as see that we are men, and not a storm of shields
and battle-axes and flashing swords, sweeping on them in one rain of
blows. [23] You Hyrcanians must go in front of us as a screen, that we
may lie behind you as long as may be. And as soon as I close with them,
you must give me, each of you, a squadron of horse, to use in case of
need while I am waiting at the camp. [24] I would advise the older men
among you and the officers, to ride in close order, so that your ranks
should not be broken, if you come across a compact body of the foe; let
the younger men give chase, and do the killing; our safest plan to-day
is to leave as few of the enemy alive as possible. [25] And if we
conquer," he added, "we must beware of what has overset the fortune
of many a conqueror ere now, I mean the lust for plunder. The man who
plunders is no longer a man, he is a machine for porterage, and all
who list may treat him as a slave. [26] One thing we must bear in mind:
nothing can bring such gain as victory; at one clutch the victor seizes
all, men and women, and wealth, and territory. Therefore make it your
one object to secure the victory; if he is conquered, the greatest
plunderer is caught. One more word--remember, even in the heat of
pursuit to rejoin me while it is still daylight, for when darkness has
fallen we will not admit a soul within the lines."

[27] With these words he sent them off to their appointed stations,
bidding them repeat his instructions on the way to their own
lieutenants, who were posted in front to receive the orders, and make
each of them pass down the word to his own file of ten. Thereupon the
advance began, the Hyrcanians leading off, Cyrus holding the centre
himself, marching with his Persians, and the cavalry in the usual way,
drawn up on either flank.

[28] As the day broke the enemy saw them for the first time: some simply
stared at what was happening, others began to realise the truth, calling
and shouting to each other, unfastening their horses, getting their
goods together, tearing what they needed off the beasts of burden, and
others arming themselves, harnessing their steeds, leaping to horse,
others helping the women into their carriages, or seizing their
valuables, some caught in the act of burying them, others, and by far
the greatest number, in sheer headlong flight. Many and divers were
their shifts, as one may well conceive, save only that not one man stood
at bay: they perished without a blow.