Histories

​After the gifts had arrived, the remaining Scythians drew up in opposition to the Persians and Darius with infantry and cavalry, intending to join battle. As the Scythians were drawn up, a hare darted through the midst of them. When they, each group of them, saw the hare, they began to chase it. Since the Scythians were thrown into confusion and raised a great shout, Darius inquired about the tumult of the enemy; and when he learned that they were chasing the hare, he said to those with whom he was accustomed to speak on other matters: ”These men hold us in great contempt, and now indeed Gobryas seems to me to have spoken correctly about the Scythian gifts. Since, therefore, things already seem to me myself to be so, we need good counsel, so that our return journey back may be made in safety.” To this Gobryas said: “O King, I was already almost well aware by report of the difficulty of dealing with these men, but having come here I have learned it still better, seeing them making sport of us.

​Now therefore, it seems best to me that, as soon as night comes on, we should kindle our campfires as we are accustomed to do at other times, and, after deceiving the weakest of the soldiers into their hardships and binding all the donkeys fast, we should depart, before the Scythians can either march straight to the Ister to destroy the bridge, or some decision is resolved upon by the Ionians which will be able to bring about our ruin.”