not be so now; But you will live in the same Forms, and till the same Land, and enjoy the familiar Conversa∣tion of the same Women; and so in like manner have your own Children in your Power as before. Only against us you may not employ your Armes, nor against any Other. But if any shall injure you, we our selves will right you with our Armes. But lest any should employ your Force, your Arms are to be in our Possession. Those of you that have submitted them, shall enjoy firm Peace, and the other Conditions we en∣gage for, without any Deceit. And against as many as have not consented to lay down their Armes, we are now about to direct our Force to reduce them. But if any of

you shall come to us with an ingenious In∣tention of submitting your selves for our sakes to such Services as we shall appoint, we are ready to treat such not as Slaves, but as Friends, and deserving well at our Hands. This I would have you take notice of, and report to the rest of your Fellows. But if any of you prove more refractory, and refuse to acquiesce in our good Pleasure, we shall turn our Arms against them, to reduce them to Obedience to us, instead of our paying Obedience unto them. This said, they made their Obeysance, and promised their Comply∣ance in all things.

Upon their Departure, It is time, says Cyrus, O Medes and Armenians, for us all to say, Necessaries we have provided for you, according to the utmost of our Ability. Go therefore, and send us half your Provisions of Bisket, since there is enough in the Stores layed in for us both. But Meat and Drink we have need to send none. For of these we have sufficient pro∣vided of our own. And you Hyrcanians, wait upon them to their several Tents; upon their Men of Quality, to those that are richest in your Opinion, and upon the rest, to the most convenient for their Reception. And you your selves Sup where you shall think it most agree∣able. For you have entire Tents for your own use, ready furnished with all Accommodati∣ons, as even they have. This both of you may take Notice of, that we shall keep the Night-watches at your Doors; all within the Tents is committed to your Care, and to be

guarded by your Armes. For as yet they are none of our Friends that we have in our Tents. After that all things were ready, the Medes and Tygranes his Souldiers washed, and shifting themselves, went to Supper. Their Horses also had Provender and Litter; and they sent to the Persians one half of their Bisket, without any addition of Wine or Vi∣ctuals; taking it for granted, that Cyrus his Men were supplyed with these, because Cyrus * 1.19 had told them they had store of both; though Hunger in Cyrus his Language passed for Meat, as pure River-water for his Beverage.

Cyrus thus having supped his Persians, when the Dusk came, sent several of them, by five and ten together in a Company, this way and that way, with a charge to go and conceal themselves about the Tents; For he thought this might be of use, if any Strangers should in∣vade them from without, or if any Thieves from within, that should attempt to make their Escape with their Booty, they might be appre∣hended, as indeed it fell out after. For both many attempted their Escapes, and not a few were taken. But Cyrus shared the Money amongst those that apprehended them; but appointed the Thieves to condign Punishment. By which Means it came to pass, that after this, if you would never so fain, you should not find one idle gaping Fellow in a whole Night.

For the Persians, they lived after this rate. But the Medes caroused and made good chear, * 1.20 and even surfeited themselves with Musick and

Revelling. For many of their things were rifled, so as the Watch never wanted Employment. Even Cyaxares their King, that very Night that Cyrus took leave, was Drunk himself with those in his Quarters, as if it were no disparagement; and thought that the rest of the Medes, a few on∣ly excepted, had tarried in their Tents, because he heard so great a Noise. For the Domesticks, and menial Servants of the Medes, upon the go∣ing away of their Masters, drunk and roared very jovially, for they had newly sent them Bot∣tles of Wine, and several good things from the Assyrian Army. But when it dawned, and none appeared to make their Court besides those that supped with him, and that he heard the Tents were stript naked of the Medes, and Men of Qua∣lity, and that he walked out to make a Discove∣ry of it himself, then he stamped and raged a∣gainst Cyrus and the Medes, for going away and leaving him alone. And immediately gave or∣der, as he is reported to be very fierce and bru∣tish, to one of the By-standers to take a Party of * 1.21 Horse with him, and with all speed to find out the Troops that followed Cyrus, and let them know, I little thought Cyrus would so ill have consulted my Interest; But if those were Cyrus his measures, he less expected it from the Medes, that they should quit his Service, and leave him alone. Therefore now let Cyrus recall his if he thinks good, but if not, let the Medes not fail to give Attendance in all haste. This he gave in Charge to them. But he, who had this Expedition in Charge, replied, My Liege, Which way shall I find them? Which way, said Cyaxares? the same

