Meanwhile I will return to my father and start before you, so that I may learn what I can about the enemy as soon as may be, and thus make all needful preparations, so that by God's help we may win glory on the field." [C.6] Such were his orders and they set about them at once.

But Cyrus himself went home and prayed to the gods of his father's house, to Hestia and Zeus, and to all who had watched over his race.

And when he had done so, he set out for the war, and his father went with him on the road.

They were no sooner clear of the city, so says the story, than they met with favourable omens of thunder and lightning, and after that they went forward without further divination, for they felt that no man could mistake the signs from the Ruler of the gods.

[2] And as they went on their way Cyrus' father said to him, "My son, the gods are gracious to us, and look with favour on your journey--they have shown it in the sacrifices, and by their signs from heaven.