... understand, was the manner of it: First, the two armies stood apart and shot their arrows ateach other; then, when their quivers were empty, they closed and fought hand to hand with lances and daggers; ... thousand animals, and burnt, moreover, on the pyre the costly contents of apalace couches covered with silver and gold, coverlets and robes of purple, and golden vials. His subjectswere commanded ... Gobryas set out to attack him, and on the 11 th of March-esvân succeededin surprising and slaying him. With him perished the last hope of the Chaldæans, and the nobles and towns,still hesitating...