the gods be on our side as
they are to-day, that scoundrel may fear you, not you him? Go now, bring
with you all you have that is sweet to look on and to love, and then
join our march: you shall be, I am persuaded, of the utmost service to
me, and I, so far as in me lies, will give you help for help."

[38] When Gadatas heard that, he breathed again, and he said:

"Could I really be in time to make my preparations and be back before
you leave? I would fain take my mother with me on the march."

"Assuredly," said Cyrus, "you will be in time: for I will wait until you
say that all is ready."

[39] So it came to pass that Gadatas went his way, and with the aid of
Cyrus put a strong garrison in his fortress, and got together the
wealth of his broad estates. And moreover he brought with him in his own
retinue servants he could trust and in whom he took delight, as well as
many others in whom he put no trust at all, and these he compelled to
bring their wives with them, and their sisters, that so they might be
bound to his service.

[40] Thus Gadatas went with Cyrus, and Cyrus kept him ever at his side,
to show him the roads and the places for water and fodder and food, and
lead them where there was most abundance.

[41] At last they came in sight of Babylon once more, and it seemed
to Cyrus that the road they were following led under the very walls.
Therefore he summoned Gobryas and Gadatas, and asked them if there was
not another way, so that he need not pass so close to the ramparts. [42]
"There are many other ways, my lord," answered Gobryas, "but I thought
you would certainly want to pass as near the city as possible, and
display the size and splendour of your army to the king. I knew that
when your force was weaker you advanced to his walls, and let him
see us, few as we were, and I am persuaded that if he has made any
preparation for battle now, as he said he would, when he sees the
power you have brought with you, he will think once more that he is
unprepared."

[435] But Cyrus said:

"Does it seem strange to you, Gobryas, that when I had a far smaller
army I took it right up to the enemy's walls, and to-day when my force
is greater I will not venture there? [44] You need not think it strange:
to march up is not the same as to march past. Every leader will march up
with his troops disposed in the best order for battle and a wise leader
will draw them off so as to secure safety rather than sped. [45] But
in