mercenary and other, that have orders to be under
arms. These all are simultaneously assembled (with the exception of
the garrisons of citadels) at the mustering ground, [4] so named.
That portion of the army within access of the royal residence the king
reviews in person; the remainder, living in remoter districts of the
empire, he inspects by proxy, sending certain trusty representatives.
[5] Wherever the commandants of garrisons, the captains of thousands,
and the satraps [6] are seen to have their appointed members complete,
and at the same time shall present their troops equipped with horse and
arms in thorough efficiency, these officers the king delights to honour,
and showers gifts upon them largely. But as to those officers whom he
finds either to have neglected their garrisons, or to have made private
gain of their position, these he heavily chastises, deposing them from
office, and appointing other superintendents [7] in their stead. Such
conduct, I think we may say, indisputably proves the interest which he
takes in matters military.

[3] Or, Gerrophoroi, "wicker-shield bearers."

[4] Or, "rendezvous"; "the 'Champ de Mars' for the nonce." Cf.
"Cyrop." VI. ii. 11.

[5] Lit. "he sends some of the faithful to inspect." Cf. our "trusty
and well-beloved."

[6] See, for the system, Herod. iii. 89 foll.; "Cyrop." VIII. vi. 11.

[7] Or, as we say, "inspecting officers." Cf. "Cyrop." VIII. i. 9.

Further than this, by means of a royal progress through the country,
he has an opportunity of inspecting personally some portion of his
territory, and again of visiting the remainder in proxy as above by
trusty representatives; and wheresoever he perceives that any of his
governors can present to him a district thickly populated, and the soil
in a state of active cultivation, full of trees and fruits, its natural
products, to such officers he adds other territory, adorning them with
gifts and distinguishing them by seats of honour. But those officers
whose land he sees lying idle and with but few inhabitants, owing either
to the harshness of their government, their insolence, or their neglect,
he punishes, and making them to cease from their office he appoints
other rulers in their place.... Does not this conduct indicate at least
as great an anxiety to promote the active cultivation of the land by its
inhabitants as to provide for its defence by military occupation? [8]

[8] Lit. "by those who guard and