Cyrus in his imitations of it.
That is a difficulty.

C5.41. The archic man shows self-command again: his energy somewhat
relieves ignobler actors of responsibility and so far saps their wills.
His up-and-doingness a foil to their indolence.

BOOK VI

[C.1] So the day ended, and they supped and went to rest. But early
the next morning all the allies flocked to Cyaxares' gates, and while
Cyaxares dressed and adorned himself, hearing that a great multitude
were waiting, Cyrus gave audience to the suitors his own friends had
brought. First came the Cadousians, imploring him to stay, and then
the Hyrcanians, and after them the Sakians, and then some one presented
Gobryas, and Hystaspas brought in Gadatas the eunuch, whose entreaty was
still the same. [2] At that Cyrus, who knew already that for many a day
Gadatas had been half-dead with fear lest the army should be disbanded,
laughed outright and said, "Ah, Gadatas, you cannot conceal it: you have
been bribed by my friend Hystaspas to take this view."

[3] But Gadatas lifted up his hands to heaven and swore most solemnly
that Hystaspas had not influenced him.

"Nay," said he, "it is because I know myself that, if you depart, I am
ruined utterly. And therefore it was that I took it upon me to speak
with Hystaspas myself, and ask him if he knew what was in your mind
about the disbanding of the army."

[4] And Cyrus said, "It would be unjust then, I suppose, to lay the
blame on Hystaspas." "Yes, Cyrus, most unjust," said Hystaspas, "for I
only said to Gadatas that it would be impossible for you to carry on the
campaign, as your father wanted you home, and had sent for you."

[5] "What?" cried Cyrus, "you dared to let that be known whether I
wished it or not?"

"Certainly I did," he answered, "for I can see that you are mad to be
home in Persia, the cynosure of every eye, telling your father how you
wrought this and accomplished that."

"Well," said Cyrus, "are you not longing to go home yourself?"

"No," said the other. "I am not. Nor have I any intention of going: here
I shall stay and be general-in-chief until I make our friend Gadatas the
lord and the Assyrian his slave."

[6] Thus half in jest and half in earnest they played with one another,
and meanwhile Cyaxares had finished adorning himself and came forth in
great splendour and solemnity, and sat down on a Median throne. And when
all were assembled and silence was proclaimed, Cyaxares said:

"My f