rus," said he, "will let me go now, I will try
to save my fortresses: the rest is of less account." [27] Cyrus said,
"If you go now, when will you reach home?" And Gadatas answered, "On the
third day from this I can sup in my own house." "Do you think," asked
Cyrus, "that you will find the Assyrian already there?" "I am sure of
it," he answered, "for he will make haste while he thinks you are still
far off." [28] "And I," said Cyrus, "when could I be there with my
army?" But to this Gadatas made answer, "The army you have now, my lord,
is very large, and you could not reach my home in less than six days or
seven." "Well," Cyrus replied, "be off yourself: make all speed, and I
will follow as best I can."

[29] So Gadatas was gone, and Cyrus called together all the officers of
the allies, and a great and goodly company they seemed, noble gentlemen,
beautiful and brave. And Cyrus stood up among them all and said:

[30] "My allies and my friends, Gadatas has done deeds that we all feel
worthy of high reward, and that too before ever he had received any
benefit from us. The Assyrians, we hear, have now invaded his territory,
to take vengeance for the monstrous injury they consider he has done
them, and moreover, they doubtless argue that if those who revolt to us
escape scot-free, while those who stand by them are cut to pieces, ere
long they will not have a single supporter on their side. [31] To-day,
gentlemen, we may do a gallant deed, if we rescue Gadatas, our friend
and benefactor; and truly it is only just and right thus to repay
gift for gift, and boon for boon. Moreover, as it seems to me, what we
accomplish will be much to our own interest. [32] If all men see that we
are ready to give blow for blow and sting for sting, while we outdo our
benefactors in generous deeds, it is only natural that multitudes will
long to be our friends, and no man care to be our foe. [33] Whereas, if
it be thought that we left Gadatas in the lurch, how in heaven's name
shall we persuade another to show us any kindness? How shall we dare to
think well of ourselves again? How shall one of us look Gadatas in
the face, when all of us, so many and so strong, showed ourselves less
generous than he, one single man and in so sore a plight?"

[34] Thus Cyrus spoke, and all of them assented right willingly, and
said it must be done.

"Come then," concluded Cyrus, "since you are all of one mind with me,
let each of us choose an escort for our wa