Cyrus explained that the troops nearest to them were the Hyrcanians, and that one of the ambassadors had gone, and a Persian with him, to bid them come out at once, if they were friendly, with their right hands raised.

"If they do so," he added, "you must welcome them as they come, each of you at your post, and take them by the hand and encourage them, but if they draw sword or try to escape, you must make an example of them: not a man of them must be left." Such were his orders.

[19] However, as soon as the Hyrcanians heard the message, they were overjoyed: springing to their steeds they galloped up to Cyrus, holding out their right hands as he had bidden.

Then the Medes and Persians gave them the right hand of fellowship in return, and bade them be of courage.

[20] And Cyrus spoke: "Sons of the Hyrcanians, we have shown our trust in you already, and you must trust us in return.