which I shall now deliver have beene long since considered upon and approved by you no lesse than by us but haply abashed you are to utter the same least if your selfe made mention of leading forth our armie you might seeme weary of finding and maintaining us as you doe Seing therefore you keepe silence I my selfe both for you and us will propound the businesse now in hand For we are all of this mind seeing we be so well appointed not to fight then when as the enemie shall invade your land nor to wait for his comming sitting still as we doe in our friends country but with all speed to make a rode into the territories of our enemies For now so long as we remaine in your land much hurt we doe even against our wils unto many things of yours but if we remoove into our enemies quarters we shall worke them the like displeasure as willingly Moreover now are we kept at your great charges but if wee warre abroad without your marches we shall be victualled from out of our enemies countrey Furthermore were it so that some greater perill might betide us there than here then peradventure the safest course were to bee chosen But now the case is all one with them whether wee waite here for them or set forward to meet them there In like manner wee also shall be the same in fight whether we receive them comming hither or goe thither and give them battaile But in very truth the hearts of our souldiers we shall finde more courageous if we invade our enemies and seeme not loth to affront them and looke them in the face Semblably they will bee much more in feare of us when they shall heare that we sit not still at home as men smitten with dread of them but upon intelligence of their comming are ready to encounter them on the way for to joyne battaile with all speed and not tarry untill our owne country be endamaged but preventing their attempts waste their land first Certes if we make them any whit more fearefull or our selves bolder I suppose it will bee to our great advantage And by this meanes verily I make accompt that our danger will be lesse and our enemies hazard much greater Moreover my father was alwaies wont to say you also to confesse and all others to accord that fields are fought and battailes tried rather by the resolution of mens hearts than the strength of their bodies Thus verily said Cyrus unto whom Cyaxares made this answere But I would not have you Cyrus and the rest of the Persians once to suspect that I thinke much to mainteine you with victuals Yet am I also of this minde that in every respect it will be more expedient for us even now to invade our enemies land Since then quoth Cyrus we concurre in one opinion let us joyntly trusse up bagge and baggage and so dislodge and in case our sacrifices unto the Gods assent soone unto our desires with all speed set forward Hereupon after warning given to packe up and to put themselves in readinesse Cyrus sacrificed to Iupiter King first afterwards to the rest of the Gods praying withall that they would vouchsafe to be propitious and favourable guides unto the Armie and shew themselves gracious Assistants assured helpers and Associates yea and Counsellers for good in all their Affaires He invocated likewise the tutelar powers that inhabited and patronized the Median Land Now when he had finished the sacrifices with lucky presages and that the armie was wholly assembled togither before him in the very marches after tokens likewise of bird-flight promising happy successe he did set foot within the enemies country And no sooner was hee entred the borders but presently hee there procured the gracious favour of Dame Tellus with Libatours and liquid offerings The Gods also and inhabitant Patrons of Assyria he pacified with solide hosts and sacrifices Which complements done and ended he sacrificed eft-soones to Iupiter the Protectour of his owne native soile and looke what other of the Gods soever came into his knowledge he neglected them not CHAP. VII How Cyrus went to encampe neere unto the Assyrians and prepared to give them battaile WHEN all these things were accomplished in good sort the Infantery forthwith marched on and made no great journey but soone pitched their tents Howbeit having put forth the Cavallery to make incursions and to raunge abroad they gate great pillage of all things Then remooved they and being now furnished with all provision necessary and forraging the country still they encamped and waited the enemies comming Now when noised it was that their army was on foot and within ten daies journey Cyrus said It is now high time ô Cyaxares to put on and to meet with them And let us give no cause to be thought either of our enemies or our owne men to shrinke backe and not to abide them but rather shew our selves not unwilling to fight When Cyaxares allowed well hereof they marched on alwaies after in battaile ray going forward every day as farre as they thought good As for their suppers they never tooke them but by day-light and in the night they made no fires within the campe Howbeit before the campe they burnt fire to the end that by the light thereof they might see if any came by night towards them and yet not be seene themselves Many times also to deceive the enemie they did set fires aburning behind the campe whereby otherwhiles the enemies spies fell into the hands of their formost escont-watch For by reason that the said fires were behind they thought themselves had beene yet farre from the campe Now the Assyrians with their Confederates and Allies after that the Armies approched one the other entrenched themselves A thing that the Barbarian Kings use to do even at this day For when they pitch their tents an easie matter it is for them to cast a trench about their campe so many hands have they to set on worke And they know that a power of horsemen in the night is soone disordered and so of little or no service especially if it consist of Barbarians For such use to have their horses tied by the feet at their mangers And if any man should charge upon them a labour it wer◠by night to unloose the horses a trouble to bridle them a paine to saddle and trap them much adoe also to bard them and doe on their harnois Yea and when they are mounted on horsebacke impossible it is by any meanes to ride them through the campe For all these causes they also like as all other Barbarians enclosed these within certeine fortifications thought they might being thus within the safegard of a sensed place fight when they list themselves and not otherwise Whiles they were thus busied they approched one the other and being about a Parasang off the Assyrians encamped thus as I said in a place entrenched round about howbeit open and exposed to the eye
like as those are prest to wound the assailants close at hand so these Archers and Darters might be as ready to shoot their arrowes and launce their Iavelins from them in the defence of those armed souldiers if any enemies approached and affronted them Furthermore all the Captaines had certaine Ensignes upon their Pavilions By which meanes like as in Cities the wiser sort can point unto the dwelling houses of most Citizens but especially of such as are of employment even so the ministers and servitours of Cyrus knew in what places to find their Captains and what Ensignes or colours belonged to every one And thereby if Cyrus had occasion to use any of them they needed not to seeke up and downe but ran readily the next way to every one And because each nation was apart and not intermingled one with another it was much sooner seene both when any kept his owne ranke in order as also whether they did not that which was commaunded Being thus marshalled he thought that if any enemie either by night or day assailed him they should come upon his campe no otherwise than if they sell into a place of ambushment And for a Tactick he thought it requisite not onely to know how readily to stretch out in length the front of his Phalang or display and spread it out in depth or reduce it from a pointed wing into a massie squadron or to countermarch as readily the enemy being discovered and to wind about with it in good sort on the right hand or on the left or in the reare but he supposed also it appertained to that skill for to be able to divide it if need required and each part thereof to bestow for most advantage yea and to lead it on speedily where occasion is of prevention All these points and such like fears he thought did belong to that Captaine which is expert in the ordinance of a battaile And even so right carefull and studious was he in them all And verily in his journeies he marched with his host not alwaies alike and in the same order but evermore accommodated to divers occurrents and sodaine accidents Howbeit in the pitching of his campe he used for the most part this dispose which I have rehearsed Now when they had journeyed so farre as they were come into the Medes countrey Cyrus turned in to Cyaxares for to lodge with him And after they had embraced one another Cyrus said first to Cyaxares that there was provided for him in Babylon a choice dwelling house with stately edifices that if he came thither he might keepe his Court there as in his owne Then bestowed he upon him very many and those right goodly presents Cyaxares when he had received them at his hands sent his daughter unto him who brought with her for him a golden Coronet a paire of bracelets and a collar of gold with a most beautifull Median robe Here quoth Cyaxares I give unto you Cyrus this young Lady mine owne daughter to be your wedded wife For so your father espoused my fathers daughter whose sonne you are And this is even very she whom you being a child many a time in our house were wont to sport with and dandle as a nurceling And when any one asked her whose wife she would be she was wont to make answer that Cyrus should be her husband And with her I give over and above for a dowry the Kingdome of Media and enfeoffe her wholly in it since I have no issue male of mine owne legitimate Thus said Cyaxares Vnto whom Cyrus made this answer The parentage good Vnkle Cyaxares I commend The young maiden I praise and of the dowry I like well enough but before I conclude of a marriage I will have the consent of my father and mother And albeit Cyrus thus said yet bestowed he upon the Damoisell all those gifts wherein he thought hee might gratifie Cyaxares Which done hee tooke his leave and went forward on his journey for Persia. CHAP. VIII How Cyrus arrived in Persia where Cambyses treateth with him and his Lords and chiefe Commanders about the affaires of State How hee tooke to wife the daughter of Cyaxares and being returned to Babylon sent Rulers and Deputies into all his Provinces WHEN he was come so farre as into the Frontiers of Persia the rest of his forces he left there and went himselfe accompanied with his friends to the City bringing with him as well beasts sufficient both to sacrifice and also to feast the whole nation of the Persians as gifts meet to present unto his father and mother and other his friends there yea and such as might beseeme the Head Magistrates Auncients and noble Gentlemen called Homotimi in generall Moreover he gave a largesse among all the Persians both men and women even such congiaries as at this day the King useth to deale among them whensoever he commeth into Persia. After this Cambyses assembled a Councell of the Elders of Persia togither with such Rulers as had the menaging of the weightiest affaires in Common-wealth Who being come togither he called Cyrus also unto them and then made a speech to this effect My Lords of Persia and you likewise my sonne Cyrus I heartily affect you all as good reason I have both the one and the other For as I am your King so you Cyrus are my sonne Meet it is therefore and in all congruence it beseemeth that I open here before you whatsoever I may seeme to know concerning your good and welfare As for you the Persians in times past yee honoured my sonne when yee did put an armie into his hands and chose him Generall thereof And Cyrus being once the Commaunder of that power by the assistance of God hath made you Persians renowned with all men and honoured throughout all Asia And verily as the valiantest Knights of those that served under him he hath enriched so to the very multitude of Common souldiers he hath truly paid their wages and found them food Moreover by erecting a Cavallery among the Persians he hath effected that they be as good horsemen upon the plaines as others If yee therefore hereafter persist in this mind still yee shall procure one unto another manifold commodities But if either you for your part Cyrus being puffed up for the late good successe of fortune shall goe about to be an absolute Lord over the Persians thereby to make a private gaine of them as over other nations or yee that are natives and subjects envious of his puissance endeavour and practise to depose him and overthrow his royall estate know this for certaine that yee shall hinder one another in the atchieving of many great and noble exploits To the end therefore that these inconveniences befall not unto you that yee may enjoy all good blessings I have thought it meet after we have sacrificed togither and called the Gods to record to make this covenant that you Cyrus for your part in the behalfe
in a good conceit of themselves and then surprize them at unwares or suffer them to follow in chase and so cause them to breake their raies or by semblance of flight traine them into streights and places disadvantageous there to assaile them sodainly Now my sonne it behooveth you to practise not onely all these stratagemes which with earnest desire you have already learned but devise also and of your owne head other sleights against your enimies even as Musicians use not those tunes and songs onely which they have learn'd but study also to make set other And verily in Musick new dities and fresh notes in their very prime are in most request but much more in warre new policies are best set by For why such late devised inventions are those that soonest can deceive the enimies And if you my sonne quoth he would turne upon men nought else but those sleights which you have laid for very small wild beasts thinke you not that you should make good progresse in winning the better hand of your enemies For to catch foule you have in the most bitter time of winter risen and gone forth by night yea and before the poore birds were stirring set snares and grins for them so cunningly as that the mooveable false floore seemed like unto that which mooved not Besides certeine foules were so taught by you as that they served your owne turne but in the meane time deluded other silly birds of their owne fether whiles your selfe lay in couvert and espiall so as you saw them and they had no fight of you Moreover your care and endevour was to prevent the said foules and draw them unto you before they should flye away As for the Hare because she goeth to releife and feedeth in the darke night but by day saveth her selfe by her light foot you kept Hounds which by sent might finde her out and for that when shee is started shee swiftly runneth away you had Greehounds besides trained of purpose to overtake her in pursuit by good footmanship And in case the said Hares should out-strip these Greehounds also you learned out their paths and musets and to what harbours they chuse to flie therein you pitched haies and nets hardly to be seene to the end that the Hare in her most eger flight might fall into them and therein entangle her selfe And that shee might not escape thence you placed men of purpose to watch and marke the manner of it who being neere at hand should streight-waies seize upon her And your selfe verily from behind by setting up a lowd cry that raught unto her so affrighted the poore Hare that caught shee was at unwares whiles those who on the forepart lay in waite instructed by you to keepe silence were hidden and unseene Therefore as I said before if you would practise likewise such devises as these against men I know not for my part how you should come short of any enemie in the world Now if it chaunce at any time that you be enforced in plaine even ground and open feild to joyne battaile with ensignes displayed when yee are on both sides armed and well appointed even then my sonne those helpes and advantages provided long before do very much availe And such I say be these namely if your souldiours bodies have beene well exercised if their hearts have had an edge set upon them and thereby be well encouraged and last of all if they have diligently studied and practized martiall feats aforehand Moreover