For in that country no one can have such treasures unless the king has given them.

[9] And of whom but the Great King could it be said that through the splendour of his presents he could steal the hearts of men and turn them to himself, away from brothers, fathers, sons?
Who but he could stretch out an arm and take vengeance on his enemies when yet they were months and months away?
Who but Cyrus ever won an empire in war, and when he died was called father by the people he overcame ?--a title that proclaims the benefactor and not the robber.

[10] Indeed, we are led to think that the offices called "the king's eyes" and "the king's ears" came into being through this system of gifts and honours.

Cyrus' munificence toward all who told him what it was well for him to know set countless people listening with all their ears and watching with all their eyes for news that might be of service to him.

[11] Thus there sprang up a host of "king's eyes" and "king's ears," as they were called, known and reputed to be such.