his force, in full view,) but, riding up
alone, asked, "Why do you call me?" Cheirisophus replied, "You may see;
for the eminence above the descent has been pre-occupied against us, and
it is impossible to pass, unless we cut off those who are on it. But why
did you not bring the peltasts?" 40. Xenophon replied that he did not
think it right to leave the rear unguarded when the enemy were in sight.
"But it is high time," he continued, "to consider how some of us may
dislodge those men from the hill." 41. Xenophon now noticed that the
summit of the mountain[170] was above their own army, and that there
was a way from it to the hill where the enemy were, and exclaimed, "It
is best for us, Cheirisophus, to hasten as quickly as possible to the
summit, for if we gain this, those who are above our road will be unable
to maintain their ground. But do you, if you please, remain with the
army; I have a desire to go forward; or, if you prefer it, proceed on to
the mountain, and I will stay here." 42. "I leave you," replied
Cheirisophus, "to choose which of the two you please." Xenophon,
observing that he was the younger, decided on advancing, but requested
Cheirisophus to send with him a detachment from the front, as it was too
great a distance to bring one from the rear. 43. Cheirisophus then sent
with him the peltasts from the front; and he took those that were in the
middle of the square. Cheirisophus also ordered the three hundred that
he had with him at the head of the square, consisting of picked men, to
follow Xenophon.

44. The party then marched forward with all possible speed. But the
enemy on the heights, when they perceived that the Greeks were directing
their course towards the summit, hurried forward also themselves to
contend for the possession of the summit. 45. There was then great
shouting from the Grecian army, cheering their men, and great shouting
also from the troops of Tissaphernes, cheering on theirs. 46. Xenophon,
riding along on horseback, encouraged his party, saying, "Consider,
soldiers, that you are now contending for Greece; that after a brief
struggle now, we shall march the rest of the way without fighting, to
join our children and our wives." 47. Soterides, a Sicyonian, cried out,
"We are not upon an equality, Xenophon; for you are carried on a horse,
while I have hard work to carry my shield." 48. Xenophon, on hearing
this remark, leaped from his horse, pushed Soterides from the ranks,
took from