Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

52 CYRUS AND THE MASSAGETJS.soldiers, Cyrus at once arrested the slaughter and promisedunqualified amnesty to all who should surrender.In all his conquests Cyrus was wont to leave the civil governmentin the hands of the ancient officials of each people,under his own supreme control, keeping a military hold uponthe country by suitable garrisons.He was the first to show abroad conception of the best manner in which the elements ofa new empire may firmly be consolidated.Later on (b. c. 538-529), Cyrus extended his conquests tothe Scythians, in the territories east of the Caspian Sea.is said to have thrown a bridge over the Jaxartes, and to havebuilt boats surmounted by towers to aid hun in driving awaythe barbarians from the farther bank, and thus enable him toput over his army.According to the legend, the Massagetae were as frank andloyal as they were independent and warlike. They first triedto dissuade Cyrus from his purposed invasion of their landbut failing in their negotiations, they offered to withdraw fromthe river three days' journey and await Cyrus' approach ; orCyrus might do the like and they would cross to meet him.Cyrus accepted the first proposition, crossed, marched onwardthree days and camped, spreading out a vast store of provisions,wines and Persian luxuries. He then left a rear-guardin the camp and simidated retreat. The Massagetae attackedthe camp, routed the few men left there, and fell to enjoyingthe unwonted good cheer. Hereupon Cyrus returned by aspeedy and secret march, fell upon them in the midst of theirrevelries, and utterly defeated them. The legend may haveno value except as indicating the sort of stratagem on a largescale which a general then might be able to practice. It isnot very different in principle from some stratagems of moderntimes. Not long after, it is said, Cyrus fell in battle withthese same Massagetse, and his army was totally annihilated.He