The life and death of Alexander the Great, King of Macedon in ten books / by Curtius Rufus ... done into English by the same hand that translated the last volume of The holy court.

THE THIRD BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS. (Book 3)

Of the Acts of Alexander the Great, King of Ma∣cedon. (Book 3)

ALexander, in the mean season, having sent Cleander to levy Recruits out of Peloponnesus, established the Countries of Licia and Pamphylia, and removed his Army to the City of Celenae: Through this City there ran, at the same time, the River of Martia, made famous by the Poetry of Greece; whose Head springing out of the top of a high Mountain, and falling down upon a Rock beneath, makes almost deafning murmures flowing from thence, and watering the fields round about, with∣out increase of any stream saving his own; the co∣lour whereof being like unto the calm Sea, gave oc∣casion to the Poets to feign how the Nymphs, for the delight they took in that River, did chuse their dwelling under that Rock: So long as it runneth within compass of the walls, it keepeth his own name; but when it cometh without, where the stream is more swift and vehement, it is then called Lycus.

Alexander did enter into this Town, being for∣saken of the Inhabitants; and perceiving they were fled into the Castle, which he determined to win before he departed, he first sent to summon them by an Herald, who declared, that except they would yield themselves, they should suffer the extremity of the Law of Arms. They brought the Herald in∣to an high Tower, which was strong both by Na∣ture and Art, willing him to consider the height and strength thereof, and to declare unto Alexan∣der, that he had not a full dimension of the strength of the place, for they did know it to be impreg∣nable; and if the worst should fall, yet were they ready to die in their Allegiance. Notwithstanding their words, when it came to the point, that they saw themselves besieged, and all things were scarce, they took Truce for forty days, with this Compo∣sition, That if they were not rescued by Darius with∣in that time, they would render it up into his hands: Which they did afterwards at the day appointed, when they saw no Succours coming.

To that place there came Embassadours to him from Athens, making request, that such of their City as were taken prisoners at the Battel fought upon the River Granike, might be restored to them. To whom answer was made, that when the Wars of Persia were once brought to an end, both theirs, and all others that were Greeks, should be restored to their liberty.

Alexander had his present care and resolution al∣ways upon Darius, who he knew had not yet passed the River Euphrates: He assembled therefore all his Powers together, purposing to adventure the hazard

of the Battel. The Country was called Phrygia that he passed through; plentiful of Villages, but scarce of Cities: yet there was one of great Anti∣quity, called Gordium, the Royal Seat sometime of King Mydas. The River of Sangaray doth run through it, and it standeth in the mid-way betwixt the Seas of Pontus and Cilicia, being judged to be the narrowest part of Asia, by reason of the Seas which lye on both sides, representing the form of an Island; and if it were not for a finall point of Land that doth lye betwixt those Seas, they would joyn both together. Alexander having brought this City under his obeysance, entred into the Temple of Jupiter, where he saw the Chariot wherein My∣das, the Builder of the City, was accustomed to ride: The same, in the furniture and outward ap∣pearance, differed little from other common Cha∣riots; but there was in it a thing notable, which was a Cord folded and knit with many knots, one so intricate within another, that no man could per∣ceive the manner of it, neither where the knots began, nor where they ended: Hereupon the Coun∣try men had a Prophecy, That he should be Lord of all Asia, that could undo that endless Knot. This possest the King with a marvellous desire to become the fulfiller of the Prophecy: there stood a great number about him, both of Phrygians, and of Ma∣cedons, the one part of them expecting the event, and the other fearing the rash presumption of their King, for as much as they could perceive by no reason how the Knot should be undone: The King himself also doubting, that the failing of his pur∣pose in that matter, might be taken as a token of

his evil Fortune to come, after he had considered the thing; What is the matter (quoth he) which way it be undone? and striving no longer how to un∣knit it, he with his Sword cut the Cords asunder; thereby either illuding, or else fulfilling the effect of the Prophecy.

This being done, Alexander purposed to finde out Darius wheresoever he went; and to the intent to leave all things clear behinde his back, he made Amphitorus Captain of his Navy upon the Coast of Hellespont, committing the charge of the Field-Army to Egilochus: They two had Commission to deliver the Islands of Lesbos, Scios and Coos, from the hands of the Persians; and for the provision of their charges, had appointed to them fifty Talents, and sent to Antipater, and such others who had the Governance of the Cities of Greece, sixty Ta∣lents: He gave order, that such as were his Confe∣derates, should with their own power of Ships de∣fend the Seas of Hellespont, according to the League betwixt them. It was not yet come to his knowledge that Memnon was dead, whom he most suspected; well knowing, that if he moved not a∣gainst him, no man should be his stop before he came to Darius.

Alexander came to the City of Ancira, where he made his Musters, and so entred into Paphlagonia, whereunto the Grecians border, of whom it is said the Veneti in Germany are descended: all this Coun∣try submitted to him, and gave him Pledge, being excused from Tribute, seeing they never paid any to the Persians. Calas was Captain there, who taking with him the Band of Souldiers that were

lately come out of Macedon, marched into Cappa∣docia: but Darius hearing of the death of Memnon, was no less moved therewith then the case required; for then all other hope set apart, he determined to try the matter in person; for he condemned all things that had been done by his Deputies, belie∣ving Courage and Conduct to be wanting in many of them, and that Fortune had failed in them all: He came therefore to Babylon, where he encamped, and assembled all his Forces together in sight of the City, because he would shew the greater Courage; and using the ensample of Xerxes in taking of his Musters, he entrenched so much ground about, as was able to receive ten thousand men, within the which he lodged in the night such as had been mu∣stered in the day, and from thence they were be∣stowed abroad in the plain Country of Mesopota∣mia. The number of his Horsemen and Footmen were innumerable, and they yet seemed in sight to be more then they were. There were of the Per∣sians an hundred thousand, of whom thirty thou∣sand were Horsemen; of the Medians, ten thou∣sand Horsemen, and thirty thousand Footmen; of the Bactrians, two thousand Horsemen with broad Swords and light Bucklers, and ten thousand Footmen with like weapons: There were of the Armenians forty thousand Footmen, and seven thousand Horsemen: The Hircanians, of great esti∣mation amongst those Nations, had six thousand Horsemen: The Dervicens were forty thousand Footmen, armed with Pikes, whereof part had no heads of Iron, but the points of them dried in the fire: There were also of the same Nation two thou∣sand

Horsemen. There came from the Gaspian Sea eight thousand Footmen, and two hundred Horse∣men: And with them of the rude Nations of Asia, two thousand Footmen, and four thousand Horse∣men. To the increase of these numbers, there were thirty thousand Mercenary Souldiers that were Greeks: Haste would not suffer to call for the Ara∣chosians, Sogdians and Indians, with others the Inhabitants of the Red Sea, Nations which had names scarcely known to their own King. Thus Darius wanting nothing less then the multitude of men, greatly rejoyced to behold them; and puffed up with the vanity and flattery of the great men which were about him, turned to Charidemus of A∣thens, an expert Man of War (who for the dis∣pleasure that Alexander did bear him, was banished the Country) and asked him, if he thought not that company sufficient to overthrow the Mace∣dons? Whereat Charidemus, without respect of the Kings pride, or of his own Estate, answered▪ Peradventure, Sir, you will not be content to hear the truth, and except I tell it presently, it shall be too late hereafter: This great preparation, and mighty Army of yours, gathered of the multitudes of so many Nations, raised up from all parts of the Orient, is more fearful to the Inhabiters herea∣bouts, then terrible to your Enemies: Your men shine in Colours, and glister in Armour of Gold, ex∣ceeding so much in riches, that they which have not seen them with their eyes, cannot conceive any such thing in their mindes: But contrariwise, the Macedons being rough Souldiers, without any such excess, be terrible to behold: The Fronts of their

