And at this fear crept over Croesus and the allies; they saw dangers on every side, and heaviest of all was the knowledge that the leading nation, the head of the whole expedition, had received a mortal blow.

Nothing remained but to abandon the encampment under cover of night.

[9] Day broke, and the camp was seen to be deserted, and Cyrus, without more ado, led his Persians within the entrenchments, where they found the stores that the enemy had left: herds of sheep and goats and kine, and long rows of waggons laden with good things.

Cyaxares and his Medes followed, and all arms took their breakfast in the camp.

[10] But when the meal was over, Cyrus summoned his brigadiers and said to them: "Think what blessings we are flinging away now, spurning, as it were, the very gifts of heaven! So at least it seems to me.