this thing also you are to know that so many as you shall thinke it meet they should obey you will all of them likewise deeme it as fit that you provide for their good and safetie every way Therefore be you never carelesse in this point but foresee over-night what you would have your liege men to doe the morrow and fore-cast by day how night-service may speed best Furthermore in what sort an armie is to be put in order against a battaile after what manner it is to be led in march by night or day how in streights how in broad plaines and open wayes how over hilly places how through champian fields and plaines Also in what wise a campe is to be pitched How watch and ward is to be set as well for night as day How to advance against the enimies how to come off and retire How to march before an enimie-citie how to lead an armie to the assault of a walled Fort and how to withdraw the same from thence In what manner to passe through hollow waies full of woods or over rivers What order to take with horsemen what with darters and archers Also when you lead your armie displaied into wings if then your enimies charge directly upon you in what sort are you to make head and withstand them Again when you lead it in forme of a thicke squadron and they flanke you from some other side and not afront in what manner you are to encounter them Also by which meanes you may best know your enimies behaviour and projects and they least perceive your desseine and purpose But all these points why should I now rehearse unto you For whatsoever my selfe knoweth you have often heard and if others besides seemed expert therein you have not neglected conference with any one of them and never were you dull witted and hard to learne You ought therefore as I thinke according as occasions shall be presented to put such instructions in ure as you shall suppose will be at all times most expedient for you And learne withall my sonne of mee these directions of greatest importance Never adventure any thing either by your selfe alone or in your armie without warrant of sacrifices and auguries by bird flight considering thus much that men take matters in hand no otherwise than by guesse as not knowing for certeine from whence any good shall redound unto them how ever haply a man may by the events understand the same For many men and those reputed most wise have perswaded cities to make warre upon those at whose hands they thus perswaded have afterward beene overthrowne Many a man besides hath both enriched private persons and also amplified publike States from whom by their meanes thus enriched and advanced they have susteined afterwards extreme losse and mischiefe Many also when they might have used others as friends with reciprocall interchange of doing and receiving pleasures chusing to make them their slaves rather than their friends have felt the smart thereof and suffred punishment even at their hands Many againe not content to live a pleasant life with a competent and sufficient portion but coveting to be Lords of all have lost thereby even all that they had and possessed before And to conclude many having gotten much gold and treasure which they so greatly wished for have by the same perished and come to ruine Thus mans wisedome knoweth no more how to chuse what is best than if one should cast lots and draw
and faster than ordinarie he led the way himselfe and his souldiers followed not onely with an orderly pace in good array as having through long exercise learned to keep order but also courageously and with resolution For that in a kind of emulation they strove one to excell another and had bodies withall well enured and hardned to travaile as also for that all those that went formost were no other than their very Captaines and Commaunders yea and cheerefully beside in regard of their skill and cunning For they knew and had learned long agoe that it was the safest and easiest way all at once directly to charge the enemies especially if they be Archers darters and horsemen Whiles therefore they were yet without the daunger of shot Cyrus gave this Motto for the signal of Battaile IVPITER AIDER And LEADER which having passed from one to another through the host and being returned again unto him he began to sing a solemne Hymne unto CASTOR and PoLLVX and all his souldiours with a devout mind and loud voice chaunted the same with him For in such a case as many as be religiously given stand lesse in feare of men The said song being ended The Peeres above-said march on bravely togither with a lightsome countenance as being well trained and taught beholding one another calling by name to their sidemen and next followers iterating full often these words Now to it good friends Goe to it now right valiant Knights mightily encouraging each one his fellow to follow Which they that came behind hearing exhorted semblably the former to lead and goe before boldly Thus the whole armie without was replenished with forward alacrity desirous of glory and renowne full of strength of confident boldnesse of encouragement and exhortation of stayed temperance and obedience which I take to be the most terrible objects that can be presented to enemies But of the Assyrians such as were ready to fight before the rampiers and in defence of their campe when the Persians army once approached neere unto them mounted their chariots and retired themselves to their fellowes where they were thickest embattailed As for their Archers Darters and Slingers they discharged from them their shot farre sooner and before they could possibly reach unto their enemies When the Persians now by preassing forward were come within the daunger of shot Cyrus with a lowd voice cryed out Now most brave and redouted Knights Step some one quickly before and shew proufe of his valour and therewith encourage he the rest These words uttered they also againe to the other By occasion whereof some upon a brave and courageous spirit upon an ardent desire also and love to fight began to make speed whom the whole maine battaile followed with a running pace Cyrus likewise himselfe forgetting to keepe his ordinary march ranne before crying out Who followes who where is the valiant soldier that will fell and lay along the first man Which others hearing seconded him and held on the same note Thus throughout the whole armie as he began the voice went who will follow who will play the douty man Well in this manner gave the Persians the first onset and fiercely assailed the enemies But they not able to abide the shocke and the open field reculed and turned their backs flying amaine unto their trench and rampier The Persians pursuing them unto the very gates whiles they thronged and thrust one another to get in slew many of them And looke who fell into the trenches they leaped downe upon them and killed them outright both horse and man For some of the Chariots were forced in this their rout to fall downe into the ditches Which when the Medes horsemen saw they rode with full carrier against the enemies horsemen who gave way to decline their violence Whereupon began a great chace both of horse and men together with much slaughter as well of the one as of the other Those Assyrians which within the Munition stood upon the top of the rampier had neither mind nor might to shoot and dart at those who made such carnage and havocke so terrible was the spectacle thereof and so smitten were they with feare Perceiving then soone after that certaine Persians had broken through the gates and entries of their fortifications they turned backe and fled from the said toppe of the rampier The wives as well of the Assyrians as of their auxiliary Associats seeing this rout within the campe skriked out and ran up and downe all amazed Some of them being mothers of children others but younglings tearing their side garments and scratching themselves with their owne nailes lamentably beseeching all those whom they met not to flye and forsake them but to defend their children and themselves And herewith the KK themselves with their trustiest guard about them stood at the very gates and climbing up to the top of the rampiers partly in proper person fought and in part exhorted others to doe the same Cyrus after he understood what was done fearing least by making an irruption and forcible entry his men so few in number might be hurt of so many sounded the retrait commaunding them to retire out of the arrow shot and to obey Then and there a man might have seene the noble Peeres how excellently they had beene brought up in martiall discipline For streightwaies themselves obeied and gave charge to the rest for to doe the like as quickely and no sooner were they without the danger of shot but they stood raunged in their places more orderly than in any daunce or quire of Musicians whiles every man knew perfitly where hee should be THE FOVRTH BOOKE CHAP. I. How the King of Assyria died in fight King Croesus and the Assyrians fled and Cyrus purposed to follow in chace CYRVS having staied there long enough with his armie and made open shew that ready they were to fight if any would issue forth seeing none to come abroad withdrew his power so farre as he thought good and there encamped Now when he had set his Corps du guard and sent out his espialls before himselfe having assembled his soldiers in this manner spake unto them My friends yee that are Persians First the Gods above I laud and praise to my full power like as I suppose yee all doe For atchieved we have this day both victorie and safetie In regard whereof bound we are to retribute gifts unto their Majesties in token of thankes even out of all that ever we have And as for you I cannot choose but commend you every one For looke what service there is exploited the same hath beene performed to the honour of you all But as concerning due recompense in particular when I am certified by those of whom meet it is I should enquire of what desert every one is I shall endevour both in word and deed to conferre rewards upon each one respectively And verily as touching this Centurion here Chrysantas who was next unto mee I need not to
concerning the dissolution of the armie It should seeme then quoth Cyrus that I doe wrongfully charge Hystaspes Yea surely said Hystaspes very unjustly For I gain-said Gadatas and affirmed that it was impossible for you to stay alleadging withall that your father had sent for you How now quoth he What is that you say Durst you indeed utter so much whether I were willing or no Yes in troth said he For I see you are exceeding desirous to be seene illustrious in our progresse among the Persians yea and to recount unto your father how you have atchieved every exploit And for your selfe quoth Cyrus have not you a longing to be gone home No I assure you said Hystaspes but here will I abide in qualitie of a Generall untill I have made this Gadatas Lord over the Assyrian King Thus communed they togither betweene jest and good earnest Meane-while Cyaxares arrayed in his royall robes came forth and sate him downe upon a Throne of State after the Medes fashion When all were assembled togither whom such affaires concerned after silence made Cyaxares spake in this wise My friends and Associates Because I am here in place and Senior to Cyrus meet peradventure it is that I should enter into speech first And in my conceit quoth he It is now a time convenient to debate of this point whether it be expedient still to continue warre or to dismisse the Armie Let some one therefore deliver what he thinketh of this matter Then spake the Hyrcanian Potentate to the question first My friends and Associates I wote not what need there is of many words when the very deeds shew what is best For well we all doe know that remaining together we doe our enemies more harme than we can receive from them our selves But when we were severed asunder one from another then they dealt with us to their owne greatest pleasure and our most grievous paine After him the Cadusian Commaunder opined thus What should we speake of departure home and living there apart When as even already in this very expedition they get no good as it is seene who are disjoyned For our owne selves when we quartered but a while and served apart from the body of our whole armie payed dearely for it and abid the smart as yee all know well enough After him Artabazus he who sometimes claimed kinred of Cyrus uttered his opinion in this manner For mine owne part saith he ô Cyaxares I doe thus farre forth dissent from these who have before me spoken to the matter in question For these men say that wee ought to tarry still here and make warre but I affirme that even when I was at home I lived in warfare For many a time I came to the rescue when ouâ— goods were harried and carried away Yea and oftentimes I had employment enough to defend our forts against which traines were laid whiles I stood in feare watched and warded yea and did all this at mine owne charges But now I hold their fortresses and feare them not at all Nay I make merry at their cost I eate and drinke I say of the enemies provision As if therefore ouâ— stare at home were a continuall warfare and this here a very feast I am not of the minde to dissolve this solemne and generall Celebrity Next unto him spake Gobryas For my part good friends and conâ—ederates I commend hitherto the faithfulnesse of Cyrus For he faileth not in the performance of ought that he hath promised But if he be once departed out of this country evident it is that the Assyrian King will bee at rest and tast of no punishment for the wrongs intended against you and done already unto mee And I contrariwise shall be sure to be evill entreated at his hands because I have friended you and become your Associate When these had all delivered their opinions Cyrus spake in this wise Neither am I ignorant my friends that if wee now breake up campe and dissolve the armie we shall our selves be in weaker case and our enemies againe in much stronger For bee there never so many of them disarmed they will soone cause other new armour to be made They that are deprived of their horses will quickly after bee deprived of others And in lieu of them who are slaine there will spring and grow up eftsoone a new supply to succeed So that no mervaile will it be if shortly they put us to new troubles The case standing thus what meant I to moove Cyaxares for to propose this question as touching the dissolution of the Armie Know yee then quoth he It was for feare of after-claps For I see those enemies ready to encounter us with whom if we encampe still here wee shall never bee able to make our parts good in fight For the winter commeth on apace And say that wee our selves had houses to put our heads in yet I assure you we want covert for our horses for our ministers and officers and for the multitude of our common souldiers and without these we cannot possibly mainteine warre Againe the victuals in those parts whither we have come are by us already spent and where wee have not beene it is all conveyed away for feare of us into their strong holds so that if the enemies enjoy them impossible it is for us to come by the same And who is then so valiant who is there so strong and lusty as whiles hee wresteth with hunger and cold will be able to keepe the field If therefore wee must warre in this manner I hold this and averre that we ought rather to dismisse our armie willingly than for want of meanes to bee driven forth against our wils Howbeit if we be desirous still to lye in campe and continue the warre This course in my advise wee must take namely to endevour with all speed to disseize them of as many souldiers of theirs as we can and to fortifie as many as we may for our selves For if this be effected greater store of victuall shall they have who can take more from others and lay the same up besieged also and assaulted they shall be who are the weaker And verily as now things stand our case is all one with Sea-fearing men For they make saile still and passe on continually yet leave they that behinde them which they have sailed through no more their owne than that which they have not yet sailed over Howbeit if we can take in their strong holds and castles the same will alienate the whole country from our enemies and therewith all things will bee more calme and quiet with us Now whereas peradventure some of you be afraid lest yee be put to lye in garrison farre from your native countrey let not that trouble you For how ever wee Persians used to forraine countryes farre from home may take in hand to keepe those places which be next unto our enemies yet possesse yee and occupie the while those parts of Assyria which border hard
