[23] With this in view, he summoned the Hyrcanian chief and Gobryas himself; for they were the two he thought most likely to give him the information that he needed.
"My friends," said he, "I think I shall not err if I trust to your fidelity and consult you about the campaign.

You, even more than I, are bound to see that the Assyrians do not overpower us.

For myself, if I fail, there may well be some loophole of escape.

But for you, if the king conquers, I see nothing but enmity on every side.

[24] For, although he is my enemy, he bears me no malice, he only feels that it is against his interest for me to be powerful and therefore he attacks me.
But you he hates with a bitter hatred, believing he is wronged by you." To this his companions answered that he must finish what he had to say; they were well aware of the facts, and had the deepest interest in the turn events might take.
[25] Thereupon Cyrus put his questions: "Does the king suppose that you alone are his enemies, or do you know of others who hate him too ?" "Certainly we do," replied the Hyrcanian, "the Cadousians are his bitterest foes, and they are both numerous and warlike.