All of us know that while we stand together we give our enemy more trouble than we get: but when we stood alone it was they who dealt with us as they liked best and we liked least." [8] Then the Cadousian followed.
"The less we talk," said he, "about breaking-up and going home separately the better; separation has done us anything but good, it seems to me, even on the march.

My men and I, at any rate, very soon paid the penalty for private excursions; as I dare say you have not forgotten." [9] Upon that Artabazus rode, the Mede who had claimed kinship with Cyrus in the old days.
"Cyaxares," said he, "in one respect I differ from those who have spoken before me: they think we should stay here in order to go on with the campaign, but I think I am always on campaign at home.

[10] I was for ever out on some expedition or other, because our people were being harried, or our fortresses threatened, and a world of trouble I had, what with fears within and fighting without, and all too at my own expense.

As it is now, I occupy the enemy's forts, my fear of them is gone, I make good cheer on their own good things, and I drink their own good wine.

Since home means fighting and service here means feasting, I am not in favour myself," said he, "of breaking up the company." [11] Then Gobryas spoke.
"Friends," said he, "I have trusted Cyrus' word and had no fault to find with him: what he promises that he performs: but if he leaves the country now, the Assyrian will be reprieved, he will never be punished for the wrongs he tried to inflict on you and did inflict on me: I shall be punished instead, because I have been your friend." [12] At that Cyrus rose at last and said: "Gentlemen, I am well aware that the disbanding of our forces must mean the decrease of our power and the increase of theirs.