But this I know right well, that if our mighty men put forth all their strength, I too shall receive such portion of our blessings as I may deserve.

But if the cowards sit at ease and the good and brave are out of heart, then I fear that I shall get a portion, a larger than I care to think, of something that is no blessing but a curse." [7] And so spoke Chrysantas, and then Pheraulas stood up.

He was a man of the people, but well known to Cyrus in the old days at home and well-beloved by him: no mean figure to look at, and in soul like a man of noble birth.

Now he spoke as follows: [8] "Cyrus, friends, and Persians, I hold to the belief that on this day we all start equal in that race where valour is the goal.

I speak of what I see: we are trained on the same fare; we are held worthy of the same comradeship; we contend for the same rewards.