ptured and
the blow to be struck. But when the Assyrian army saw their friends
in trouble they pushed forward, rank on rank, saying to themselves the
pursuit would stop when their own movement was seen. [22] But Cyrus
never slackened his pace a whit: in a transport of joy he called on his
uncle by name as he pressed forward, hanging hot-foot on the fugitives,
while Cyaxares still clung to his heels, thinking maybe what his father
Astyages would say if he hung back, and the others still followed close
behind them, even the faint-hearted changed into heroes for the nonce.

Now Astyages, watching their furious onslaught, and seeing the enemy
move steadily forward in close array to meet them, decided to advance
without a moment's delay himself, for fear that his son and Cyrus might
come to harm, crashing in disorder against the solid battalions of the
foe. [23] The Assyrians saw the movement of the king and came to a halt,
spears levelled and bows bent, expecting that, when their assailants
came within range, they would halt likewise as they had usually done
before. For hitherto, whenever the armies met, they would only charge up
to a certain distance, and there take flying shots, and so keep up the
skirmish until evening fell. But now the Assyrians saw their own men
borne down on them in rout, with Cyrus and his comrades at their heels
in full career, while Astyages and his cavalry were already within
bowshot. It was more than they could face, and they turned and fled.
After them swept the Medes in full pursuit, and those they caught they
mowed down, horse and man, and those that fell they slew. There was no
pause until they came up with the Assyrian foot. [24] Here at last they
drew rein in fear of some hidden ambuscade, and Astyages led his army
off. The exploit of his cavalry pleased him beyond measure, but he did
not know what he could say to Cyrus. It was he to whom the engagement
was due, and the victory; but the boy's daring was on the verge of
madness. Even during the return home his behaviour was strange; he could
not forbear riding round alone to look into the faces of the slain,
and those whose duty it was could hardly drag him away to lead him to
Astyages: indeed, the youth was glad enough to keep them as a screen
between himself and the king, for he saw that the countenance of his
grandfather grew stern at the sight of him.

[25] So matters passed in Media: and more and more the name of Cyrus was
on the lip o