ready Heart and minde thus voide of fraud Is that true signe Vertue doth most applaud Henry Holland in honour of his deerest father Dr. Philemon Holland upon the interpretation of his double Anagram and his indefatigable labours The Hart most ready honest and upright Devoyd of fraud unto each living wight The Head diseas'd for ease of Englishmen The Hand benumm'd with holding of its pen The Pen unworne though worne beyond a pen Doe still hold out to glad their Countrimen They rest in motion and restlesse Rest is that Yet may they rest though Death doth frowne thereat And when those Mortalls may be turn'd to dust Th' immortall part must needs b'among the Iust. PSAL. 112. vers 6. In memoria â—ternâ—â— erâ—â— justus Vpon the Translatours Pen wherewith only hee translated and wrote all Plutarchs Moralls conteining above a Reame of Paper he wrote this Dystick This Booke I wrote with one poore Pen made of a grey Goose quill A Pen I found it us'd before A Pen I leave it still Which Pen afterwards was begged by an auncient Gentlewoman mother to a Noble Countesse yet living who garnished it in silver and kept it as a Monument The Contents of the eight Bookes following THE FIRST BOOKE The Proâ—eme treating of Monarchies Democraties and Oligarchies CHAP. I. The Customes of the Persians in governing their Natives How Cyrus was instituted during his Child-hood in the discipline of vertue with other children of his age in the publique Schooles CHAP. II. How Cyrus went into Media with the Queene his mother where he shewed many tokens of his good nature and pregnant wit unto King Astyages semblably of his temperance and sobrietie CHAP. III. How the Queene mother Mandane returned into Persia and Cyrus abode behind in Media where he gave himselfe much to Horseman-ship and feats of Armes And with his owne hand killed many wild Beasts CHAP. IIII. How Astyages through the politicke Counsell of Cyrus wonne a victory of the Assyrians who were come to invade his Territories CHAP. V. How Cyrus returned to his father into Persia and what honour the Medes did him at his departure CHAP. VI. The beginning of the Warres betweene the Assyrians and the Medes Of the Forces that Cyrus levyed in Persia to aide the King of Media his Vnkle CHAP. VII The Oration of Cyrus to the Peeres and Chieftaines of his Army for to incite them to enterprize this warre with the better courage CHAP. VIII The good instructions that Cambyses gave unto his sonne Cyrus as touching the enterprize against the Assyrians and how a good Captaine should carry himselfe with his Army in a strange Country and winne the love of every man CHAP. IX How a Prince may gaine the obedience of his people vanquish his enemies and get the attribute of Wise and Vertuous THE SECOND BOOKE CHAP. I. How Cyrus came into Persia with his men and procured them all to be armed by his Vnkle Cyaxâres CHAP. II. The speech that Cyrus made to the Chieftaines of all his Hoast for to incite their Souldiers to take their harnois and Armes that Cyrus had prepared for the Persians CHAP. III. The exhortation of Cyrus to the Persian Souldiers to put on the new Armour thâ—â— King Cyaxares had prepared CHAP. IIII. The Ordinance that Cyrus made for the exercise of his Souldiers and to keepe them in all obedience CHAP. V. How Cyrus devised and communed graciously with his Chieftaines and of the pleasant narrations that they related unto him for to doe him pleasure CHAP. VI. The Consultation of Cyrus with his Armie whether he should reward all his Souldiers alike or every one according to his desert CHAP. VII The Oration of Cyrus to his whole Campe the opinions of Chrysantas and Pheraulas as touching that which Cyrus had proposed And what was the conclusion and determination thereof CHAP. VIII The feats of Armes that Cyrus his Captaines practised in exercising their Companies CHAP. IX How Cyaxares gave audience to the King of India his Ambassadours and sent them afterwards to the King of Assyria CHAP. X. How Cyrus being in deliberation and conference with his Vnkle as touching this affaire and about levying summes of money enterprized warre upon the King of Armenia CHAP. XI The Project and speech of Cyrus to his Captaines and to Chrysantas about the laying of an Embush and how the same was put in execution against the King of Armenia THE THIRD BOOKE CHAP. I. How Cyrus without giving Battaile tooke the King of Armenia prisoner and seized upon his Goods The discourses that the said King made with his sonne Tigranes about his deliverance CHAP. II. How Cyrus with great humanitie did set the King of Armenia with his wife and children at large And after he had received their Ransome levyed à good power of Footmen and Horsemen both out of Armenia for this Warre CHAP. III. How Cyrus tooke Tigranes with him in his Traine and went to assayle the Chaldees upon the Mountaines CHAP. IIII. The peceable Communication that Cyrus had with the Armenians and the Chaldees The mutuall accord and peace betweene them all CHAP. V. How Cyrus sent an Embassage to the Indians and returning into Media consulted about making Warre upon the Assyrians CHAP. VI. The speech of Cyrus to Cyaxares about his expedition against the Assyrians CHAP. VII How Cyrus went to encampe neere unto the Assyrians and prepared to give them Battaile CHAP. VIII The exhortation of Cyrus to his Chieftaines and the Peeres to moove them to advance with better courage to the Battaile CHAP. IX How the King of Assyria issued out of his Campe to fight a Field and made a speech unto his Souldiers How Cyrus and they afterwards joyned Battaile wherein the Assyrians were discomfited THE FOVRTH BOOKE CHAP. I. How the King of Assyria dyed in fight King Croesus and the Assyrians fled and Cyrus purposed to follow in chace CHAP. II. The opinion of Cyaxares to divert Cyrus from following the traine of his Victory CHAP. III. How Cyrus obtained of Cyaxares part of the Medes forces and with them and the Hyrcanians togither that yeeled unto him pursued the Assyrians in their flight CHAP. IIII. The exhortation of Cyrus to his whole Armie inciting them to follow the chace of his Enemies with the Cavallerie of the Medes CHAP. V. How Cyrus defaited the Assyrians againe and tooke prisoners Kings Lords and other Souldiers a great number The order that hee gave how to be provided presently of victuals without confusion and trouble CHAP. VI. How Cyrus communed with his Centeniers perswading them to sobrietie and to stay for their fellowes who were in the pursuit and how they raised a great bootie of men women and goods CHAP. VII Cyrus consulteth with his Centeniers about mounting footmen on Horsebacke and erecting a Persian Cavallerie with the Horses taken from the Enemie in the Warres CHAP. VIII How Cyrus by the counsell and advise of his most politicke Captaines ordained in his Army a troupe of Horsemen
serving upon the Assyrians Horses and intended to set at large all his Prisoners CHAP. IX The speech of Cyrus to the Assyrian prisoners at their deliverance CHAP. X. How Cyaxares envied the glory of Cyrus and was wroth with the Medes The answer that Cyrus made to him and the Embassage which he sent into Persia. CHAP. XI The Missive of Cyrus to Cyaxares CHAP. XII The â—ration of Cyrus directing his souldiers how they should part the spoiles Also how he mounted the Persians on Horsebacke CHAP. XIII How Gobryas yeelded himselfe unto Cyrus and related unto him the disasterous calamitie of his son and required revenge for his death upon the King of Assyria which Cyrus promised to doe THE FIFTH BOOKE CHAP. I. How Araspas had the keeping of faire Panâ—hea on whom he became enamoured A discourse betweene Cyrus and him whether love were voluntary or forced CHAP. II. How Cyrus being assured of the Medes and other Allies rode to the Castle of Gobryas And of his Magnificence CHAP. III. How Cyrus intended to assault the great City of Babylon the discourses which hee had with the Prince of Hyrcania and with Gobryas CHAP. IIII. How Cyrus chalenged the King of Babylon to come into the Field and then making a league with Gadatas won the Fortresses of the Frontiers and augmented his Forces with a number of 40000. and how the King of Assyria would have surprised and taken in the Castles of Gadatas CHAP. V. How Cyrus exhorted his souldiers to give all the booty unto Gadatas how he rauâ—ged his battailes as well to fight as to march by night CHAP. VI. A Conspiracy against Gadatas An Ambush laid by the Assyrian King where he received a great overthrow How Cyrus saved Gadatas and all his men CHAP. VII The good Remonstrances of Cyrus as touching the fault of the Cadusian Prince The Treatie with the King of Assyria for the good of his people CHAP. VIII How Cyrus as hee returned into Media passed before Babylon and surprized certaine Forts upon the Frontiers CHAP. IX How Cyrus returned to the Monarchs of Media and laboured to appease the wrath of Cyaxares The answer also that he made unto him THE SIXTH BOOKE CHAP. I. The Counsell that Cyrus held about the dissolving his Armie for that yeere The preparations which he made against the yeere next ensuing The fabrick and engines that he devised for to batter the walls His Chariots armed with Pikes and Sithes carrying turrets upon them Also the Camels which he provided for the warre CHAP. II. How Cyrus sent Araspas as a spie into Lydia who feigned that he fled for the displeasure of Cyrus CHAP. III. How Panthea sent for her husband to come unto Cyrus The preparation that Cyrus made for the warre The forme of Chariots devised by him for the carriage of his great engins and fabricks CHAP. IV. How the King of India sent an Ambassage unto Cyrus to treat about a league with him who sent the said Ambassadours to listen after as spies the affaires of the Assyrians The newes that they brought backe CHAP. V. The oration of Cyrus unto his souldiers to put them out of that feare and astonishment which they had conceived of the Newes they heard as touching the warre toward CHAP. VI. The Instruction of Cyrus delivered unto his Chieftaines as well concerning their souldiers diet as the conduct of an Army in their march through the Country The order of the Pioners Merchants and Tradesmen Artizans and Munitioners CHAP. VII How Cyrus marched against his Enemies in Lydia The manner he used as well in encamping as in leading his whole Army CHAP. VIII How Araspas returned unto Cyrus and recounted unto him all the Ordnance and preparation of the Enemy How himselfe prepared to raunge himselfe in Battaile-ray CHAP. IX How Panthea enarmed her husband Abradate and Cyrus did put himselfe in readinesse to give battaile THE SEVENTH BOOKE CHAP. I. How Cyrus entred the field with his puissance approached King Croesus to giâ—e him battaile The manner that both Armies used to fight with their beâ—â— advantage CHAP. II. The great Battaile and slaughter of the Lydians where King Croesus and his forceâ— were discomfited The Aegyptians yeeld unto Cyrus CHAP. III. How Cyrus following the traine of his victory forced the City Sardes and tooke King Croesus prisoner The discourse that he held with him as touching the Oracle of Apollo and how he did set him at liberty and saved the same City from saccage CHAP. IV. The death of Abradatas Of faire Panthea and her Eunuches Cyrus caused a goodâ— ly Monument to be erected for their perpetuall memory CHAP. V. How Cyrus by the Wisedome and Policie of Cadusius tooke the King of Phâ—ygâ—a prisoner brought under subjection in small time the Cappadocians the Arabians and all the Nations round about which done how he embattaâ—led his forces to the number of 40000. men in Armes and approached Babylon CHAP. VI. How Cyrus laid siege unto the Citie Babylon and by a wonderfull Stratagem woâ—â—â— How the King of Asâ—ria and his men were slaine the Citie put to the sack and the Fortresses rendred into his hands CHAP. VII How Cyrus established his Kingdome in Babylon instituted the honour and veneration of Kings entertained Eunuches for the service of his House and Persians for the Guard of his person CHAP. VIII The Oration of Cyrus to his chiefe friends the Peeres or Homotimes To the Captaines also of his Allies for to induct and frame them to vertue and to entertaine prowesse and feats of Armes in his Dominion with many other good instructions to make them mild and vertuous THE EIGHTH BOOKE CHAP. I. How Cyrus ordered the seat of his Court What Institution of his life he recommended to his Courtiers The manner that he used in teaching them how to live devoutly to God-ward and to exercise themselves in all manner of vertue toward men CHAP. II. How Cyrus ordeined militarie Discipline in his Realme The Officers of his Court His mangnificence and humanitie CHAP. III. The Triall that Cyrus made of his friends love unto him How hee dealt away his riches to be himselfe the better beloved of them and they not to affect one another CHAP. IIII. The triumphant pompe of King Cyrus riding forth of his Palace A solemne Horse-running wherein himselfe was winner CHAP. V. The liberalitie that Pheraulas shewed unto one that gave him a faire Courser A notable discourse of that which is able to make a man happy and to live in contentment CHAP. VI. By what meanes Cyrus graced and honoured his friends The marriage of Gobryas his daughter with Hystaspas one of Cyrus his grand-Seigneurs CHAP. VII How Cyrus sent away his Associates into their owne Countries distributed the spoile and returned intâ— Persia. How he ordered and marshalled his Campe being arrived in Media where King Cyaxares offered him his daughter in marriage and gave with her for a portion the Kingdome of Media CHAP. VIII How Cyrus arrived in Persia where
is a sufficient Act for a man to performe if he be able to procure thus much as to be himselfe a worthy man indeed and so reputed and also that both he and his family may be well furnished with necessaries And if this be so difficult a matter to effect then to have the skill for to rule other men so as they may have foison of all things needfull and be themselves likewise all such as they ought to be I suppose is an admirable thing Truly Father quoth Cyrus I remember full well that this also was your saying and therefore unto me as well as unto you it seemed then an exceeding hard matter to Governe wel And even now likewise am I of the same mind considering as I do with my selfe what a piece of worke it is to commaund But when I looke into other men and observe withall both the quality of those persons that are become Rulers as also what manner of concurrents and adversaries we shall find I thinke it a foule shame to be affraid of any such and not willingly to oppose our selves against them whom I for my part to begin first with these our friends here perceive to bee of this opinion that a Prince or Ruler ought to differ from his people and to goe beyond them in more plentifull fare and sumptuous suppers in having at home better store of gold and treasure in sleeping and lying longer abed and in a word in living at greater ease and taking lesse paines than those that are under him Whereas I quoth Cyrus contrariwise am of this mind that a Soveraigne ought to excell his subjects not in idlenesse of life but in prudent forecast and in forwardnesse to endure all trauaile True it is Sonne quoth he but it falleth out otherwhiles in certaine cases that we are to fight not against men but even with the very things themselves which we cannot without great difficulty ouercome As for example you know well quoth he that all your rule and commaund will soone come to naught if haply your army have not at hand sufficient provision of necessaries Yes quoth Cyrus but Cyaxares Father sayth he is to make purveiance thereof to serve all those that goe from hence how many soever they be And doe you indeed my Sonne quoth Cambyses enter upon this journey trusting in these meanes of Cyaxares Yea that I doe answered Cyrus Why doe you certainly know replyed he againe what store of treasure he hath Not I quoth Cyrus I assure you And give you credit neverthelesse to these uncertainties Or wote you not thus much that you shall have need of many things and even anon be forced to spend much otherwise Yes full well I know that quoth Cyrus How then quoth Cambyses Say that he either lacke money and bee not able to beare the charge or for the nonce hold you up with un truths where are you then and in what case will your army be Certes plaine it is verily that it cannot be well with it If then Father quoth he you see any way whereby I may raise some masse of money whiles we are yet among our friends shew unto me the same Aske you of me ô