Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus — Book IV - Chapter 4

[23] Thus Cyrus put the question, and one and all assented; and hence it is that even to this day the custom is retained, and no Persian of the gentle class would willingly be seen anywhere on foot.

[C.

4] In this debate their time was spent, and when it was past midday the Median cavalry and the Hyrcanians came galloping home, bringing in men and horses from the enemy, for they had spared all who surrendered their arms.

[2] As they rode up the first inquiry of Cyrus was whether all of them were safe, and when they answered yes, he asked what they had achieved.

And they told their exploits in detail, and how bravely they had borne themselves, magnifying it all.

[3] Cyrus heard their story through with a pleasant smile, and praised them for their work.

"I can see for myself," he said, "that you have done gallant deeds.

You seem to have grown taller and fairer and more terrible to look on than when we saw you last."

[4] Then he made them tell him how far they had gone, and whether they had found the country inhabited.

They said they had ridden a long way, and that the whole country was inhabited, and full of sheep and goats and cattle and horses, and rich in corn and every good thing.

[5] "Then there are two matters," he said, "to which we must attend;

first we must become masters of those who own all this, and next we must ensure that they do not run away.

A well-populated country is a rich possession, but a deserted land will soon become a desert.

[6] You have put the defenders to the sword, I know, and rightly--for that is the only safe road to victory; but you have brought in as prisoners those who laid down their arms.

Now if we let these men go, I maintain we should do the very best thing for ourselves.

[7] We gain two points;

first, we need neither be on our guard against them nor mount guard over them nor find them victuals (and we do not propose to starve them, I presume), and in the next place, their release means more prisoners to-morrow.

[8] For if we dominate the country all the inhabitants are ours, and if they see that these men are still alive and at large they will be more disposed to stay where they are, and prefer obedience to battle.

That is my own view, but if any one sees a better course, let him point it out."

[9] However, all his hearers approved the plan proposed.

Thus it came to pass that Cyrus summoned the prisoners and said to them: [10] "Gentlemen, you owe it to your own obedience this day that your lives are safe; and for the future if you continue in this conduct, no evil whatsoever shall befall you; true, you will not have the same ruler as before, but you will dwell in the same houses, you will cultivate the same land, you will live with your wives and govern your children as you do now.

Moreover you will not have us to fight with, nor any one else.

[11] On the contrary, if any wrong is done you, it is we who will fight on your behalf.

And to prevent any one from ordering you to take the field, you will bring your arms to us and hand them over.

Those who do this can count on peace and the faithful fulfilment of our promises;

those who will not, must expect war, and that at once.

[12] Further, if any man of you comes to us and shows a friendly spirit, giving us information and helping us in any way, we will treat him not as a servant, but as a friend and benefactor.

This," he added, "we wish you to understand yourselves and make known among your fellows.

[13] And if it should appear that you yourselves are willing to comply but others hinder you, lead us against them, and you shall be their masters, not they yours."