nor keep themselves within the compass of the Court but ran 〈◊〉 as men out of their wits whereby their City 〈◊〉 filled with sighs and tears and no kinde of lamâ—â—â—ation pretermitted that sorrow is accustomed 〈◊〉 administer in such a case Such therefore as were without the Court as well Macedons as others câ—me running thither where the Conquerours from the conquered could not be discerned so equal and mutual was their sorrow The Persians called upon their just and merciful Lord and the Macedons made invocation unto him that was so just and gracious a King and thus there was a certain contention among them They did not only use the words of grief and heaviness but also of murmuring and indignation that so young a Prince being in the flower of his age and so fortunate in success should by the envy of the gods be so taken out of this world They called to remembrance what a chearfulness they had always seen in his countenance both when he led them to the Battel or when he besieged or assaulted any City or when he would give any commendation to the Valiant in any Assembly Then the Macedons repented that ever they had denied him divine honour confessing themselves both wicked and ungrateful in depriving him of any name whereof he was worthy And when they had continued long in the veneration and desire of him that was dead they began to lament their own condition who coming out of Macedon were beyond the River Euphrates amongst the middest of their Enemies who unwillingly received their new Government They saw themselves left destitute and the Empire without any certain Heir for want of whom every one would go about to draw the Power of the State into his own private interest Then they began to conceive and foresee the Civil Wars that did ensue and that they should be inforced to shed their bloud again not for the Conquest of Asia but for the Title of some such a one as would go about to make himself King Moreover that such who by reason of their age had been discharged from the Wars by their noble and righteous King should now be inforced to spend their lives in the quarrel of one who was but his Souldier Whiles they were in these imaginations the night came on and increased their terrour The men of War watched in their Arms and the Babylonians looked over the Walls peeping out from the tops of their houses to discover some certainty how the Affairs passed There was not one that durst kindle any light and because the use of the eye did fail they laid their ears to hear the rumour and words that were spoken and many times they were afraid when no cause of fear was and when they met together in the narrow streets or dark lanes they would be amazed and suspect each other as enemies The Persians after their accustomed manner cut short their hair and with their Wives and Children lamented the death of Alexander in mourning Garments with unfeigned affection not as a Conquerour or one that lately had been their Enemy but as their right and natural King for they being accustomed to live under a King could think no man more worthy then himself to rule over them This sorrow was not contained within the walls of the City but straightways it spread over all the Country thereabouts And the Fame of so great a mischief flying throughout Asia brought early tidings thereof unto Darius Mother She at the first report did tear asunder the garment she did wear and putting on mourning apparel she pulled her hair and fell down groveling upon the earth One of her Neeces sate by her mourning for the death of Ephestion who not long before had married her and in an universal heaviness bewailed the cause of her private sorrow but Sisigambis alone sustained all their miseries and bewailed both her own condition and her Neeces her fresh sorrow causing her to call to minde things past A man would have judged by her behaviour that Darius had been newly slain or that she had now celebrated the Funerals of two Sons together She did not only lament the dead but sorrowed also for the living Who shall now said she take care of these young Women Or who can be like unto Alexander Now we are taken Prisoners again We are newly fallen again from our Dignity and Estate After Darius death we found one to defend us but now since Alexander is gone who will have respect unto us Among these things she called to minde how Occhus the cruel King had slain her Father and four-score of her Brethren in one day and that of six Children born of her Body there was but one of them left alive She saw that Fortune had advanced Darius and caused him to flourish 〈…〉 to the intent she might end his life by 〈…〉 Finally she was so overcome with sorrow that 〈◊〉 covered her head turning her self from 〈…〉 and Nephew that sate at her feet and abstaining both from meat and from beholding the light 〈◊〉 ended her life the fifth day after she was determined to die This her death was a great argument of the clemency which Alexander had shew'd towards her and of his justice towards all the Captives seeing that after Darius death she could not endure to live but after Alexanders departure she was ashamed to continue any longer Consider Alexander justly and we must impute all his Vertues to his own nature and his Vices either to his youth or to the greatness of his Fortune there was in him an incredible force of Courage and an exceeding sufferance of Travel he was endued with manhood excelling not only Kings but also such as had no other vertue or quality he was of such liberality that oftentimes he gave greater things than the Receivers would have wished for of God The multude of Kingdoms that he gave in Gift and restored to such from whom he had taken them by force was a token of his Clemency towards them whom he had subdued He shewed a perpetual contempt of Death the fear whereof