want them to
try to please you: you are nearer to them than I, each of you to the
men of his own division: and be well assured that if you show yourselves
stout-hearted you will be teaching them courage, and others too, by
deeds as well as words."

[40] With that Cyrus dismissed them, and bade them break their fast and
make libation, and then take their places in the ranks, still wearing
their garlands on their heads. As they went away he summoned the leaders
of the rearguard and gave them his instructions:

[41] "Men of Persia, you have been made Peers and chosen for special
duties, because we think you equal to the best in other matters, and
wiser than most in virtue of your age. The post that you hold is every
whit as honourable as theirs who form the front: from your position in
the rear you can single out the gallant fighters, and your praise will
make them outdo themselves in valour, while if any man should be tempted
to give way, your eyes will be upon him and you will not suffer it. [42]
Victory will mean even more to you than to the others, because of your
age and the weight of your equipment. If the men in front call on you to
follow, answer readily, and let them see that you can hold your own with
them, shout back to them, and bid them lead on quicker still. And now,"
said he, "go back and take your breakfast, and then join your ranks with
the rest, wearing your garlands on your heads."

[43] Thus Cyrus and his men made their preparations, and meanwhile the
Assyrians on their side took their breakfast, and then sallied forth
boldly and drew up in gallant order. It was the king himself who
marshalled them, driving past in his chariot and encouraging his troops.

[44] "Men of Assyria," he said, "to-day you must show your valour.
To-day you fight for your lives and your land, the land where you were
born and the homes where you were bred, and for your wives and your
children, and all the blessings that are yours. If you win, you
will possess them all in safety as before, but if you lose, you must
surrender them into the hands of your enemies. [45] Abide, therefore,
and do battle as though you were enamoured of victory. It would be folly
for her lovers to turn their backs to the foe, sightless, handless,
helpless, and a fool is he who flies because he longs to live, for he
must know that safety comes to those who conquer, but death to those
who flee; and fools are they whose hearts are set on riches, but whose