Sonne quoth he whether there may be meanes wrought by you to make money Why who should in all reason devise and cast about for to make provision thereof rather than you who have so puissant an army to commaund going as you doe from hence with such a power of footmen under your hand as I know you would not exchange the same for another farre greater in number than it and as for horsemen you shall have a troupe to joyne with you from the Medes which of all other in these dayes is simply the best What neighbour nation then thinke you will not bee glad both by way of gratification and also for feare of dammage and displeasure to relieve you which you and Cyaxares ought joyntly to consider and thinke upon to the end that at no time you bee at a fault for want of ought that must be had yea and if it were but for custome sake you are of course to lay for meanes to bring in revenewes store But of all things remember this especially that in no wise you deferre and put off your provision untill very need enforce you thereto but whereas you have most plenty be you carefull so much the more to be furnished before you feele any want For you shall the sooner speed at their hands of whom you are to seeke reliefe if you seeme not to bee destitute and in need besides your souldiers shall have no cause to find fault and so by this meanes others also will the rather have you in reverence your souldiers likewise so long as they have all things necessary will be more ready to serve if you be disposed by the help of your army either to doe pleasure or displeasure unto any And this moreover you are to know that your speech will carry greater credit and be more effectuall to perswade them when as you shall be most able to shew that you have power enough as to doe a good turne so also to worke a mischiefe Then Cyrus Me thinks Father quoth he that you speake all this very well unto me as in other respects so in this also that whatsoever the souldiers shall now receive not one of them will take himselfe beholden to mee as who know well upon what conditions Cyaxares sendeth for them to aide him But looke what shall come vnto them over and above that which is set downe the same verily will they both take as an honour due unto themselves and like it is by good reason also that they will yeeld much thanks therefore to the giver Furthermore he that hath the commaund of an army by the which he may both doe his friends good and so receive for it the like benefit from them as also endamage his enemies by attempting to get something from them and then afterwards bee negligent in purveiance of plenty and store Thinke you this quoth he to be lesse shamefull in him than if a man who hath land of his owne and husbandmen beside to till the same should yet for all that suffer his ground to lie still and unprofitable And therefore this opinion I would have you Sir to conceive of mee that I will never be carelesse in devising all meanes possible of provision for my souldiours necessaries neither in my friends countrey nor in mine enemies But beare you not in minde Sonne quoth Cambyses what other matters we thought upon and concluded sometimes and those in no wise to be neglected Yes verily quoth he I remember them well what time I came unto you for silver to pay unto one by way of reward who said he had instructed me in the leading of an armie For when you gave me the said money you questioned withall in this manner with me Tell mee my Sonne said you whether this man to whom you
carrie this reward among his rules of a Generall made any mention unto you of oeconomy For souldiers verily have no lesse need of necessaries for their living in the Campe than servants in an house And when I told you the truth and said that hee spake not one word at all of that point you asked me againe whether hee discoursed unto me of health and bodily strength whereof a Grand-Commaunder should be no lesse carefull than of the conduct of his host And upon my denyall thereof you demaunded of me once more if he had taught me any meanes whereby mine Associates fighting under mee might in every respect be most expert in warlike feats And when hereto also I answered nay you enquired farther whether I had learned of him how I might encourage and cheere up mine armie saying therwith that in every deed courageous alacritie far excelled heartlesse backwardnesse When I had denyed this too you came yet stil upon me and would needs know what precept he had given of this point namely the obedience of an armie and how a man might best bring that to passe And when it appeared that there had not been a word delivered as touching that in the end you concluded with this question what one point he had taught me when he said that he instructed me in the Art Imperatory Vnto which when I made answer saying That he had trained me in embattailing an armie you smiled thereat and discoursed unto me in particular to wit what good did the embattailing of an armie to the Art Imperatory without the purveiance of things necessary to live by also what availed it without preservation of health what without the knowledge of arts devised for warre what without obedience of souldiers Now when you had made it plaine to me that he setting of a battayle in ray was but a small part of the art Imperatorie and therewith I asked of you whether you could instruct me in any of those points you willed me to goe my waies and repaire unto military men that were reputed expert Commaunders and of them to enquire how these matters each one might best be effected Since which time I conversed with those whom I heard to be most skilfull in these points And verily as touching victuals for our campe I am perswaded that so much will suffice for this present occasion as Cyaxares will provide for us As concerning our bodily health because I heard and saw how Cities such as regarded health make choice of cunning Physicians whom they maintaine and Generals of the field also for their soldiers sake take Physicians forth with them in their traine I likewise was no sooner appointed to this charge but presently I had a care thereof And I suppose quoth he ô father that I have about me very expert men in the Art of Physicke Whereunto his Father replyed in this wise But these Physicians my Sonne whom you speake of are much like unto certaine botchers that mend torne garments For even so when some are fallen sicke then and not before they cure and heale them But your regard of health I would have to be much more honourable unto you for you are to endeavour and provide in the beginning that your army fall not into sicknesse And what course shall I take father quoth Cyrus to performe this At the first and principally you must quoth he see to this that the place be holsome where you purpose to abide and lye encamped a long time together wherein you cannot faile if you take any heed For commonly men cease not in their ordinary talke to give out which be healthy coasts and which subject to maladies and there be alwaies at hand certain apparent signes to testifie and direct unto both to wit the very bodies and colour of the inhabitants Moreover it will not be sufficient to consider the regions onely but remember you ought also in what manner you endeavour to looke unto your selfe that your owne person may live in health Then Cyrus first of all quoth he my principall care I assure you is thâ—t I never surfait for that is a dolourous and yrksome thing Secondly with labour and travaile I digest and worke out whatsoever is gone into my belly For by this meanes I am perswaded that I stand to health the longer and besides get the greater strength And even so my Sonne quoth Cambyses as carefull you ought to be of others But may Souldiours good Father have leisure to exercise their bodies Yes Iwis quoth his father they not onely may but of necessity must so doe For an army if it would doe as it should and as belongeth thereto ought never to be at rest but be doing still either working mischiefe to the enemies or doing good to it selfe A griefe it is my Sonne to nourish but one person idle much more grievous to keep a houshold that is sloathfull but most importable of all to maintaine a whole hoast in idlenesse Many things there bee in an army to begin at the least and so to proceed forward that eate and spend and looke what they winne they waste excessively And therefore in no wise is it expedient that an army should bee idle Your words Father as I conceive them imply thus much that like as of a sloathfull husbandman there ariseth no profit even so of an idle Generall can never come good But I vndertake quoth he that an industrious Captaine unlesse some God do crosse him will both bring to passe that his souldiers may have plenty of victuals and necessaries and also provide that their bodies be passing healthy strong and able To the end therefore quoth hee that they may be well seene and practised in each feat of armes I suppose Father that if I publish to every one of them certaine games of prise and propose rewards I shall cause them best to be exercised in each thing that when need shall require I may finde them prest and ready for any service That is very well said of you Sonne quoth Cambyses And in so doing know this assuredly that you shall see you military bands alwaies studying to performe their parts no lesse than in daunces to observe measures and keepe their order Moreover saith Cyrus for to make souldiers forward and courageous there is nothing in mine opinion more effectuall than to have the cast to feed men with good hopes of great availes But this quoth he my Sonne is much like for all the world as if a man in hunting would evermore holla to his hounds in such a note as he useth to set up when he seeth his game For at the first full well I wote he shall have his hounds willing enough to heare and obey but in case he delude and deceive them often in this sort at the last they will not beleeve him at all no not when he sees the game indeed Semblably it is in this hope whereof you speake If a man proposing many
the armie certeine nimble fellowes lightly appointed resembling both for number and apparell brigands and robbers If they chance to light upon any of the Armenians looke whomsoever they can catch them will they be sure to keepe and make sure for telling tales and whom they shall not be able to take they will yet hold them so farre all◠of as that they shall not have a sight of our maine hoast but consult togither as touching you as of theeves and none other Thus I say doe you As for my selfe by day-breake I will with the other moitie of the Infantery and the whole Cavallery take to the plaine and champion way marching directly to the Court where the King lyeth Then if he make head against us and resist it is a plaine case that of necessitie fight wee must But say that he retireth and leaveth the even ground evident then it is that we are to course and pursue him Suppose he flieth to the hils then quoth he it will be your part to let none of them escape that shall come thither unto you Make the case thus as in hunting Imagine we be the hounds that seeke and finde out and your selfe the huntsman that keepeth by the net and toile Remember therefore that all the Avenues must be stopped before the hunting is begun Moreover close they ought to be and secret who are appointed to keepe the passages in case they would not have the wild beasts to be turned aside that are running forth toward them Howbeit doe not you good Chrysantas as you are wont sometime to doe for the love you have to hunting For often-times you passe the whole night in businesse without sleepe But now permit you must your souldiers to take their rest moderately that they may be able to fight against sleepe and resist it Neither because your selfe can raunge and wander over the mountaines having no men to be your guides but the skill to follow that way whereas the beasts went before may you therefore at this time goe likewise in places hardly passable But give you charge unto your guides to lead you the easiest way if so be there be not another farre shorter For the easiest way is the speediest for an armie and soonest dispatched Ne yet must you lead your men a running march for that you have beene wont to runne over the hils but see you goe before them a moderate pace that the armie may conveniently follow It were good also that some of the most able and forwardest men staying behind should encourage the other that when as afterward that wing passeth on which is to incite the rest for to make speed all the souldiers therein compared to those that goe an ordinary foot pace may seeme to runne Chrysantas having heard thus much and ioying greatly in his heart that he had received these advertisements from Cyrus tooke with him his guides and departed Now when he had told them that should goe with him what they were to doe he tooke his repose After they had rested so long as he thought meet he advanced toward the hils But Cyrus by that time it was day-light sent a pursuivant before unto the King of Armenia with instructiōs to deliver this message unto him to say Cyrus commandeth you ô King of Armenia thus to doe namely to repaire unto him with all speed bringing with you both your tribute also a power of men If he aske you where I am Tell truth and say that I am within his marches If he demand whether my selfe am comming forward in person Answere hereto also and that truly that you know not But if he enquire how many we are strong Bid him send some men to know Thus dispatched he the messenger away with this errand For he thought it stood better with courtesie and humanitie in this wise to deale than to come upon him at unwares without any warning Himselfe being sufficiently every way provided both to goe through his journey and also to fight if need required set forth and marched forward But hee made Proclamation before unto all his souldiers That they should doe wrong to no person And if any of them chaunced to light upon an Armenian to bid him be of good cheere and feare nothing and withall to permit every man that were so disposed to keepe mercate in those places where they abode with libertie to sell at their pleasure for money any victuals either meat or drinke whatsoever THE THIRD BOOKE CHAP. I. How Cyrus without giving battaile tooke the King of Armenia prisoner and seized upon his goods The discourses that the said King made with his sonne Tigranes about his deliverance CYRVS verily was thus busied in these affaires But the King of Armenia upon the mandate of Cyrus delivered by his Herault was much affrighted considering especially that he did wrong both in with-holding tribute and also in not sending an Armie And this most of all hee feared least he should be seene for to have begun to build and fortifie his Palace so as it might be able to keepe out his enemies Being therefore much perplexed by all these occasions He sent forth Commissioners into divers parts of his Kingdome for to assemble his owne forces and withall conveied away into the mountaines his younger sonne Sabaris his owne wife his sonnes wife and his daughters togither with their ornaments furniture and Iewels of great valew appointing a convoy of purpose to conduct them safe He made out also certeine men in espiall to see what Cyrus did yea and did put in order of battaile those Armenians who were come unto him And within a while others repaired unto him with newes that Cyrus in person was at hand But then his heart would serve him no longer for to try a battaile and so secretly withdrew himselfe out of the way Now when the Armenians saw him so to doe they also fled home every man intending to remove their goods farther off Cyrus then beholding the fields how full they were of those that ranne straggling here and there shifting for themselves and driving before them their cattell sent after and did them to understand That he meant not to proceed in hostile manner against any one that would tarry but if he tooke any flying away hee denounced aforehand that he would deale with them as enemies By this meanes the vulgar sort and the most part stayed Howbeit divers there were that privily conveyed themselves away with the King When as now they that were gone afore with the women fell within the danger of them that kept the mountaines they set up by and by a great and piteous cry and as they fled very many of them were taken In the end the Kings sonne the wives also and daughters aforesaid were taken captive and all the goods and treasure seized upon which they had carryed with them The King himselfe when hee understood what was befalne unto them being in doubt what to doe and which way to
