[6] You have put the defenders to the sword, I know, and rightly--for that is the only safe road to victory; but you have brought in as prisoners those who laid down their arms.

Now if we let these men go, I maintain we should do the very best thing for ourselves.

[7] We gain two points; first, we need neither be on our guard against them nor mount guard over them nor find them victuals (and we do not propose to starve them, I presume), and in the next place, their release means more prisoners to-morrow.

[8] For if we dominate the country all the inhabitants are ours, and if they see that these men are still alive and at large they will be more disposed to stay where they are, and prefer obedience to battle.

That is my own view, but if any one sees a better course, let him point it out." [9] However, all his hearers approved the plan proposed.