But one gift of yours will I take as I leave you, in place of which not even all the wealth of
Babylon (and that is enormous)—no, not even all the wealth of all the world would send me away more hap
.“Because, to effect a union of forces with him, one has to march along under the very walls of
Babylon.”
“Why, pray,” said the other, “is that so difficult?”“Because, by Zeus,” said Gobryas, “I know
from him. “But when I think of it, I cannot conceive of anyCyrus proposes to march straight for
Babylon safer procedure for us than to march directly upon Babylon, if that is where the main body of t
Babylon, if that is where the main body of the enemy's forces is. For they are, as you say, numerous; and if they take courage, they will also, as I say, give us cause to fear them.
However, if they do not see us and get the idea that we are k
d, let me assure you, we could in no possible way strike more terror into them when they do see us, than by marching upon them. As this, therefore, is my conviction, lead us straight on to
i what belongs to the gods, set apart for the army its share, and then call Gobryas in and give the rest to him.”So they set aside what was required and gave the rest to Gobryas.
After this Cyrus renewed his march uponThe Assyrian refuses battle Babylon, with his army in the same order as when the battle was fought. But as the Assyrians did not march out to meet them, Cyrus ordered Gobryas to ride up and say: “If the king wishes to come out and fight for his country, I myself would join him andf sleep on account of doing sentinel duty may not be serious and exhaust the men for the march. And when the hour for starting comes, let the signal be given on the horn.
And then do you all, with whatever is necessary, step out into the road to Babylon; and let each commander, as he gets his division in motion, pass the word to the man behind him to come on.”
Hereupon they went to their tents, and, asCyrus's memory for names they went, they remarked to one another what a good memory Cyrus had <