Chapter 5

And so they spent the night, but with day-dawn the generals led the way into the natural fastness, and the others picked up their arms and baggage and followed the lead. Before the breakfast-hour arrived, they had fenced off with a ditch the only side on which lay ingress into the place, and had palisaded off the whole, leaving only three gates. Anon a ship from Heraclea arrived bringing barleymeal, victim animals, and wine.

They spent the night there. At dawn, the generals led the way into the natural stronghold. The others picked up their weapons and baggage and followed. Before breakfast, they dug a ditch across the only side where the stronghold could be entered. They also built a wooden fence around the whole place, leaving only three gates. Soon a ship arrived from Heraclea, bringing barley meal, animals for sacrifice, and wine.

Xenophon was up betimes, and made the usual offering before starting on an expedition, and at the first victim the sacrifice was favourable. Just as the sacrifice ended, the seer, Arexion the Parrhasian, caught sight of an eagle, which boded well, and bade Xenophon lead on. So they crossed the trench and grounded arms. Then proclamation was made by herald for the soldiers to breakfast and start on an expedition under arms; the mob of sutlers and the captured slaves would be left in camp. Accordingly the mass of the troops set out. Neon alone remained; for it seemed best to leave that general and his men to guard the contents of the camp. But when the officers and soldiers had left them in the lurch, they were so ashamed to stop in camp while the rest marched out, that they too set out, leaving only those above five-and-forty years of age.

Xenophon rose early and made the usual offering before setting out on an expedition. The sacrifice was favorable at the first victim. Just as it ended, Arexion the Parrhasian, the seer, spotted an eagle. It was a good omen, so he told Xenophon to lead the way. They crossed the trench and laid down their arms. Then a herald announced that the soldiers should eat breakfast and set out on an expedition, carrying their arms. The crowd of sutlers and the captured slaves would be left in camp. Most of the troops set out. Neon alone stayed behind, for it seemed best to leave him and his men to guard the camp’s contents. But once the officers and soldiers had marched off without them, they were ashamed to stay in camp. So they too set out, leaving only those over forty-five years old.

These then stayed, while the rest set out on the march. Before they had gone two miles, they stumbled upon dead bodies, and when they had brought up the rear of the column in a line with the first bodies to be seen, they began digging graves and burying all included in the column from end to end. After burying the first batch, they advanced, and again bringing the rear even with the first unburied bodies which appeared, they buried in the same way all which the line of troops included. Finally, reaching the road that led out of the villages where the bodies lay thick together, they collected them and laid them in a common grave.

These men stayed behind, while the rest set out. Before they had gone two miles, they came across dead bodies. They moved forward until the rear of the column was level with the first bodies they had seen. Then they dug graves and buried all the bodies along the length of the column. After burying the first group, they moved forward again. They brought the rear level with the first unburied bodies they came to. Then they buried all the bodies along the length of the column in the same way. Finally, they reached the road leading out of the villages, where bodies lay close together. They gathered the bodies and buried them in a common grave.

