"I am not.

Nor have I any intention of going: here I shall stay and be general-in-chief until I make our friend Gadatas the lord and the Assyrian his slave." [6] Thus half in jest and half in earnest they played with one another, and meanwhile Cyaxares had finished adorning himself and came forth in great splendour and solemnity, and sat down on a Median throne.

And when all were assembled and silence was proclaimed, Cyaxares said: "My friends and allies, perhaps, since I am present and older than Cyrus, it is suitable that I should address you first.

It appears to me that the moment has come to discuss one question before all others, the question whether we ought to go on with the campaign or disband the army.

Be pleased," he added, "to state your opinions on the matter." [7] Then the leader of the Hyrcanians stood up at once and said: "Friends and allies, I hardly think that words are needed when facts themselves show us the path to take.