replyed Cyrus Can ye put in any pledge for our assurance that yee speake the truth Wee will say they forthwith ride away and even this night bring hostages with us for your better securitie Onely doe you assure us in the name of God and give us your right hand that we may make report to others what wee have received from you Then hee faithfully promised them that if they performed bona fide what they had said he would use them as his trusty and assured friends neither would he ranke them inferiour in place either to the Persians or to the Medes And even at this very day a man shall see the Hyrcanians put in trust and bearing office of state as well as Persians or Medes such as are thought of best worth After they had supped Cyrus led forth his armie before day light was gone and commaunded those Hyrcanians to give attendance there and to march onward togither with him As for the Persians they all in generall as requisite it was speedily came forth and Tigranes also with his owne Regiment Of the Medes some entred this journey for that having beene children when Cyrus was a child were now become his friends others because they had beene his companions in hunting and were much delighted in his good behaviour some againe in token of thankfulnesse unto him because he seemed to have delivered them out of great feare others also upon good hopes that seeing hee bare himselfe so valiantly hee would prove afterwards a fortunate and mightie Prince There were besides divers of them willing now to doe him some reciprocall pleasure and service for the good turnes which hee had procured unto any whiles hee was brought up among the Medes And verily as he was of a kinde and courteous nature he had procured for a number of them at his Grandsires hands many favours Last of all a great sort of them after they had seene the Hyrcanians and heard a rumour spred abroad that they would be their Leaders to bring them unto great wealth went forth for to get somewhat Thus the Medes in manner all followed him unlesse they were such as hapned to be of the Domesticall traine of Cyaxares For these onely remained togither with those that were their vassals and followers As for all the rest full gladly and cheerefully they did put themselves forward in this journey not I say as men constreined but as meere voluntaries and who to gratifie him of their owne accord went forth When they were now abroad upon the way first hee commeth out unto the Medes whom he praised and prayed withall Imprimis that the Gods would vouchsafe to be propitious guides both to them and his Item To graunt him such favour as to bee able to render unto them condigne recompense for this their affectionate love unto him In conclusion hee gave order that the footmen should lead the march and then he commaunded the horsemen to follow Moreover if in any place they rested or stayed in their journey he charged that some should ride unto him to know from time to time what was expedient to be done After this he willed the said Hyrcanians to lead formost Who asked him in this manner Why Sir tarry not you and expect untill wee bring our hostages that you also having taken pledges of us for the better securitie of our troth may then set forward And he by report made this answere Even for that I consider we doe all carry the assurance of our faith no otherwise than in our hands and hearts For at this point and thus provided seeme wee to be that if yee be true of your word unto us we have sufficient power and meanes to doe you good but if yee be false and deceive us we take our selves to be in that state as we need not be in subjection unto you but yee rather if the Gods will shall be thrall unto us and at our devotion And verily quoth he yee Hyrcanians because yee say your countrymen use to march hinmost therefore when ye see them once give us knowledge that they be of your nation to the end wee may spare them The Hyrcanians hearing this led the way as he commaunded and withall admired his princely heart and magnanimitie Neither stood they any more in feare of the Assyrians or of the Lydians or yet of any other their Allies and Confederates And as for Cyrus himselfe he supposed there lay matter of no small moment every way in them were they present with him or were they absent Now as they marched and night drew on reported it is that a cleere light shining from heaven appeared evidently unto Cyrus and his host in so much as they all conceived a reverent feare of the Divine power and a confident boldnesse besides against the enemies and for that they were lightly appointed and went apace by good reason they made that night a great journey and by breake of day in the very twy-light approched neere unto the Hyrcanians maine regiment Which when the messengers above-said perceived they signified unto Cyrus that those were their countrimen And hereof said they have we sure intelligence as well by their marching hinmost as by the number of fires which they make Whereupon hee sent one of these two unto them commaunding him in his name to deliver this message That if they were his friends they should with all speed come and meet him holding up their hands aloft Some likewise of his owne men he sent with him whom he commaunded to say unto the Hyrcanians That as his men should see them comming towards him so they also would doe the like againe Thus one of the messengers tarried still with Cyrus and the other rode forth to the Hyrcanians During the time that Cyrus waited to see what the Hyrcanians would doe he caused his armie to stay the march Then the Chieftaines of the Medes togither with Tigranes galloped hard unto him demaunding what they were to doe unto whom he made answere This troupe next unto us is the regiment of the Hyrcanians unto whom one of their messengers accompanied with some few of our men in gone for to signifie unto them that if they meane to be friends they should meet us bearing up all of them their right hands Wherefore if they so doe receive them yee every one in his place friendly giving them your right hands and bid them be of good cheere But if they either take weapon in hand or goe about to flie doe your best quoth he to dispatch them at first so as not one of them remaine alive These were the directions of Cyrus Meane-while the Hyrcanians having heard what the messengers said were exceeding glad and quickly mounting on horsebacke repaired toward them holding up their hands as they had warning so to doe Semblably the Medes and Persians did put forth their hands welcomed them and bade them take a good heart Then Cyrus Wee for our parts quoth he beleeve now and trust you
Hyrcanians and even so ought yee to be affected to us ward But first of all Tell us this How farre hence is the place where the principall rulers and puissance of our enemies maine armie areâ— They answere somewhat above a Parasang CHAP. IIII. The exhortation of Cyrus to his whole Armie inciting them to follow the chace of his enemies with the Cavallery of the Medes WHich when Cyrus heard Goe to then my deere friends quoth he Persians Medes and yee Hyrcanians for now speake I to you as unto Allies and partners with us Now ought we to know for certaine in what state we stand namely that if we now become faint hearted and demeane our selves cowardly we shall incurre the most grievous calamities that be For our enemies know full well wherefore we are come but if we shall fiercely set upon our enemies and give the charge with courage and manly resolution yee shall see them soone like unto fugitive slaves that are found out and apprehended againe some to court us in humble and suppliant manner crying us mercy others to take them to their heeles some againe so maskared as they will not be able so much as to thinke either of the one or the other For as men once discomfited they will state and looke upon us and suspecting nothing lesse than that we are comming they being neither set embattailed nor provided to fight will be surprised If therefore we desire to sit at supper feeding merrily to passe the night sleeping quietly and in a word hereafter to live pleasantly let us give them no respit either to consult or prepare any good thing for themselves no nor so much as to know at all that we be men but thinke onely that nought else is come among them but bucklers courtill-axes glaives browne-bills and bloudy wounds And yee Hyrcanians quoth he step forward upon them and make way before us that by the sight of your armour we may be in covert and unseene as long as possible it is But when I am come close to the enemies armie leave with me every of you a corner of horsemen to use as need requireth so long as I abide here with the armie And such of you as are Commaunders chiefe-Officers and of the elder sort see you ride close in a thicke squadron togither when yee charge them if yee be wise least haply yee light upon their massive troupes and so be borne downe by violence But suffer the younger gallants to follow the chace and let them have the killing of the enemies For this is the safest way now that we leave as few of our enemies alive as may be And if it come to passe as it hapneth to many winners that we quite overthrow their fortunes and breake their backes for ever take heed we must that we fall not to pillage For he that so doth is no more a valiant souldier but a base souldiers page and such an one any man that will may use as his slave This also ought we to know that nothing is more gainefull than victory For the victour presently carrieth all away with him at once men women money and goods yea and the whole countrey withall Furthermore this one thing would be thought upon especially How we may hold and reteine victorie For in it even the rifler and spoyler himselfe is comprised To conclude remember this among the rest in your chace that yee returne to mee while it is day-light For bee it once darke wee will receive none Cyrus having thus said sent every man to his owne companie commaunding them withall that when they were thither come each one should signifie as much to their Decurions For seeing that these Decurions stood in the Front they might easily heare who likewise were bidden every one to intimate as much unto their severall Denaries under their charge Thus the Hyrcanians led the Vaward Cyrus with the Persians conducted the maine battaile in the mids and so marched As for the Horsemen he marshalled them as meet it was on both sides like wings CHAP. V. How Cyrus defaited the Assyrians againe and tooke prisoners Kings Lords and other souldiours a great number The order that he gave how to bee provided presently of victuals without confusion and trouble WHen it was day light the enemies some wondred and were astonied at these occurrents others perceived at the first what the matter was some told it as newes others cryed out some unloosed their horses others fell to trusse up bag and baggage some flung armour and weapons from of their beasts backs others did on their harnois some leapt on horsebacke others bridled them some mounted their wives and women into wagons others caught up their things of greatest price to save them some againe were taken in the manner as they were hiding the same in the ground but the most part tooke their heeles And we must thinke that many and sundry things they did save this onely that there was not one of them fought but perished without fight Croesus the Lydian King had sent away before in the night for that it was the hote summer season his wives in Carroches that during the coole aire they might travaile more easily and himselfe followed hard after with his horsemen Likewise did by report the Phrygian Potentate who ruled that Phrygia which lieth upon Hellespont But when they understood by those that fled and overtooke them how the world went themselves fled also as fast as ever they could The KK of the Cappadocians and Arabians who were next hand and made some resistance unarmed and without their curaces the Hyrcanians put to the sword The most part of those that lost their lives were Assyrians and Arabians For being within their owne land they made slowest haste and went least forward Whiles the Medes and Hyrcanians made havocke and execution as it was no other like following the chace as they did and having still the upper hand Cyrus commaunded those Cornets of horsemen which were left with him to ride about the Campe and whomsoever they saw going forth armed to kill them ouâ—â—ight but to those who stayed within he made proclamation That what souldiours so ever of the enemies armie were either Horsmen Targuatiers or Archers they should trusse up their armour and bring it forth leaving their horses still at their Pavilions But as many as did not this they should forthwith lose their heads Meane while with their arming swords ready drawne they stood in order of battaile round about the tents They therefore that had armour brought it forth and flung the same from them into one place where Cyrus had appointed which they set on fire and burnt who had commandement from him so to doe Cyrus then considering that thither they were come unprovided altogither of meat and drinke without which impossible it is that either an expedition should hold out or any other feat of armes be exploited and casting about how hee might most speedily and
any thing in mee I might have perished but by your meanes I am saved And here my good Cyrus I report mee to the Gods whom I take to record were I as perfect and sound a man as when I was new borne and had I begotten children I doubt whether ever I should have had a child of mine owne who would have prooved so kinde to mee as you have beene For I have knowne other unnaturall children and even for example this very King of Assyria that now is who hath wrought his father much more woe and trouble than himselfe is able now to worke you Whereas Cyrus returned this answere My Gadatas You make a great mervaile of mee now letting passe I assure you a greater wonder And what might that be quoth Gadatas Even this saith he that so many Persians so many Medes so many Hyrcanians and all the Armenians Sacans and Cadusians here present have hastened and beene so forward for your sake Whereupon Gadatas brake out into this prayer O Iupiter the Gods graunt unto these men many good blessings but unto him most who is the author of this their so kinde affection And to the end ô Cyrus that we may enterteine and adorne these whom you so praise here take such hospitall gifts as I am able to bestow And therewith presented unto him very many that not onely whosoever would might sacrifice unto the Gods but the whole armie also throughout be rewarded according to the worth of these Acts so well performed and speeding as well CHAP. VII The good Remonstrances of Cyrus as touching the fault of the Cadusian Prince The treatie with the King of Assyria for the good of his people BVT the Cadusian Leader who having the conduct of the rereward had â—o hand in the chace yet desirous for his part also to doe some notable peece of service by himselfe without acquainting Cyrus with his designe and saying never a word unto him made a rode into the territorie toward Babylon and harried it But whiles his horsemen were raunging abroad and straggling asunder the Assyrian King issuing out of a Citie of his owne whereinto he was before fled came upon them at unwares with his armie very well appointed and in order of battaile to encounter him And when he discovered them to be the Cadusians onely he charged upon them and among many other slew the said Commaunder of them He tooke many horses also of the Cadusians and despoyled them of all that bootie which they had gotten and were driving away Thus the King of Assyria after he had followed the Cadusians in rout so farre as he might with safetie returned As for the formost of the Cadusians they recovered the Campe by the shutting in of the evening and so escaped safe Cyrus being advertised of this disaster went forth and met the Cadusians As he saw any one wounded him hee received and comforted yea and sent to Gadatas for to be cured The rest he bestowed in pavilions by themselves togither and with great care gave order that they should have all necessaries assuming unto him as assistants in the businesse certeine of the Persian Homotimi For in such cases as these good and honest men are willing to set to their helping hands And for his owne part verily how much hee grieved it evidently appeared in that it being now supper time when the rest were at supper Cyrus still with his Ministers Physicians and Chirurgions gave attendance and by his good will left