way that Cyrus with those in his Train has sound them against whom he is marched; For truly, said he, I have been inform'd, that several of the Hyreanians, who were Deserters from the Enemy, departed hence soon after their Arrival, to be Guides to Cyrus his Troops. Upon the News of which Cyaxares was the more incensed against Cyrus, for not acquainting him with these things, for which cause he used greater Endeavors to recall the Medes over, a means to weaken Cyrus his Force; which made him command the Attendances of the Medes under severer Penalties than before, not with∣out mingling sharp menaces to the Messenger himself, if he failed to represent those things to them very pressingly. He marched strait with his hundred Horse, and seem'd to have no o∣ther Trouble but this, that he was not one of those that at went first with Cyrus. When they had proceeded in their Journey, and come where the Wayes parted, their mistake made them lose their Rode; so as instead of coming up to Cyrus his Army, they stumbled upon certain Straglers from the Assyrian Camp, whom they forcibly compelled to be their Guides. By which means, and the light of their Fires, they arrived there about Mid-night. But af∣ter they had arrived at the Camp, the Watch, as Cyrus had appointed, refus'd them admit∣tance, till Day-light. Cyrus at break of Day, summoning the Magi, had given them in Charge, to select what was fit for an Offering to the Gods, for such great Successes, which they were engaged in this Affair, he sum∣moned

his Persian principal Officers, and spake to them thus. Many Blessings my Fellow-Souldiers, the Gods have heaped upon us. But we, O Persians, at this instant, are too few to continue them in our Possession. For if we leave the Fruit of all our Labours unguarded, they will fall to the Lot of others. And if we depute some of ours to guard our Acquests, our Strength that way will be weakned. Wherefore, in my Opinion, it will be best for some one of you to haste to Persia, and acquaint them with the state of our Case; and require Supplies from them with all Expedition, if ever the Persians have a mind that the Strength and Riches of Asia should be in their Power. Go you therefore, says he, who are the Eldest, and represent these things to them upon your Arrival. To which you may add, that the care will be mine of Victualling such Souldiers as they send, after they have joyned our Forces. What Spoiles we have, you see, and therefore keep nothing of that kind from them. But of which, what we shall make for the Presents we design for Persia, that we may be duly informed; for what concerns the Gods, consult my Father; and for what con∣cerns the State, consult the Civil Magistrate. Let them also send us, as well those who may be assisting to us from time to time in the manage of our Affairs, as also those who may have an Eye and Inspection over them. Do you, therefore, says he, prepare for your Journey, and take your Band of Men with you, to con∣voy you thither. After this, he summoned the Medes, when at the same instant Cyaxares his

Messenger was arrived, and laid before them his Displeasure against Cyrus, and his Menaces of the Medes; and told them in the Close, that Cyaxares his Will was, that the Medes should return, although Cyrus his Intention was to keep the Field. Which Words of the Messenger, the Medes received with Silence, as not being able to determine how to avoid his Summons, and yet as ignorant through Fear, how to comply with his Threats; being so well acquainted with the Cruelty of his Nature. But Cyrus stepping in, I admire not at all, says he, O Messenger, and you Medes, that Cyaxares is so full of Appre∣hensions for us, and for himself; when at the same time he knew our Enemy was numerous, and knew not how we might succeed. But when once he understands, that many of the Enemies Forces are cut off, and even all of them put to flight; first, he will lay aside his Fears, and next, he cannot but own, that he is in no wise abandoned, because his Friends have cut off his Enemies. And vvhat Right hath he to com∣plain of us, that deserve so vvell from him; and vvhen vve truly have done nothing rashly of our ovvn Heads? For I truly did persuade him to permit me, that you should joyn me upon my departure, and you, as not ambitious in the least of the Expedition, asked his Consent, vvhe∣ther you should dravv out or not, and so arri∣ved hither; nay, as many had his Command to march off, as vvere not displeased vvith my Motion; Wherefore the Displeasure he hath conceived, I am very confident, vvill be mi∣tigated vvith our Success; and vvhen he finds his

