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

54 SCYTHIAN STRATEGY.constant threats on the Persian rear and line of retreat ; theyplanned numberless attempts to seize the bridges on the Danube;they destroyed the crops and filled up the springs.These acts were not done in an irrational manner, but withthe greatest forethought. They never so entirely devastateda province as to cause the Persians to turn back, for they desiredto lure them on to their ruin. They retired from beforeDarius through the territory, not of friends, but of lukewarmtribes, so that these, irritated by the burden of war, should becompelled to cast in their lot with the others. They retiredin three bodies by three eccentric lines, thus preventing Darius,who desired to bring them to battle, from overwhelmingthem at one blow, and by this means led him astray. Thispolicy utterly exhausted the vast host of the Persian king inthe course of a few weeks and compelled its withdrawal.It was fortunate for Darius that the Greeks who were leftto guard the bridge decided to remain faithful. Miltiadeswas among them, and advised its destruction so as to deala fatal blow to the Persians. His counsel did not prevail.The coup de grace was reserved for him to give at Marathon.So hot was the pursuit of the barbarians, so constantly andeffectively did they harass his rear, that Darius was obligedto resort to a ruse and make a sudden night march to withdrawfrom their front. The ruse was the leaving of the sickand non-combatants behind with the pack-train, while Dariusmarched away with all his effective troops. The Scythianssaw the campfires and heard the braying of the asses, and naturallysupposed the Persians still in camp. This was a barbarousbut typical stratagem of the day.So soon as the Scythians discovered Darius' retreat, theyset out by the shortest route for the bridges, purjiosing to destroythem, or to head off Darius in his attempt to reach them.Darius, ignorant of the way, had retired by the circuitous