Battels stand close together, always in strength, fur∣nished with Pikes and Targets for defence: That which they call the Phalanx, is an immoveable square of Foot, wherein every Band stand close to each other, joyning weapon to weapon: Every Souldier is obedient to that which is commanded, ready at his Captains call, whether it be to follow his Ensigne, to keep his Array, to stand still, to run, to fetch a compass, to change the order of the Bat∣tel, to fight on this side, or that side; every Soul∣dier can do these things as well as the Captains: And because you shall not think Gold and Silver to be so effectual to this matter, they began and ob∣served this Discipline, Poverty being Master: when they be weary, the ground is their bed; they are sa∣tisfied with such meat as they finde by chance; and they measure not their sleep by the length of the night. Think you the Horsemen of Thessaly, the Achaians and Aetolians, which be invincible Men of War, will be repulsed with Slings or Staves burned in the fire? It behoveth you to have like Force to op∣pose, and to be served of the same condition of men: My counsel is therefore, that you send this Gold and Silver to levy Souldiers out of those Countries from whence they come.

Darius was a man of a milde and tractable dispo∣sition, if the height of his Estate had not altered the goodness of his Nature; which made him so impatient to hear the truth, that he commanded Charidemus to be put straightways to death, being a man that was fled to his protection, and that had given him right profitable counsel: When he was going towards his death, he left not his liberty to

speak, but said, There is one at hand that shall re∣venge my death; for he against whom I have given thee counsel, shall punish thee for not following my advice: And thou being thus altered with the liber∣ties thou hast, being now a King, shalt be an example to such as shall come after; that when they commit themselves to Fortune, they clearly forget their names. Whilest Charidemus was speaking of these words, they which had the charge committed unto them, did put him to death; whereof the King afterwards took over-late repentance, confessing him to have spoken the truth, and caused him to be buried. There was one Thymones, the Son of Menter, a young man of great activity, to whom Darius gave the charge of all the Forreign Souldiers, (in whom he had great confidence) willing him to receive them at Pharnabasus hands; and gave to Pharnabasus the Rule that Memnon had before.

Thus Darius being careful of the great business he had in hand, whether it were through pensive∣ness of minde, or that his fancy did divine things to come, was continually troubled with Visions in his sleep: He dreamed that the Macedons Camp was on fire; and shortly after it seemed to him that Alexander was brought to his presence in such kinde of apparel as he himself did wear when he was first chosen King; and that Alexander should be carried on Horse-back through Babylon, and so vanish out of sight. Hereupon the Interpreters of Dreams be∣tokened good fortune to himself, because of the fire that seemed to be in his Enemies Camp, and for that Alexander, without any vesture of a King, ap∣peared in the vulgar apparel of the Persians. Others

did interpret it otherwise, that the Lightning in the Macedons Camp, signified glory and victory to Alexander, and also the enjoyment of the Empire of Asia; which they made more clear, forasmuch as Alexander appeared in the same Vestures that Darius did wear when he was chosen King. Care besides, and anxiety of minde (as often chanceth) brought things past again to remembrance.

It was rehearsed how Darius in the beginning of his Reign, changed the Scabbard of his Sword from the Persian manner, into the fashion that the Greeks used; whereupon the Caldees did prognosticate, that the Kingdom of the Persians should be tran∣slated to those whose fashion he had counterfeited: Notwithstanding, being glad of the interpretation of the Diviners, which was every where published concerning his success, and of the Vision that he seemed to have seen in his sleep, he commanded his Army to march forwards towards the River of Eu∣phrates. It was the Ancient Custom amongst the Persians, at Sun-rising, to raise their Camp, and a warning of their setting forwards, to be by the sound of a Trumpet at the Kings Pavilion, upon which there stood the Image of the Sun inclosed in Chri∣stal, shining so bright, that it might be seen tho∣rowout the Camp: The order of their marching, was in this manner; the Fire, which they call Holy and Eternal, was carried before on silver Altars; next to them were the Diviners, singing after their Country manner; there followed three hundred sixty five young men in Scarlet Robes, like in num∣ber unto the days of the year; then came the Cha∣riot consecrated to Jupiter, drawn with white Hor∣ses,

and a great Horse following, which they call The Horse of the Sun: Such as did ride upon the Palfreys, did wear white Garments, bearing Rods of Gold in their hands. Next in order came ten Cha∣riots, garnished and wrought with silver and gold: The Horsemen of twelve Nations followed in sun∣dry sorts of Armour; then came a Company that the Persians called Immortal, the riches of whose Ap∣parel exceeded far the rest, they had all Chains of Gold, Coats embroidered with Gold, and Sleeves set with Pearl: These were followed, within a small distance, by a Band of fifteen thousand Souldiers, called Doripherii, reputed for the Kings Kinsmen, and apparelled almost like Women; more notable for the variety of the riches of their Garments, then the Armour they did wear. Such as were wont to receive the Kings Robes, did ride next before the Chariot, upon the which Darius did sit on high, with great pomp and magnificence, his Chariot be∣ing garnished on both sides with carved Images of their gods, made of silver and gold; the beams whereof were set with Pearls and precious Stones, with two Images of Gold standing thereupon, of a cubit length, one opposite to the other; and over their heads an Eagle of Gold displayed: But a∣mongst the rest, the Kings Apparel seemed marvel∣lously sumptuous, which was of Purple empaled white, with a Border imbroidered of Gold, and Gol∣den Faulcons, so wrought, as if they were fighting together. He was girt Effeminately with a Girdle of Gold, and the Sword that hung thereupon had a Scabbard of Pearl: the Diadem which he did wear upon his head, called by the Persians Cydaris, had a

Roll about it of white and green. Next behinde the King came ten thousand Horsemen, who had all their Spears plated with silver, and their Spear-heads guilded. He was inclosed on both sides with two hundred of the Blood Royal; at whose backs there followed thirty thousand Footmen, and af∣ter them four hundred of the Kings Coursers. With∣in the distance of one furlong, S••••ygambis, the Mo∣ther of Darius, was carried in one Chariot, and his Wife in another, the Train of their Women riding on Horseback. Next to them w••nt fifteen Chariots, wherein the Kings Children were carried, and their Nurses, and their Eunuchs, which are greatly e∣steemed in that Country: After them followed three hundred of the Kings Concubines, all apparelled like Queens: Then came six hundred Mules, and three hundred Camels that carried the Kings Trea∣sure, guarded with a Band of Archers. The Wives of the Kings Kinsmen, and the other that were a∣bout the King, came riding next; and after them a great company of Slaves and Varlets. Last▪ came the Rereward lightly armed, whereof every Cap∣tain severally with his own Company closed the Ar∣my; such was the Order o•• Darius 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

