on whom you
must depend if you are not thought to be in straits, and, what is more,
you will be free from blame in the eyes of your soldiers. That in itself
will make you more respected; wherever you desire to help or to hurt,
your troops will follow you with greater readiness, so long as they have
all they need, and your words, you may be sure, will carry the greater
weight the fuller your display of power for weal or woe."

[11] "Yes, father," Cyrus said, "I feel all you say is true, and the
more because as things now stand none of my soldiers will thank me for
the pay that is promised them. They are well aware of the terms Cyaxares
has offered for their help: but whatever they get over and above the
covenanted amount they will look upon as a free gift, and for that they
will, in all likelihood, feel most gratitude to the giver." "True," said
the father, "and really for a man to have a force with which he could
serve his friends and take vengeance on his foes, and yet neglect the
supplies for it, would be as disgraceful, would it not? as for a farmer
to hold lands and labourers and yet allow fields to lie barren for lack
of tillage."

"No such neglect," answered the son, "shall ever be laid at my door.
Through friendly lands or hostile, trust me, in this business of
supplying my troops with all they need I will always play my part."

[12] "Well, my son," the father resumed, "and do you remember certain
other points which we agreed must never be overlooked?" "Could I forget
them?" answered Cyrus. "I remember how I came to you for money to pay
the teacher who professed to have taught me generalship, and you gave it
me, but you asked me many questions. 'Now, my boy,' you said, 'did this
teacher you want to pay ever mention economy among the things a general
ought to understand? Soldiers, no less than servants in a house, are
dependent on supplies.' And I was forced to tell the truth and admit
that not a syllable had been mentioned on that score. Then you asked
me if anything had been taught about health and strength, since a true
general is bound to think of these matters no less than of tactics and
strategy. And when I was forced to say no, you asked me if he had taught
me any of the arts which give the best aid in war. Once again I had to
say no and then you asked whether he had ever taught me how to kindle
enthusiasm in my men. For in every undertaking, you said, there was all
the difference in the world between ene