Fears are Vain, will vanish together with them. * 1.22 And for your part, O Messenger, since you are so far spent with your Journey, repose your self a while, we Persians, because we have an Enemy in present Prospect, either to dispute it with us, or gain the Power over us, keep our Ranks in Battalia. For if we keep that Course, we may possibly the sooner effect what we Design, you therefore, O Prince of the Hyrcanians, give out your Orders to the Commanders of your Forces, with a strict Charge to their Men to take Arms to cover us. Which being done, when the Hyrcanian presented, Cyrus said, It is very plea∣sing to me, O Hyrcanian, to observe, that you not only appear with us, to evidence your Friend∣ship in Fact, but also give us large Testimonies of so sharp a Wit as you are Master of, which at this time is very clearly of no small Advan∣tage to us. For though the Assyrians are indeed my Enemies, yet now they are more implacably Yours, than Mine. Wherefore we are both of us to consult our interest so, that none of our Allies who have now joyn'd us, may fail, but rather that we may have yet more Forces if pos∣sible to joyn us; But you have understood but now, that this Mede recalls his Horse, who if they quit our Service, what Means have we to keep the Field, that consist only of Foot? This therefore remains to be done on your Part and mine, to dispose even this very Man who recalls his own Men, to tarry himself with us. Do you therefore pitch on some Tent to assign him, where he may live with Convenience, and want no Accommodations which he may have Occa∣sion

for; and I in the mean time will make it my Business to find out some Employment for him, which he may be encouraged to accept of, rather than return home. Do you besides Dis∣course him, of those Advantages which may fairly be supposed in Prospect, if things be duly managed as they ought; when this is done, return to me again. The Hyrcanian then went to conduct the Mede to his Tent, and he that was ordered for Persia, was by, ready fixed for his Journey. And Cyrus had given him in charge to report to the Persians what he had represent∣ed in the fore-going Speech; and to give his Letters to Cyaxares. But says he, I will make Repetition to you, of all that I have written: that so you may know my Mind and express it, if any shall make enquiry of it: this was the Te∣nor of his Writing. Cyrus to Cyaxares Geeting. * 1.23 We left you not naked, since no Man can be said to be left of his Friends, that hath his Ene∣mies vanquished by them, and since we left you not in our Opinion exposed to any Hazards: for the greater the Distance is we are removed from you, so much the stronger Wall we con∣ceive we are about you. For they that are idle within the Reach of their Friends, render them not the more secure by their Neighbourhood; and they that are removed farthest from them engage their Enemies, so as to get them out of the reach of Danger, abandon them not at the greatest distance. Weigh therefore with your self the Experience of my Behaviour to you, and compare it with your Returns to me, when you make complaints against me. I truly joyn∣ed

your Force with the largest Supplies I could, and such as were moved by no Intreaties of yours, while you, when we were upon good Terms, allowed me only so many as I could prevail upon by my persuasions; and now that I am sat down in an Enemies Country, you recall not only those that are disposed to leave me, but even all of them at once. As Matters stood then, truly I conceived my Acknowledgments were due to you, but now you constrain me to for∣get you, and to endeavour the whole return of my Acknowledgments to them that took their Fortune with me. But I can by no means force my self to be like you, but having at this instant dispatched a Messenger into Persia for Supplies, I have given him in Charge, that as many of them as come for my Recruits, if you have any Occasion to employ them before they joyn me, shall be at your Service, not of their own choice, but to make use of at your own Discretion. Only let me give you this Advice, though I am younger than your self, that you withdravv not those Forces vvhich once you granted, that vve may not ovve you ill Will in the Place of Ac∣knovvledgments; that you summon not with Menaces such as you would have kept home, nor say that you are abandoned, and be so libe∣ral of your Threats upon all occasions, lest in Conclusion you teach yours to dispise and set you at nought. We for our Parts shall not be want∣ing in our Endeavours to visit you, at such time as we have perfected our Affairs; the perfecting of which we conceive vvill in the end prove of equal Advantage to You and Us. Farewell.

