from Cyaxares, and I said to
myself that if I did the work well, if I really helped you, I might
become your comrade and have the right to talk with you as often as I
wished. [50] Well, the work was done, and done so as to win your praise.
After that the Hyrcanians joined us, the first friends we made, when we
were hungry and thirsty for allies, and we loved them so much we almost
carried them about with us in our arms wherever we went. Then the
enemy's camp was taken, and I scarcely think you had the leisure to
trouble your head with me--oh, I quite forgave you. [51] The next thing
was that Gobryas became your friend, and I had to take my leave, and
after him Gadatas, and by that time it was a real task to get hold of
you. Then came the alliances with the Sakians, and the Cadousians, and
no doubt you had to pay them court; if they danced attendance on you,
you must dance attendance on them. [52] So that there I was, back again
at my starting-point, and yet all the while, as I saw you busy with
horses and chariots and artillery, I consoled myself by thinking, 'when
he is done with this he will have a little leisure for me.' And then
came the terrible news that the whole world was gathering in arms
against us; I could not deny that these were important matters, but
still I felt certain, if all went well, a time would come at last when
you need not grudge me your company, and we should be together to
my heart's content, you and I. [53] Now, the day has come; we have
conquered in the great battle; we have taken Sardis and Babylon; the
world is at our feet, and yesterday, by Mithras! unless I had used my
fists a hundred times, I swear I could never have got near you at all.
Well, you grasped my hand and gave me greeting, and bade me wait beside
you, and there I waited, the cynosure of every eye, the envy of every
man, standing there all day long, without a scrap to eat or a drop to
drink. [54] So now, if any way can be found by which we who have served
you longest can get the most of you, well and good: but, if not, pray
send me as your messenger once more, and this time I will tell them they
can all leave you, except those who were your friends of old."

[55] This appeal set them all laughing, Cyrus with the rest. Then
Chrysantas the Persian stood up and spoke as follows:

"Formerly, Cyrus, it was natural and right that you should appear in
public, for the reasons you have given us yourself, and also because
we were not