not one neglected and unlooked to but if hee did not in his owne person see to them every man might plainly perceive that he sent others to tend them And so for that time they went to rest By the breake of day he made Proclamation by the publike Criers that the Rulers of the other Associates but the Cadusians all in generall should assemble togither and unto them hee delivered these or such like words My friends and Confederates An ordinary accident it is among men that hath befalâ—e unto you For men yee are and that men should erre is in my conceit no wonder And yet by good right meet it is that of this infortunitie we should reape some profit Namely To learne never hereafter to sever from the whole body of the armie any Regiment weaker than the enimies forces Neither speake I this quoth he that a man ought not sometimes to goe out when the case so requireth with a lesse power than wherewith the Cadusians erewhile did set forth But if one enterprise an exploit imparting his minde first to him who is able and sufficient to helpe and so goe forth he may perchance faile of his purpose and be deceived yet as possible it is that hee who stayeth still behind may delude the enemies diverting them another way from those who went forth There are besides other meanes to worke trouble unto the enemies and thereby to procure the safetie of friends And so verily he that is gone apart from the rest may not be coumpted absent but to depend upon the residue of the forces behind But he that departeth making no man privie beforehand where he is differeth nothing at all from him who of himselfe alone undertaketh an expedition Howbeit for this mischance quoth he that hath happened God willing ere it bee long wee will be avenged of our enemies For so soone as ever yee have taken a short dinner I my selfe will bring you where the deed was done and there will we both bury our dead and also if God will shew unto our enemies that in the very place where they thinke they have gotten the upper hand there be others better men than themselves in so much as they shall take no great joy to see that plot of ground on which they slew our Associates But in case they will not come forth and meet us in the field let us set their villages on fire let us harry and wast their country that they may have no pleasure in the sight of those things which they have done to us but contrariwise sorrow and grieve to behold their owne calamities Goe yee therefore all the rest quoth he to your dinners As for you that are Cadusians First choose according to your owne law and custome some one to be your Prince who with the auspicious helpe of the Gods and us may take the charge of you and see what yee stand in need of When yee have elected him and dined withall send whom yee have elected unto mee And so they did accordingly But Cyrus after hee had brought forth his armie and appointed him to his Regiment whom the Cadusians had made choice of commaunded him to lead the same arraunged in order of battaile close to himselfe to the end quoth he that if it be possible wee may encourage these men againe Thus set they forth and being come to the place they both entered the Cadusians and harried the country And when they had so done and gotten
upon you For if we shall be sufficient to hold those marches safely that be neerest unto them yee that possesse the quarters farthest from them shall live in much rest and peace For in my conceit they shall never be able neglecting their owne harmes and daungers hard at their doores to lay wait and practise against you so farre distant When these reasons were set downe all the rest rose up saying they would be willing so to doe Yea and Cyaxares himselfe did no lesse Gadatas also and Gobryas both the one and the other promised if their Allies would give them leave to fortifie their holds to the end that the same also might be unto their said Associates friendly and helpfull Cyrus then seeing them all prest to performe whatsoever he had said in the end concluded thus If therefore quoth he we be fully minded to accomplish all that we say then there must be done with all expedition that which is needfull namely we are to make fabricks and engins to beat downe our enemies walles and fortifications provided wee ought to be of Carpenters and other workemen to raise towers and bulwarks for our selves Then Cyaxares promised for his part to finde one fabricke for the said purpose Gadatas and Gobryas another Tigranes also a third Cyrus likewise for himselfe said he would take order for another These designes being thus decreed they got unto him the said workemen and enginers and every man provided such things as were requisite for those workes Yea and such men were appointed overseers for the worke as were thought meetest for those purposes As for Cyrus perceiving that the performance of these matters required time kept his standing Campe in a place which he tooke to be for health right holsome and for the carriage and bringing in of all things necessary most passable And whatsoever needed defense he ordered the matter so that if at any time they encamped far off with the maine armie those that remaine behind might ever be in safetie Moreover enquiring of those whom he supposed to have best knowledge of the country from what parts his armie might get greatest commoditie thither he led forth evermore a foraging thereby partly to provide all things necessary for the host in greatest plentie and in part that his souldiers being exercised in such journies might the better stand to health and gather more strength and withall in their convoyes be put in minde to keepe their ranks in array Thus Cyrus imployed himselfe Now there were certeine fugitives from Babylon and captives who gave intelligence that the Assyrian King was gone into Lydia and had conveyed with him many talents of silver and gold besides great riches otherwise and furniture of all kinds Whereupon the common sort and multitude of the souldiers supposed and gave it out that for very feare he now remooved and carryed his goods away But Cyrus knowing full well that hee departed for this intent to sollicite and excite if possibly he could some opposites to make head against him prepared and made himselfe strong resolute to encounter him as making no other reckoning yet but to fight it out And verily to this purpose he made up the full companies of the Persian Cavallarie taking some horses aâ— his prisoners hands others of his friends For such things as these he received of all neither rejected he ought that any one gave him were it a faire armour or a goodly Courser Furthermore he provided himselfe of Chariots both out of that store which he had taken from the enemie and else-where also as hee could As for the old Trojane manner of chariots used aforetime as also the Cyrenaicks fashion of driving which they use even at this day he did quite put downe For in times past the Medes Syrians and Arabians yea all those in Asia generally used their chariots so as at this day the Cyrenians doe Now was Cyrus of this opinion that the best part by all reason and likelihood of the armie considering that the bravest and most valiant men use to be mounted in chariots it but in the nature of light skirmishers with shot before the battaile and for the atchiving of victory stand in small stead For three hundred chariots yeeld not above three hundred fighting men but require 1200 Steeds To guide also and to rule the same such men as by good reason they trust most who are the very flowre of the armie they have 300 beside And these are they that doe no hurt at all unto their enemies This manner therefore of charioting he abolished and in lieu thereof devised to make chariots fit for warre with strong wheeles because they should not quickly breake and with long axelltrees For that all things are the harder to be overturned that carry a good breadth He made also for the drivers a â—eaâ—e in manner of a turret of strong quarters of timber the height whereof raught up to their elbowes to the end that the Steeds might be ruled by them sitting upon their seats These drivers he armed at all pieces throughout save onely their eyes Moreover he fastened to the axeltrees on both sides of the wheels certeine yron hooks two cubits long besides others under the very axel-tree to the groundward as if they meant even with the chariots to charge upon the enemies And like as Cyrus then devised and made these chariots so even in these our dayes they that are under the dominion of the King use the same Cyrus also had many Camels gathered togither such as he could get of his friends beside all those that were taken from the enemies And thus verily finished he these things CHAP. II. How Cyrus sent Araspas as a spie into Lydia who feigned that he fled for the displeasure of Cyrus CYRVS now being desirous to send a certeine Spie into Lydia and to learne what the King of Assyria did thought Araspas to bee a meet man for to negotiate in this businesse him I meane who had the keeping of that faire Lady Panthea For unto this Araspas such like employments usually had befalne Who being surprised with the love of that Gentlewoman was forced to breake with her about the same and desired her carnall companie But shee denyed and rejected his suit keeping her selfe true unto her owne husband for shee loved him entirely Yet complained shee not of Araspas unto Cyrus as one very loth to set two friends at difference But Araspas supposing it would make much to the obteining of that which hee longed after menaced the woman that if shee condiscended not willingly unto him shee should doe it against her will whereupon the woman fearing violence concealed the thing no longer but dispatched her Eunuch unto Cyrus commaunding him to reveale the whole matter Which when he heard he set up a laughter at him for making such brags that he was able to conquer love and therewith sent Artabazus backe with the Eunuch willing him to deliver unto Araspas this message
Espials he sent unto Cyrus signifying who he was Whereupon Cyrus gave order streightwaies that hee should be conducted directly to his wife Now when she and Abradatas her husband had seene one another they mutually embraced each other as reason it was meeting thus beyond all hope Then Panthea reported unto him the piety temperance and commisâ—ration of Cyrus toward her Which Abradatas hearing What were I best to doe my Panthea quoth he to requite Cyrus both in your behalfe and in mine owne also What else said Panthea but endeavour to beare your selfe toward him so as hee hath beene to youward After this went Abradatas to Cyrus and no sooner saw he him but taking him by the right hand thus he said For the favours you have done unto us ô Cyrus I know not what to say more than this That I will devote my selfe wholly unto you as a friend servitour and Associat in warre And whatsoever I see you studiously to affect therein shall I doe my best devoir to effect the same Why then quoth Cyrus I accept of you and now for this time I dismisse you to go and 〈◊〉 togither with your wife But henceforth you must lodge even in mine owne Pavilion with your Friends and mine Afterwards when Abradatas perceived Cyrus to see his mind earnestly upon those sythed chariots to affect likewise bard horses and horsemen armed at all pieces he endeavoured out of his owne Cavallery to provide him an hundred chariots with the like equipage to his yea and addresse himselfe in person to ride in a chariot as Captaine to governe the rest As for his owne chariot hee ordered it so that it had foure spires and eight steeds drew joyntly therein His wife Panthea out of her owne privy purse had made for him both a curer and also an helmet of beaten gold likewise a paire of golden Vambraces As for the horses belonging to his chariot she did set them out with furnitures and harnish all of brasse onely Thus verily was Abradatus busied But Cyrus when hee had seene his said Chariot with foure poles thought this with himselfe that he likewise might as well deuise one also of eight so as the nethermost rowne for engins might bee drawne with a teem of eight yoke of oxen Now tooke this Chariot with wheeles and all three fathome at the most from the ground That such turrets as these should follow with the maine battaile he thought might be a great helpe to his owne troupe and no lesse anoiance to the enemies battaile Vpon these foresaid rownes he made round compassed lofts with their battlements and in every such turret he bestowed 20. fighting men Now when hee had finished all that belonged to these faid turrets he made triall of the Draught and he found by proufe that eight yoke would draw a turret with all the soldiers upon it much more easily than each yoke the ordinary lode of stuffe and baggage For there was commonly charged upon single yoke as much as weighed about 25. talents Whereas in a turret drawne after this manner the timber carrying the thicknesse of a tragicall Pageant with 20. souldiers in it and armour besides the draught came to lesse in proportion than 15. talents for every yoke When he perceived therefore that the draught was so easie he provided to bring these turrets togither with his armie against the enemies For this he thought that in warre all catching and winning of advantage was both safe and just and withall fortunate CHAP. IIII. How the King of India sent an Embassage unto Cyrus to treat about a league with him who sent the said Embassadours to listen after as spies the affaires of the Assyrians The newes that they brought backe ABout this time there came unto his Presence those that brought him money from the Indian King and declared besides unto him their Credence That the King by way of answer greeted him in these termes It pleaseth me right well ô Cyrus and I take it kindly that you made me acquainted with what you stood in need of Willing therefore I am to entertaine the law of hospitality and friendship with you and so I send you money And if you want any thing else send and you shall have Moreover I have commaunded those that are come from me to you for to doe whatsoever you bid them Which newes when Cyrus heard Why then quoth he I charge all the rest of you to abide here in those tents which you have taken up already there to have the custodie of the said money and to live at your most pleasure onely three of you at my request shall make an errand to the enemies as if yee came as Embassadours from the Indian King to treat with them about an Association in these warres Wherein if yee doe me good service I will take my selfe more beholden unto you and give you greater thankes than for the treasure which yee have brought unto me For these common Spies in forme of slaves can learne and report no other thing but what all men know Whereas such men as yee are in quality of Embassadors doe many times come to the intelligence even of their secret projects also The Indians having heard this right gladly and beene for that time courteously intertained and rewarded by Cyrus did put themselves in readinesse and the next day set forward on their journey promising upon their fidelity that when they had learned what they could of the enemies they would repaire againe unto him with all speed possible And Cyrus verily as he was a man who projected no small enterprises provided all things for the warre magnificently Neither tooke he order for such matters onely as his Allies thought meet but also kindled an aemulation among his Friends who might shew themselves in their armour most gallant in horsmanship most skilfull in darting and shooting most cunning and in travaile most painfull And these feats wrought he what by training them forth to hunting and what by gracing and rewarding the best in every kind Such Captaines also and Rulers as he saw most studious and carefull in this point that their souldiers should prove right expert and valiant such I say he did put forward and embolden as well by praising as by gratifying them in whatsoever he could And if at any time he sacrificed or kept some festivall holiday he would then set forth and exhibit some games of price respective to all those feats which men practise for the use of warre Yea and to the victour hee gave rewards most magnificently So that much joy and mirth there was throughout his armie And now by this time were all things in manner finished which he minded to use in his expedition saving onely engins For the Persian horsemen were growne already to the compleat number of 10. thousand of siâ—hed chariots that himselfe had provided there were full one hundred and of others
