[12] Now I think you told me the other day that the king of Armenia has begun to despise you, because he hears we have an enemy, and therefore he will neither send you troops nor pay the tribute which is due." [13] "Yes," answered Cyaxares, "such are his tricks.

And I cannot decide whether to march on him at once and try to subdue him by force, or let the matter be for the time, for fear of adding to the enemies we have." Then Cyrus asked, "Are his dwellings strongly fortified, or could they be attacked ?" And Cyaxares answered, "The actual fortifications are not very strong: I took good care of that.

But he has the hill-country to which he can retire, and there for the moment lie secure, knowing that he himself is safely out of reach, with everything that he can convoy thither; unless we are prepared to carry on a siege, as my father actually did." [14] Thereupon Cyrus said, "Now if you are willing to send me with a moderate force of cavalry--I will not ask for many men--I believe, heaven helping me, I could compel him to send the troops and the tribute.

And I even hope that in the future he may become a firmer friend that he is now." [15] And Cyaxares said: "I think myself they are more likely to listen to you than to me.

I have been told that his sons were your companions in the chase when you were lads, and possibly old habits will return and they will come over to you.