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The whole of the infantry was under the command of these generals,
excepting the Ten Thousand. The Ten Thousand, who were all
Persians and all picked men, were led by Hydarnes, the son of
Hydarnes. They were called "the Immortals," for the following
reason. If one of their body failed either by the stroke of death or
of disease, forthwith his place was filled up by another man, so that
their number was at no time either greater or less than 10,000.
Of all the troops the Persians were adorned with the greatest
magnificence, and they were likewise the most valiant. Besides their
arms, which have been already described, they glittered all over with
gold, vast quantities of which they wore about their persons. They
were followed by litters, wherein rode their concubines, and by a
numerous train of attendants handsomely dressed. Camels and
sumpter-beasts carried their provision, apart from that of the other soldiers.
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