Then he made his way along the lines to the artillery, and there he mounted one of the towers to take a survey of the field, and see if any of the foe still held their ground and kept up the fight.

[40] But he saw the plain one chaos of flying horses and men and chariots, pursuers and pursued, conquerors and conquered, and nowhere any who still stood firm, save only the Egyptians.

These, in sore straits as they were, formed themselves into a circle behind a ring of steel, and sat down under cover of their enormous shields.

They no longer attempted to act, but they suffered, and suffered heavily.

[41] Cyrus, in admiration and pity, unwilling that men so brave should be done to death, drew off his soldiers who were fighting round them, and would not let another man lift sword.
Then he sent them a herald asking if they wished to be cut to pieces for the sake of those who had betrayed them, or save their lives and keep their reputation for gallantry?
And they answered, "Is it possible that we can be saved and yet keep our reputation untarnished ?" [42] And Cyrus said, "Surely yes, for we ourselves have seen that you alone have held your ground and been ready to fight." "But even so," said the Egyptians, "how can we act in honour if we save ourselves ?" "By betraying none of those at whose side you fought," answered Cyrus: "only surrender your arms to us, and become our friends, the friends of men who chose to save you when they might have destroyed you." [43] "And if we become your friends," said they, "how will you treat us ?" "As you treat us," answered he, "and the treatment shall be good." "And what will that good treatment be ?" they asked once more.