not turn aside." And he kissed him.

[37] And when the Medes saw it and the Persians and all the allies--for
all were watching to see how matters would shape--joy came into their
hearts and gladness lit up their faces. Then Cyrus and Cyaxares mounted
their horses and rode back, and the Medes fell in behind Cyaxares, at
a nod from Cyrus, and behind Cyrus the Persians, and the others behind
them. [38] And when they reached the camp and brought Cyaxares to the
splendid tent, those who were appointed made everything ready for him,
and while he was waiting for the banquet his Medes presented themselves,
some of their own accord, it is true, but most were sent by Cyrus.
[39] And they brought him gifts; one came with a beautiful cup-bearer,
another with an admirable cook, a third with a baker, a fourth with a
musician, while others brought cups and goblets and beautiful apparel;
almost every one gave something out of the spoils they had won. [40] So
that the mood of Cyaxares changed, and he seemed to see that Cyrus had
not stolen his subjects from him, and that they made no less account of
him than they used to do.

[41] Now when the hour came for the banquet, Cyaxares sent to Cyrus and
begged him to share it: it was so long, he said, since they had met.
But Cyrus answered, "Bid me not to the feast, good uncle. Do you not see
that all these soldiers of ours have been raised by us to the pitch of
expectation? And it were ill on my part if I seemed to neglect them for
the sake of my private pleasure. If soldiers feel themselves neglected
even the good become faint-hearted, and the bad grow insolent. [42] With
yourself it is different, you have come a long journey and you must fall
to without delay, and if your subjects do you honour, welcome them and
give them good cheer, that there may be confidence between you and them,
but I must go and attend to the matters of which I speak. [43]
Early to-morrow morning," he added, "our chief officers will present
themselves at your gate to hear from you what you think our next step
ought to be. You will tell us whether we ought to pursue the campaign
further or whether the time has now come to disband our army."

[44] Thereupon Cyaxares betook himself to the banquet and Cyrus called
a council of his friends, the shrewdest and the best fitted to act with
him, and spoke to them as follows:

"My friends, thanks to the gods, our first prayers are granted. Wherever
we set foot now we are the