Alexander the Great, pp. 93-139
Alexander confirms his Authority—The Conquest of Asia Minor—The Cutting of the Gordian Knot—Illness of Alexander—The Doctor and his Patient—The Eve of the Battle of Issus—Alexander harangues his Army—Battle of Issus—Rout of Darius Army—The Captive Queens—Alexander’s Generosity—The Tyrians refuse to admit Alexander—Strange Omens—The Building of the Mole—The Fall of Tyre—Darius’s Letter and Alexander’s Answer—Egypt Visit to the Oracle of Jupiter Hammon—The Fountain of the Sun—Response of the Oracle—Darius’s Preparations—The Edipse of the Moon—Ineffectual Negotiations for Peace—The Council of War—Battle of Gaugamela—Narrow Escape of Alexander—Entry into Babylon—The Walls and the Hanging Gardens—Susa—Alezander’s Feast—Plots against Darius—A treacherous Proposal—Death of Darius—Alexander’s Address to his Army—Crossing of the Caucasus—Bessus’s plans—A Duel—The March through the Desert—Suferings of the Troops—The Crossing of the Oxus—Surrender of Bessus—Speech of the Scythian Ambassador—Be warned in time—Beware of Covetousness—We are dangerous Enemies but useful Friends—Crossing of the Jaxartes and Defeat of the Scythians—Murder of Clitus—Alexander’s Grief—Alexander’s Kindness to a Soldier—Notes on India—The Luxury of Indian Kings—Customs and Seasons—Invasion of India—Severity shown to all who resist—Revels in honour of Bacchus—Capture of a Mountain Fastness—A friendly King—Porus resolves to resist—Difficulty of crossing the River—Alexander crosses the River unobserved—Defeat of Porus—Interview between the Kings—Alexander congratulates his Troops—Banyan Trees and poisonous Serpents—Splendour of a Native King—Fighting Dogs—Complaints
