Cyrus The Younger - Xenophon's Account of Cyrus' Life

Xenophon's Account of Cyrus' Life

Xenophon says that all who knew Cyrus well say that he was the most worthy of being king of all those born since Cyrus the Great. When he was a child, he was taught with his brother and the other children, and he was considered the best of everyone in all things. And he learned how to rule and how to be ruled. And Cyrus was the most respectful to his elders. And he loved horses and he was the best in using his horses. He was the most eager and diligent to learn the things of war, both archery and javelin-throwing. When he was old enough, he was fond of hunting and was not afraid of dangerous animals. And once he did not flee a bear attacking him, but having grappled with it he was dragged down from his horse, and here he suffered the wounds of which he later had scars. And in the end he killed the bear. Cyrus made the first person who came to help him enviable to many people.

When Cyrus was sent by his father to be Satrap it was very important to him that if he should promise anything to anybody, it would not be a lie. And Cyrus made sure that anyone who had formerly been his enemy but had made a peace treaty would not suffer anything in violation of the treaty. Therefore all the cities liked him, and when fought against Tissaphernes, all the cities chose to support Cyrus except Miletus. And whenever anyone did Cyrus good or bad, Cyrus took care to pay him back double. Most of all, Cyrus honored those men brave in war. He appointed those who chose danger in battle archons of the land which he subdued, and he honored them with other gifts. For that reason, there was an abundance of men willing to face danger whenever they thought Cyrus might see them. And if he saw anyone managing his region well and making money, Cyrus did not envy him and did not try to take his money, but instead gave him more money. But Cyrus did try to take the money of men who hid it.

Cyrus made friends so that he would have enough helpers for whatever he wanted to accomplish. And he gave gifts to his friends paying attention to what each one desired and needed. Cyrus himself received so many clothes, both for war and for decoration, as gifts that he said he would not be able to wear them all and instead gave them out. For he thought that well-decorated friends was the best decoration a man could have. And while it is not surprising that he outdid his friends in giving gifts, because he was more able, he is praiseworthy because he outdid his friends in thoughtfulness and desire to do favors. For Cyrus often sent half-empty jars of wine whenever he received a very sweet wine, saying that he had not for a long time happened upon a sweeter wine. Sending wine, Cyrus said "I send this to you and order you to drink it up on this day with the people you love best." And often Cyrus sent half-eaten gooses or loaves of bread and ordered the bearer to say this message: "Cyrus was pleased by these things. Therefore, he wants you to taste them too." Whenever there was a shortage of fodder, Cyrus could get some on account of his having a lot helpers and his forethought. And he sent it to his friends and ordered them to feed the horses carrying them, lest they hunger while carrying his friends. And whenever he was marching a bunch of people came to see him, he summoned his friends together and talked with them, that he might show whom he honored. For all these reasons, no one either Greek or barbarian was ever loved by more people. And therefore, all his friends did not abandon him, but fought together with him until the end of his life, because Cyrus knew how to pick friends who were friendly and trustworthy and reliable.