A Smaller History of Greece: from the Earliest Times to the Roman ConquestSmith, William
History
A Smaller History of Greece: from the Earliest Times to the Roman Conquest
Smith, William
Greece -- History -- To 146 B.C.
Meanwhile Clearchus had pursued the flying enemy upwards of three
miles; but hearing that the king's troops were victorious on the left
and centre, he retraced his steps, again routing the Persians who
endeavoured to intercept him. When the Greeks regained their camp they
found that it had been completely plundered, and were consequently
obliged to go supperless to rest. It was not till the following day
that they learned the death of Cyrus; tidings which converted their
triumph into sorrow and dismay. They were desirous that Ariaeus who
now commanded the army of Cyrus, should lay claim to the Persian crown,
and offered to support his pretensions; but Ariaeus answered that the
Persian grandees would not tolerate such a claim; that he intended
immediately to retreat; and that, if the Greeks wished to accompany
him, they must join him during the following night. This was
accordingly done; when oaths of reciprocal fidelity were interchanged
between the Grecian generals and Ariaeus, and sanctified by a solemn
sacrifice.
On the following day a message arrived from the Persian King, with a
proposal to treat for peace on equal terms. Clearchus affected to
treat the offer with great indifference, and made it an opportunity for
procuring provisions. "Tell your king," said he to the envoys, "that
we must first fight; for we have had no breakfast, nor will any man
presume to talk to the Greeks about a truce without first providing for
them a breakfast." This was agreed to, and guides were sent to conduct
the Greeks to some villages where they might obtain food. Here they
received a visit from Tissaphernes, who pretended much friendship
towards them, and said that ha had come from the Great King to inquire
the reason of their expedition. Clearchus replied--what was indeed
true of the greater part of the army--that they had not come hither
with any design to attack the king, but had been enticed forwards by
Cyrus under false pretences; that their only desire at present was to
return home; but that, if any obstacle was offered, they were prepared
to repel hostilities. In a day or two Tissaphernes returned and with
some parade stated that he had with great difficulty obtained
permission to SAVE the Greek army; that he was ready to conduct them in
person into Greece; and to supply them with provisions, for which,
however, they were to pay. An agreement was accordingly entered into
to this effect; and after many days delay they commenced the homeward
march. After marching three days they passed through the wall of
Media, which was 100 feet high and 20 feet broad. Two days more
brought them to the Tigris, which they crossed on the following morning
by a bridge of boats. They then marched northward, arriving in four
days at the river Physcus and a large city called Opis. Six days'
further march through a deserted part of Media brought them to some
villages belonging to queen Parysatis, which, out of enmity to her as
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