But I have faith in you, bred of experience: I trust in your goodwill towards me, and in our enemy's lack of wit; you will not belie my hopes.

Let us go forth with a light heart; we have no ill-fame to fear: none can say we covet another man's goods unlawfully.

Our enemy strikes the first blow in an unrighteous cause, and our friends call us to protect them.

What is more lawful than self-defence?
What is nobler than to succour those we love?
[14] And you have another ground of confidence--in opening this campaign I have not been forgetful of the gods: you have gone in and out with me, and you know how in all things, great and small, I strive to win their blessing.

And now," he added, "what need of further words?
I will leave you now to choose your own men, and when all is ready you will march into Media at their head.