THE RETREAT OF THE TEN THOUSAND. 237

them, a volunteer, with no rank in the army, but
with ample courage, brought back by brave words
hope to their souls. This man, an Athenian, Xeno-
phon by name, and one of the disciples of Socrates
the philosopher, had an encouraging dream in the
night, and at once rose, called into council the
captains of the host, and advised them to select new
generals to take the place of the four who had been
seized. This was done, Xenophon, being one of the
new leaders. At daybreak the army was called
together, told what had been done in the night, and
asked to confirm the action of their captains. This
they did.

Xenophon, the orator of the army, now made
them a stirring speech. He told them that they
need not fear the Persians, who were cowards and
traitors, as they knew. If provisions were no longer
furnished them, they could take them for themselves.
If rivers were to be crossed, they could march up
their course and wade them where not deep. “ Let
us burn our baggage-wagons and tents, and carry
only what is strictly needful. Above all, let us main-
tain discipline and obedience to commanders. Now
is the time for action. If any man has anything
better to suggest, let him state it. We all have but
one object,—the common safety.” (

No one had anything better to suggest; the army
enthusiastically accepted Xenophon’s plan of action,
and soon they were on the march again, with Tissa-
phernes, their late guide, now their open foe. They
marched in a hollow oblong body, with the baggage
in the centre. Here also walked the women, of