te and untilled because of the war. That
day they came back to camp and took their supper and slept. [3] But the
next morning Tigranes presented himself with all his baggage in order
and ready for the march, 4000 cavalry at his back, 10,000 bowmen, and as
many targeteers. While they were marching up, Cyrus offered sacrifice,
and finding that the victims were favourable, he called the leaders of
the Persians together and the chief captains of the Medes and spoke to
them thus:

[4] "My friends, there lie the Chaldaean hills. If we could seize
them and set a garrison to hold the pass, we should compel them both,
Chaldaeans and Armenians alike, to behave themselves discreetly. The
victims are favourable; and to help a man in such a work as this there
is no ally half so good as speed. If we scale the heights before the
enemy have time to gather, we may take the position out of hand without
a blow, and at most we shall only find a handful of weak and scattered
forces to oppose us. [5] Steady speed is all I ask for, and surely I
could ask for nothing easier or less dangerous. To arms then! The Medes
will march on our left, half the Armenians on our right, and the rest
in the van to lead the way, the cavalry in our rear, to cheer us on and
push us forward and let none of us give way."

[6] With that Cyrus led the advance, the army in column behind him.
As soon as the Chaldaeans saw them sweeping up from the plain, they
signalled to their fellows till the heights re-echoed with answering
shouts, and the tribesmen gathered on every side. Then Cyrus sent word
along his lines, "Soldiers of Persia, they are signalling to us to make
haste. If only we reach the top before them, all they can do will be in
vain."

[7] Now the Chaldaeans were said to be the most warlike of all the
tribes in that country, and each of them was armed with a shield and a
brace of javelins. They fight for pay wherever they are needed, partly
because they are warriors born, but partly through poverty; for their
country is mountainous, and the fertile part of it small. [8] As Cyrus
and his force drew near the head of the pass, Tigranes, who was marching
at his side, said:

"Do you know, Cyrus, that before long we shall be in the thick of the
fight ourselves? Our Armenians will never stand the charge." Cyrus
answered that he was well aware of that, and immediately sent word that
the Persians should be ready to give chase at once, "as soon as we see
the Arme