Bear this maxim in mind before all others--never put off the collecting of supplies until the day of need, make the season of your abundance provide against the time of dearth.

You will gain better terms from those on whom you must depend if you are not thought to be in straits, and, what is more, you will be free from blame in the eyes of your soldiers.

That in itself will make you more respected; wherever you desire to help or to hurt, your troops will follow you with greater readiness, so long as they have all they need, and your words, you may be sure, will carry the greater weight the fuller your display of power for weal or woe." [11] "Yes, father," Cyrus said, "I feel all you say is true, and the more because as things now stand none of my soldiers will thank me for the pay that is promised them.

They are well aware of the terms Cyaxares has offered for their help: but whatever they get over and above the covenanted amount they will look upon as a free gift, and for that they will, in all likelihood, feel most gratitude to the giver." "True," said the father, "and really for a man to have a force with which he could serve his friends and take vengeance on his foes, and yet neglect the supplies for it, would be as disgraceful, would it not?
as for a farmer to hold lands and labourers and yet allow fields to lie barren for lack of tillage." "No such neglect," answered the son, "shall ever be laid at my door.
Through friendly lands or hostile, trust me, in this business of supplying my troops with all they need I will always play my part." [12] "Well, my son," the father resumed, "and do you remember certain other points which we agreed must never be overlooked ?" "Could I forget them ?" answered Cyrus.

"I remember how I came to you for money to pay the teacher who professed to have taught me generalship, and you gave it me, but you asked me many questions.