This Letter deliver into his Hands, and if he question you about any of the Contents, satisfie him that it is as the Letter states it. And the like Charge I give you in relation to the Persians, that my Letters will clear all things to them. Having spake this, he strait dismissed him with his Letter, giving him in charge over and above, that he should use the greatest dispatch, since he might be sufficiently sensible that a spee∣dy return now if ever, might be of no small Advantage.

After this he went to take a view of the For∣ces, that were drawn out as well of the Hyr∣canians as of Tygranes his Souldiers. The Persi∣ans too appeared very well Armed; for some of the Borderers had supplied them with Horse and Armes. Those that brought in Armes he ordered to bring their Javelins into the same Place as they had brought the rest before, to Burn them, for which he took this Order, since now they had no more occasion for their Use. Those that brought in Horse, he ap∣pointed to attend them in the Tents, and to wait his Pleasure, till they heard further from him, summoning now the Horse Officers, and those of the Hyrcanians together, he made them this Speech. It ought not to be strange to you, Friends and Fellow-Souldiers, that you are As∣sembled so frequently, since there arises at present new Matter, and many of our Affairs are not well digested. And what things are yet confused and out of place, will of necessity create Business, to marshal them and reduce them to their proper Place. You have taken

much Spoils and many Men, and because we * 1.24 are ignorant which of these is each man's Pro∣perty, and the Slaves themselves know not whom they may call their Masters, therefore not a few of them are busied, and almost all of them at a Loss, what they are to do in this Case; wherefore it is your part to make a due Distribution of our several Acquests. When therefore any one is Master of a Tent, which is sufficiently stored with Victuals and Drink, and Servants, and Bedding, and other Furniture, with the other Requisites which are convenient for his Military House-keeping, such a one hath no need of any farther Accession, but on∣ly that He whose Lot this is, should understand, that he is to manage this as his own Property; But for those who lodge in Tents, that are un∣furnished, after a due inspection, take you care to supply all those Wants. For I am not igno∣rant, that there is an over-pluss of all such Ne∣cessaries as they stand in need of, since our Ene∣mies were more plentifully stored with all things then we. There were with me some of the Trea∣sury of the Assyrian King and the Princes, who spoke of some Gold ready coined in their Hands, and made mention of Tribute: Therefore require by Proclamation, that they should bring it all in to you, and threaten those that shall refuse to obey your Orders. And when it is paid in to you, let every Horse-man have double Pay, and every Foot-Man single; that they may be pro∣vided, if they are destitute of any thing, and have wherewith to purchase it. Let the Cry∣er, says he, strait forbid the Market to be abused

by any, and let him order the Vi•…•…tuallers and Hucksters to make Merchandise of their Goods, and when they once have had a free vent for them, to import new; that so our Tents may not want a resort of People. This they forth∣with made Proclamation of; But the Medes and Hyrcanians demanded of him, what means they had to make a due Distribution of all things, without the Concurrence of Him and His? Which Words Cyrus taking hold of, reply'd; Is that indeed your Opinion, that whatever is transacted we must still be personally assisting in every thing? Will it not be sufficient for us to act for you, and you again for us, as far as Occasion requires? What way is more likely than this, to have more Business lying on our Hands than we are able to dispatch? For pray observe, says he, We had these things in our Custody for you, and you repose a Confidence in us, that we have kept them intire; Do you therefore in like manner distribute them, as we shall repose the same Confidence in you, that you make a due distribution; and we in return will make the same riddance for you in matters of common Concern. Take notice first what Horse we have with us, and what Horse hath been taken and brought Prisoners. If you leave them us so without any Riders, neither will they be of any use to us, nor shall we be excused the trouble of attending them. But if ye place Riders on them, by one and the same Expedi∣ent, you will diminish our Care, and add to our Strength. But if there be any others that you would rather present, and with whom you

