y. In the course of it, he came upon a
wide and deep trench cut through the plain for a distance of above forty
miles--a recent work, which Artaxerxes had intended as a barrier to stop
the progress of his enemy. But the trench was undefended and incomplete,
a space of twenty feet being left between its termination and the
Euphrates. Cyrus, having passed it, began to be convinced that his
brother would not risk a battle in the plain, but would retreat to the
mountains and make his stand at Persepolis or Ecbatana. He therefore
continued his march negligently. His men piled their arms on the wagons
or laid them, across the beasts of burthen; while he himself exchanged
the horse which he usually rode for a chariot, and proceeded on his way
leisurely, having about his person a small escort, which preserved
their ranks, while all the rest of the troops were allowed to advance in
complete disarray.

Suddenly, as the army was proceeding in this disorderly manner through
the plain, a single horseman was perceived advancing at full gallop from
the opposite quarter, his steed all flecked with foam. As he drew near,
he shouted aloud to those whom he met, addressing some in Greek, others
in Persian, and warning them that the Great King, with his whole force,
was close at hand, and rapidly approaching in order of battle. The news
took every one by surprise, and at first all was hurry and confusion.
The Greeks, however, who were on the right, rapidly marshalled their
line, resting it upon the river; while Cyrus put on his armor, mounted
his horse, and arranged the ranks of his Asiatics. Ample time was given
for completing all the necessary dispositions; since three hours, at the
least, must have elapsed from the announcement of the enemy's approach
before he actually appeared. Then a white cloud of dust arose towards
the verge of the horizon, below which a part of the plain began soon to
darken; presently gleams of light were seen to flash out from the dense
mass which was advancing, the serried lines of spears came into view,
and the component parts of the huge army grew to be discernible. On the
extreme left was a body of horsemen with white cuirasses, commanded by
Tissaphernes; next came infantry, carrying the long wicker shield, or
_gerrhum_ then a solid square of Egyptians, heavily armed, and bearing
wooden shields that reached to the feet; then the contingents of many
different nations, some on foot, some on horseback, armed with