But on the other side, beholding Alexanders Ar∣my, there was to be seen a great difference; neither the Men nor the Horse glistered so with gold and precious Furnitures, but only with the brightness of their Harness: They were obedient to their Cap∣tains Command, always in a readiness to stay, or to advance; neither oppressed with the multitude, nor pestred with too much Baggage: They wanted not in any place, either ground for their encamping, or

victuals for their feeding, whereby their small num∣ber was always sufficient when they came to fight: Whereas Darius, the Lord of so huge a multitude, through the straitness of the ground wherein he was driven to give battel, was compelled to use the fewness of men, which he before had despised in the Enemy. Alexander appointed to Abistamines the rule of Cappadocia; and marching with his Army towards Cilicia, came to the place called Cyrus Camp, be∣cause Cyrus lodged there when he passed into Li∣cia against King Croesus. This place was distant about fifty furlongs from the Streight entring into Cilicia: The Country-men use to call those Streights Pylae, where the natural scituation of the place had made a Fortification, as it were with mans hands. When Arsenes, Governour of Cilicia, understood of Alexanders coming, remembring what Memnon per∣swaded in the beginning of the Wars, he put it in execution when it was too late, wasting and de∣stroying throughout Cilicia all such things as he thought might stand his Enemy in stead, leaving the Country waste which he was not able to defend: whereas it had been much better to have taken the Streight before his Enemies, where from the Hills lying over the way, he might without hazard have hindred his entry, or have distressed his passage: But he leaving a small number for the defence of the Streight, retired himself back to waste the Coun∣try, which his part had been to defend from de∣struction. By his departure it came to pass, that such as he left behinde, thinking themselves betray∣ed, would not so much as abide the sight of their Enemies, when a much less number had been suf∣ficient

to have kept the passage; for the scituation of Cilicia is such, that it is environed about with a continual rough and steep Mountain, which rising from the Sea on the one side, and fetching a com∣pass about, joyneth again with the Sea on the other side. Though the part of the Mountain which ly∣eth furthest from the Sea, is plain and full of Rivers, amongst the which two are most famous, Pyramus and Cydnus, but Cydnus most especial, not so much for its greatness, as the clearness of the water, which from his first Spring runneth clearly through all the Country, and hath no other River running into him to disturb the pureness of the stream; for which cause it remaineth always clear and cold, by reason of the Woods that do shadow all the banks. Time hath consumed many Antiquities within that Country, which are remembred of the Poets: There may yet be seen the foundations of the Cities of Lirnessus and Cebestus, with the Cave and Grove Corycian, where Saffron groweth, with many other things, whereof now remaineth but only their name.

When Alexander entred the Streights before men∣tioned, and beheld the scituation of them, he never in all his life marvelled more at his own felicity; confessing, that it had not been possible for him to have passed, if any had stood at defence against him; for that with stones only he might have been over∣whelmed; the Streight besides being so narrow, that there could not pass above four in front: to the increase of which difficulty, the tops of the Moun∣tains hung over the way, which in many places was broken and hollow with the streams that ran

down from the Hills. Alexander sent the Thracians that were light armed, to scour and discover the ways, for fear the Enemies should lie there in am∣bush, and suddenly break forth upon him: He ap∣pointed also a Band of Archers to take the top of the Hill; which were willed so to march, that they might be always in a readiness to fight. After this manner he came to the City of Tarsus, which was set on fire by the Persians, because Alexander should finde no harbour there: but Parmenio was sent thi∣ther with a choice number of Horsemen to quench the fire; who understanding that the Enemies were fled away at the news of their coming, entered into the City, and by that means saved it from burning.

The River of Cydnus, spoken of before, did run through this City, where the King arrived about mid-day, it being in the Summer season, at what time the heat is no where more violent then in that Country: He took such delight in the pleasant∣ness of the water, that he would needs bathe his bo∣dy therein, to wash away the sweat and dust there∣of; and being very hot, he entred naked into the water, in the sight of all his Souldiers, thinking it should be a contentation to them, to see that the Garments about his body were no other but such as they commonly used themselves to wear.

He was no sooner entred, but all the parts of his body began to shake and tr••mble, his face waxed pale, and the lively heat was mortified in all parts of his body; his Servants took him up, and carried him into his Tent as one besides himself, and at the extreme point of death: then there was a great de∣solation and heaviness in the Camp; they wept, la∣mented

and bewailed, that such a King, so Noble a Captain, as had not been seen in any Age, should be thus taken from them in the height of his Enter∣prize, and after such a manner; not in Battel slain by his Enemies, but bathing in a River. It grieved them, that Darius now being at hand, should ob∣tain the Victory by such a chance, without seeing of his Enemy; and that they should be enforced to return back again, as men vanquished, by those Countries through which they had passed before as Conquerours; in which Countries all things being destroyed by themselves, or by their Enemies, they must of necessity die for hunger, though no man should pursue them. It became a question amongst themselves, who should be their Captain in flying away? or what he were that durst succeed Alexan∣der? and though they might safely arrive at the Sea of Hellespont, yet who should prepare them pas∣sage there? When they had disputed these questi∣ons, their argument, by and by, was turned into compassion towards their Prince; lamenting, as men out of their wits, that such a Flower of Youth, such force of courage as was in him, that their King and Companion in Arms, should after this manner be plucked from them.

In the mean season, Alexander began to draw his winde somewhat better; and when he came unto himself, he lifted up his eyes, and began to know his friends that were about him: That the vehemency of his sickness somewhat asswaged, was perceived, in that he began to understand the p••••il he was in: But the solicitousness of his minde was a great hinderance unto his health; for tidings came,

that Darius within five days would be in Cilicia: He could not but take it grievously, that such a Vi∣ctory should be plucked out of his hands through his infirmity, and that he should be taken as one tyed in Fetters, and be put to some shameful and vile death. He called therefore to him both his Friends and Physitians, and said unto them, Ye see in what an extremity of condition Fortune hath sur∣prized me; methinks the noyse of mine Enemies doth ring in mine ears, and I who moved first the War, am now challenged, and provoked to the Fight. When Darius did write to me such proud Letters, he was not ignorant of mine Estate; yet peradventure he shall be deceived, if I may use mine own minde in recovery of mine own health. My case requireth no slack Me∣dicines, nor slow Physitians; I had rather die stoutly once, then to consume long time in my recovery: where∣fore if there be any hope or cunning in Physick, let it be now seen; and think that I seek not remedy so much for mine own life, as I do for the care I have to encounter with mine enemies.