would look Danger in the Face more willingly than with us, let them have your Horse. But if * 1.25 you mean to have us assisting to you on all Oc∣casions, let us have them. For when without us you sallied upon the Enemy, and went to meet Danger, we were in no small Apprehensions for you; lest you should do otherwise than well, such were out Fears for our Friends, nor was our Shame less for our selves, that we should not be where ever you were. But if we receive your Horse, we shall be in a Capacity to attend your Motions, and if we shall appear of more use to you, fighting on Horse-back, we shall take our Fortune with you, with the greatest Alacrity; But if we shall be esteemed of greater Service to you on Foot, it will be easie to light, and so strait to be in a Posture of assisting you on Foot, while we consider into whose Hands we com∣mit our Horses; Thus spoke Cyrus. To which they replyed, We have not, O Cyrus, Riders to place on our Horses, and if we had, since this is your choice, should we prefer any other Course to that which you have proposed. Therefore now accept our Horses, and pursue that Course which you shall take to be best. I accept them then, said he, and so, which I wish may be lucky to us, we shall Commence Horse-men; proceed you now to make Distribution of those things that call no Man Master. And in the first place, select for the Service of the Gods, whatever * 1.26 the Magi, according to the Skill of their Profession, shall direct you. Then select for Cyaxares his Use what presents you conceive will render you Acceptable to him. They smiling replied, that

they would call out the most beautiful of the Wo∣men-Captives to present him. Therefore, says he, make a Choice of the She-slaves for him, and what else besides you approve of. And after you have made this Choice for him, do what in you lies, O Hyrcanians, that all these Medes who freely offered their Service to fol∣low me, may have no just Cause to complain; And be not you wanting also, O Medes, to honour and reward these our principal Allies, that so they may persuade themselves they had a true Sense of their own Interest, when they embraced our Friendship, Moreover, out of all these, award a Share to the Messenger sent to us from Cyaxares, nor only to him, but e∣ven to those that he hath here in his Reti∣nue, and endeavour also to persuade him to make his stay with us, and possess him, it is with my Approbation; that so when he hath a right Sense of our Proceedings, he may re∣port the true state of all to Cyaxares. And as for the Persians who are here with me, what∣ever remains in Surplusage, after you are all well equipped, will be sufficient, for we have not been brought up very delicately, but accord∣ing to our plain Country Fashion. And there∣fore we may perhaps make but a Comical Fi∣gure drest up in any splended Accoutrements, even such as for ought I know we may make sitting on Horseback, or perchance, as I guess, unhorsed upon the Ground.

After they had applied themselves to the part∣ing * 1.27 of the Spoil, not without laughing sufficiently •…•…t so Comical a mention of their Horsemanship;

Cyrus, summoning the Officers of his Troops, appointed them to receive the Horses and Horse∣furniture, and Grooms, to such a Number as was in Proportion to the Poll of the several Soul∣diers, and as the Distribution fell by Lot to each Troop. He made also Proclamation by the Cryer, that if there were any Slave in the Ar∣my of the Assyrians, the Syrians, or the Arabs, taken by force out of Media, or Persia, or Bactri∣ana, or Caria, or Cilicia, or Greece, or else∣where, he should strait render himself; which Proclamation being made, many presented themselves very willingly. Cyrus having made Choice of such out of their number, as excelled in Beauty, told them they should bear Arms as if they were Freemen, and Arms he would bestow upon them, but they should take care to provide themselves with other Necessaries. After which, taking them to the Officers of his Troops, he recommends them to their No∣tice, and gave them in Charge, that they should give them Shields, and Swords, with which Accoutrements they might be equipped for Horse-men, and that they should furnish them with Provisions as if they were his Persi∣ans; but that the Officers of the Troops should be compleatly armed themselves, and well mounted, and provided with Spears, which Institution he first of all begun to Establish. And that each of them should in the Place of those Horse-Officers, substitute new Foot Officers, while they were thus intent upon these Matters. * 1.28

In the mean time, Gobryas, an old Assyrian, with his Retainers, all Horse, himself an Horse-Officer