doth amaze other men And as there was in him a greater desire of Glory and worldly Praise than reason would admit so it was tolerable in so young a man performing so great and wonderful Atchievements The reverence and affection he bare towards his Parents appeared in the purpose he had to consecrate his Mother Olympias to immortality and in that he so strictly revenged his Father Philips death How gentle was he towards his Friends and how benevolent towards his Souldiers He had a wisdom equal to the greatness of his heart and such a policy and foresight as so young years were scarcely able to receive A measure he had in immoderate pleasures and lusted less than Nature desired using no pleasure but what was lawful These indeed were wonderful great Gifts and Vertues but in that he compared himself to the gods coveting divine honours and believing the Oracles that perswaded such
the body and all men judging him to be slain the Booty was lost As soon as he was recovered of his wound his dissembled grudge against the Athenians burst out so far that he made open War against them by reason whereof the Thebans seeing the danger so near at hand gave succour to their Neighbours fearing if the Athenians were overcome the last fury of the Wars would turn upon them Wherefore the Cities that a little before were mortal Enemies one to another combined together in one League and sent their Embassadours through all Greece holding it most expedient with a common Aid to withstand a common Enemy Some considering the peril to be universal stuck to the Athenians and some observing Philip's power increasing and the other decreasing took part with Philip. In this War Alexander had the charge of one of the Wings committed to him wherein his Noble Courage did well appear for he deported himself so valiantly that he seemed nothing inferiour to his Father nor any else but by most just desert got the honour of the Victory yet he was defrauded thereof by the envy and sleight of his Father as he himself complained afterwards This Battel was fought at Cheronaea wherein though the Athenians were the greater number yet were they overcome by the Macedonians who were the fewer but expert Souldiers by reason of their long and continual practise in Wars Nevertheless the Athenians as men not unmindful of their former honour lost their lives valiantly That day made an end of all the Grecians glory as well of their large Rule and Government as of their most Ancient Freedom and Liberty which being hardly won and long time kept was thus lost in a moment For these things and many other experiments of Valour and Prowess in young Alexander although the King his Father did bear him singular affection and favour yet nevertheless by certain occasions ensuing that love was unhappily broken For Philip being married to Olympias Mother of Alexander as is said before took to Wife besides her a Lady called Cleopatra whereupon fell great discord and unkindness between the Father and the Son The occasion was given by one Attalus Uncle to Cleopatra who being at the new Marriage exhorted the Macedons to make prayers to the gods to send the King and new Queen a lawful Heir to succeed in the Kingdom of Macedon Whereat Alexander being moved Vile man as thou art said he dost thou count me a Bastard And with that word flung the Cup at his head The King hearing this rose up and with his Sword drawn ran at his Son who by the nimbleness of his body avoided the stroke so that it did him no harm Hereupon Alexander inveighing against him with many sharp and despiteful words departed and went with his Mother into Epirus Nevertheless soon after by the means of one Demoratus a Corinthian who perswaded the King that this discord was nothing for his Honour Alexander was sent for again and much solicitation was used before they could be well reconciled Wherefore to confirm this Attonement there was a Marriage made between Alexander the Brother of Olympias whom Philip by the expulsion of Acisba had made King of Epirus and Cleopatra the new Queens Daughter The Triumph of the day was remarkable according to the State and Magnificence of such two Princes the one bestowing his Daughter and the other marrying a Wife There were set forth sundry Interludes and Inventions pleasant to behold And as King Philip between the two Alexanders the one his Natural Son the other his Son-in-law was passing through the press without any Guard one Pausanias a young man of the Nobility of Macedon when no man suspected any such thing suddenly slew him making the day dedicated to joy and triumph to be heavy with lamentation This Pausanias being a Boy one Attalus inforced to the unlawful use of his Body and not content to do so himself at another Feast he caused divers of his Familiars to abuse him likewise which shame and villany grieved the young man so sore that he complained to the King whom although the foulness of the fact moved much yet for the love he bare to Attalus and for the respect of his service he did forbear to animadvert against him This Attalus was very near unto the King and in special favour by reason he was Kinsman unto the Queen Cleopatra whom Philip had lately married He was also Elected Captain General of the Kings Army prepared to pass into Asia being one that was both valiant in his person and no less politick in the discipline of War Upon these respects the King endeavoured by all the means he could to pacifie Pausanias incensed with indignation and revenge as well by giving him great gifts as by placing him honourably among those Gentlemen that were for the Guard of his Person But all this could not appease the rage of his implacable anger which wrought so in him that he determined to be revenged not only upon Attalus that did the villany but also upon the King that would