Never let slip the lesson of this day's encounter, and judge for yourselves whether it is cowardice or courage that saves a man in war, whether the fighters or the shirkers have the better chance, and what the joy is that victory can yield.

To-day of all days you can decide, for you have made the trial and the result is fresh.

[6] With such thoughts as these in your hearts you will grow braver and better still.
And now you may rest in the consciousness that you are dear to God and have done your duty bravely and steadily, and so take your meal and make your libations and sing the paean and be ready for the watchword." So saying, Cyrus mounted his horse and galloped on to Cyaxares, and the two rejoiced together as victors will.

And then, after a glance at matters there and an inquiry if aught were needed, he rode back to his own detachment.

Then the evening meal was taken and the watches were posted and Cyrus slept with his men.
[8] Meanwhile the Assyrians, finding that their king was among the slain and almost all his nobles with him, fell into utter despair, and many of them deserted during the night.