too, presented himself. All of them compleatly arm'd with Armes for Horse. But they whose Post it was to take their Armes, required them to surrender their Spears, to be burnt with the rest of their Armes. Gobry∣as told them, that he would fain see Cyrus first. The Officers then leaving the rest of the Horse behind, conducted Gobryas to Cyrus his Presence. He, when he saw Cyrus, turned to him in these Words, Sir, I truly am by Nation an Assyrian, and Owner of a strong Castle, and intrusted with the Government of a large Territory, and used to bring into the Field a thousand Horse for the Service of the Assyrian King, and held no small Place in his Favour; But since that truly brave and good Man fell in Battel by your Sword, and his Son, but my utter Enemy, is advanced to the Helm, I come to you, and present my self prostrate as a Peti∣tioner at your Feet. I submit my self to be your Servant, and Companion in your Wars, and Beg of you to Revenge my Inju∣ries, and for that End, in such sort as I may, I adopt you for my Son, for I am without Children of the Male Line; For, Sir, the on∣ly Son which I had, Conspicuous for his Person and Vertue, Dutiful to me, and paying me that Regard, in paying which, any Son might truly make a Parent happy, Even this Son, He, who is now my King, demanded of his Father, who then was King, that so he might give his Daugh∣ter in Marriage to my Son, and truly I then parted with him, out of an Ambi∣tion

to see him Husband to a King's Daughter) This Son, I say, He who now Commands as King, invited to the Chace, and gave him this Occasion of exerting his ut∣most Force in Hunting, as esteeming him a better Horse man than himself. He there∣fore followed the Chace with him, as his Friend, but when the Bear was once in view, and both of them in Pursuit of him, he that now is our Prince let fly his Dart, but missed him, though I could wish it had not, while my Son, having cast his Dart, but too invidiously, layed him flat on the Ground. And then the Prince, stung with this, kept secret his Resentments. But when a Lyon came in their way, and he erred again, which truly in my Opini∣on was no wonder, and in Conclusion, my Son with a more unerring stroke dispatch∣ing the Lyon, claimed to himself, that at two strokes, he laid one after the other pro∣strate on the Ground; then was it, that that base Man being able no longer to suppress his Envy, snatched on a sudden a * 1.29 Spear from one of the Company, guided it to his Heart, and so took away the Life of my dear and only Son. And I, miserable Wretch, in the place of a living Bride∣groom, embraced a dead Corps, and old as I was, gave Funeral Rites to my Best, and best beloved Son in the Flower of his Age. But the Murderer, as if he had embrued his Hands in the blood of an Enemy, ne∣ver

shewed any marks of Penitence, nor to expiate for so heinous a Fact, did any the least Honour to the dead Body. His Father in∣deed expressed Compassion of me, and gave out publickly, that my Calamity troubled him very near. Therefore, had he now been Living, I had never moved you with the story of my Loss, for I had many marks of his Favour, and he had many good Offices from me in Return. But since his Empire is devolved upon the Murderer of my Son, I can never truly profess any Inclinations of Ser∣vice to him, and I am throughly convin∣ced he never ranked me in the number of his Friends. For he is no stranger to my Sentiments of him, and, as before this, my Life was full of Pleasure, so now this Loss requires that I spend my Old Age in Sorrow; where∣fore, if you will now Embrace me, and that through you there remain in prospect any * 1.30 hope of Revenging the Death of my dear Child, I shall look upon my self even to grow young again, and reckon, that I shall nei∣ther Live in Disgrace nor Dye with Grief. When Gobryas had spoke thus, Cyrus made Answer; If it can appear, my Gobryas, that your Sentiments agree with your Words, I truly shall espouse your Cause, and Pro∣mise you, by the Gods Assistance, to do Ju∣stice on the Murderer. Say now, then says he; If we should deal thus with you, and permit you to enjoy your Castle, your Land, your Arms, and that Power wherewith you

were clothed; in lieu of all these, what Re∣turns would you make Us? My Castle, says he, whenever you please, I will deliver to you, to enjoy as freely as your own, that Tribute, which I paid him for my Lord, you shall receive, and when Occasion presents to undertake any Expedition, I will follow your Standard with all the Force under my Command. Moreover, I have a Daughter, and a Virgin, who is all my Joy, of Marriage∣able Estate, Her, before this hapned, I had design'd for the Bed of him that now is King, but now my Daughter has besought me with many Tears, that I would not think of marrying her to her Brothers Murde∣rer. A Resolution now no less my own than hers. Her disposal I freely commit to you, to advise me therein, no otherwise than it is Evident that I have sincerely advised with you upon these Termes. Then said Cyrus, I sincerely give you my Hand, and with that my Heart, and take yours in Exchange; The Gods are witness between Us. Which done, he ordered Gobryas to keep his Arms and take his Journey, and having enquired the extent of his Journey, how far he was to Go; If, says he, You set forward to morrow early, the next day after you may be our Guest. Gobryas therefore departed, leaving his Guide behind him.