not administer Justice which determination he put in effect as is said before Many things might be said more of the doings and sayings of this Philip but one thing above all others is to be noted that although for the most part he was exercised in the travel of the Wars and in Victorious Actions yet had he ever such affection to the Studies of Humanity and good Learning that he both did and spake many things worthy of Memory which were both witty and pleasant He lived 47 years and Reigned 25 being the three and twentieth King of the Macedons THE SECOND BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS Of the Acts of Alexander the Great King of Macedon WHen Philip was dead his Son who for the greatness of his Acts was afterwards called Alexander the Great took upon him the Kingdom the 426 year after the building of Rome being of the age of twenty years His state stood at that time subject to much envy hatred and hazard from all parts for the Nations and Provinces bordering upon him could not well endure their present bondage and every one of them sought how to recover again their ancient Dominions and Principalities The first thing he undertook after he was King was the severe punishment of as many as had conspired his Fathers death which performed he celebrated his Funerals with great solemnity As for his Estate he soon established it and that much better then any man could have imagined in one of so young and tender years For being of some had in contempt and by some others suspected to be cruel towards the one he deported himself so gallantly that he took from them all contempt and to the other so gently that their imagined fear of his cruel disposition was clean taken away He granted unto the Macedons freedom and priviledge from all Exactions and Bondage except from the service of War By which act he got so great favour
he confessed all the Treason again Then Demetrius was brought forth who was counted the greatest Actor in this Conspiracy next to Philotas But he with great protestation and incredible stoutness both of heart and countenance denied that he ever intended any evil against the King and for his tryal desired to be tormented Then Philotas casting his eyes about espied one Calis standing by and made a signe to him to draw near who being abashed and refusing to come forwards Wilt thou quoth he suffer Demetrius to lye and me to be racked again With those words Calis became speechless and changed colour Then the Macedons began to suspect that he would accuse Innocents because the same Calis was neither named by Nichomachus nor by Philotas himself in his torments But finally Philotas before the Kings Officers standing thereabout confessed that the Treason was conspired by himself and Demetrius wherefore as many as 〈◊〉 impeached by Nichomachus upon a token given were stoned to death according to the Macedons Law Thus was Alexander delivered from great peril not only of his safety but also of his life For Parmenio and Philotas being of such power if they had not openly been found culpable could not have been condemned without the grudge of the Army So long therefore as Philotas denied the thing the matter seemed doubtful and many men thought him cruelly handled But after he had confessed the circumstances no man not so much as the nearest Friends took any pity of him THE SEVENTH BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS Of the Acts of Alexander the Great King of Macedon AS the Men of War thought Philotas justly put to death his offence being fresh in memory even so after he was gone their envy was turned into pity The Nobleness of the Young Man moved them much so did the number of the Old Years and Desolation of his Father He was the first that made the way open for Alexander into Asia always partaker of his perils the Captain of his Vaward and chief in Councel with the King his Father and so trusty to Alexander himself that in oppressing of Attalus his Enemy he would use no other mans service The remembrance of these things was fresh among all the Souldiers and seditious words came to the Kings ears who being moved therewith did wisely with travel avoid the evil occasions coming of idleness wherefore he caused it to be proclaimed that all men should be in a readiness before the Court-gate where they being once assembled he came forth to speak unto them And as it was before contrived he required the Band of the Agrians to bring forth one Alexander Lynstes which long before Philotas had conspired the Kings Death This man being accused of two Witnesses as before said had remained in prison three years together against whom it was proved that he was of counsel with Pausanias in the killing of King Philip But because he saluted first Alexander by the Name of King his punishment was deferred rather then his offence forgiven For at the intercession of Antipater his Father-in-law the King had respited his just indignation for that time But the old festered sore brake out again and the consideration of his peril present renewed the remembrance of his danger passed Therefore when he was brought forth of prison and commanded to say for himself albeit he had three years leisure to devise his answer yet stammering and trembling could bring forth but little of that which he purposed to say and finally both his heart and his memory failed him wherefore there was none that doubted but that his fearfulness was a token of a guilty Conscience and no default of memory So that whilst he was staggering and hacking in his tale they that stood next thrust him through with their Pikes whose body conveyed out of the place the King commanded Amintas and Simmannas to be brought forth for Palemon their youngest Brother after he had knowledge of Philotas torment fled away Of all Philotas friends these