Cyropaedia

On both sides of the wheels, moreover, he attached to the axles steel scythes about two cubits long and beneath the axles other scythes pointing down toward the ground; this was so arranged with the intention of hurling the chariots into the midst of the enemy. And as Cyrus constructed them at that time, such even to this day are the chariots in use in the king’s dominions.He also had a large number of camels, some collected from among his friends and some taken in war, all brought together.

Thus these plans were being put into execution. Now, he wished to send some one as a spy into Lydia to find out what the Assyrian was doing, and it seemed to him that Araspas, the guardian of the beautiful woman, was the proper person to go on this mission. Now Araspas’s case had taken a turn like[*](Araspas and Panthea) this: he had fallen in love with the lady and could not resist the impulse to approach her with amorous proposals.

But she repulsed his advances and was true to her husband, although he was far away; for she loved him devotedly. Still, she did not accuse Araspas to Cyrus, for she shrank from making trouble between friends.

But when Araspas, thinking that he should thus further the attainment of his desires, threatened the woman that he would use force if she would not submit willingly, then in fear of outrage the lady no longer kept it secret but[*](She appeals to Cyrus) sent her eunuch to Cyrus with instructions to tell him the whole story.

When Cyrus heard it he laughed outright at the man who had claimed to be superior to the passion of love; and he sent Artabazus back with the eunuch and bade him warn Araspas not to lay violent hands upon such a woman; but if he could win her consent, he himself would interpose no objection.

So, when Artabazus came to Araspas, he rebuked him severely, saying that the woman had been given to him in trust; and he dwelt upon his ungodliness, sinfulness, and sensuality, until Araspas shed bitter tears of contrition and was overwhelmed with shame and frightened to death lest Cyrus should punish him.

So, when Cyrus learned of this he sent for him[*](Cyrus discusses with Araspas his fall) and had a talk with him in private. I see, Araspas, said he, that you are afraid of me and terribly overcome with shame. Do not feel that way, pray; for I have heard say that even gods are victims of love; and as for mortals, I know what even some who are considered very discreet have suffered from love. And I had too poor an opinion of myself to suppose that I should have the strength of will to be thrown in contact with beauty and be indifferent to it. Besides, I am myself responsible for your condition, for it was I that shut you up with this irresistible creature.

Aye, Cyrus, said Araspas, interrupting him, you are in this, just as in everything else, gentle and forgiving of human errors. Other men make me ready to sink with my shame; for ever since the report of my fall got out, my enemies have been exulting over me, while my friends come to me and advise me to keep out of the way, for fear that you punish me for committing so great a wrong.

Let me tell you then, Araspas, said Cyrus, that by reason of this very report which people have heard in regard to you, you are in a position to do me a very great favour and to be of great assistance to our allies. Would that some occasion might arise, answered Araspas, in which I could be of service to you.

If, then, said the other, under pretence[*](Cyrus sends him as a spy) that you were fleeing from me you would go over into the enemy’s country, I believe they would trust you. Aye, by Zeus, said Araspas, and I know that even with my friends I could start the story that I was running away from you.

Then you would return to us, said he, with full information about the enemy’s condition and plans. And I suppose that because of their trusting you they would make you a participant in their discussions and counsels, so that not a single thing that we wish to know would be hidden from you. Depend upon it, said he, I will start at once; and one of the circumstances that will gain my story credence will be the appearance that I have run away because I was likely to be punished by you.