And now the Medes were present, having allotted the Magi what they had claimed to be reserved for the Gods; the fairest

Tent they had reserved for Cyrus, and the Captive Susiona, whom Report styled the most Beautiful of all in Asia, and two ve∣ry expert Minstrels. In the second Place, they reserved the second Choice for Cyaxa∣res. Nor were they wanting to supply such others with what they were unprovided, that so they might not be destitute of ought in use for a Military Life; for there was great plenty of all things. The Hyrcanians also in like manner took such things as they had Occasion for; Besides which, they ad∣mitted Cyaxares his Messenger to an equal Share with the rest. But those Tents that remained in Over-plus, they presented Cyrus, for the Use of his Persians; The Money, they said, they would distribute when they had collected it all, which too was afterwards done. These things, on their part, were said and done; but what they had selected for Cyaxares his Presents, Cyrus ordered them to take into their Care and Custody, as well knowing them to be his Confidents. And for what you bestow on me, I receive it with a good Will, says he; But each of you is at Liberty to use notwithstanding, which of them he most stands in need of. Then a certain Mede, that had a Genius to Musick, said, Truly, my Cyrus, as I in the Evening heard those Minstrils, which now you have, I took so great a Plea∣sure in listning to them, that if you should bestow but one of them upon me, I should

flatter my self with passing my Life more pleasantly in the Camp than at Home. Then Cyrus replyed, I freely give her thee, and thank you more for your Suit, than it is possibly for you to thank me for my Gift, so great a Thrist have I to oblige all of you. And thus he that begged the Minstrel had Her.

The End of the Fourth Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cyrus his Gratitude to God and Man.
• * 1.2

  The flight of the Assy∣rians and their Fel∣lows by Night.
• * 1.3

  Cyrus con∣sults how to pursue the Ene∣my.
• * 1.4

  Cyaxares is of Opinion against the Chace.
• * 1.5

  Cyrus his sly Arti∣fice, to cheat Cy∣axares.
• * 1.6

  The Hyr∣canians Embassy to Cyrus.
• * 1.7

  Cyrus his League with the Hyrcani∣ans.
• * 1.8

  Several Grounds of the Medes In∣clinations to serve Cyrus.
• * 1.9

  Cyrus his brave He∣rangue.
• * 1.10

  The Hyr∣canians pass over to Cyrus his Camp.
• * 1.11

  Another Victory obtain'd by Cyrus his flig•…•….
• * 1.12

  Craesus his Escape.
• * 1.13

  Cyrus his Advice about lay∣ing in Pro∣visions.
• * 1.14

  Cyrus per∣swades his Men to sparing Diet, and abstinence.
• * 1.15

  Cyrus his Contri∣vance to furnish out Horse for the Persian Army.
• * 1.16

  Chrysantas approves of Cyrus his Measures.
• * 1.17

  Cyrus his Resolution touching the Slaves.
• * 1.18

  Cyrus offers certain Conditions to the Slaves.
• * 1.19

  Cyrus his Meat and Beverage.
• * 1.20

  Cyaxares his Rev•…•…l
• * 1.21

  Cyaxares his barba∣rousness.
• * 1.22

  Cyrus his discreet Answer to Cyaxares his Messen∣ger.
• * 1.23

  Cyrus his Letter to Cyaxares.
• * 1.24

  Cyrus is ta∣ken up in parting the Spoils.
• * 1.25

  Cyrus ad∣vises to be∣stow upon the Persi∣ans the Enemies Horse.
• * 1.26

  Cyrus his opinion of dividing the rest of the Spoil.
• * 1.27

  Cyrus gives several of the Slaves their Free∣doms.
• * 1.28

  Gobryas the Assyrian comes o∣ver to Cy∣rus.
• * 1.29

  The Man∣ner how the Son of the Assyri∣an King killed Go∣bryas his Son.
• * 1.30

  Gobryas in∣treats Cy∣rus to re∣venge the death of his Son.