two were most dear to him and through his commendation advanced to high and honourable Offices The King remembring with what earnestness and labour Philotas had brought them into his favour doubted not but they were privy to his last Conspiracy Whereupon he declared unto the multitude that he had occasion of suspition against those men long ago by his Mothers Letters whereby he had warning to beware of them and that now fearing the sequel of worser inconveniencies had made them sure inforced thereunto by apparent presumptions First he said the day before Philotas Treason came to light it was well known that they had much conference with him in secret And also their Brother who fled away when Philotas was on the Rack he had declared by the absenting of himself the cause of his flying He shewed also that of late contrary to their accustomed manner of waiting without any cause moving them thereunto but only by pretence of diligence they pressed next about the King of all other whereat marvelling that they would furnish a Room whereunto they were not appointed became so in doubt of their clustring together that he returned into the Train of the Gentlemen that followed him He declared beside that when Antiphanes Clerk of the Stable the day before Philotas Treason came to light according to his accustomed manner gave knowledge to Amintas that he should deliver of his Horse to such as had lost their own he proudly answered again that except he would content himself he should know shortly what manner of man he was Which violence of tongue and rashness of words bulked out quoth he was nothing else but a declaration and token of his trayterous heart These things being true he said they had no less deserved then Philotas and if they were otherwise he desired they might answer unto the points Thereupon Antiphanes was brought in to give Evidence of the Horse not delivered and of his proud answer given with threatning When Amintas had gotten liberty to speak he desired of the King that whiles they answered for themselves their Bands might be loosed which thing obtained he made 〈◊〉 to have his garment to be cast upon him which Alexander not only granted but willâ—d a weapon to be delivered unto his hands as other 〈◊〉 used When he had received the same 〈…〉 a little the place where the Corpse of Lincestes lâ—y and said in this wise Whatsoever shall become of us Sir King we must think if our chance be good the same to proceed of your favour and if it be evil we must judge the fault to be in our Fortune seeing you suffer us to plead our cause without prejudice setting our mindes free and our bodies at large with the sâ—me apparel restoring us wherein we were wont to follow you Our Cause is such that we cannot doubt of it and we are passed the fear of Fortune therefore with your favour I will answer first those points wherewith you charged us last We know most
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 disposition 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 revenge 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 liberties 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 pensiveness 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 betokened 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 appeared 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 translated 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 Euphrates 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 Christal shining so bright that it might be seen thorowout 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 number unto the days of the year then came the Chariot consecrated to Jupiter drawn with white Horses 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 Chariots garnished and wrought with silver and gold The Horsemen of twelve Nations followed in sundry sorts of Armour then came a Company that the Persians called Immortal the riches of whose Apparel 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 being 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 amongst the rest the Kings Apparel seemed marvellously sumptuous which was of Purple empaled white with a Border imbroidered of Gold and Golden 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 after them four hundred of the Kings Coursers Within the distance of one furlong Sâ—â—ygambis the Mother of Darius was carried in one Chariot and his Wife in another the Train of their Women riding on Horseback Next to them wâ—nt fifteen Chariots wherein the Kings Children were carried and their Nurses and their Eunuchs which are greatly esteemed 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 Treasure guarded with a Band of Archers The Wives of the Kings Kinsmen and the other that were about the King came riding next and after them a great company of Slaves and Varlets Last came the Rereward lightly armed whereof every Captain severally with his own Company closed the Army such was the Order oâ— Darius 〈◊〉 But on the other side beholding Alexanders Army 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 Captains 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
