[18] And while there is time, Abradatas, be sure to drive along your front and prepare your men for the charge, kindle their courage by your looks, lift up their hearts by your hopes.

Breathe a spirit of emulation into them, to make them prove themselves the flower of the chariot-force.

Be assured if things go well with us all men will say nothing is so profitable as valour." [19] Accordingly Abradatas mounted his chariot and drove along the lines to do as Cyrus bade.
Meanwhile Cyrus went on to the left where Hystaspas was posted with half the Persian cavalry, and he called to him and said: "Hystaspas, here is work to test your pace! If we are quick enough in cutting off their heads, none of us will be slaughtered first." [20] And Hystaspas answered with a laugh: "Leave it to us! We'll see to the men opposite.

But set some one to deal with the fellows on our flank: it would be a pity for them to be idle." And Cyrus answered, "I am going to them myself.

But remember, Hystaspas, to which ever of us God grants the victory, so long as a single foeman is on the field, attack we must, again and again, until the last has yielded." [21] With that he passed on, and as he came to the flank he went up to the officer in command of the chariots and said to him: "Good, I intend to support you myself.