[40] So that the mood of Cyaxares changed, and he seemed to see that Cyrus had not stolen his subjects from him, and that they made no less account of him than they used to do.
[41] Now when the hour came for the banquet, Cyaxares sent to Cyrus and begged him to share it: it was so long, he said, since they had met.
But Cyrus answered, "Bid me not to the feast, good uncle.

Do you not see that all these soldiers of ours have been raised by us to the pitch of expectation?
And it were ill on my part if I seemed to neglect them for the sake of my private pleasure.

If soldiers feel themselves neglected even the good become faint-hearted, and the bad grow insolent.

[42] With yourself it is different, you have come a long journey and you must fall to without delay, and if your subjects do you honour, welcome them and give them good cheer, that there may be confidence between you and them, but I must go and attend to the matters of which I speak.

[43] Early to-morrow morning," he added, "our chief officers will present themselves at your gate to hear from you what you think our next step ought to be.