that Abradatas the Susian tooke in hand to make according to the patterne of Cyrus his chariots there were as many Moreover Cyrus had perswaded Cyaxares to chaunge his Median chariots from the Trojane and Lybian fashion and to make them after his owne Of which sort also there was a third hundred Furthermore for the Camels were souldiers appointed to serve upon them for every one two archers And the most part of his armie carried this mind as if they had wonne the victorie already and as if the enemies were of no worth Now when as they stood thus affected and appointed after that the Indians also whom Cyrus had sent to discover were returned from the enemies and related how Croesus was elected the Generall and Conductor of all their forces How it was decreed by all the Confederate KK that every one should be present with all his puissance and bring with him great store of money to serve partly for to wage as many as they could levie and partly to bestow by way of largesse upon such as need required Moreover that many Thracians wearing swords by their sides were already hired and Aegyptians to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand were under saile and those armed with shields reaching down to their feet and great massie speares such as they use even at this day and long swords Also that a power of Cyprians was comming by sea And as for the Câ—â—licians That they were all arrived already The Phrygians likewise of both sorts togither with the Lycaonians Paphlagonians Cappadocians and Phoemcians Furthermore that with the Babylonian King the Assyrians lonians Aeolians and well neere all the Greeks inhabiting Asia were enforced to follow Croesus And that hee had sent unto Lacedaemon also for aide-souldiers That the maine armie was assembled about the river Pactolus That they would march forward to the Rendezvous at Thybarrhe where even now the Barbarians inhabiting the lower Syria that are in subjection to the King use to hold their meetings and how generall proclamation was made that every man should translate the mercate of all wares and chaffer vendible thither Semblably when the Captives also delivered almost the same Intelligence for Cyrus had given order that some should be taken prisoners of whom he might enquire and learne somewhat yea and sent out certaine Spies in likenesse of slaves as if they had bin runnagates from him Vpon these newes I say which the armie of Cyrus heard every man as good reason was began to muse and be sollicitous they walke also up and downe abroad more silent than they were wont neither seemed many of them to be cheereful and merry but flocked togither in companies questioning and communing one with another every where as touching these occurrents Cyrus perceiving then that feare had possessed his armie thorowout called togither the principall Captaines and Commaunders of all his forces yea and so many as whose discouragement might seeme to doe hurt and whose resolute courage doe good Hee gave his owne ministers about him also to understand that if any other souldiers bearing armes were desirous to draw neere and heare what speech he would make they should not prohibit or keep them backe And when they were gathered all togither hee spake unto them in this wise CHAP. V. The oration of Cyrus unto his souldiours to put them out of that fearâ— and astonishment which they had conceived of the newes they heard as touching the warre toward MY Friends and Allies I have called you togither because I saw somâ— of you upon the newes arrived from the enemies farre like unto men affraied And I mervaile much I assure you that any of you should be affrighted for that the report goes that our enemies are gathered togither especially seeing that we our selves be assembled now many more in number than heretofore when wee gave them an overthrow and are besides through Gods favour and grace farre better appointed at this present than ever before A wonder it is I say that when you see all this yee are not bold and courageous Oh the will of God if yee be smitten now with feare what would yee have done in case some had brought newes that those meanes which make for us had bin bent and brought against us If I say ye had heard First and formost that they who beforetime discomfited us made head againe as carrying in mind still that victory which once they had atchieved then that they who at that time defaited the velitary fight and skirmish of Archers and Iaveletiers entred now eftsoones the field and brought with them many more and those equall to themselves Againe if word had come that like as these being in compleat armour overcame the footmen then so their horsemen now were comming throughly appointed against our men of armes and abandoning bowes arrowes and javelins taking every man to his strong launce advanced forward and rode on with full intent to cope hand to hand Semblably that there be chariots comming which are not to be so placed as heretofore turned backward as ready to serve for flight but as well the horses in the teeme drawing be bard and armed with brest-plates as the chariotiers which stand in within turrets of tymber have all their upper parts which are seene defended sure with cuiraces and morrions also that trenchant sythes of yâ—on are fitted fast to the axel-trees to the end that these also may drive directly and in a moment forcibly assaile the ranks of those who affront them Besides all this that they have Camels upon which they may ride forward and give the onset beasts so hideous as that an hundred horse will not abide to see one of them Furthermore that they march on with turrets from whence they will bee ready to helpe their owne side and to annoy you with darting so as yee shall not be able to fight on even ground In case I say one should tell you who are affraied already that our enemies had all these meanes what would yee doe then being so troubled now as yee are with these flying rumours That Croesus is elected Generall of their Field a man so much more cowardly than the Syrians as that when they were in battaile foyled and put to flight he seeing them vanquished whom hee ought to have succoured as his Associats ran himselfe away and escaped And besides all this it is verily bruited that our very enemies thinke not their owne forces sufficient to joyne battaile with us but hire others as if they would doe better service for them in the field than their owne selves The case standing thus If there be any that thinke the enemies condition puissant and the meanes they have terrible but contrariwise our owne to be slight and of no validity such men I say my friends are meet to have their passe and to be sent away unto our enemies For being there they will stead us better than if they were still with
as he may seeme worthy of commaund and government THE SEVENTH BOOKE CHAP. I. How Cyrus entred the field with his puissance Approched King Croesus to give him battaile The manner that both armies used to fight with their best advantage THESE Captaines then having made their oraisons to the Gods departed to their Ensignes But unto Cyrus and the Gentlemen of his traine whiles they were yet about offring sacrifice the servitours brought both meate and drinke And Cyrus even as he stood after consecration of the first essay tooke his dinner and ever gave part to him that most wanted who also when he had performed the complements of libations and prayed withall dranke himselfe and so did all the rest that were about him Which done having besought Iupiter the protectour of his native countrey to vouchsafe him his guidance and helper hee mounted on horsebacke and commaunded all the rest to doe the same Now were they all that attended upon Cyrus armed as he was to wit in purple tabards corslets and head-pieces of brasse with white crests and with swords every man also with a javelin of corneil wood Their horses were bard with frontlets poictrels and side peeces of brasse Of the same matter likewise were the greives that every man wore This onely was the difference of Cyrus his armour from the rest that whereas their harneis was vernished over and laid with a golden colour his glittered like a Crystall mirour When he was once mounted and sat still a while looking to his way that he was to goe it thundered on his right hand in token of good whereupon he said Thee will we follow most mighty Iupiter And so he did set forward having on his right side Chrysantas Generall of the horse with his men of armes and Arasambas Colonell of the footmen on his left Hee gave commaundement also that they should cast an eye to the maine Standard to keepe even pace and to follow in order Now this Ensigne Royall that he had was a golden Spred-Eagle displaied upon a long speare And at this very day the King of Persia retaineth the same standard But before they came within sight of the enemies he caused the Armie by resting thrice to refresh themselves And by that time that they had marched out-right twenty stadia they began to descrie their enemies power to approach and come forward against them Now when they were all evidently seene one of another and the enemies determined on both sides to environ the battalion of footmen afront them they stood still with their owne maine battalion For otherwise there can be no encompassing round and then wheeled about therwith for to enclose the enemies in the minds to the end that when they had embattailed themselves on both sides after the forme of the Greek letter Gamma they might every way fight all at once Which albeit Cyrus saw well enough yet staied he never the more for it but led still as before and perceiving how far off the enemies stretched out on both sides the wings and points of their battaile Marke you not Chrysantas quoth he where the enemies begin to fetch a winding compasse Yes very well saith Chrysantas and I mervaile much thereat For me thinks they distract the points very farre from their owne maine battaile yea and from ours too quoth Cyrus I assure you And why so said Chrysantas because quoth he lest if their wings were neere unto us and their owne maine battaile farre remooved wee might charge upon them But how can they then afterwards helpe one another said Chrysantas when they be so farre asunder It is evident quoth Cyrus that their purpose is when their wings have proceeded so farre as to flanke us and to stand against the sides of our host then to turne short againe as it were into squadrons and so at once on every side to set upon us But what thinke you saith Chrysantas is this their policy good or no Good quoth Cyrus in regard of that which they see but in respect of that which they see not they hurt themselves more then if they should assaile us afront point to point But you Arsamas quoth Cyrus goe softly before the Infantery like as you see me to doe And you Chrysantas semblably as he doth follow close with your Cavallery As for me thither will I goe where I thinke it best to begin the battaile yet withall as I passe by view I will and consider how every thing stands with us After I am thither come and when wee are at the very point to encounter I will begin to sing the Paan and then see that yee all second me But when we buckle and joyne fight with our enemies yee shall soone perceive For there will be I suppose no small shouts and escries And then shall Abradatas with the chariots charge upon his opposites For he shall have word and direction so to doe Then must yee follow on as neere and close as you possibly can to the Chariots For by this meanes shall we fall upon our enemies when they are most in disorder I will my selfe also be present in person and by Gods helpe with all speed pursue them When he had thus said and withall pronounced this Motto Iupiter Saviour and Guide he advanced forward And as he rode on betweene the Chariots and the Corfelettiers ever as he spied any orderly in their Companies he would one while say thus unto them Oh how it doth me good my souldiours to see your faces Another while to others Goe to Sirs Thinke that this present fight is not onely for this dayes victorie but in regard of that also which heretofore yee have atchieved yea and for all felicity whatsoever As he came to some he would use these words From this time forward we shall never have cause to blame the Gods for they have put into our hands the meanes to attaine to many and those goodly chievances But yet wee must my good souldiours play the parts of valiant men To others againe such a speech as this he would use What more gawdy feast could we possibly bid one another unto than to this For now the opportunity we have bearing our selves manfully to stead and benefit passing well one another many wayes To another Company thus would he speake Yee know I suppose my souldiers that these rewards are now proposed to wit unto winners To chace to wound to kill to be possessed of goods to gaine renowne and fame to enjoy freedome to commaund and to rule But unto Cowards what else but the contrary Whosoever therefore loveth himselfe let him enter battaile and fight as I doe For with my good will no example shall I give of cowardise nor admit of any lewd and dishonorable act Moreover as he came to some of those who had served with him in the former battaile he said As for you my douty souldiours what need I to speake unto you For yee wote well enough what
a faire day valiant men have and how badly cowards speed Then as hee went from them and came to Abradatas he stayed And Abradatas having given the reines unto the under chariotier dismounted and made towards him others also came running unto him whose places were neere at hand as well footmen as those who had the conduct of chariots And when they were come Cyrus spake in this wise God hath according to your request ô Abradatas judged both you and yours worthy to lead in the vaward before our Associats Remember therefore that when you are to fight they be the Persians who shall both behold and also second you neither will they suffer you to be forlorne and succourlesse Then Abradatas For mine owne selfe Cyrus I thinke all well enough with us But for the sides of the battaile I am perplexed and troubled For I see that the enemies points be stretched out in length and those very firme by reason as well of their chariots as all other forces Whereas we have opposed against those nothing but chariots And therefore but that the charge of this place is by lot fallen unto me I would have beene abashed to be here in such safety me thinks I am Goe to quoth Cyrus If you be well for your owne part take you no thought for them For I trust with the helpe of God to order the matter so that I shall shew unto you these sides of the enemies naked And here I beseech you not to give the onset upon the enemies before you see even those whom you feare now so much put to flight These brave words verily gave Cyrus forth at the point of battaile being otherwise none of these great and vanting boasters But when you see these quoth Cyrus once to flie then thinke me to be hard at hand and then lustily charge you For then shall you find the enemies to be starke cowards and your friends right hardie souldiers And verily whiles you have leisure ô Abradatas ride every way all about your chariots encourage and exhort your men to give the onset partly by your lightsome countenance embolden them and partly by hopes relieve them And that yee may seeme the best and most valorous of all those that be mounted in Chariots kindle some emulation among them For know assuredly that if this be done they will hereafter say that nothing is more gainefull than Vertue So Abradatas gat up againe into his Chariot and did accordingly But Cyrus passed on and being come to the left wing were Hystaspas was with halfe of the Persian Cavallery called unto him by name and said You see now Hystaspas a piece of service wherein there is need of your celerity and expedition For if now we can get the start of our enemies and fall first to the killing of them there shall not one of us die Hystaspes smiling hereat Let me alone quoth hee with the enemies afront And for those on the side give you the charge to others that they be not idle Why quoth Cyrus I my selfe will take them in hand But Hystaspes remember you this that unto whomsoever of us God shall give the upper hand in case there remaine still any daunger of hostility we alwaies set upon that part that maketh head and maintaineth fight Having thus said hee went forward and being come as farre as to the side and to the Captaine of the chariots which were there he said unto him Come I am to succour you But when you perceive once that we charge the enemies at the ends then doe yee also your