did as he commanded them for besides the noise that was amongst them Fear filled their ears as they were swimming and wading through the water At length where the stream was most shallow they came forth there being nothing miscarried or wanting amongst them all saving a few fardles If their enemies had made but a proffer against them they might easily have been put to distress But Alexander's good fortune turned his enemies away from him with which success he passed the River of Granike when so many thousands of horsemen and footmen kept the passage against him After that manner he overcame the multitude of his enemies in the Streights of Cilicia Though his hardiness were such that it sometimes wanted praise yet his felicity ever delivered him out of all extremity of peril If Mazeus had done his part and set upon them as they were passing the River he might easily have put them to distress being unarmed and out of order but after the Macedons had armed themselves being then too late he began to shâ—w himself with a thousand Horsemen When Alexander perceived the small number that came against him he caused Ariston Captain of the Peonians to give a full charge upon thâ—n The Horsemen that day notably behaved themselves but especially Ariston who with his Spâ—ar ran Satropaces the chief Captain through the throat and pursuing him into the midst of his Troop thrâ—w him from his horse and cut off his head which to his great commendation he brought and thrâ—w down before the King Alexander taâ—ried there two days and on the morning caused warning to be given by Proclamation for his setting forwards But in the first watch of the night the Moon suffered an Eclipse and losing her brightness became afterwards red as blood and then waxed dim and dark The strangeness of this sight did strike a religious fear amongst the Macedons whereof proceeded such a doubt and dâ—â—ad that they fell into a murmuring why they should be brought forwards in such a manner against the will of the gods into the uttermost bounds of the Earth where they could neither pass the Rivers nor enjoy the accustomed use of the Elements finding nothing but waste grounds and wilde desarts all which was endured they said for the ambition of one man for whose vain-glory the blood of so many thousands should be shed He despiseth saith they his own Country he hath forsaken Philip for his Father and hath affected Heaven in his foolish imagination And now it was come near unto sedition when Alexander that in all things was without fear commanded the chief Rulers and Captains of his man of War to assemble at his Pavilion and there commanded the Astronomâ—rs of the Egyptians whom he judged to have most understanding oâ— the Planets to declare their opinions They understanding very well the revolutions of the time and their appointed courses knâ—w that the Moon was ever eclipsed when that either she was underneath the earth or else when her light was blâ—mished by opposition of the Sun which reason reserved amongst themselves they accustome not to acquaint the people with it But affirm that the Greeks were under the Aspect of the Sun and the Persians under the Moon and therefore so often as the Moon â—â—â—leth of her light it signifiâ—d great destruction unto the Nations under that constellation And to confirm that opinion of theirs they brought in old Presidents of the Kings of Persia to whom the eclipse of the Moon had signified that the gods were against them in sighting of their Battel There is nothing more effectual then superstition to govern a multitude which otherwise is without rule tumultuous and mutable but when they have once conceived a religion though it be but vain they are more obedient to their Diviners then to their Captains which thing might be well perceived when the answers of the Egyptians were divulged amongst the people For they streightways were removed from their dulness and despair and stirred up to hope and confidence Alexander therefore that could use the time and imploy his Souldiers in their good mood in the second watch removed their camp keeping Tygris on his right hand and the Mountains which they call Gordian on his left By break of day the Scouts that he sent before to discover the enemy returned to him with report of Darius his coming then the Souldiers prepared themselves to fight and marched forwards in order of battel But those who were discoverers for the Persians were a thousand horsemen who seemed to the Macedons to be a great Army The Scouts commonly have that property that when they cannot finde out the truth they imagine through fear things that be false When Alexander understood the certainty he sent towards them a small number of his own horsemen at whose coming they fled and were partly slain and part of them taken prisoners That done he sent forth another party as well to discover further as also to quench the fire which the Persians had made through all the Country for as they fled away they put fire into the roofs of their houses and the stacks of Corn which soon took hold above and consumed all till it came to the ground By the extinguishing of those fires great plenty of Corn was preserved and abundance of all other things ensued amongst the Macedons this was a motive which incouraged the Souldiers greatly to pursue their enemies for they doubting that they might burn and consume all such things as might serve to their use pursued them with all the speed they could make providence growing from necessity For Mazeus who before did burn the Country at leisure when he saw himself pursued fled away and left unto the Macedons the greater part untouched Alexander understanding that Darius drew towards him and was come within an hundred and fifty furlongs made provision of Victuals and remained four days in the same place Darius Letters were there intercepted which he had written to the Greeks in perswasion either to kill or betray Alexander He doubted whether he should recite the same Letters openly or no having no mistrust of their fidelity and affection towards him But Parmenio disswaded him from acquainting the Souldiers with any such promises of Darius considering that the committing of such an act consisted in one mans hands and that covetousness never judged any thing unlawful He followed Parmenio's counsel and so removed his Camp As they were marching one of the Eunuches that attended upon Darius wife brought word how she fainted and was in great peril of death for she in very deed was so wearied with continual travel and affection of minde that she fell down in a swound betwixt her mother-in-law and her young daughter and so died He had no sooner reported it but another came with tydings that she was dead indeed whereat Alexander was no less sorrowful than if his own mother had been in the same condition and weeping no less then Darius should have done
