Xenophon is not more a philosopher than a "philanthropist." He is full of compassion for human weaknesses.
C1.44.Exit Araspas, to be baptised under this cloud of ignominy into the sunshine of recognised joyous serviceableness.
C1.45.We grow fonder than ever of Pantheia.
C1.50.

Irony: the chariots that are to cost Abradatas his life hereafter.

Is this tale "historic" at all?
I mean, did Xenophon find or hear any such story current?
What is the relation, if any, to it of Xenophon Ephesius, Antheia, and Abrocomas?
[_Xenophon Ephesius_, a late writer of romances.] Had that writer any echo of the names in his head?
What language are "Pantheia" and "Abradatas"?
C1.52.All very well, but the author hasn't told us anything about the construction of these {mekhanai}, these battering engines, before, to prepare us for this.

Is that a slip, or how explainable?
I think he is betrayed into the description by reason of his interest in such strategic matters.

The expression is intelligible enough to any one who knows about engines, just as we might speak of the butt or the stanchion, or whatever it be.
C2.1-3.