riends and allies, perhaps, since I am present and older than
Cyrus, it is suitable that I should address you first. It appears to me
that the moment has come to discuss one question before all others,
the question whether we ought to go on with the campaign or disband the
army. Be pleased," he added, "to state your opinions on the matter."

[7] Then the leader of the Hyrcanians stood up at once and said:

"Friends and allies, I hardly think that words are needed when facts
themselves show us the path to take. All of us know that while we stand
together we give our enemy more trouble than we get: but when we stood
alone it was they who dealt with us as they liked best and we liked
least."

[8] Then the Cadousian followed.

"The less we talk," said he, "about breaking-up and going home
separately the better; separation has done us anything but good, it
seems to me, even on the march. My men and I, at any rate, very soon
paid the penalty for private excursions; as I dare say you have not
forgotten."

[9] Upon that Artabazus rode, the Mede who had claimed kinship with
Cyrus in the old days.

"Cyaxares," said he, "in one respect I differ from those who have spoken
before me: they think we should stay here in order to go on with the
campaign, but I think I am always on campaign at home. [10] I was for
ever out on some expedition or other, because our people were being
harried, or our fortresses threatened, and a world of trouble I had,
what with fears within and fighting without, and all too at my own
expense. As it is now, I occupy the enemy's forts, my fear of them is
gone, I make good cheer on their own good things, and I drink their own
good wine. Since home means fighting and service here means feasting, I
am not in favour myself," said he, "of breaking up the company."

[11] Then Gobryas spoke.

"Friends," said he, "I have trusted Cyrus' word and had no fault to
find with him: what he promises that he performs: but if he leaves the
country now, the Assyrian will be reprieved, he will never be punished
for the wrongs he tried to inflict on you and did inflict on me: I shall
be punished instead, because I have been your friend."

[12] At that Cyrus rose at last and said:

"Gentlemen, I am well aware that the disbanding of our forces must mean
the decrease of our power and the increase of theirs. If some of them
have given up their weapons, they will soon procure others; if some have
lost their horses, the los