And what do you take your own to be ?" "Well," he answered, "we ourselves can furnish over 10,000 horse and perhaps, considering the state of the country, as many as 60,000 archers and targeteers.

And from our neighbours, the Armenians," he added, "we look to get 4000 horse and 20,000 foot." "I see," said Cyrus, "you reckon our cavalry at less than a third of the enemy's, and our infantry at less than half." [7] "Ah," said Cyaxares, "and perhaps you feel that the force you are bringing from Persia is very small ?" "We will consider that later on," answered Cyrus, "and see then if we require more men or not.

Tell me first the methods of fighting that the different troops adopt." "They are much the same for all," answered Cyaxares, "that is to say, their men and ours alike are armed with bows and javelins." "Well," replied Cyrus, "if such arms are used, skirmishing at long range must be the order of the day." "True," said the other.

[8] "And in that case," went on Cyrus, "the victory is in the hands of the larger force; for even if the same numbers fall on either side, the few would be exhausted long before the many." "If that be so," cried Cyaxares, "there is nothing left for us but to send to Persia, and make them see that if disaster falls on Media it will fall on Persia next, and beg them for a larger force." "Ah, but," said Cyrus, "you must remember that even if every single Persian were to come at once, we could not outnumber our enemies." [9] "But," said the other, "can you see anything else to be done ?" "For my part," answered Cyrus, "if I could have my way, I would arm every Persian who is coming here in precisely the same fashion as our Peers at home, that is to say, with a corslet for the breast, a shield for the left arm, and a sword or battle-axe for the right hand.
If you will give us these you will make it quite safe for us to close with the enemy, and our foes will find that flight is far pleasanter than defence.

But we Persians," he added, "will deal with those who do stand firm, leaving the fugitives to you and to your cavalry, who must give them no time to rally and no time to escape." [10] That was the counsel of Cyrus, and Cyaxares approved it.