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[6] Then remember the rivers—there may be others, for aught I know, that we must cross, but we know about the Euphrates at any rate, that it cannot possibly be crossed in the face of an enemy. Furthermore, in case fighting becomes necessary, we have no cavalry to help us, whereas the enemy's cavalry are exceedingly numerous and exceedingly efficient; hence if we are victorious, whom could we kill1? And if we are defeated, not one of us can be saved.

1 Hoplites, because of their heavy equipment, were ineffective in a pursuit, especially when an enemy fled, as in “the battle” of I. viii., long before they were within striking distance. Horsemen, of course, were at their best in following up a routed enemy.

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    • Josiah Renick Smith, Xenophon: Memorabilia, 4.6
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