The First Four Books of Xenophon's AnabasisXenophon
History
The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis
Xenophon
Cyrus, the Younger, approximately 423 B.C.-401 B.C.; Iran -- History -- To 640
4. Their entrance upon the territory of the Carduchi they made in the
following manner, endeavouring at once to escape observation, and to
anticipate the enemy in getting possession of the heights. 5. When it
was about the last watch, and enough of the night was left to allow them
to cross the plain under cover of the darkness, they arose at a given
signal, and, marching onwards, reached the hills by break of day. 6.
Here Cheirisophus took the lead of the army, having with him both his
own men and all the light-armed; while Xenophon brought up the rear with
the heavy-armed troops, having not a single light-armed soldier; for
there seemed to be no danger that any of the enemy would attack them in
the rear as they were marching up the mountains. Cheirisophus indeed
mounted the summit before any of the enemy perceived him; he then led
slowly forward; 7. and each portion of the army, as it passed the summit
in succession, followed him to the villages which lay in the windings
and recesses of the mountains.[176] 8. The Carduchi, in consequence,
quitting their dwellings, and taking with them their wives and children,
fled to the hills. There was plenty of provisions left for the Greeks to
take; and the houses were furnished with great numbers of brazen
utensils, none of which the Greeks took away. Nor did they pursue the
people, being inclined to spare them, if perchance the Carduchi, since
they were enemies to the king, might consent to allow them to pass
through their country as that of friends; 9, the provisions, however, as
many as fell in their way, they carried off; for it was a matter of
necessity to do so. But as for the Carduchi themselves, they would
neither listen when they called, nor did they give any other sign of
friendly feeling.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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