tles are decided by the qualities of those who
fight, then, I say, take heart and you will never fail. You will find
far more stomach for the fight among our ranks than theirs. [36] And to
hearten you the more, take note of this: our enemies are far fewer now
than when we worsted them, far weaker than when they fled from us, while
we are stronger because we are conquerors, and greater because fortune
has been ours; yes, and actually more numerous because you and yours
have joined us, for I would not have you hold your men too low, now that
they are side by side with us. In the company of conquerors, Gobryas,
the hearts of the followers beat high. [37] Nor should you forget," he
added, "that the enemy is well able to see us as it is, and the sight of
us will certainly not be more alarming if we wait for him where we are
than if we advance against him. That is my opinion, and now you must
lead us straight for Babylon."

[C.3] And so the march continued, and on the fourth day they found
themselves at the limit of the territory over which Gobryas ruled. Since
they were now in the enemy's country Cyrus changed the disposition of
his men, taking the infantry immediately under his own command, with
sufficient cavalry to support them, and sending the rest of the mounted
troops to scour the land. Their orders were to cut down every one with
arms in his hands, and drive in the rest, with all the cattle they could
find. The Persians were ordered to take part in this raid, and though
many came home with nothing for their trouble but a toss from their
horses, others brought back a goodly store of booty.

[2] When the spoil was all brought in, Cyrus summoned the officers of
the Medes and the Hyrcanians, as well as his own peers, and spoke as
follows:

"My friends, Gobryas has entertained us nobly; he has showered good
things upon us. What say you then? After we have set aside the customary
portion for the gods and a fair share for the army, shall we not give
all the rest of the spoil to him? Would it not be a noble thing, a sign
and symbol at the outset that we desire to outdo in well-doing those who
do good to us?"

[3] At that all his hearers with one consent applauded, and a certain
officer rose and said:

"By all means, Cyrus, let us do so. I myself cannot but feel that
Gobryas must have thought us almost beggars because we were not laden
with coins of gold and did not drink from golden goblets. But if we do
this, he will u