ery suitably to
the occasion; 40. for you perhaps observe, as well as myself, how
dejectedly they have now come to the place of arms,[126] and how
dejectedly they go upon guard, so that, while they are in such a
condition, I know not for what service any one could employ them,
whether required by night or by day. 41. But if any one could change the
direction of their thoughts, so that they may not merely contemplate
what they are likely to suffer, but what they may be able to do, they
will become much more eager for action; 42. for you are certain that it
is neither numbers nor strength which gives the victory in war, but that
whichsoever side advances on the enemy with the more resolute courage,
their opponents, in general, cannot withstand their onset. 43. I have
also remarked, fellow-soldiers, that such as are eager in the field to
preserve their lives at any rate, for the most part perish wretchedly
and ignominiously, while I see that such as reflect that death is to all
men common and inevitable, and seek in battle only to fall with honour,
more frequently, from whatever cause, arrive at old age, and live, while
they live, with greater happiness. 44. Being aware, then, of these
facts, it behoves us, such are the circumstances in which we are placed,
both to prove ourselves to be brave soldiers, and to exhort others to be
so likewise." 45. Having spoken thus, he stopped.

After him Cheirisophus said, "Till the present moment, O Xenophon, I
knew nothing of you, except having heard that you were an Athenian, but
now I have to praise you both for what you say and what you do and could
wish that there were very many like you; for it would be a general good.
46. And now," he added, "let us not delay, my fellow-soldiers, but
proceed at once, you who want them, to choose commanders, and when you
have elected them, come to the centre of the camp, and bring those that
are chosen; and we will then call the rest of the soldiers together
there. And let Tolmides the herald," said he, "come with us." 47. As he
said this, he rose up, that the necessary measures might not be delayed,
but carried at once into execution. There were accordingly chosen
commanders, Timasion a Dardanian in the room of Clearchus, Xanthicles an
Achaean in that of Socrates, Cleanor an Arcadian in that of Agias,
Philesius an Achaean in that of Menon, and Xenophon of Athens in that of
Proxenus.

[Footnote 116: [Greek: Epi tais basileos thyrais].] See ii. 4.