y well believe,
as shipwrecked mariners into port.

[7] The first feeling of Cyrus was sheer astonishment, but he soon saw
how matters stood. The whole force of the Assyrian cavalry was rolling
on him, and he met it with his own army in perfect order, till the
enemy, realising what had happened, turned and fled. Then Cyrus ordered
his pursuing party to charge, while he followed more slowly at the pace
he thought the safest. [8] The enemy were utterly routed: many of the
chariots were taken, some had lost their charioteers, others were seized
in the sudden change of front, others surrounded by the Persian cavalry.
Right and left the conquerors cut down their foes, and among them fell
the officer who had dealt the blow at Gadatas. [9] But of the Assyrian
infantry, those who were besieging the fortress of Gadatas escaped
to the stronghold that had revolted from him, or managed to reach an
important city belonging to the king, where he himself, his horsemen,
and his chariots had taken refuge.

[10] After this exploit Cyrus went on to the territory of Gadatas, and
as soon as he had given orders to those who guarded the prisoners, he
went himself to visit the eunuch and see how it was with him after his
wound. Gadatas came out to meet him, his wound already bandaged. And
Cyrus was gladdened and said, "I came myself to see how it was with
you." [11] "And I," said Gadatas, "heaven be my witness, I came out to
see how a man would look who had a soul like yours. I cannot tell what
need you had of me, or what promise you ever gave me, to make you do as
you have done. I had shown you no kindness for your private self: it was
because you thought I had been of some little service to your friends,
that you came to help me thus, and help me you did, from death to life.
Left to myself I was lost. [12] By heaven above, I swear it, Cyrus, if
I had been a father as I was born to be, God knows whether I could
have found in the son of my loins so true a friend as you. I know of
sons--this king of ours is such an one, who has caused his own father
ten thousand times more trouble than ever he causes you."

[13] And Cyrus made answer:

"You have overlooked a much more wonderful thing, Gadatas, to turn and
wonder at me."

"Nay," said Gadatas, "what could that be?"

"That all these Persians," he answered, "are so zealous in your behalf,
and all these Medes and Hyrcanians, and every one of our allies,
Armenians, Sakians, Cadousians."

[14