When they heard him speak these words, they were in great doubt of his sudden rashness; and therefore every one particularly did desire him, that he would not increase his peril through any passion, but suffer himself to be ordered by the advice of his Physitians: For they alledged, that unapproved Remedies were not suspected of them without cause, seeing his Enemy had gone about to corrupt such as were about him, by promising a thousand Talents to his Killer; they thought no man would be so bold to make any experience of Physick upon him, w••••ch for the want of tryal thereof might in any

wise give cause of suspition. There was amongst the excellent Physitians that came with Alexander out of Macedon, one Philip of Acarnam, who was preferred to him for preservation of his health, and had faithfully served him from his Childhood, and therefore loved him with entire affection: He pro∣mised to provide for the King an approved Remedy, but such a one as would work vehemently; but by the drinking thereof he doubted not ••he said) but to expulse the force of his disease. That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleased no man, but only him who 〈…〉〈…〉 thereof should abide the peril; for he could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all things better then delay: Darius, and his power, were always in his eye; and he had an assured con∣fidence that the Victory should fall on his side, if he might be able to stand in the fight of his men: the thing that only grieved him was, that the Physiti∣an would not minister before the third day. In the mean season, Parmenio, whom of all his Nobility he trusted most, had exhorted him by his Letter, that he should not commit himself to the cure of Philip, for that he was corrupted by Darius with a thousand Talents, and the promise of his Sister in Marriage. Those Letters brought the King into great jealousie, and moved him to consider secretly with himself all those things that either fear or hope could put into his fancy. Shall I adventure (thought he) to drink this Medicine? What if it be poyson? Shall I not then be accounted the cause of mine own death? Shall I suspect the fidelity of my Physitian? or shall I suffer mine Enemy to kill me in my bed? yet were it better for me to perish by other mens Treason, then thus to die through mine own faint heart. His

minde being thus diversly perplexed, he would shew the Contents of the Letter to no man, but sealed it with his own Ring, and laid it underneath his Pil∣low. Two days were passed in these imaginations, and the third day the Physitian came to his Beds-side with the Medicine ready made: When the King saw him, he raised himself upon his Elbow; and taking the Letter in his left hand, with the other hand took the Cup, and straightway supped it off: When he had so done, he delivered the Letter to Philip to read; and whilest he was reading, he be∣held him continually in the face; supposing, that if he had been faulty, some token would have appear∣ed in his countenance. When Philip had read the Letter, he shewed more tokens of displeasantness then of fear; and therewithal fell down upon his knees, and said; Sir, I see my life doth depend upon your health; but your Recovery shall declare, that I am falsly charged with this Treason; therefore when by my means you shall get your health, I trust you will not then deny me my life: In the mean season lay fear aside, and suffer the Physick to work, and to have its operation; keep your minde quiet, and suffer not your self to be troubled with the superstitious careful∣ness of your friends; which though it proceedeth of good will, is notwithstanding a great impediment unto your health.

His words not only satisfied the King, but made him to conceive perfect hope of his recovery; and said unto Philip, If the gods would have granted thee to advise with thy self of a way to prove the con∣fidence I have in thee, and the good will I bear thee, thou couldest never have chosen so good a one as this;

for notwithstanding the Letter, I drank off the Phy∣sick, believing thee to be no less careful for declarati∣on of thine own truth, then for my health; and there∣with gave him his hand: Yet afterwards, when the Medicine began to work, it was such in ope∣ration, that it seemed to verifie Parmenio his accu∣sation; for he fainted oft, and had much labour to draw his breath. Then Philip left nothing unpro∣ved, or undone, that might serve for his purpose: he laid warm cloaths to his body; and always as he fainted, revived him again with sweet savours: and when he perceived him once come to himself, he ceased not to feed him with discourse; and one while put him in remembrance of his Mother and Sisters, another while of the great Victory that was at hand.

When the power of the Physick once entred into his veins, there appeared straight in all parts of his body manifest tokens of health; First quickness came to the Spirits, and afterwards the body reco∣vered his strength a great deal sooner then any man looked for: For after the third day that he had been in this sad condition, he walked in the sight of the Souldiers, who wonderfully rejoyced to see him: And they shewed no less affection unto Philip, whom every one severally imbraced, and gave him thanks, as if he had been a God. It cannot be expressed, besides that Natural Veneration that Macedons use to bear unto their Prince, in what Reverence they especially had Alexander, and how fervently they loved him: They had conceived of him an Opi∣nion, that he could enterprise nothing, but that it was furthered by the Divine Assistance; and

Fortune was so favourable unto him, that his rash∣ness was always an increase of his glory: his age being scarcely ripe, and yet sufficient for so great things, did marvellously set forth all his doings; and many things, which out of the Wars would be counted lightness, were most acceptable to the Soul∣diers; as the exercising of his body amongst them, his apparel not differing from the common sort, with his courage and forwardness in the Field: which gifts given him by Nature, and some things besides done of policy, did get him both the love and reverence of his people.

When Darius heard of Alexander's sickness, he marched towards Euphrates, with all the haste he could make in the conveyance of so multitudinous an Army: He made there a Bridge, and in fifteen days passed over it, his people having a great desire to get into Cilicia before his Enemy. Alexander had recovered his strength, and was come to a City call∣ed Solos, which the Inhabitants yielded unto him, and for two hundred Talents obtained assurance: Notwithstanding he put a Garrison into the Castle, and there celebrated Plays and Triumphs which he had vowed to Aesculapius and Minerva, for the re∣covery of his health; where being so quietly given to his Sport, he shewed how little he esteemed the coming of his Enemies. Whilst Alexander was bu∣sied about these things, he received pleasant news, how his men won a Battel against the Persians at Halicarnassus; and that the Mindians and Cawni∣ans, with divers other Nations in those parts, were brought under his obedience.

These Sports being once ended, he removed, and

by a Bridge made over the River of Pyramus, he came to the City of Malon; and from thence, with another motion, came to a Town called Castabulum. There Parmenio returned to the King, who had been sent to search the Streights that lay between them and the City of Issum: He had prevented the Persians at that Passage; and so leaving men for the defence thereof, he possessed himself of the City of Issum that was left desolate: He departed from thence, and did drive the Persians out of the Moun∣tains, searching and clearing all the ways; so that having made all things sure for the Army to pass, he returned again, both the Author of the Act, and the Reporter of the thing done. Alexander in∣camped within the City of Issum, and there deba∣ted in Councel, whether it were better to pass on further, or else to tarry there for a more sure pow∣er which was coming to him out of Macedon: Parmenio was of Opinion, that this place was most safe to abide Darius in, and to give him Battel, where both the Armies should be of like force, by reason of the Streights, wherein no great multitude can fight at once. He shewed reasons why they ought to eschew the Plains, wherein their Enemies should have great advantage through their great number, by which they might close them about; wherein (he said) he feared not his Enemies stout∣ness, but feared their own men might be overcome with weariness, where a multitude should fight with a few, and fresh men succeed in the place of them that fainted. This Counsel was received for good, and Alexander determined in the same place to abide his Enemies.

There was in the Host of the Macedons one Sy∣senes a Persian, sent before time from the Governour of Aegypt unto King Philip; who being advanced with reward and promotions, chose to live out of his own Country; and so following Alexander into Asia, was esteemed among those that the King trusted well: A Souldier of Greece delivered him a Letter from Nabarzanes, Darius Lieutenant; he ex∣horted him to do some notable Enterprise, whereby he might win favour and reputation with Darius: Sysenes innocent of this matter, was divers times about to present the Letter to the King; but seeing him full of weighty affairs in providing for the Bat∣tel, he prolonged the matter: and whilest he wait∣ed for a more convenient time, he brought himself in suspition of Treason; for the Letter was brought to the Kings hands before it was delivered to him, who reading it, did seal the same with a strange Seal, and caused it to be delivered to Sysenes, to prove thereby his fidelity: But because he concealed the thing many days, and opened not the matter to the King, it seemed that he consented thereunto; and therefore by the Kings Commandment he was put to death by the hand of the Grecians.

The Greek Souldiers which Thimones had recei∣ved of Pharnabasus (being those that Darius trusted most) were now come to him: They perswaded much Darius to retire back into the Plains of Meso∣potamia; and if he would not do so, that at the least he should divide his power, and not commit the whole force of his Estate to one stroke of For∣tune.

