a better course, let
him point it out."

[9] However, all his hearers approved the plan proposed. Thus it came to
pass that Cyrus summoned the prisoners and said to them:

[10] "Gentlemen, you owe it to your own obedience this day that your
lives are safe; and for the future if you continue in this conduct, no
evil whatsoever shall befall you; true, you will not have the same ruler
as before, but you will dwell in the same houses, you will cultivate the
same land, you will live with your wives and govern your children as you
do now. Moreover you will not have us to fight with, nor any one else.
[11] On the contrary, if any wrong is done you, it is we who will fight
on your behalf. And to prevent any one from ordering you to take the
field, you will bring your arms to us and hand them over. Those who do
this can count on peace and the faithful fulfilment of our promises;
those who will not, must expect war, and that at once. [12] Further,
if any man of you comes to us and shows a friendly spirit, giving
us information and helping us in any way, we will treat him not as a
servant, but as a friend and benefactor. This," he added, "we wish you
to understand yourselves and make known among your fellows. [13] And if
it should appear that you yourselves are willing to comply but others
hinder you, lead us against them, and you shall be their masters, not
they yours."

Such were his words; and they made obeisance and promised to do as he
bade.

[C.5] And when they were gone, Cyrus turned to the Medes and the men of
Armenia, and said, "It is high time, gentlemen, that we should dine,
one and all of us; food and drink are prepared for you, the best we had
skill to find. Send us, if you will, the half of the bread that has
been baked; there is ample, I know, for both of us; but do not send any
relish with it, nor any drink, we have quite enough at hand. [2] And do
you," he added, turning to the Hyrcanians, "conduct our friends to
their quarters, the officers to the largest tents--you know where they
are--and the rest where you think best. For yourselves, you may dine
where you like; your quarters are intact, and you will find everything
there prepared for you exactly as it is for the others. [3] All of you
alike must understand that during the night we Persians will guard the
camp outside, but you must keep an eye over what goes on within; and see
that your arms are ready to hand; our messmates are not our friends as
yet."