ery kind of arm as well, while
we have nothing else with which to oppose him. So that for myself," said
he, "if I had not won by lot the post I hold, I should feel ashamed to
be here in the safest place of all."

[17] "Nay," answered Cyrus, "if it is well with you, have no concern for
the rest. God willing, I mean to relieve our flanks. But you yourself,
I conjure you, do not attack until you see the rout of those detachments
that you fear."

So much of boasting did Cyrus allow himself on the eve of action, though
he was the last man to boast at other times.

"When you see them routed," he said, "you may take it that I am there,
and then make your rush, for that is the moment when you will find the
enemy weakest and your own men strongest. [18] And while there is time,
Abradatas, be sure to drive along your front and prepare your men for
the charge, kindle their courage by your looks, lift up their hearts by
your hopes. Breathe a spirit of emulation into them, to make them prove
themselves the flower of the chariot-force. Be assured if things go well
with us all men will say nothing is so profitable as valour."

[19] Accordingly Abradatas mounted his chariot and drove along the lines
to do as Cyrus bade.

Meanwhile Cyrus went on to the left where Hystaspas was posted with half
the Persian cavalry, and he called to him and said:

"Hystaspas, here is work to test your pace! If we are quick enough in
cutting off their heads, none of us will be slaughtered first."

[20] And Hystaspas answered with a laugh:

"Leave it to us! We'll see to the men opposite. But set some one to deal
with the fellows on our flank: it would be a pity for them to be idle."

And Cyrus answered, "I am going to them myself. But remember, Hystaspas,
to which ever of us God grants the victory, so long as a single foeman
is on the field, attack we must, again and again, until the last has
yielded."

[21] With that he passed on, and as he came to the flank he went up to
the officer in command of the chariots and said to him:

"Good, I intend to support you myself. And when you hear me fall on
the wing, at that instant do your best to charge straight through your
opponents; you will be far safer once outside their ranks than if you
are caught half-way."

[22] Then he went on to the rear and the carriages, where the two
detachments were stationed, a thousand horse and a thousand foot, and
told Artagersas and Pharnouchus, their leaders, to kee