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[1]
But after sending the gifts to Darius, the Scythians who had remained there came out with foot and horse and offered battle to the Persians. But when the Scythian ranks were set in order, a rabbit ran out between the armies; and every Scythian that saw it gave chase. So there was confusion and shouting among the Scythians; Darius asked about the clamor among the enemy; and when he heard that they were chasing a rabbit, he said to those with whom he was accustomed to speak,
But after sending the gifts to Darius, the Scythians who had remained there came out with foot and horse and offered battle to the Persians. But when the Scythian ranks were set in order, a rabbit ran out between the armies; and every Scythian that saw it gave chase. So there was confusion and shouting among the Scythians; Darius asked about the clamor among the enemy; and when he heard that they were chasing a rabbit, he said to those with whom he was accustomed to speak,
[2] “These men hold us in deep contempt; and I think now that
Gobryas' opinion of the
Scythian gifts was true. Since, then, my own judgment agrees with his, we need to consider carefully how we shall return safely.” To this
Gobryas said : “O King, I understood almost by reason alone how difficult it would be to deal with these
Scythians; but when I came here, I understood even better, watching them toying with us.
[3] Now then, my advice is that at nightfall we kindle our campfires in the usual way, deceive those in our army who are least fit to endure hardship, and tether all our asses here, and ourselves depart, before the
Scythians can march straight to the
Ister to break up the bridge, or the
Ionians take some action by which we may well be ruined.”
Histories. Herodotus. ed. A.D. Godley. Cambridge. 1920-1925.
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