If some of them have given up their weapons, they will soon procure others; if some have lost their horses, the loss will soon be made good; if some have fallen in battle, others, younger and stronger, will take their place.

We need not be surprised if they are soon in a condition to cause us trouble again.

[13] Why, then, did I ask Cyaxares to put the question to debate?
Because, I answer, I am afraid of the future.

I see opponents against us whom we cannot fight, if we conduct the campaign as we are doing now.
[14] Winter is advancing against us, and though we may have shelter for ourselves we have nothing, heaven knows, for our horses and our servants and the great mass of our soldiery, without whom we cannot even think of a campaign.

As to provisions, up to the limits of our advance and because of that advance they have been exhausted; and beyond that line, owing to the terror we inspire, the inhabitants will have stowed their supplies away in strong places where they can enjoy them and we cannot get them.