11 Xenophon’s Anabasis

After this Cheirisophus [a Spartan] said: “We all shall be able to consider presently whether we need to do anything else besides what Xenophon proposes, but on the proposals which he has already made I think it best for us to vote as speedily as possible. Whoever is in favour of these measures, let him raise his hand.” They all raised their hands.

Then Xenophon arose once more and said: “Give ear, gentlemen, to the further proposals I have to present. It is clear tat we must make our way to a place where we can get provisions; and I here that there are fine villages at a distance of not more than twenty stadia. We should not be surprised, then, if the enemy – after the fashion of cowardly dogs that chase passers-by and bite them, if they can, but run away from anyone who chases them – if the enemy in the same way should follow at our heels as we retire. Hence it will be safer, perhaps, for us to march with hoplites formed into a hollow square, so that the baggage train and the great crowd of camp followers may be in a safer place. If, then, it should be settled at once who are to lead the square and marshal the van, who are to be on either flank, and who to guard the rear, we should not be taking counsel at the time when the enemy comes upon us, but we should find our men at once in their places ready for action. Now if anyone sees another plan, which is better, let us follow that plan; but if not, I propose that Cheirisophus take the lead, especially since he is a Lacedaemonian [a Spartan], that the two oldest generals have charge of the two flanks, and that, for the present, we who are the youngest, command the rear. And for the future, as we make trial of this formation we can adopt whatever course may seem from time to time to be best. If anyone sees a better plan, let him present it.” No one having any opposing view to express, Xenophon said: “Whoever is in favour of these measures, let him raise his hand.” The motion was carried. “And now,” (Nun toinun) he continued (ephé), “we must go back [i.e. back to Greece] and put into execution what has been resolved upon (apiontas dei poiein ta dedogmena). And whoever among you desires to see his friends again, let him remember to show himself a brave man; for in no other way can he accomplish this desire. Again, whoever is desirous of saving his life, let him strive for victory; for it is the victors that slay and the defeated that are slain. Or if anyone longs for wealth, let him also strive to conquer; for conquerors not only keep their own possessions, but gain the possessions of the conquered.”

After these words of Xenophon’s the assembly arose, and all went back to camp and proceeded to burn the wagons and tents. As for the superfluous articles of baggage, whatever anybody needed they shared with one another, but the rest they threw into the fire. When they had done all this, they set about preparing breakfast; and while they were so engaged, Mithradates approached with about thirty horsemen, summoned the Greek generals within earshot, and spoke as follows: “Men of Greece, I was faithful to Cyrus, as you know for yourselves, and I am now friendly to you; indeed I am tarrying here in great fear. Therefore I should see that you were taking salutary measures, I should join you and take all my retainers with me. Tell me, then, what you have in mind, in the assurance that I am your friend and well-wisher, and am desirous of making the journey in company with you.” The generals held council and voted to return the following answer, Cheirisophus acting as spokesman: “It is our resolve, in case no one hinders our homeward march, to proceed through the country doing he least possible damage, but if anyone tries to prevent us from making the journey, to fight it out with him to the best of our power.” Thereupon Mithradates undertook to show that there was no possibility of their effecting a safe return unless the King so pleased. Then it became clear to the Greeks that his mission was a treacherous one; indeed, one of Tissaphernes’ relatives had followed along, to see that he kept faith. The generals consequently decided that it was best to pass a decree that there should be no negotiations with the enemy in this war as long as they should be in the enemy’s country. For the barbarians kept coming and tying to corrupt the soldiers; in the case of one captain, Nicarchus the Arcadian, they actually succeeded, and he decamped during the night, taking with him about twenty men.

After this they took breakfast, crossed the Zapatas river, and set out on the march in the formation decided upon, with the baggage animals and the camp followers in the middle of the square (ta hupozygia kai ton ochlon en mesói echontes). They had not proceeded far when Mithradates appeared again, accompanied by about two hundred horsemen and by bowmen and slingers – exceedingly active and nimble troops – to the number of four hundred. He approached the Greeks as if he were a friend, but when his party had got close at hand, on a sudden some of them, horse and foot alike, began shooting with their bows and others with slings, and they inflicted wounds. And the Greek rearguard, while suffering severely, could not retaliate at all; for the Cretan bowmen not only had a shorter range than the Persians, but besides, since they had no armour, they were shut in within the lines of the hoplites; and the Greek javelin-men could not throw far enough to reach the enemy slingers. Xenophon consequently decided that they must pursue the Persians, and this they did, with such of the hoplites and peltasts as were guarding the rear with him; but in their pursuit they failed to catch a single man of the enemy. For the Greeks had no horsemen, and their foot-soldiers were not able to overtake the enemy’s foot-soldiers – since the latter had a long start in their flight – within a short distance; and a long pursuit, far away of the main Greek army, was not possible. Again, the barbarian horsemen even while they were in flight would inflict wounds by shooting behind them from their horses; and whatever distance the Greeks might at any time cover in their pursuit, all that distance they were obliged to fall back in fighting. The result was that during the whole day they travelled not more than twenty five stadia. They did arrive, however, towards evening at the villages.