[20] Remember," he added, "when you sent for us, we came a long way to do you service; is it not fair that you should do us a kindness in return, and let us have something to take back with us for ourselves, and not stand here agape at all your treasures ?" [21] At that Cyaxares answered, "Ah, if any will follow you of their own free will, I can but be most grateful." "Send some one with me then," said Cyrus, "from these trusty men of yours, to carry your commands." "Take whomever you like," he answered, "and begone." [22] Now, as it chanced, among the officers present was the Mede who had claimed kinship with Cyrus long ago and won a kiss thereby.

Cyrus pointed to him and said, "That man will do for me." "He shall go with you then," Cyaxares replied.

And turning to the officer, "Tell your fellows," he said, "that he who lists may follow Cyrus." [23] Thus Cyrus chose his man and went forth.

And when they were outside he said, "To-day you can show me if you spoke truth long ago when you told me that the sight of me was your joy." "If you say that," said the Mede, "I will never leave you." "And will you not do your best," added Cyrus, "to bring me others too ?" "By the gods in heaven," cried the Mede, "that I will, until you say in your turn that to see me is your joy." Thereupon, with the authority of Cyaxares to support him, the officer went to the Medes and delivered with message with all diligence, adding that he for one would never forsake Cyrus, the bravest, noblest, and best of men, and a hero whose lineage was divine.
[C.2] While Cyrus was busied with these matters, by some strange chance two ambassadors arrived from the Hyrcanians.

These people are neighbours of the Assyrians, and being few in number, they were held in subjection.
But they seemed then, as they seem now, to live on horseback.