But
in these points, let us say, you realize that our present
situation is better; you believe, however, that the rivers are a
difficulty, and you think you were immensely deceived when you
crossed them;e.g., the
Tigris (Xen. Anab.
2.4.13-24). then consider whether this is not
really a surpassingly foolish thing that the barbarians have
done.viz., in leading the
Greeks across (i.e. to the eastern bank of) the Tigris. For, Xenophon
argues (see below), the Greeks will now be compelled to
march to the source of the river in order to cross, and
hence will be living on the country so much the longer a
time. For all rivers, even though they be impassable
at a distance from their sources, become passable, without even
wetting your knees, as you approach toward the
sources.
But
assume that the rivers will not afford us a crossing and that we
shall find no one to guide us; even in that case we ought not to
be despondent. For we know that the Mysians, whom we should not
admit to be better men than ourselves, inhabit many large and
prosperous cities in the King’s territory, we know that the same
is true of the Pisidians, and as for the LycaoniansPeoples of Asia Minor who were
in almost constant rebellion against Persian authority; cp.
esp. Xen. Anab. 1.2.19,
Xen. Anab.
2.5.13. we even saw with our own eyes that
they had seized the strongholds in the plains and were reaping
for themselves the lands of these Persians;
so, in our case, my own view would
be that we ought not yet to let it be seen that we have set out
for home; we ought, rather, to be making our arrangements as if
we intended to settle here. For I know that to the Mysians the
King would not only give plenty of guides, but plenty of
hostages, to guarantee a safe conduct for them out of his
country; in fact, he would build a road for them, even if they
wanted to take their departure in four-horse chariots. And I
know that he would be thrice glad to do the same for us, if he
saw that we were preparing to stay here.
I really fear, however, that if we
once learn to live in idleness and luxury, and to consort with
the tall and beautiful women and maidens of these Medes and
Persians, we may, like the lotus-eaters,An allusion to Hom. Od.
9.94 ff. forget our homeward
way.
Therefore, I think it is right and
proper that our first endeavour should be to return to our
kindred and friends in Greece, and to point out to the Greeks that it
is by their own choice that they are poor; for they could bring
here the people who are now living a hard life at home, and
could see them in the enjoyment of riches.It is really a plain fact, gentlemen, that all these
good things belong to those who have the strength to possess
them;
but I must go on to another point,
how we can march most safely and, if we have to fight, can fight
to the best advantage. In the first place, then, Xenophon
proceeded, I think we should burn up the wagons
which we have, so that our cattle may not be our captains, but
we can take whatever route may be best for the army. Secondly,
we should burn up our tents also; for these, again, are a bother
to carry, and no help at all either for fighting or for
obtaining provisions.
Furthermore, let us abandon all our
other superfluous baggage, keeping only such articles as we use
for war, or in eating and drinking, in order that we may have
the largest possible number of men under arms and the least
number carrying baggage. For when men are conquered, you are
aware that all their possessions become the property of others;
but if we are victorious, we may regard the enemy as our
pack-bearers.
It
remains for me to mention the one matter which I believe is
really of the greatest importance. You observe that our enemies
did not muster up courage to begin hostilities against us until
they had seized our generals; for they believed that so long as
we had our commanders and were obedient to them, we were able to
worst them in war, but when they had got possession of our
commanders, they believed that the want of leadership and of
discipline would be the ruin of us.
Therefore our present commanders
must show themselves far more vigilant than their predecessors,
and the men in the ranks must be far more orderly and more
obedient to their commanders now than they used to
be.
We must pass a vote that, in case
anyone is disobedient, whoever of you may be at hand at the time
shall join with the officer in punishing him; in this way the
enemy will find themselves mightily deceived; for to-day they
will behold, not one Clearchus,Clearchus was notoriously a stern disciplinarian; cp. Xen. Anab. 2.6.8 ff.
but ten thousand, who will not suffer anybody to be a bad
soldier.
But it is time now to be acting
instead of talking; for perhaps the enemy will soon be at hand.
Whoever, then, thinks that these proposals are good should
ratify them with all speed, that they may be carried out in
action. But if any other plan is thought better than mine, let
anyone, even though he be a private soldier, feel free to
present it; for the safety of all is the need of all.
After this Cheirisophus said: We shall be able to consider presently whether we
need to do anything else besides what Xenophon proposes, but on
the proposals which he has already made I think it is best for
us to vote as speedily as possible. Whoever is in favour of
these measures, let him raise his hand.
They all raised their hands.Then
Xenophon arose once more and said: Give ear,
gentlemen, to the further proposals I have to present. It is
clear that we must make our way to a place where we can get
provisions; and I hear that there are fine villages at a
distance of not more than twenty stadia.
We should not be surprised, then, if
the enemy—after the fashion of cowardly dogs that chase
passers-by and bite them, if they can, but run away from anyone
who chases them—if the enemy in the same way should follow at
our heels as we retire.
Hence it will be safer, perhaps, for
us to march with the hoplites formed into a hollow square, so
that the baggage train and the great crowd of camp followers may
be in a safer place. If, then, it should be settled at once who
are to lead the square and marshal the van, who are to be on
either flank, and who to guard the rear, we should not need to
be taking counsel at the time when the enemy comes upon us, but
we should find our men at once in their places ready for
action.
Now if anyone sees another plan
which is better, let us follow that plan; but if not, I propose
that Cheirisophus take the lead, especially since he is a
Lacedaemonian, that the two oldest generals have charge of the
two flanks, and that, for the present, we who are the youngest,
Timasion and I, command the rear.
And for the future, as we make trial
of this formation we can adopt whatever course may seem from
time to time to be best. If anyone sees a better plan, let him
present it. No one having any opposing view to express,
Xenophon said: Whoever is in favour of these
measures, let him raise his hand. The motion was
carried.
And now, he continued, we must go back and put into execution what has
been resolved upon. And whoever among you desires to see his
friends again, let him remember to show himself a brave man; for
in no other way can he accomplish this desire. Again, whoever is
desirous of saving his life, let him strive for victory; for it
is the victors that slay and the defeated that are slain. Or if
anyone longs for wealth, let him also strive to conquer; for
conquerors not only keep their own possessions, but gain the
possessions of the conquered.