midday
-LSB- 22 -RSB- `` And ours too , '' they all cried , `` ours too , in heaven 's name ! '' Then Cyrus spoke : `` Gentlemen , since we are all so well agreed , suppose we make it a rule that every one who receives a horse from me shall be considered to disgrace himself if he is seen trudging afoot , be his journey long or short ? '' -LSB- 23 -RSB- Thus Cyrus put the question , and one and all assented ; and hence it is that even to this day the custom is retained , and no Persian of the gentle class would willingly be seen anywhere on foot . -LSB- C. 4 -RSB- In this debate their time was spent , and when it was past midday the Median cavalry and the Hyrcanians came galloping home , bringing in men and horses from the enemy , for they had spared all who surrendered their arms . -LSB- 2 -RSB- As they rode up the first inquiry of Cyrus was whether all of them were safe , and when they answered yes , he asked what they had achieved . And they told their exploits in detail , and how bravely they had borne themselves , magnifying it all . -LSB- 3 -RSB- Cyrus heard their story through with a pleasant smile , and praised them for their work .