himself. I can only say,
gentlemen, that if any individual considers our position as I describe
it alarming or unfavourable, he had better leave us. Let him join our
opponents, he will do us far more service there than here."

[21] When Cyrus had ended, Chrysantas the Persian stood up and said:

"Cyrus, you must not wonder if the faces of some were clouded when they
heard the news. The cloud was a sign of annoyance, not of fear. Just as
if," he went on, "a company were expecting breakfast immediately, and
then were told there was some business that must be got through first, I
do not suppose any of them would be particularly pleased. Here we were,
saying to ourselves that our fortunes were made, and now we are informed
there is still something to be done, and of course our countenances
fell, not because we were afraid, but because we could have wished it
all over and done with. [22] However, since it now appears that Syria
is not to be the only prize--though there is much to be got in Syria,
flocks and herds and corn and palm-trees yielding fruit--but Lydia as
well, Lydia the land of wine and oil and fig-trees, Lydia, to whose
shores the sea brings more good things than eyes can feast on, I say
that once we realise this we can mope no longer, our spirits will rise
apace, and we shall hasten to lay our hands on the Lydian wealth without
delay."

So he spoke, and the allies were well pleased at his words and gave him
loud applause.

[23] "Truly, gentlemen," said Cyrus, "as Chrysantas says, I think we
ought to march without delay, if only to be beforehand with our foes,
and reach their magazines before they do themselves; and besides, the
quicker we are, the fewer resources we shall find with them. [24] That
is how I put the matter, but if any one sees a safer or an easier way,
let him instruct us."

But many speakers followed, all urging an immediate march, without one
speech in opposition, and so Cyrus took up the word again and said:

[25] "My friends and allies, God helping us, our hearts, our bodies,
and our weapons have now been long prepared: all that remains is to get
together what we need for ourselves and our animals on a march of at
least twenty days. I reckon that the journey itself must take more than
fifteen, and not a vestige of food shall we find from end to end. It has
all been made away with, partly by ourselves, partly by our foes, so far
as they could. [26] We must collect enough corn, without whi