sobedient, whoever of you chances to light upon him is to join with
his officer in punishing him, the enemy would by that means be most
effectually disappointed in their expectations, for, on the very day
that such resolution is passed, they will see before them ten thousand
Clearchuses instead of one, who will not allow a single soldier to play
the coward. 32. But it is now time for me to conclude my speech;[135]
for in an instant perhaps the enemy will be upon us. Whosoever,
therefore, thinks these suggestions reasonable, let him give his
sanction to them at once, that they may be carried into execution. But
if any other course, in any one's opinion, be better than this,[136] let
him, even though he be a private soldier, boldly give us his sentiments;
for the safety, which we all seek, is a general concern."

33. Cheirisophus then said, "Should there be need of any other measure
in addition to what Xenophon proposes, it will be in our power to bring
it forward by and by; what he has now suggested we ought, I think, to
vote at once to be the best course that we can adopt; and to whomsoever
this seems proper, let him hold up his hand;" and they all held them up.
34. Xenophon then, rising again, said, "Hear, soldiers, what appears to
me to be necessary in addition to what I have laid before you. It is
plain that we must march to some place from which we may get provisions;
and I hear that there are some good-looking villages not more than
twenty stadia distant; 35. but I should not wonder if the enemy, (like
cowardly dogs that run after such as pass by them, and bite them if they
can, but flee from those who pursue them,) I should not wonder, I say,
if the enemy were to follow close upon us when we begin to march. 36. It
will, perhaps, be the safer way for us to march, therefore, forming a
hollow square of the heavy-armed troops, in order that the baggage and
the large number of camp-followers, may be in greater security within
it; and if it be now settled who is to lead the square, and regulate
the movements in front, who are to be on each flank, and who to have
charge of the rear, we shall not have to consider of these things when
the enemy approach, but may at once act according to what has been
arranged. 37. If, then, any one else sees anything better to recommend,
let it be settled otherwise; if not, let Cheirisophus lead, since he is
also a Lacedaemonian;[137] let two of the oldest generals take the
command on each