er which divides the territories of the Macrones from those
of the Scythini. 2. On their right they had an eminence extremely
difficult of access, and on their left another river,[234] into which
the boundary river, which they had to cross, empties itself. This stream
was thickly edged with trees, not indeed large, but growing closely
together. These the Greeks, as soon as they came to the spot, cut
down,[235] being in haste to get out of the country as soon as possible.
3. The Macrones, however, equipped with wicker shields, and spears, and
hair tunics, were drawn up on the opposite side of the crossing-place;
they were animating one another, and throwing stones into the
river.[236] They did not hit our men, or cause them any inconvenience.

4. At this juncture one of the peltasts came up to Xenophon, saying that
he had been a slave at Athens, and adding that he knew the language of
these men. "I think, indeed," said he, "that this is my country, and, if
there is nothing to prevent, I should wish to speak to the people." 5.
"There is nothing to prevent," replied Xenophon; "so speak to them, and
first ascertain what people they are." When he asked them, they said
that they were the Macrones. "Inquire, then," said Xenophon, "why they
are drawn up to oppose us, and wish to be our enemies." 6. They replied,
"Because you come against our country." The generals then told him to
acquaint them that we were not come with any wish to do them injury, but
that we were returning to Greece after having been engaged in war with
the king, and that we were desirous to reach the sea. 7. They asked if
the Greeks would give pledges to this effect; and the Greeks replied
that they were willing both to give and receive them. The Macrones
accordingly presented the Greeks with a Barbarian lance, and the Greeks
gave them a Grecian one; for they said that such were their usual
pledges. Both parties called the gods to witness.

8. After these mutual assurances, the Macrones immediately assisted them
in cutting away the trees, and made a passage for them, as if to bring
them over, mingling freely among the Greeks; they also gave such
facilities as they could for buying provisions, and conducted them
through their country for three days, until they brought them to the
confines of the Colchians. 9. Here was a range of hills,[237] high, but
accessible, and upon them the Colchians were drawn up in array. The
Greeks, at first, drew up against them in