What! (Critobulus exclaimed); do you, Socrates, really believe that
the king of Persia pays a personal regard to husbandry, along with all
his other cares?

Soc. We have only to investigate the matter, Critobulus, and I daresay
we shall discover whether this is so or not. We are agreed that he
takes strong interest in military matters; since, however numerous the
tributary nations, there is a governor to each, and every governor has
orders from the king what number of cavalry, archers, slingers and
targeteers[3] it is his business to support, as adequate to control
the subject population, or in case of hostile attack to defend the
country. Apart from these the king keeps garrisons in all the
citadels. The actual support of these devolves upon the governor, to
whom the duty is assigned. The king himself meanwhile conducts the
annual inspection and review of troops, both mercenary and other, that
have orders to be under arms. These all are simultaneously assembled
(with the exception of the garrisons of citadels) at the mustering
ground,[4] so named. That portion of the army within access of the
royal residence the king reviews in person; the remainder, living in
remoter districts of the empire, he inspects by proxy, sending certain
trusty representatives.[5] Wherever the commandants of garrisons, the
captains of thousands, and the satraps[6] are seen to have their
appointed members complete, and at the same time shall present their
troops equipped with horse and arms in thorough efficiency, these
officers the king delights to honour, and showers gifts upon them
largely. But as to those officers whom he finds either to have
neglected their garrisons, or to have made private gain of their
position, these he heavily chastises, deposing them from office, and
appointing other superintendents[7] in their stead. Such conduct, I
think we may say, indisputably proves the interest which he takes in