I myself cannot but feel that Gobryas must have thought us almost beggars because we were not laden with coins of gold and did not drink from golden goblets.

But if we do this, he will understand that men may be free and liberal without the help of gold." [4] "Come then," said Cyrus, "let us pay the priests our debt to heaven, select what the army requires, and then summon Gobryas and give the rest to him." So they took what they needed and gave all the rest to Gobryas.
[5] Forthwith Cyrus pressed on towards Babylon, his troops in battle order.

But as the Assyrians did not come out to meet them, he bade Gobryas ride forward and deliver this message: "If the king will come out to fight for his land, I, Gobryas, will fight for him, but, if he will not defend his own country, we must yield to the conquerors." [6] So Gobryas rode forward, just far enough to deliver the message in safety.

And the king sent a messenger to answer him: "Thy master says to thee: 'It repents me, Gobryas, not that I slew thy son, but that I stayed my hand from slaying thee.

And now if ye will do battle, come again on the thirtieth day from hence.