by the power of the gods And besides they could not think it a matter of mans invention that so great Darts and Spears as came among them should be shot by Engines Despairing therefore of the defence of their City they retired into the Castle and because they could not be satisfied any manner of way till they had yielded themselves they sent Embassadors to the King to ask pardon which being obtained at his hand the Queen with a great train of Noble women came forth bearing in their hands cups of gold full of Wine The Queen presenting her little Son before the Kings feet not only obtained pardon but also a restorement to her former dignity Therefore some thought that her beauty procured her more favour than his mercy but this is certain that the Childe which afterwards she brought forth whosoever did beget it was called Alexander From this place Polipercon was sent with a power to a City called Nora where he overthrew in Battel the inhabitants that encountred with him whereby he got the City to his possession There were many other Cities obscure of fame which came into Alexanders hands by the abandoning of the inhabitants who assembled themselves together in arms and kept a Rock called Doriâ—is The same was that Hercules had besieged this Rock beforetime in vain and by reason of an Earth-quake was enforced to depart When Alexander viewed this Rock and saw how steep it was and unpassable he became void of counsel till such time as an old man that knew well the place came to him with his two sons offering for a reward to guide his men by a way to the top of the Rock Alexander promised them fourscore Talents and keeping one of his sons as a pledge he sent him to perform what he had promised Mullinus the Kings Secretary was appointed with certain Souldiers light armed to follow the Guide whose purpose was to deceive the Indians by fetching a compass about the Rock but this same Rock was not as the most part of Rocks are which lying asloap have ways up unto the top by degrees for it stood upright after the fashion of a Butt being broad beneath and ever as it grew upward it grew less and less till it became sharp in the top and it was inclosed on the one side with the River of Indus having high and steep banks and upon the other side with deep ditches and hollow places full of water and mud Wherefore there could be devised no way to win it except those ditches were first filled There was a Wood at hand which the King commanded to be cut down and causing the boughs to be shred off for the carriage they filled the hollows with the bare stocks Alexander bare the first tree and all the Souldiers followed with a couragious shout for there was no man that would refuse to do that which they saw the King begin so that within seven days the ditches and hollow places were filled up Then the King appointed the Agrians and the Archers to go to the Assault and did chuse thirty young men of such as he judged most apt for the purpose out of his own Band appointing Charus and one Alexander to be their Conductors and exhorted Alexander that the remembrance of his Name might make him hardy At the first because the hazard was so manifestâ— the King was not determined to adventure his own person but when the Trumpet blew to the Assault he was of such a ready courage that he could not abstain but making a signe to his Guard that they should follow him he was the first that set foot upon the Rock There were few contented to â—arry behinde but many left their array where they stood in order of Battel and followed the King The chance of those was miserable whom the running River swallowed in when they fell down from the Rock which sight was sorrowful to such as were out of danger being admonished by the peril of others what they ought to fear themselves hereupon their compassion being turned into fear they lamented as well themselves as those whom they saw die before their faces At length they advanced so far that without getting of the Rock they could not retire back again without apparent destruction For their Enemies rowled down great stones upon them wherewith they were easily beaten down by reason the Rock had so slippery and unstable standing Yet for all that Charus and Alexander who were appointed to the leading of the thirty chosen Souldiers had gotten to the top of the Rock and began to fight hand to hand But there was so many Darts cast at them from afar that they received more wounds than they could give wherefore Alexander both mindful of his name and of his promise whiles he fought more eagerly than warily was inclosed about and slain Whom when Charus saw dead he ran upon his Enemies and unmindful of all things saving of revenge he slew many with his Pike and divers with his Sword But being laid at by so many at once he fell down dead upon the body of his Friend The death of these two so hardy young men and of the rest moved Alexander greatly yet perceiving no remedy he caused the Retreat to be sounded It was greatly for their safeguard that they retâ—ed by little and little without appearance of any fear And the Indians contented to have repulsed their Enemies pursued not after them Alexander hereupon was determined to leave off his purpose seeing he saw no hope how to win the rock yet he made a countenance as though he meant to continue the Siege still For he both caused the wayes to be closed up and made an approach with towers of wood