Impostor or Man of Taste?
Cyrus engages with sour-tempered brigadier named Aglaïtadas over the issue of what distinguishes an impostor from one who acts like an impostor, but is not through the use of metaphor by explaining that an impostor is person pointing out that an impostor “is a man who claims to be wealthier or braver than he is in fact, and who undertakes what he can never carry out, and all this for the sake of gain.” By contrast, “he who contrives mirth for his friends, not for his own profit, or his hearers' loss, or to injure any man” is not an impostor, but “a man of taste and breeding and a messenger of wit.”
Cyrus the Great and Glorious
Ambiguity on the part of the greatness of Cyrus is not an issue in the text. Conflict over the inherent qualities of Cyrus do not figure even as his education reveals that, like all men, he learns and acquires the essential skills for attaining greatness. By the end, his status is firmly stated beyond doubt. Cyrus was the Father of His Country long before Washington was ever awarded that designation:
“the whole of this enormous empire was governed by the mind and will of a single man, Cyrus: his subjects he cared for and cherished as a father might care for his children, and they who came beneath his rule reverenced him like a father.”
Martial Leadership: A Symphony
The education of Cyrus is greatly devoted to the powers of generalship. Surprisingly, perhaps, these lessons are drilled into his head through a metaphorical analogy with learning to play music:
"Indeed, as an ardent student, you must not confine yourself to the lessons you have learnt; you must show yourself a creator and discoverer, you must invent stratagems against the foe; just as a real musician is not content with the mere elements of his art, but sets himself to compose new themes."
Mixing Metaphors
Cyrus gives a rousing speech to the troops as great generals are apt to do. The reception to his rousing speech is plainly described: “the whole assembly rose to express their eagerness and assent.” Maybe so, but in terms of master of rhetoric, it does seem that that—at least at this point in his career—Cyrus has a little work to do on how combining metaphors to make his point:
“At present we are like mariners on the ocean: they may sail on for ever, but the seas they have crossed are no more theirs than those that are still unsailed. But if we hold the fortresses, the enemy will find they are living in a hostile land, while we have halcyon weather.”
The Sweetest Sound
Perhaps the most famous quote from the text is one that appears in different constructs. One can expect to come across this lesson using different arrangements of words and in which “fame” has been translated as “praise.” Or vice versa. At any rate, it is a warning for all to take to heart, not just those being trained for leadership:
“of all sweet sounds the sweetest sound for you is the voice of fame.”
