[8] And when Araspas, my warder, turned from him, I promised, if he would let me send for you, I would bring him a friend in the other's place, far nobler and more faithful." [9] And as Pantheia spoke, Abradatas listened with rapture to her words, and when she ended, he laid his hand upon her head, and looking up to heaven he prayed aloud: "O most mighty Zeus, make me worthy to be Pantheia's husband, and the friend of Cyrus who showed us honour!" [10] Then he opened the driver's seat and mounted the car, and the driver shut the door, and Pantheia could not take him in her arms again, so she bent and kissed the chariot-box.

Then the car rolled forward and she followed unseen till Abradatas turned and saw her and cried, "Be strong, Pantheia, be of a good heart! Farewell, and hie thee home!" [11] Thereupon her chamberlains and her maidens took her and brought her back to her own carriage, and laid her down and drew the awning.

But no man, of all who was there that day, splendid as Abradatas was in his chariot, had eyes to look on him until Pantheia had gone.
[12] Meanwhile Cyrus had found the victims favourable, and his army was already drawn up in the order he had fixed.

He had scouts posted ahead, one behind the other, and then he called his officers together for his final words: [13] "Gentlemen, my friends and allies, the sacred signs from heaven are as they were the day the gods gave us victory before, and I would call to your minds thoughts to bring you gladness and confidence for the fight.

[14] You are far better trained than your enemies, you have lived together and worked together far longer than they, you have won victories together.