BOOK VIII.
[C.1] Such were the words of Cyrus; and Chrysantas rose up after him, saying, "Gentlemen, this is not the first time I have had occasion to observe that a good ruler differs in no respect from a good father.

Even as a father takes thought that blessings may never fail his children, so Cyrus would commend to us the ways by which we can preserve our happiness.

And yet, on one point, it seemed to me he had spoken less fully than he might; and I will try to explain it for the benefit of those who have not learnt it.

[2] I would have you ask yourselves, was ever a hostile city captured by an undisciplined force?
Did ever an undisciplined garrison save a friendly town?
When discipline was gone, did ever an army conquer?
Is ever disaster nearer than when each solider thinks about his private safety only?
Nay, in peace as in war, can any good be gained if men will not obey their betters?
What city could be at rest, lawful, and orderly?
What household could be safe?
What ship sail home to her haven?
[3] And we, to what do we owe our triumph, if not to our obedience?
We obeyed; we were ready to follow the call by night and day; we marched behind our leader, ranks that nothing could resist; we left nothing half-done of all we were told to do.

If obedience is the one path to win the highest good, remember it is also the one way to preserve it.