I meant to make all who served with me the envy of their fellows; but now," he said, "you cannot be surprised if you encounter some one stronger than yourselves on your way home." [7] Fear fell on the Chaldaeans at this, and they intreated him to lay aside his anger and vowed they would give back all the booty they had taken.

He answered that he had no need of it himself.

"But if," he added, "you wish to appease me, you will hand it over to those who stayed and guarded the citadel.

For if my soldiers see that discipline means reward, all will be well with us." [8] So the Chaldaeans did as he bade them, and the faithful and obedient received all manner of good things.
Then Cyrus made his troops encamp in the most convenient quarter of the town, and told them to stay at their posts and take their breakfast there.

[9] That done, he gave orders that Croesus should be brought to him, and when he came into his presence, Croesus cried: "Hail, Cyrus, my lord and master! Fate has given you that title from now henceforward, and thus must I salute you." [20] "All hail to you likewise," answered Cyrus: "we are both of us men.
And tell me now," he continued, "would you be more willing to advise me as a friend ?" "I should be more than glad," said Croesus, "to do you any good.