This Counsel was not so displeasant unto the

King, as to such as were about him; For they said, Mercenary Souldiers were alwayes full of Treason, and were to be doubted the more, for that they counselled the Army to be divided; which was for no other purpose, but only that they might have op∣portunity to fly to Alexander, when they should have any charge committed unto them: there is nothing therefore more sure for us (quoth they) than to inclose them round about with our Army, and to cut them in pieces for an example to the world, that Treason may never be left unrevenged: but Darius, who was of a meek and good disposition, refused to commit so cruel an act, in slaying such as had betaken themselves to his trust: For he said, If we should defile our hands with their blood, what strange Nation would ever then commit themselves into our hands? and alledged, that there ought no man to lose his life for giving foolish Counsel; for who would be bold to give counsel, if in counselling there should be any peril? I call you (quoth he) to counsel daily, and hear the diversity of your opi∣nions, and mistrust not them that give me not al∣waies the best counsel. He caused the Greeks to be answered, that he gave them thanks for their good will: but in returning back, he said, that he should give up his Country into his Enemies hands, which was not convenient; and considering the force that Fame is of in War, in going back (he alledged) he should appear to fly: But to defer the fight he thought it worst of all, seeing so great an Army as he had (the Winter then approaching) could not be victualled in a desolate Country, that had been wasted both by themselves and by their

enemies. And for the dividing of his power, he shewed that he could not do it, observing the custom of his Predecessors, who were not wont to hazard the Battel, but with all their power: He declared, that Alexander before his coming seemed terrible to the world; and through his absence was brought into a vain presumption: but after he saw him come forwards, he became wary and well advised, hiding himself in the straights of the Mountains, like those coward-Beasts, who hearing the noise of the Passengers, do hide themselves in the dens of the Woods: He hath deluded his Souldiers (quoth he) with his counterfeit sickness; but now I will not suffer him to prolong the fight any longer, which if he will refuse, I will oppress him in his lurking holes.

These words he spake with greater ostentation than truth: and sent his Treasure and Jewels with a small Convoy to Damascus in Syria, and entred with his Army into Cilicia, bringing with him, ac∣cording to his Country manner, both his Mother, his Wife, his little son and his daughter. It so chan∣ced, that on the same night, in which Alexander was come to the streight entring into Syria, Darius came to the place which they call Pyla Amanica: the Persians not doubting at all but that the Mace∣dons would have forsaken the City of Issum, and flie away for fear; for certain of them that were weak and could not follow the Army, were taken; whom Darius, through instigation of the Great men about him, raging in barbarous cruelty, caused their hands to be cut off, and to be led about his Camp, to the intent they might behold the multitude of his Army;

and after sufficient view taken, he let them go, to declare to Alexander what they had seen. Darius removed, and passed the River of Pyramus, purposing to pursue after the Macedons, which he thought had been flying away: They who had their hands cut off, came running in amongst the Macedons, infor∣ming that Darius was advancing in great haste and fury. There was scarcely any credence given to their words: but to be more certain of it, Alexander sent Spies towards the Sea-coast, to know whether Darius were there in person, or else had sent some other to make a shew of a power. The Spies re∣turning, advertised that his whole Army was at hand; and straightway the Fires might be seen, which gave such a shew (by reason they lay stragling so far abroad to get Forrage) as though the whole Country had been on Fire.

When Alexander was ascertained of the truth, he incamped in the same place where the tidings came unto him, being marvellously glad because he knew he should fight; especially in the streights, being the thing he had always most desired. But as it is commonly seen, when danger and extremity is at hand, that confidence is turned into fear; so now he doubted, not without great cause, that Fortune might change upon him, by whose favour he had done so great acts; and considered her mutability by such things as she had taken from others, and given unto him. He saw there was now no proro∣gation of the time; but that after one night passed, the Victory should be determined. On the other side, he called to remembrance, that the honour of the Victory was a reward that far exceeded the Ad∣venture:

and as it was doubtful whether he should overcome or no; so he was certain if overcome, to die with honour and perpetual Glory. When he had weighed th••se things, he gave order that the Souldiers should refresh themselves, and at the third Watch be armed in a readiness to advance. He him∣self went up into the top of a Mountain with many Lights and Torches about him, where he made sa∣crifice unto the gods after his Country manner: And when the hour was come, he appointed the Souldiers at the third sound of the Trumpet, they should be in a readiness to march out to fight. Ex∣hortation was then given unto them, to pass on with courage and confidence; and by the break of day they were come to the Streights, wherein their purpose was to prevent Darius. By that time such as were sent before to scour the Country, came in, and reported that the Persians were within thirty Furlongs. The Battels were then stayed, and set in such order as they should fight.

As Alexander was advertised of Darius, so was he advertised of Alexander by the Peasants of the Country, who came fearfully running, unto him, declaring, that Alexander was at hand. These words were not believed; for they could not think them to becoming, whom they thought before to be fled. But when they perceived that it was so indeed, be∣cause they were in better order to pursue their Ene∣mies, then to encounter them in battel, they were struck with a marvellous sudden fear. Every man took him to his Armour in haste; which haste, and the calling that one made upon another, did great∣ly amaze them: Some run up to the tops of the

hills to view the Macedons, others fell to bridling their horses; so that the Host full of diversity, and not ruled by any certain government, with their hurley-burley did put all things out of order. Darius at first had appointed one part of his power to take the Mountains, who setting upon his enemies backs, might inclose them both behind and before: and assigned another company to pass along the Sea-side, which was on the right hand, to keep his ene∣mies doing on every part. He gave order also that twenty thousand footmen with a Band of Archers, should pass the River of Pyramus, and give an onset that way; but if they found any impediment why they might not do so, then he willed them to retire into the Mountains, and invade their Enemies on their backs: but fortune, which was of greater force than any policy, determined those things that were well devised, according as she thought good. For some durst not for fear execute the thing that was commanded them, and then the rest laboured in vain: for where the members fa••l; the whole body is confounded. The order of Darius Army stood thus arranged to fight: his power was divided into two Battels, one marching on the left-hand, the other on the right; Nabarzanes impaled the Battel on the right-hand with a great power of Horsemen, and thirty thousand Slingers and Are••••r.

Thymones was also in the Battel with 30000 mercenary Greeks, being in very d••••d Darius chie∣fest Force, a power equal unto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Macedons. In the Battel on the left-hand A••istem••∣nes was in the fore front with thirty thousand Foot∣men, having planted for his succour and relief,

such Nations as were counted most Valiant: there were about the King, being also in the Battel, three thousand choice horsemen that were of the ordinary Guard of his Person; and forty thousand footmen, with the horsemen of Hercania and Media, and the horsemen of other Nations were wings on both sides: And besides these numbers, there went before his Battel in a forlorn Hope, six thousand slingers and casters of Darts. All the plain ground between the Streights was filled with Men of War; Darius Battel stood thus aranged from the Mountain down to the Sea-side. The mother and wife of Darius, with all the women, were received in the middest of the Battel.

