that tactics and manúuvres and drill were only a small part of all
that is implied in generalship, and when I asked you if you could
teach me the rest of it you bade me betake myself to those who stood
high in repute as great generals, and talk with them and learn from
their lips how each thing should be done. [15] So I consorted with all
I thought to be of authority in these matters. As regards our present
supplies I was persuaded that what Cyaxares intended to provide was
sufficient, and, as for the health of the troops, I was aware that the
cities where health was valued appointed medical officers, and the
generals who cared for their soldiers took out a medical staff; and so
when I found myself in this office I gave my mind to the matter at
once: and I flatter myself, father," he added, "that I shall have with
me an excellent staff of surgeons and physicians." [16] To which the
father made reply, "Well, my son, but these excellent men are, after
all, much the same as the tailors who patch torn garments. When folk
are ill, your doctors can patch them up, but your own care for their
health ought to go far deeper than that: your prime object should be
to save your men from falling ill at all." "And pray, father," asked
Cyrus, "how can I succeed in that?" "Well," answered Cambyses, "I
presume if you are to stay long in one place you will do your best to
discover a healthy spot for your camp, and if you give your mind to
the matter you can hardly fail to find it. Men, we know, are forever
discussing what places are healthy and what are not, and their own
complexions and the state of their own bodies is the clearest
evidence. But you will not content yourself with choosing a site, you
will remember the care you take yourself for your own health." [17]
"Well," said Cyrus, "my first rule is to avoid over-feeding as most
oppressive to the system, and my next to work off all that enters the
body: that seems the best way to keep health and gain strength." "My
son," Cambyses answered, "these are the principles you must apply to