day when you dashed ahead to meet
danger all alone, great was our fear lest you might come to harm, and
bitter our shame to think that where you were we were not. But if once
we have horses, we can follow at your heels. [49] And if it is clear
that we do more good so mounted, shoulder to shoulder with yourselves,
we shall not fail in zeal; or if it appears better to support you on
foot, why, to dismount is but the work of a moment, and you will have
your infantry marching by your side at once, and we will find men to
hold our horses for us."

[50] To which they answered:

"In truth, Cyrus, we have not men for these horses ourselves, and even
if we had them, we should not do anything against your wish. Take them,
we beg you, and use them as you think best."

[51] "I will," said he, "and gladly, and may good fortune bless us all,
you in your division of the spoil and us in our horsemanship. In the
first place," he added, "you will set apart for the gods whatever our
priests prescribe, and after that you must select for Cyaxares what you
think will please him most."

[52] At that they laughed, and said they must choose him a bevy of fair
women. "So let it be," said Cyrus, "fair women, and anything else you
please. And when you have chosen his share, the Hyrcanians must see to
it that our friends among the Medes who followed us of their own free
will shall have no cause to find fault with their own portion. [53] And
the Medes on their side must show honour to the first allies we have
won, and make them feel their decision was wise when they chose us
for their friends. And be sure to give a share of everything to the
messenger who came from Cyaxares and to his retinue; persuade him
to stay on with us, say that I would like it, and that he could tell
Cyaxares all the better how matters stood. [54] As for my Persians," he
added, "we shall be quite content with what is left over, after you are
all provided for; we are not used to luxury, we were brought up in a
very simple fashion, and I think you would laugh at us if you saw us
tricked out in grand attire, just as I am sure you will when you see us
seated on our horses, or, rather, rolling off them."

[55] So they dispersed to make the distribution, in great mirth over the
thought of the riding; and then Cyrus called his own officers and bade
them take the horses and their gear, and the grooms with them, number
them all, and then distribute them by lot in equal shares for