It was now about midday, when pushing forward the troops up to the villages without entering them, they proceeded to seize provisions, laying hands on everything they could set eyes on under cover of their lines; when suddenly they caught sight of the enemy cresting certain hillocks in front of them, duly marshalled in line—a large body of cavalry and infantry. It was Spithridates and Rhathines, sent by Pharnabazus with their force at their backs. As soon as the enemy caught sight of the Hellenes, they stood still, about two miles distant. Then Arexion the seer sacrificed, and at the first essay the victims were favourable. Whereupon Xenophon addressed the other generals: "I would advise, sirs, that we should detach one or more flying columns to support our main attack, so that in case of need at any point we may have reserves in readiness to assist our main body, and the enemy, in the confusion of battle, may find himself attacking the unbroken lines of troops not hitherto engaged." These views approved themselves to all. "Do you then," said he, "lead on the vanguard straight at the enemy. Do not let us stand parleying here, now that we have caught sight of him and he of us. I will detach the hindmost companies in the way we have decided upon and follow you." After that they quietly advanced, and he, withdrawing the rear-rank companies in three brigades consisting of a couple of hundred men apiece, commissioned the first on the right to follow the main body at the distance of a hundred feet. Samolas the Achaean was in command of this brigade. The duty of the second, under the command of Pyrrhias the Arcadian, was to follow in the centre. The last was posted on the left, with Phrasias, an Athenian, in command. As they advanced, the vanguard reached a large and difficult woody glen, and halted, not knowing whether the obstacle needed to be crossed or not. They passed down the word for the generals and officers to come forward to the front. Xenophon, wondering what it was that stopped the march, and presently hearing the above order passed along the ranks, rode up with all speed. As soon as they were met, Sophaenetus, as the eldest general, stated his opinion that the question, whether a gully of that kind ought to be crossed or not, was not worth discussing. Xenophon, with some ardour, retorted: "You know, sirs, I have not been in the habit hitherto of introducing you to danger which you might avoid. It is not your reputation for courage surely that is at stake, but your safe return home. But now the matter stands thus: It is impossible to retire from this point without a battle; if we do not advance against the enemy ourselves, he will follow us as soon as we have turned our backs and attack us. Consider, then; is it better to go and meet the foe with arms advanced, or with arms reversed to watch him as he assails us on our rear? You know this at any rate, that to retire before an enemy has nothing glorious about it, whereas attack engenders courage even in a coward. For my part, I would rather at any time attack with half my men than retreat with twice the number. As to these fellows, if we attack them, I am sure you do not really expect them to await us; though, if we retreat, we know for certain they will be emboldened to pursue us. Nay, if the result of crossing is to place a difficult gully behind us when we are on the point of engaging, surely that is an advantage worth seizing. At least, if it were left to me, I would choose that everything should appear smooth and passable to the enemy, which may invite retreat; but for ourselves we may bless the ground which teaches us that except in victory we have no deliverance. It astonishes me that any one should deem this particular gully a whit more terrible than any of the other barriers which we have successfully passed. How impassable was the plain, had we failed to conquer their cavalry! how insurmountable the mountains already traversed by us, with all their peltasts in hot pursuit at our heels! Nay, when we have safely reached the sea, the Pontus will present a somewhat formidable gully, when we have neither vessels to convey us away nor corn to keep us alive whilst we stop. But we shall no sooner be there than we must be off again to get provisions. Surely it is better to fight to-day after a good breakfast than to-morrow on an empty stomach. Sirs, the offerings are favourable to us, the omens are propitious, the victims more than promising; let us attack the enemy! Now that they have had a good look at us, these fellows must not be allowed to enjoy their dinners or choose a camp at their own sweet will."

