[3] When Cyrus heard of their intention, he took up his post in the centre of his troops with his own staff round him and sent orders to the infantry for the wings to double back on either side, marching past the stationary centre of the line, until they met in the rear exactly opposite himself.

[4] Thus the men in front were immediately encouraged by the doubling of their depth, and those who retired were equally cheered, for they saw that the others would encounter the enemy first.

The two wings being united, the power of the whole force was strengthened, those behind being protected by those in front and those in front supported by those behind.

[5] When the phalanx was thus folded back on itself, both the front and the rear ranks were formed of picked men, a disposition that seemed calculated to encourage valour and check flight.

On the flanks, the cavalry and the light infantry were drawn nearer and nearer to the commander as the line contracted.