of Persian cavalry it would make all the difference to us; but no doubt
you feel the question is, how are we to get it? Well, let us consider
first, suppose we decide to raise the force, exactly what we have to
start with and what we need. [9] We certainly have hundreds of horses
now captured in this camp, with their bridles and all their gear.
Besides these, we have all the accoutrements for a mounted force,
breast-plates to protect the trunk, and light spears to be flung or
wielded at close quarters. What else do we need? It is plain we need
men. [10] But that is just what we have already at our own command. For
nothing is so much ours as our own selves. Only, some will say, we have
not the necessary skill. No, of course not, and none of those who have
it now had it either before they learnt to get it. Ah, you object, but
they learnt when they were boys. [11] Maybe; but are boys more capable
of learning what they are taught then grown men? Which are the better at
heavy physical tasks, boys or men? [12] Besides, we, of all pupils, have
advantages that neither boys nor other men possess: we have not to be
taught the use of the bow as boys have, we are skilled in that already;
nor yet the use of the javelin, we are versed in that; our time has not
been taken up like other men's with toiling on the land or labouring at
some craft or managing household matters; we have not only had leisure
for war, it has been our life. [13] Moreover, one cannot say of riding
as of so many warlike exercises that it is useful but disagreeable. To
ride a-horseback is surely pleasanter than to trudge a-foot? And as for
speed--how pleasant to join a friend betimes whenever you wish, or
come up with your quarry be it man or beast! And then, the ease and
satisfaction of it! Whatever weapon the rider carries his horse must
help to bear the load: 'wear arms' and 'bear arms,'--they are the same
thing on horseback. [14] But now, to meet the worst we can apprehend:
suppose, before we are adepts, we are called upon to run some risk, and
then find that we are neither infantry nor thoroughgoing cavalry? This
may be a danger, but we can guard against it. We have it always in our
power to turn into infantry again at a moment's notice. I do not propose
that by learning to ride we should unlearn the arts of men on foot."

[15] Thus spoke Cyrus, and Chrysantas rose to support him, saying:

"For my part I cannot say I so much desire to be a horseman as flatte