Alexander on the other side, set his square Battel of footmen called the Phalanx (being the Macedons chiefest force) in the fore-front: Nicanor the son of Parmenio was Captain of the Battel on the right hand, and with him, Cenos and Perdicas, Meleager, Ptolomeus and Amintas, every one a Colonel of his own Regiment: Parmenio and Craterus had the rule of the Battel on the left hand, which stretched toward the Sea; but Parmenio had the chief charge. The Horsemen were set in wings to both those Bat∣tels, the Macedons and Thessalian Horsemen being appointed to the right-hand Battel, and the Horse∣men of Pelop••nnesus to the Battel on the other side: before which Battel there were also set Slingers, with Archers among them; and the Cretians that were lightly armed, advanced before the main Bat∣tel. The Band of Agrians that were lately come out of Greece, were assigned to encounter with those that Darius had sent to take the top of the Moun∣tain:

He willed Parmenio, that as much as might be, he should stretch out his Forces towards the Sea, and withdraw as far as he could from the Hills which the Enemies had taken; but such as had direction by Darius to take the Hills, neither durst resist such as came against them, nor yet compass about such as were passed by them, but fled away at the first fight of the Slingers: which thing chanced well for Alexander, for it was the thing that he doubted most, that they from the higher ground should in∣vade the open side of his Battel, which lay unslank∣ed towards them. The Macedons marched 32 in a rank▪ for the streightness of the ground would not suffer them to move in a broader body; but by little and little, as the plain between the Mountains began to enlarge, so they had liberty to make their Battels broader, and also for the horsemen to march upon the sides.

When both the Battels were come within fight of each other, the Persians first gave a terrible and rude shout, which was again doubled by the Ma∣cedons, not with their number, which was far infe∣riour unto the Persians, but with the r••bound of the Hills and the Rocks, which doubled every voice of theirs. Alexander did ride up and down before the fronts of his Battels, making a signe to his Soul∣diers with his hand, that they should not make too much haste to joyn with their Enemies, for bring∣ing themselves out of breath; and as he went by, he used to every Nation sundry exhortations, as he thought convenient for their dispositions and qualities: He put the Macedons in remembrance of their ancient courage, and the number of Battels

that they had won in Europe, that they were come thither by his conduct not only to subdue Asia, but the uttermost bounds of the Orient. He shewed them to be the people that were ordained to con∣quer the world, and to pass the bounds of Hercu∣les and Bacchus; he declared that both Bactria and India should be theirs; in respect of which, the coun∣tries that they had yet seen were but trifles, and these were to be gotten all with one Victory: Their Travel (he said) should not now be in vain, as it was in the barren Rocks of Illyria, or in the Moun∣tains of Thrace; but in this Conquest the Spoil of the whole Orient was offered unto them; for the get∣ting whereof they should scarcely need to handle their Swords, since the Battels of their Enemies wavered so already for fear, that with their approach only they had almost put them to flight. He recalled his Father Philip unto their memory, how he con∣quered the Athenians, with the Country of Boetia; how he rased to the ground the noble City of The∣bes: he made rehearsal to them of the Battel won at the River of Granike, and of all the Cities that he had taken, or that had been yielded unto him, with the Countries they had passed through and subdued.

When he came unto the Greeks, he desired them to call to mi••d the great Wars that had been made against their Country in times past by the Persians; first by the pride of Xerxes, and after by Darius, who made destruction both by Sea and Land, in such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the Rivers could not serve them for Drink, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Earth furnish them with Victuals for Food: He rehearsed also how the Temples of their gods

had been by them polluted and consumed, their Ci∣ties overthrown, and all Truces broken, which ought to be confirmed both by divine and humane Law, when he passed by the Illyrians and Thracians, which were accustomed always to theft and spoil; he invi∣ted them to behold their enemies which glistered with gold, and bare no armour but spoil for them to take: he incouraged them to go forwards like men, and pluck the prcy from those effeminate women, and to make exchange of their craggy Rocks and Mountains full of snow, for the plentiful grounds and lands of Persia.

By this time both Armies were advanced within the throw of their Darts, and Darius Horsemen gave a fierce charge upon the right-hand-Battel of the Ma∣cedons. For Darius desire was to try the Battel by Horsemen, rightly judging, that the chiefest power of his Enemies consisted in their square Battel of Footmen: So that the Battel where Alexander re∣mained, was brought to the point of being inclosed round, if he had not perceived the same in time; and commanding two Bodies of his Horse to keep the top of the Hill, he brought all the rest of them to the incounter of his Enemies. Having then drawn the Thessalian Horsemen where they stood to fight, he commanded their Capt. to bring them about behinde the Battels, and there to joyn with Parmenio, to per∣form with courage what he should appoint them.

By this time the Phalanx of the Macedons, in man∣ner inclosed about with their Enemies, fought no∣tably on all parts: but they stood so thick, and were so joyned one to another, that they wanted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to wield their weapons. They were so mingled, that in

casting their darts they one letted another, few light∣ing on their enemies, and the most part falling on the ground without harm: and being forced to joyn hand to hand, they valiantly used the sword. Then there was great effusion of blood; for both the Ar∣mies closed so near, that their Harness clashed toge∣ther, weapon against weapon, and foined at one a∣nothers faces with their Swords.

There was no place for the fearful or the coward to fly back, but each set his foot to other; and by fighting kept still their place, till they could make their way by force; and so always passed forwards as they had overthrown their Enemies: As they were wearied and travelled thus with fighting, they were ever received with fresh Enemies; and such as were wounded might not depart out of the Battel (as it had been seen elsewhere) their Enemies assail∣ed them so fiercely before, and their fellows thrust on so hard behind. Alexander that day did not only such things as pertained to a Captain, but adven∣tured himself as far as any private Souldier, covet∣ing by all means to kill Darius, which he esteemed the greatest honour.

Darius rode aloft upon his Chariot, giving great provocations both for his Enemies to assail him, and for his own Men to defend him: As Oxatres his brother appeared most notable amongst them all in his furniture and personage, so in affection towards the King he exceeded far the rest, especially in that case of necessity; for when Alexander approach∣ed near, he thrust in before Darius with the band of Horsemen, whereof he had the charge, and over∣throwing divers, he put many more to flight. But

the Macedons swarmed so about the King, and were in such a courage by the Exhortation that each made to other, that they charged again upon the Band of Horsemen: Then the slaughter was great, and the overthrow manifest; about the Chariot of Darius the noblest of his Captains lay, dying ho∣nourably in the sight of their Prince. For just as they received their deaths wounds, so they fell, without turning their backs. Amongst them, Aty∣cies, Romithres, and Sabaces Governour of Aegypt, having the charge of great numbers of men, were o∣verthrown and slain; and about them there lay by heaps a huge number of the vulgar sort, both of horsemen and footmen. Of the Macedons also some were slain, specially such as pressed most forward: among whom the right shoulder of Alexander was lightly hurt with a sword. In this throng the horses that drew Darius Chariot, were thrust in with Pikes, and growing outragious with the sense of pain, began to struggle and overthrow their Master. He fearing therefore to be taken alive, leaped from the Chariot, and was set upon a l••d Horse, and so fled away, casting his Diadem from his Head, that he might escape unknown. Then the rest of his Army were dispersed by fear, and flying by such ways as were open for them, they threw away the Armour, which before they had taken for their defence: of such a nature is fear, that it refuseth the thing that should be its safeguard.

