Chapter 12 Volume 1 IX

Thus Cyrus ended his life.Those who are supposed to know Cyrus well admit that he was the most majestic and stately Persian since Cyrus the Great.First, when he was still in his early years he was educated with his brothers, etc., and he was considered the best of them in all respects, since all the noblest Persian sons were educated at the royal court .There they are fully taught prudence and self-control; neither hear nor see is base.These children saw before their eyes some men whom the king revered, and others despised;Here, first of all, Cyrus is considered the most humble child among his peers, and he is even more obedient to the elders who are inferior to him.Secondly, he loves horses the most and is good at handling them.He was also considered the most earnest and studious, and the most diligent in practicing military arts such as archery and spear throwing.At the right age, he loves the hunt, and loves not to shy away from danger in his pursuit.

Once, when a bear attacked him, instead of running away, he fought it and was pulled from his horse.He suffered some injuries, the scars remained, but ultimately killed the bear.In addition, he always rewards those who help him first, which is enviable. Also, when he was sent by his father to be governor of Lydia, Greater Phrygia, and Cappadesia, and appointed commander of all the troops assembled in the plain of Castellus, he was first of all faithful; and After anyone makes a contract, an agreement, or makes any promise, he never breaks his promise in any way.It is for this reason that the cities trust in him, and place themselves under his protection, and every man trusts him.Those who had been his enemies, when Cyrus made a treaty with him, were believed to be invulnerable to the breach of the treaty.Therefore, when he had a bad relationship with Tissaphernes, all the cities, except Miritus, voluntarily surrendered to Cyrus instead of Tissaphernes.The Miritus feared him because he was loyal to the Miritus exiles; because he had repeatedly shown in deeds and words that once he had made friends with them he would never turn his back on them, even if they The number becomes smaller, or suffers greater misfortune.

Apparently, whenever anyone did anything good or bad to Cyrus, he always tried to repay it more heavily.In fact, some people often say that he often prays for longevity so that he can repay kindness with kindness, resentment with resentment, and repay each other more. As a result he has more friends following than any man in our time.They earnestly entrust their treasure with their cities, and even their lives with their bodies.But, on the other hand, no one can say that he allows criminals and villains to make fun of him.On the contrary, he is extremely ruthless towards these people.People can often see gangsters who have had their hands and feet cut off or their eyes gouged out on the way.Therefore, in the territory of Cyrus, the Greeks or the Persians, if they make no mistakes, can carry around with them what is useful to them, without fear.

But everyone agrees that he has a special admiration for the warriors of war.On one occasion, for example, he fought against the Pisidians and the Mysians, and personally directed a conquest on their frontiers.Those brave men he found in the army who were not afraid of hardships and dangers were not only appointed governors of the conquered areas, but were rewarded with other rich gifts afterwards.So we see that the brave are the most luxurious and wealthy, while the cowards are considered worthy only to be their slaves.Cyrus had a large number of people who would go through fire and water for him whenever they thought they could be detected.As for the virtue of integrity, Cyrus thought it important if someone excelled in this respect--making such a person live better than those who took ill-gotten gains.Therefore, he not only has many various tasks for everyone to fulfill faithfully for him, but especially he has a veritable army to serve him faithfully.For those generals and captains who came to serve him for money, they all concluded that loyal obedience to Cyrus was more worthwhile than their monthly salary.Moreover, Cyrus never underestimated the enthusiasm of those who did his assigned tasks well.As such, he is said to have the best supporters in every cause.

Also, whenever he sees a person who manages affairs justly and shrewdly, not only can negotiate the area under his jurisdiction, but also can pay taxes, Cyrus never relieves him of his duties, but always expands his jurisdiction.The result is that they are willing to work hard and accumulate wealth with confidence, and that no one hides from Cyrus the wealth he has accumulated, because it is clear that he does not envy the rich who are open and open, but uses those who try to hide their wealth as much as possible. of all. As for making friends, it was all admitted that he was very generous to all he made--those collaborators who proved to be loyal to him and competent in any enterprise he wished to accomplish.

For just as he himself needs friends for the exact purpose of obtaining collaborators, so he himself appears to be an extremely warm and reliable collaborator in his desire to help each friend to his own end.Besides, I think he gets more gifts than anyone else.The reasons are manifold: Of all men he was undoubtedly the most generous in distributing presents to his friends, and he was mindful of everyone's tastes and any special needs each time. He is bestowed with his own attire, whether for war or ornament, and he is said to think that he himself cannot adorn all these things, but that to adorn his friends costly is a man's greatest ornament.Of course, the fact that he surpassed his friends in generosity in favors should come as no surprise.The obvious reason is that he is richer than them.But his help is more sincere and sincere, and I think it is more enviable.For example, when Cyrus got some special wine, he often gave the remaining half bottle to a friend, with the following postscript: "Cyrus said he hadn't had such a good wine for a long time, so he gave it to You, please invite your best friend to drink it up today." He also often sent half a goose, bread, etc., and asked the messenger to post: "Cyrus ate well, so I let you taste it too." Taste." Where fodder was so scarce, he was able, by virtue of his many servants, and by good planning, to obtain fodder for himself, but he always divided it among his friends, and let them feed their own horses, so as not to Get hungry while riding.Whenever he marched, he often called his friends to him and had a sincere talk with them in full view to show who he respected.So from what I have heard, at least I can affirm, that no one, Greek or Persian, was loved by more people.Here is what confirms my conclusion: Although Cyrus was a subject, no one deserted him to the state, except that Orontas tried to do so (and he, mind you, soon found out that He thought that those who were loyal to him were more loyal to Cyrus).On the other hand, after the king and Cyrus became enemies, many people deserted the king and went to Cyrus (and these people were the king's most important people), because they thought that if they behaved well, they would be under Cyrus. Better rewards than following the king.Moreover, what happened at the time of Cyrus' death strongly demonstrates that he was a real man himself, and that he knew how to judge those who were most faithful, sincere, and trustworthy.When he died, all the friends and close companions of the Guard, except Arireus, fought and died in his defense.At this time, Alireus was on the left flank in front of the cavalry. When he learned that Cyrus had been killed, he led the entire army to abandon the formation and flee.