ds for all that comes to us. But in the next place I must praise you,
one and all; it is through you all that this glorious work has been
accomplished, and when I have learnt what each man's part has been from
those whose place it is to tell me, I will do my best to give each man
his due, in word and deed. [3] But I need none to tell me the exploits
of your brigadier Chrysantas; he was next to me in the battle and I
could see that he bore himself as I believe you all have done. Moreover,
at the very moment when I called on him to retire, he had just raised
his sword to strike an Assyrian down, but he heard my voice, and at once
he dropped his hand and did my bidding. He sent the word along the lines
and led his division out of range before the enemy could lay one arrow
to the string or let one javelin fly. Thus he brought himself and his
men safely out of action, because he had learnt to obey. [4] But some
of you, I see, are wounded, and when I hear at what moment they received
their wounds I will pronounce my opinion on their deserts. Chrysantas
I know already to be a true soldier and a man of sense, able to command
because he is able to obey, and here and now I put him at the head of a
thousand troops, nor shall I forget him on the day when God may please
to give me other blessings. [5] There is one reminder I would make to
all. Never let slip the lesson of this day's encounter, and judge for
yourselves whether it is cowardice or courage that saves a man in war,
whether the fighters or the shirkers have the better chance, and what
the joy is that victory can yield. To-day of all days you can decide,
for you have made the trial and the result is fresh. [6] With such
thoughts as these in your hearts you will grow braver and better still.
And now you may rest in the consciousness that you are dear to God and
have done your duty bravely and steadily, and so take your meal and make
your libations and sing the paean and be ready for the watchword."

So saying, Cyrus mounted his horse and galloped on to Cyaxares, and
the two rejoiced together as victors will. And then, after a glance at
matters there and an inquiry if aught were needed, he rode back to his
own detachment. Then the evening meal was taken and the watches were
posted and Cyrus slept with his men.

[8] Meanwhile the Assyrians, finding that their king was among the slain
and almost all his nobles with him, fell into utter despair, and many of
them deserted during