It was now about midday. The troops advanced as far as the villages without entering them. From the safety of their lines, they seized every provision they could see. Suddenly they saw the enemy coming over some low hills ahead, drawn up in line. It was a large force of cavalry and infantry, led by Spithridates and Rhathines, whom Pharnabazus had sent with their troops. As soon as the enemy saw the Hellenes, they halted about two miles away. Then Arexion the seer offered a sacrifice, and the victims proved favorable on the first attempt. Xenophon addressed the other generals: "Gentlemen, I advise that we detach one or more mobile columns to support our main attack. Then, if help is needed anywhere, we will have reserves ready to assist the main body. And in the confusion of battle, the enemy may find himself attacking unbroken lines of troops who have not yet fought." All agreed with him. "Then lead the vanguard straight at the enemy," he said. "Now that we have seen him and he has seen us, let us not stand here talking. I will detach the companies at the rear as we have agreed and follow you." The troops then advanced quietly. Xenophon withdrew the rear companies and formed them into three brigades of two hundred men each. He ordered the first, on the right, to follow the main body at a distance of a hundred feet. Samolas the Achaean commanded this brigade. The second brigade, under Pyrrhias the Arcadian, was to follow in the center. The last was posted on the left, under Phrasias, an Athenian. As they advanced, the vanguard reached a large, rugged, wooded ravine and halted. They did not know whether they needed to cross it. They sent word down the ranks for the generals and officers to come to the front. Xenophon wondered what had stopped the march. When he heard the order passing along the ranks, he rode forward as fast as he could. Once they had gathered, Sophaenetus, the oldest general, said it was not worth discussing whether to cross such a gully. Xenophon replied passionately: "Gentlemen, you know that I have never made a habit of exposing you to danger you could avoid. Surely it is not your reputation for courage that is at stake, but your safe return home. But now we cannot retreat from here without a battle. If we do not advance against the enemy ourselves, he will follow and attack us as soon as we turn our backs. "Consider this: is it better to meet the enemy with our weapons facing him, or turned away, watching him attack our rear? You know, at least, that there is no glory in retreating before an enemy. But an attack gives courage even to a coward. For my part, I would always rather attack with half my men than retreat with twice as many. "If we attack these fellows, I am sure you do not really expect them to stand their ground. But if we retreat, we know for certain that they will be encouraged to pursue us. And if crossing leaves a difficult gully behind us just as we are about to fight, surely that is an advantage worth taking. If it were up to me, I would make everything look smooth and passable to the enemy, to encourage them to retreat. But for ourselves, we should be thankful for ground that teaches us we can escape only through victory. "I am astonished that anyone should think this gully any more frightening than the other obstacles we have successfully passed. How impassable the plain would have been if we had failed to defeat their cavalry! How impossible it would have been to cross the mountains we have already passed, with all their peltasts in hot pursuit! Even when we reach the sea safely, the Pontus will be a rather formidable gully. For we will have neither ships to carry us away nor grain to keep us alive while we stay there. As soon as we get there, we will have to leave again to find provisions. "Surely it is better to fight today after a good breakfast than tomorrow on an empty stomach. Gentlemen, the offerings favor us, the omens are good, and the victims are more than promising. Let us attack the enemy! Now that these fellows have had a good look at us, we must not let them enjoy their dinners or choose a camp as they please."

After that the officers bade him lead on. None gainsaid, and he led the way. His orders were to cross the gully, where each man chanced to find himself. By this method, as it seemed to him, the troops would more quickly mass themselves on the far side than was possible, if they defiled along¹ the bridge which spanned the gully. But once across he passed along the line and addressed the troops: "Sirs, call to mind what by help of the gods you have already done. Bethink you of the battles you have won at close quarters with the foe; of the fate which awaits those who flee before their foes. Forget not that we stand at the very doors of Hellas. Follow in the steps of Heracles, our guide, and cheer each the other onwards by name. Sweet were it surely by some brave and noble word or deed, spoken or done this day, to leave the memory of oneself in the hearts of those one loves."

After that, the officers told him to lead on. No one objected, and he led the way. He ordered each man to cross the gully wherever he happened to be. He thought the troops would gather on the far side more quickly this way. Otherwise, they would have to march in single file along¹ the bridge over the gully. Once across, he went along the line and addressed the troops: "Men, remember what you have already done with the gods' help. Remember the battles you have won fighting the enemy at close quarters. Remember what happens to those who flee from their enemies. Do not forget that we stand at the very doors of Hellas. Follow Heracles, our guide, and call out encouragement to one another by name. How wonderful it would be to do or say something brave and noble today. Then those we love would remember us in their hearts."

