Soc. The first thing will be to make them expert in mounting their chargers?
Hipp. That certainly, for if any of them were dismounted he would then have a better chance of saving himself.
Soc. Well, but when it comes to the hazard of engagement, what will you do then? Give orders to draw the enemy down to the sandy ground (6) where you are accustomed to manouvre, or endeavour beforehand to put your men through their practice on ground resembling a real battlefield?
(6) e.g. the hippodrome at Phaleron.
Hipp. That would be better, no doubt.
Soc. Well, shall you regard it as a part of your duty to see that as many of your men as possible can take aim and shoot on horseback? (7)
(7) Cf. "Hipparch," i. 21.
Hipp. It will be better, certainly.
Soc. And have you thought how to whet the courage of your troopers? to kindle in them rage to meet the enemy?—which things are but stimulants to make stout hearts stouter?
Hipp. If I have not done so hitherto, I will try to make up for lost time now.