[23] Last of all, and more than all, when the great gods have showered such blessings on us, I fear them and I reverence them too much to turn my back on all they have given us.

This, then, is what I myself must do; it is for you to decide as you think best, and you will acquaint me with your decision." [24] So he spoke, and the first to answer was the Mede who had claimed kinship with Cyrus in the old days.
"Listen to me," he said, "O king! For king I take you to be by right of nature; even as the king of the hive among the bees, whom all the bees obey and take for their leader of their own free will; where he stays they stay also, not one of them departs, and where he goes, not one of them fails to follow; so deep a desire is in them to be ruled by him.
[25] Even thus, I believe, do our men feel towards you.

Do you remember the day you left us to go home to Persia?
Was there one of us, young or old, who did not follow you until Astyages turned us back?
And later, when you returned to bring us aid, did we not see for ourselves how your friends poured after you?
And again, when you had set your heart on this expedition, we know that the Medes flocked to your standard with one consent.

[26] To-day we have learnt to feel that even in an enemy's country we may be of good heart if you are with us, but, without you, we should be afraid even to return to our homes.

The rest may speak for themselves, and tell you how they will act, but for myself, Cyrus, and for those under me, I say we will stand by you; we shall not grow weary of gazing at you, and we will continue to endure your benefits." [27] Thereupon Tigranes spoke: "Do not wonder, Cyrus, if I am silent now.