These words were spoken as he rode past, and simultaneously he began leading on the troops in battle line; and, placing the peltasts on either flank of the main body, they moved against the enemy. Along the line the order had sped "to keep their spears at rest on the right shoulder until the bugle signal; then lower them for the charge, slow march, and even pace, no one to quicken into a run." Lastly, the watchword was passed, "Zeus the Saviour, Heracles our Guide." The enemy waited their approach, confident in the excellence of his position; but as they drew closer the Hellene light troops, with a loud alala! without waiting for the order, dashed against the foe. The latter, on their side, came forward eagerly to meet the charge, both the cavalry and the mass of the Bithynians; and these turned the peltasts. But when with counter-wave the phalanx of the heavy infantry rapidly advancing, faced them, and at the same time the bugle sounded, and the battle hymn rose from all lips, and after this a loud cheer rose, and at the same instant they couched their spears;—at this conjuncture the enemy no longer welcomed them, but fled. Timasion with his cavalry followed close, and, considering their scant numbers, they did great execution. It was the left wing of the enemy, in a line with which the Hellene cavalry were posted, that was so speedily scattered. But the right, which was not so hotly pursued, collected upon a knoll; and when the Hellenes saw them standing firm, it seemed the easiest and least dangerous course to go against them at once. Raising the battle hymn, they straightway fell upon them, but the others did not await their coming. Thereupon the peltasts gave chase until the right of the enemy was in its turn scattered, though with slight loss in killed; for the enemy's cavalry was numerous and threatening.

He spoke these words as he rode past and began leading the troops forward in battle formation. With the peltasts on either side of the main body, they advanced against the enemy. The order passed along the line: "Keep your spears on your right shoulders until the bugle sounds. Then lower them for the charge. March slowly and at an even pace. No one is to break into a run." Finally, the watchword was passed along: "Zeus the Saviour, Heracles our Guide." The enemy waited for them, confident in the strength of their position. But as the Hellenes drew closer, their light troops rushed at the enemy with a loud alala! They did not wait for the order. The enemy cavalry and the mass of the Bithynians eagerly advanced to meet the charge and drove back the peltasts. But the phalanx of heavy infantry advanced rapidly to face them. At the same time, the bugle sounded, and everyone sang the battle hymn. Then a loud cheer went up, and the infantry lowered their spears. At this, the enemy no longer welcomed their approach and fled. Timasion followed close behind with his cavalry. Though few in number, they killed many of the enemy. The enemy's left wing, opposite the Hellene cavalry, was quickly scattered. But the right wing was not pursued so fiercely and gathered on a knoll. When the Hellenes saw them standing firm, they thought it easiest and least dangerous to attack them at once. They raised the battle hymn and charged, but the enemy did not wait for them. The peltasts then gave chase until the enemy's right wing was scattered too. Few were killed, however, because the enemy's cavalry was numerous and threatening.

But when the Hellenes saw the cavalry of Pharnabazus still standing in compact order, and the Bithynian horsemen massing together as if to join it, and like spectators gazing down from a knoll at the occurrences below; though weary, they determined to attack the enemy as best they could, and not suffer him to recover breath with reviving courage. So they formed in compact line and advanced. Thereupon the hostile cavalry turned and fled down the steep as swiftly as if they had been pursued by cavalry. In fact they sought the shelter of a gully, the existence of which was unknown to the Hellenes. The latter accordingly turned aside too soon and gave up the chase, for it was too late. Returning to the point where the first encounter took place they erected a trophy, and went back to the sea about sunset. It was something like seven miles to camp.

But the Hellenes saw that the cavalry of Pharnabazus still stood in a close formation. The Bithynian horsemen were gathering as if to join them, watching the events below from a hill like spectators. Though tired, the Hellenes decided to attack the enemy as best they could. They would not let the enemy catch their breath and regain their courage. So they formed a close line and advanced. The enemy cavalry turned and fled down the steep slope, as fast as if cavalry were pursuing them. In fact, they were seeking shelter in a gully that the Hellenes did not know was there. As a result, the Hellenes turned aside too soon and abandoned the chase, for it was too late. They returned to the place where the first encounter had taken place and erected a trophy. Then they went back to the sea around sunset. It was about seven miles to camp.