[8] So far then I expect that no one will disagree: if we could get a body of Persian cavalry it would make all the difference to us; but no doubt you feel the question is, how are we to get it?
Well, let us consider first, suppose we decide to raise the force, exactly what we have to start with and what we need.

[9] We certainly have hundreds of horses now captured in this camp, with their bridles and all their gear.
Besides these, we have all the accoutrements for a mounted force, breast-plates to protect the trunk, and light spears to be flung or wielded at close quarters.

What else do we need?
It is plain we need men.

[10] But that is just what we have already at our own command.

For nothing is so much ours as our own selves.