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
[Footnote 92: I have translated this passage as I think that the drift
of the narrative requires. Krüger refers σπένδοιτο to Clearchus, and
thinks that by ἀυτοῖς τοῖς ἀνδράσι are meant the Persian deputies. Some
critics suppose that by those words the men who were to get provisions
are intended. To me nothing seems consistent with the context but to
refer σπένδοιτο to the king, and to understand by ἀυτοῖς τοῖς ἀνδράσι
the messengers from the Greeks.]
[Footnote 93: Τον ἐπιτήδειον.] Scil. παίεσθαι, _pœnæ idoneum, pœnû
dignum_. Kühner.]
[Footnote 94: Προσελάμβανε.] _Manum operi admovebat._ Kühner.]
[Footnote 95: Τὸν ἐγκέφαλον.] Literally "the brain." Dulcis medulla
earum [palmarum] in cacumine, quod cerebrum appellant. Plin. H. N. xiii.
4. See also Theophr. ii. 8; Galen. de Fac. simpl. Medic. iv. 15. It is
generally interpreted _medulla_, "marrow" or "pith," but it is in
reality a sort of bud at the top of the palm-tree, containing the last
tender leaves, with flowers, and continuing in that state two years
before it unfolds the flower; as appears from Boryd. St. Vincent Itiner.
t. i. p. 223, vers. Germ., who gives his information on the authority of
Du Petit Thouars. The French call it _choux_; the Germans, _Kohl_,
Schneider. "By modern travellers it is called the _cabbage_ of the palm;
it 'is composed' (says Sir Joseph Banks) 'of the rudiments of the future
leaves of the palm-tree, enveloped in the bases or footstalks of the
actual leaves; which enclose them as a tight box or trunk would do.' It
forms a mass of convolutions, exquisitely beautiful and delicate; and
wonderful to appearance, when unfolded. It is also exceedingly delicate
to the taste. Xenophon has justly remarked that the trees from whence it
was taken withered." _Rennell's Illustrations of the Exp. of Cyrus_, p.
118.]
CHAPTER IV.
The Greeks conceive distrust both of Tissaphernes and Ariæus, and
resolve to march apart from the Persians. They commence their march
under the guidance of Tissaphernes, pass the wall of Media, and
cross the Tigris.
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