When Parmenio saw them fly, he straight com∣manded the Horsemen to pursue them, and put all his Enemies to flight that were on that part. But on the other hand, the Persians did put the Thessalian

Horsemen to a fore distress, for at the first shock they had broken one of their Troops; yet for all that they wheeled about, and rallying themselves, they charged again the Persians with so much courage, that they soon brake their Order, and overthrew them with a great slaughter. The Thessalians had herein a great advantage, by reason that the Persi∣ans, besides that they are armed themselves, have their horses also barbed with Plates of Steel, which was the cause they could not on the Charge, or on the Retreat, be so quick as the Thessalians were; for the Thessalians, by their celerity, wherein the force of Horsemen chiefly consisteth, had overthrown ma∣ny of them before they could turn their horses about. When Alexander understood that his men prevailed on their Enemies on that Wing likewise, he ad∣ventured to follow in the Chase, which he durst not do before he knew the Battel to be clearly won, and the Enemies repelled on all sides.

Alexander had not about him above a thousand Horsemen, with whom he slew many thousands of his Enemies; for who is he that in an overthrow or Chase can number men? Those few Macedons drove the multitude of their Enemies before them like sheep; and the same fear that caused them to fly, stayed them likewise in their flying. The Grecians that were on Darius side, under their Captain A∣mintas (who sometime had been in great Authority with Alexander, but then against him) brake out from the rest, and marched away in order of Battel; but the Persians fled divers ways, some directly to∣wards Persia, and some by unfrequented ways esca∣ped by the Mountains and the Woods. A few there

were that recovered their former Camp, which they could not defend any time against the Macedons who were Conquerours, but the same immediately was won, abounding with gold and silver, and most rich Moveables, appertaining not only to the Wars, but to all voluptuousness and excess; which riches, whiles the Souldiers violently spoiled, they strowed the ways full of Packs and Fardels, in respect of the covetous desire they had to things of greater value: But when they came unto the Women, as their ha∣biliments were more precious, so the more violently they plucked them away: Their bodies also were not free from their lust and inforcement; the Camp every where being full of tumult and lamentation, as chance befel every one. The licentiousness of the Victors was such, that their cruelty raged upon all Ages and Creatures, and no kinde of mischief was wanting amongst them. There might have been seen the variableness of Fortune; when they which had prepared Darius Pavilion, did now reserve and keep the same for Alexander, as for their old Master: For the Macedons had left that unspoiled, according to their Ancient Custom, which are ever wont to receive their King, when he is Victorious, into the Kings Pavilion that he hath vanquished.

The Mother and Wife of Darius, that there were taken Prisoners, moved all men to cast their eyes and inward contemplations towards them; whereof the one deserved to be Reverenced for the Majesty that was in her, and for her Age; and the other for the excellency of her Beauty, which through her mis∣adventure was nothing stained: She was found im∣bracing her little Son in her arms, not yet of the age

of six years, born as an Inheritour to the Dominion which his Father had lost: There lay also two young Virgins in his Grand-mothers lap, even then marri∣ageable, who languished and lamented, not so much through their own private sorrow, as for the do∣lorousness of the old woman. About the mother and the wife, were a great number of noble Wo∣men, that pulled their hair and tore their cloaths, without respect of what appertained to their estate; and unmindful of the calamity which Darius wife and his mother were come unto, called them still by the name of Queens, with such other titles of honour as they did before. They all forgetting their own misery, were diligent to enquire after the fortune of the field, and what success the Battel had, in which Darius was in person; for if he were alive, they could in no wise think themselves Priso∣ners: But he by the changing of many horses, was by that time fled far away.

There were slain of the Persian Army, one hun∣dred thousand footmen, and ten thousand horse∣men; and of Alexanders Company, only 504 hurt, and 32 footmen, and 150 horsemen killed. So great a Victory was gotten with so small a loss. Alexander that was wearied with pursuing of Darius, when he perceived the night to draw on, and that there was no hope to overtake him whom he followed, returned into the Persians Camp, which a little be∣fore his coming was taken by his men. That night he made a banquet to such of his friends as he was accustomed to invite; for the hurt on his shoulder, whereof the skin was but smally perished, did not hinder him from keeping company. As they sate

at meat, suddenly they heard a pitiful cry, with a strange howling and lamentation, that put them all in great fear; insomuch that they who kept the Watch about the Kings Pavilion, fearing it to be the beginning of some great matter, began to arm themselves.

The wife and mother of Darius, with the other Noble women newly taken prisoners, were the cause of this sudden fear, by lamenting of Darius, whom they supposed had been slain; which suspi∣tion they conceived by one of the Eunuches, who standing before their Tent-door, saw a Souldier carry a parcel of Darius Diadem, which he a little before had cast from his head. When Alexander un∣derstood their errour, he wept (as it was said) to consider Darius misfortune, and the womens affe∣ctions towards him; and for their comfort sent to them one Mithrenes that betrayed Sardis, who was expert in the Persian tongue; but yet considering that the sight of him, being a Traitor, should but increase their sorrow, he sent a Noble-man called Leonatus, to declare unto them how they were de∣ceived, and that Darius was alive. He came towards the Tent where the women were, with certain men in Arms, and sent word before, that he was come thither from the King: But when such as stood at the Tent-door saw armed men approaching, supposing their errand had been to murther their Mistresses, they ran into the place where they were, and cried out, that their last hour was come; for the men were at hand that were sent to kill them: the servants therefore, that neither durst let Leonatus in, nor keep him out, brought him no answer, but

remained quietly to see what the event would be. When Leonatus had long tarried at the door, and saw none come forth to call him in, he left his men without, and entred amongst the Ladies, whose coming unto them, before he was admitted, was the thing that frighted them most of all: The mo∣ther therefore and wife of Darius fell down at his feet, requiring him that before they were slain he would suffer them to bury Darius after his Country manner; which last observance performed, they were content (they said) gladly to suffer death Leonatus assured them, that both Darius was alive, and that there was no harm meant towards them; but that they should remain in the same estate they were in before. When Sisygambis heard those words, she suffered her self to be lifted up from the ground, and to receive some comfort. The next day, Alexander with great diligence, buried the bodies of such of his men as could be found, and willed the same to be done to the Noble men of the Persians, giving li∣cense to Darius mother, to bury so many as she listed, after the custome of her Country. She performed the same to a few that were the nearest of her kin, ac∣cording to the ability of her present fortune; for if she should have used the Persian pomp therein, the Macedons might have envied it, who be∣ing Conquerours, used no great curiosity in the matter.

