[5] And while they saw to this he went in to Cyaxares himself, wearing his simple Persian dress without a trace of pomp.

Cyaxares was well pleased at his celerity, but troubled by the plainness of his attire, and said to him, "What is the meaning of this, Cyrus?
How could you show yourself in this guise to the Indians?
I wished you to appear in splendour: it would have done me honour for my sister's son to be seen in great magnificence." [6] But Cyrus made answer: "Should I have done you more honour if I had put on a purple robe, and bracelets for my arms, and a necklace about my neck, and so presented myself at your call after long delay?
Or as now, when to show you respect I obey you with this despatch and bring you so large and fine a force, although I wear no ornament but the dust and sweat of speed, and make no display unless it be to show you these men who are as obedient to you as I am myself." Such were the words of Cyrus, and Cyaxares felt that they were just, and so sent for the Indian ambassadors forthwith.

[7] And when they entered they gave this message:--The king of the Indians bade them ask what was the cause of strife between the Assyrians and the Medes, "And when we have heard you," they said, "our king bids us betake ourselves to the Assyrian and put the same question to him, and in the end we are to tell you both that the king of the Indians, when he has enquired into the justice of the case, will uphold the cause of him who has been wronged." [8] To this Cyaxares replied: "Then take from me this answer: we do the Assyrian no wrong nor any injustice whatsoever.

And now go and make inquiry of him, if you are so minded, and see what answer he will give." Then Cyrus, who was standing by, asked Cyaxares, "May I too say what is in my mind ?" "Say on," answered Cyaxares.

Then Cyrus turned to the ambassadors: "Tell your master," he said, "unless Cyaxares is otherwise minded, that we are ready to do this: if the Assyrian lays any injustice to our charge we choose the king of the Indians himself to be our judge, and he shall decide between us." [9] With that the embassy departed.