devoir to breake thorow the mids of them For in more safety shall yee be when ye are without than enclosed within Passing on still untill he was behind the wagons hee commaunded Artagerses and Pharmathus to stay there with a thousand footmen and as many horsemen And so soone as ye understand saith he that I fall upon them that are in the right wing take yee also them in hand that be opposite unto you For yee shall fight against the point in that place where the maine battalion is become weaker And keepe yee embattailed as yee are in a thicke squadron that yee may be the stronger And verily the enemies horsemen as yee see are raunged hinmost against whom in any wise oppose the raunged troupe of the Camels For know this assuredly that before ye fight ye shall see your enemies to become ridiculous and to make you good sport After these directions given Cyrus crossed over to the right side CHAP. II. The great battaile and slaughter of the Lydians where King Croesus and his forces were discomfited The Aegyptians yeeld unto Cyrus CRoesus supposing that the Regiment under his conduct drew very neere already unto the enemies *** and that the wings were stretched out along did set up a signall unto the said wings to proceed no higher but in that very place to turne short Now when they all made a stand beheld the host of Cyrus embattailed he gave the Signe unto them for to advance against the enemies By this meanes three squadrons charged upon Cyrus his armie one full afront and of the other twaine one on the right hand the other on the left In so much as great feare seized upon the armie of Cyrus For like unto a little bricke couched within a greater the battalion of Cyrus was environed on every side with the enemies what with horsemen armed footmen light targuatiers and what with chariots all but behind Howbeit after that Cyrus had given direction they all turned a-brest upon the enemie And verily there was on all parts a deepe silence for feare of the future event But when Cyrus now saw his time hee began to sing the Paean and the whole Armie chaunâ—ed and answered him Then with a loud and cheerefull note they sounded Alala to Mars and with that Cyrus shewed himselfe and presently with his men of armes flanking the enemies with all speed joyned battaile The footmen also in good array soone followed after and charged them on every side so as that they had the greater vantage of them by farre For with their maine battalion they gave a charge upon the wing whereby it came to passe that the enemies were mightily discomfited and quickly put to flight When Artagerses perceived that Cyrus was in Action and entred into the medley himselfe also came in fiercely with his Camels on the left side according as Cyrus had commaunded Their Horses could not abide these Camels a great way off but as their nature is being madded some runne away others flung out of their ranks and some againe rushed one upon another For thus fare horses when once they espie Camels And Artagerses with his owne men in good array and himselfe well appointed preassed hard upon them thus disranked and withall put forth his Chariots at once both on the right side and also on the left Whereupon many of them to avoid the Chariots were killed
already the Hyrcanians likewise under his subjection and now warred upon the Bactrians and besieged their cities thought this with himselfe that if he could once conquer the Medians also or weaken their estate he might soone become the absolute Monarch of all the neighbour countries round about him For this Nation of all the borderers was reputed most puissant Sending therefore unto his owne subjects and to those who were under his alleageance likewise to Croesus King of the Lydians and to the King of the Cappadocians to the inhabitants of Phrygia both the one and the other to the Carians Paphlagonians to the Indians and Cilicians he layd open unto them many grievous imputations against the Medes and Persians alleadging how great and mighty these States were how they combined and linked themselves together by mutuall marriages and in a word were so knit and united in perpetuall league and amity that unlesse some one arose by good forecast to prevent their growth and abate their force great daunger there was that they would invade one nation after another and so subdue them all These Princes and States therefore partly perswaded by these his suggestions and in part inveagled by his presents and money whereof he had exceeding store condescended and entred into association with him But Cyaxares Astyages his sonne perceiving what traines were laid and purveyance addressed against him immediately both made what preparation he could himselfe and also dispatched his Embassadours to the Persians as well unto the States there as also to Cambyses his brother in law who had married his sister and raigned King of Persia. Hee sent also to Cyrus requesting him that in case the Câ—â—ncell and State of Persia sent any power of men to aide he would indeavour to be the Generall of those forces For now by this time had Cyrus spent his ten yeeres with the Youths and was reckoned in the ranke of men full growne Cyrus therefore having well approoved the motion was by the Elders Councellers of the State elected Lord Generall in this expedition into Media They gave him also commission to choose unto him 200. Gentlemen as Peeres called Homotimi Also every one of those 200. they licenced to make election of foure others like unto themselves in degree which number amounteth unto one thousand Semblably to every one of this thousand they granted for to levy from out of the common people of the Persians 10. light targuatiers ten slingers and tenne archers By which meanes over and above the thousand Peeres or Gentlemen aforesaid there were in all ten thousand Archers ten thousand Targuatiers and ten thousand Slingers This so great an army was committed to the conduct of Cyrus who was no sooner chosen but forthwith he began devoutly at the service of the gods and being assured by his sacrifices of their propitious favour then and not before he made choise of those two hundred aforesaid and when they also had taken every one foure more unto them Cyrus assembled them all together and made his first speech unto them in this manner CHAP. VII The oration of Cyrus to the Peeres and Chieftaines of his Army for to incite them to enterprise this warre with the better courage MY friends chosen you I have not as one who had good proufe of you at this present and not before but in that I have seene even from your Child-hood with what alacrity you travaile in those things which the Common-wealth reputeth vertuous and utterly abandon such as it deemeth vicious But what motives induced me not unwillingly both to undertake this high place of government as also to call you forth into the Action I am now minded to declare unto you Thus much I observe that our Auncestors have in nothing beene inferiour unto us as who evermore practised the deeds of vertue But what benefit they have acquired being so brave men as they were either in publike to the Persians Common-weale or in private to their owne estates I cannot yet perceive For surely in mine opinion men give not their minds to exercise any vertue for this end that when they are become good and honest they should in nothing be preferred above the wicked And even they that forbeare the fruition of pleasures presented unto them doe it not because they would never joy any more but for that by such continent behaviour they might in future time attaine to many and sundry delights They that desire to excell in eloquence aime not in all their studies and meditations to this end that they should never give oveâ— the eloquent pleading of causes but their hope is that when they have by their fine tongues perswaded men to their minds they may to themselves purchase many great and goodly availes Moreover Martiall men that are emploid in feats of Armes take not all this their paines never to make an end of fighting but even these men also set this downe to themselves that being once come to perfection in military prowesse they shall win both to themselves and to their countrey much wealth much happinesse and great honours Now if any men after their great toyle in these affaires before they reaped any fruit thereof have carelessely suffered themselves to age and thereby to grow unmeet for warre in my conceit they fare much like as if one desirous to be a good and thrifty husbandman should sow well and plant his ground as well but when he is to receive the encrease comming of his tillage and husbandry suffereth the corne not inned to shed and fall againe upon the ground Or as if some Champion when hee hath sustained much travaile so as now he is thought a worthy victour should never after enter into the lists and performe his devoyr For in my judgement even such an one deserveth worthily to be condemned for his folly Let not us therefore my souldiers be faulty in this kind but considering we are privy to our owne hearts and assured that even at first from our tender yeers we have beene trained up in noble and worthy Acts set me forward against those enemies whom I know most certainly by that which my selfe have seene in them already to be unexpert in fight against us Certes for my part I hold not these to be able souldiers who howsoever they have the feat and knowledge to shoot well to dart likewise and ride aswell yet cannot endure any labour but quaile when they are put unto it But these our enemies for any matter of paines taking are very raw and untrained novices Neither are they to be accompted good souldiers who when they should watch cannot away withall and our enemies here are such as for their sleepe cannot of all things want it Nor yet may they goe for good warriors who albeit in the points abovesaid are sufficient enough yet be to seeke how to carry themselves toward their friends and how to enemies And evident it is that these here be altogether to learne those disciplines which in
warre be of greatest consequence But as for you able yee are to use the night in every point as well as others the day yee repute labours to be the guides leading the way to pleasant life Hunger yee reckon in stead of sauce and to drinke water yee can endure better than the very Lyons To conclude the fayrest possession the most precious treasure and best agreeable unto warriors that is yee have laid up within your hearts in that ye take more joy in being praised than in all things else in the world And they that are lovers of praise and renowme must needs for the attaining thereto willingly undergoe all travell and abide all daunger Now if I should pronounce thus much of you thinking and knowing otherwise I doe but deceive my selfe as upon whom the fault will redownd incase no such thing be performed by you But verily such is your owne skill your love also to me ward such likewise is the blockish ignorance of our enemies that I trust assuredly these good hopes will not faile mee Only let us march on in this our journey with bold and couragious hearts considering it is farre from us to be thought for to covet other mens goods unjustly for even now as our enemies are comming and begin first to deale wrongfully with us so our friends call unto us for ayde What then is there either more just than to put by an injury or more honourable than to helpe our friends Moreouer in this regard I suppose you repose not the least confidence because I have not enterprised this expedition with neglect of the Gods For being as yee are privy unto many of my doings and much conversant with mee yee know very well that not only in weighty affaires but also in smaller matters I use alwayes to begin in the name of the Gods In conclusion quoth he what should I say more when you have chosen and taken unto you elect men and are otherwise in all points well and sufficiently provided set forth towards the Medes As for mee repaire I will unto my Father to the end that having with all speed learned of him the state of our enemies I may accommodate you what I can in this affaire and so with the power of God make a right noble journey of it CHAP. VIII The good instructions that Cambyses gave unto his sonne Cyrus as touching the enterprise against the Assyrians and how a good Captaine should carry himselfe with his army in a strange country and win the love of every man THus therefore were they busied and thus prepared they themselves But Cyrus after his returne home and having made his prayers unto Vesta the Patronesse of his countrey to Iupiter also the Protectour thereof and to other gods did put himselfe in his war expedition and his father brought him on his way When they were gone forth of the Palais it thundered and lightned on the right and lucky side as they say whereupon without any other token or presage taken by augury they marched forth as who would say no man then could be ignorant of the signes given by the most high and mighty God Now when Cyrus was gone a little forward his father began to discourse unto him in this wise That the gods my Sonne are propitious and accompany thee with their gracious favour evident it is as well by sacrifices as celestiall tokens and thou thy selfe doest know as much For taught thee I have these matters of purpose partly that thou mightest know the will and counsell of the gods by no other interpreters but understand the same by thy selfe seeing the sights and hearing the noises that are to bee seene and heard and not depend upon wizards who might if they were disposed deceive thee by relating other things than were signified by the gods above and partly because if at any time thou wert without a Soothsayer thou shouldest not doubt what to resolve upon by those divine tokens but observing by this skill of Divination what Gods will is obey the same Surely father quoth Cyrus endeavour I will alwaies even to the uttermost of my power and according to your advertisement that the gods being favourable unto us would ever be pleased to aduise us for the best For I remember that I heard you once say It standeth with good congruity that he should obtaine any thing at the gods hands as well as at mans yea and more easily who doth not fawne upon them when he is in distresse but at what time he is in greatest prosperity even then thinkes upon the gods most of all You said moreover that the same consideration of friends likewise must be had Certes then my Sonne quoth Cambyses being as thou art so devoutly affected to the gods thou commest unto them now at this time more willingly in that regard to crave their helpe yea and thou hopest so much the rather to obtaine whatsoever thou needest and makest petition for because thy conscience beareth thee witnesse that thou wert never slacke in their service Doubtlesse father quoth he I am thus conceited of the gods as of my affectionate friends What Sonne said the Father and doest thou remember those points which sometime we resolved upon Namely that such men are like to speed better who have learned those sciences which are given unto us by the gods than those that be ignorant of the same Againe that by travell they shall gaine more than by sitting still As also that by carefull diligence they shall live in more safety than if they carry themselves carelesly and take no heed And verily thus was then our opinion that after this sort wee should crave good things at Gods hands to wit in demeaning our selves as we ought Truly Father quoth Cyrus I remember very well that I heard you deliver these lessons and I could not choose but of necessity yeeld my consent to those speeches and bee perswaded thereby Full well I wot also what you added moreover and said that in no wise lawfull it was for them to crave of the gods victory in Horse-fight who have not learned to ride well neither for those who be unexpert in shooting to pray unto the gods that they may have the better hand of cunning Archers ne yet for such pilots as know not how to guide the helme to beseech the gods they may save ships by their steering no more than for them that never fowed their seed to wish for a fayre crop of corne to come up or for those who looke not to themselves in battayle desire the safety of their lives For all such prayers and wishes verily be against the ordinance and law of God Semblably you said that whosoever asked at Gods hands ungodly things by as good reason deserved to be said nay as those to take a repulse who preferre unto men unlawfull suits But have you Sonne forgotten those matters quoth Cambyses whereof you and I sometime devised and talked together namely That it