When these Rites were performed to the dead, Alexander signified to the women-prisoners, that he himself would come to visit them; and causing such as came with him to tarry without, he only with Ephestion entred in amongst them. This Ephe∣stion

of all men was most dear to Alexander, being brought up as his Companion from his Youth, and most privy with him in all things; there was none that had such liberty to speak his minde plainly to the King as he had; which he used after such sort, that he seemed to do it by no Authority, but by suf∣ferance. And as he was of like years unto him, so in personage he did somewhat excel him: where∣fore the Women thinking Ephestion to be the King, did fall down and worship him (as their Country-manner was to do to Kings) till such time as one of the Eunuchs that was taken prisoner, shewed them which of them was Alexander: Then Sisygambis fell down at his feet, requiring pardon for her igno∣rance, for so much as she did never see him before: The King took her up by the hand, and said, Mo∣ther, you be not deceived, for this is Alexander also: Which his humility and continency of minde, if he had continually observed to his latter days, he might have been thought much more happy then he was; when he having subdued all Asia, from Hel∣lespont to the Ocean Sea, did counterfeit the Tri∣umphs of Bacchus: or if that amongst the rest of his Conquests, he would have laboured to conquer his pride and his wrath, being vices in him invincible; or if in his drunkenness he would have abstained from the slaughter of his Nobility, and not to have put to death those excellent Men of War without judgment, which helped him to conquer so many Nations. But at this time▪ the greatness of his For∣tune had not yet altered his Nature, though after∣wards he could not bear his Victories with that ver∣tue which he did win them, but he behaved himself

after such manner, that ••e exceeded in Continency and Compassion all the Kings that had been before his time. He entertained the two Queens, with those Virgins that were of excellent Beauty, so re∣verently, as if they had been his Sisters: He not only abstained from violation of Darius Wife, which in Beauty excelled all the Women of her time; but also took great care and diligence, that none other should procure any dishonour to her: and to all the women he commanded their orna∣ments and apparel to be restored; so that they wanted nothing of the magnificence of their for∣mer Estate, saving only the assured confidence that Creatures want in misery.

Which things considered by Sisygambis, she said unto the King: Sir, your goodness towards us doth deserve, that we should make the same prayer for you, that we did sometime for Darius; and we per∣ceive you worthy to surpass so great a King as he was, in felicity and good fortune, who do so abound in Ju∣stice and in Clemency. You vouchsafe to call me by the name of Mother, and of Queen, but I confess my self to be your Hand-maid; for I both conceive the great∣ness of my Estate past, and feel that I can bear this present servitude: It lyeth only in your hands how we shall be dealt withal, and whether you will make us notable to the World, through your Clemency, or your Cruelty. The King comforted them all he might; and willing them to be of good chear, took Darius Son in his arms; at which the Childe was nothing afraid, having never seen him before, but took and imbraced him about the neck: He was so moved with the constancy of the Childe,

that he beheld Ephestion, and said, Oh that Darius had some part of this gentle disposition.

When he was departed from thence, he caused three Altars to be made upon the River of Pyramus, and there did sacrifice to Jupiter, Hercules, and Mi∣nerva, and so went forwards into Syria. He sent Parmenio before into Damascus, where Darius Trea∣sure did remain; who understanding by the way, that Darius had sent one of his Nobles thither, fearing that for the smallness of his own number, the Inhabitants of Dam••scus would keep him out, he determined to send for a greater power: But by chance one Mardus fell into the hands of the Horse∣men that Parmenio had sent before to scour the Country, who being brought before Parmenio, de∣livered him the Letters that the Captain of Damas∣cus had sent to Alexander; and besides the Letters, added of himself, that he doubted not but that all Darius riches and his treasure would be delivered to him at his arrival. Parmenio gave the charge to certain of his men to secure his person, and then opened the Letters, wherein it was contained, that Alexander in all haste should send one of his Cap∣tains thither with a small power: which being known, he sent Mardus back again to Damascus, with a small Guard to accompany him; but he e∣scaped out of their hands, and came to Damascus before day-light. That thing troubled Parmenio greatly, doubting that his Enemies had laid an Am∣buscado for him; and therefore he durst not ad∣venture in an unknown way without a Guide: Notwithstanding, upon the confidence he had in the felicity of his Prince, he took some Peasants of

the Country to conduct him the way, who the fourth day brought him to the City of Damascus. The Captain doubting that Credence should not be given to his Letter, pretended to mistrust the strength of the Town, and made countenance as though he would fly away. On the break of day he caused Darius Treasure (which the Persians call Ga∣za) with the rest of all his precious things, to be brought forth of the Town, with a resolution to betray the same into the Macedons hands: There were many thousands of men and women that followed; a pitious sight to all that saw them, sa∣ving to him to whose fideli••y they were committed: For he, to win himself thanks, purposed to deli∣ver to his Enemies a prey more precious then all the rest, which was such of his Nobili••y as he had in his custody, with the Wives and Children of the Great Men that bare Rule under Darius: And besides, the Embassadours of the Cities of Greece, whom Darius had left in his treacherous hands, as in a Fortress, to his thinking, of most security. The Persians call those (Gargabe) that carry burthens upon their shoulders, and these having the carriage of things of most value, when they could not en∣dure the Cold for the Frost and Snow that suddenly fell, they put upon them the Robes of Gold and Purple, which they carried, together with the mo∣ney, there being no man to let them; for the ad∣versity of Darius caused that base sort of men to use a wretched liberty. Those kinde of men seemed to Parmenio, at the first sight, to be no small Army; and therefore weighed not the matter lightly, but gave Exhortation to those that were with him, as though

they should have fought a sore Battel; and willed them to put their Sp••••s to their Horses, and give the Charge: which being perceived by them that b••••e burthens, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away for fear, and so did the Men of War that were with them, by such ways as they best knew: The Captain of Damascus coun∣terfeiting such fear as others feared indeed, was the cause of all this confusion. The riches of Darius were left unguarded, and lay scattered abroad over all the Fields, with the money that was prepared for the wages of so infinite a number of Souldiers; as also the apparel of so many great men and Noble women, with Vessels and Bridles of Gold, ••avilions adorned with Regal Magnificence, and Waggons full of infinite riches: A thing even sorrowful to behold to the Spoilers, if any thing could stay the covetousness of men. Was it not a pitiful thing to behold the riches that had been gathered together in so great a number of years, whiles the state of the Persians stood in that incredible height of For∣tune, one part thereof to be torn with Bushes, and another part sunk into the Mi••••? being so great be∣sides, that the hands of the Spoilers could not suf∣fice for the Spoil, when the Horsemen had overta∣ken them that fled: first they ••ound divers women carrying their small Children, amongst whom there were four Virgins, the Daughters of Occhus that reigned next before Darius. They before that time had suffered change o•• Fortune, when the State was altered from their Fathers Line; but this adversi••y was much more grievous unto them.

There was in that number the wi••e of Occhus, the Daughter of Oxatres, that was Darius's Brother, and

the Wife of Artabasus, who was of the chief House of Persia, with his Son called Ilioneus. The Wife and the Son of Pharnabasus were also taken, to whom Darius had committed the charge of all the Sea-Coasts, and with them the three Daughters of Mentor, the Wife and Son of the Noble Captain Memnon.

There was scarcely any House of the Nobility of Persia free from that evil adventure. There were also both Lacedemonians and Athenians, that con∣trary to the League between Alexander and them▪ took Darius part: amongst the Athenians, Aristoi∣ton, Dropides and Levertes, were of the greatest Line and Linage: and of the Lacedemonians, the chiefest were Perisippus and Onomastorides, with Omais and Callicratides. The sum of the coyned money there taken, was two thousand and sixty Talents, beside thirty thousand men, and seven thousand beasts that carried burthens upon their backs. But the gods did persecute with due punishment the Betrayer of such a Treasure; for one whom he had made privy to the matter, pitying therein the Estate of his Prince, did slay the Traytor, and brought his head to Darius; a comfort, not unapt in that season, to the betrayed King; for thereby he was both reven∣ged of his Enemy, and perceived that the memory due unto his Estate, was not removed out of the hearts of his people.