always putting fresh men in the place of them that were wearied When the Indians perceived Alexanders obstinacy two days and two nights they banqueted continually and played upon timbrels after this manner to cause their Enemies to think they had no doubt in the Siege but trusted certainly to prevail The third night the noise of the timbrel ceased and many torches were seen burning that the Indians had lighted to see which way they might escape down the Rock in the dark of the night Alexander sent Balachrus to discover the Event who found that the Indians were fled and that the Rock was abandoned Then a signe was given that the whole â—â—my should give a shout together whereby they did strike such fear amongst their Enemies flying without order that many of them thinking the Macedons at their backs leaped down the Rocks and slew themselves whereof some maâ—med in their falling were left behinde their fellows that fled away Thus the King being Conquerour of the place rather than of the men testified notwithstanding with solemn sacrifice to the gods a greatness or victory and set up Altars on the rock to Minerva and Victoria And though the Guides that he appointed to his light armed men performed not so much as they promised yet their
dolour they had conceived in their hearts but with a great throng prâ—ssed to the Court wearing only their nethermost Garments and leaving their Weapons without the Gate in token of repentance there with weeping and all tokens of humility they made request to be admitted to the Kings presence beseeching that he would vouchsafe to pardon their Offence and to pacifie his wrath with the death of so many of them as he should think good rather than to suffer them to live in such a reproach which except he would release they protested they would never depart out of the place When these things were declared unto Alexander he caused the Court-gates to be opened and came forth amongst them where beholding their lamentation and repentance and the posture of their miserable affliction he could not abstain to weep a long time with them and in consideration of their modesty forgave them their former offences and after he had moderately told them their faults and again comforted them with gentle words he discharged many from the Service of the Wars and sent them home magnificently rewarded writing to Antipater his Lieutenant in Macedonia that he should assigne them the chief places in the Theatres at Triumphs and publick Shews where they should sit with Garlands on their heads willing that their Children after their deaths should enjoy their Fathers Pay He appointed Craterus to be their Ruler to whom also in the place of Antipater he had committed the Government of Macedonia Thessalia and Thracia Antipater being sent for to repair unto him with a supply of young Souldiers Alexander had received Letters before both from him and Olympias his Mother by which there appeared to be some discontents between them For his Mother accused Antipater that he went about to make himself King and Antipater did write how Olympias did many things otherwise than did become her Antipater did take his calling away so grievously to heart that he conspired thereupon to poyson Alexander who having accomplished what he resolved to have done advanced to Ecbatana in Media to set in order the necessary Affairs of his Empire and there ordained solemn Triumphs and Feastings It chanced that Ephestion whom the King entirely loved and used in the place of a Brother did die at the same time of a Fever whose death Alexander took more heavily than may well be credited committing in his grief many things that were unbeseeming the Majesty of a Prince He commanded Ephestions Physician to be hanged as though he had died through his negligence He lay imbracing of the dead body and could hardly be taken away by his Friends but continued his sorrow night and day There are many other things written on this Subject which are scarcely credible but it is certain that he commanded Sacrifice to be made unto him as to a god and consumed in his Burial and in making of his Tomb above twelve thousand Talents As he was returning to Babylon the Chaldean Prophets met him on the way exhorting him not to enter into the City for it was signified That if he went thither at that time he should be in great peril of his life Notwithstanding he regarded not their Admonitions but went forward in his Journey according as he was appointed for he understood that Embassadours were come thither from all Regions and tarried for his coming the terrour of his name was so spread through the world that all Nations shewed an obsequiousness towards him as though he had been appointed to be their King This caused him to make haste to Babylon to keep there as it were a Parliament of the whole World When he was come thither he received the Embassadours gently and afterwards dismissed them home again There was about the same time a Banquet prepared at the house of one Thessalus Medius whereunto the King being invited came with such as were appointed to keep him company But he had no sooner drunk of Hercules Cup but that he gave a deep groan as though he had been struck to the heart and being carried out of the Feast half dead he was so tormented with pain that he required a Sword to have killed himself His Friends did publish abroad that drunkenness was the cause of his disease but in very deed it was prepared Treason the infamy whereof the Power of his Successors did oppress The poyson prepared long before was delivered by Antipater unto his Son Cassander who with his brethren Philip and Iolla were accustomed to serve the King at meat he was warned that he should not commit the said Poyson to any Person except it were to Thessalus or to his own brothers Philip and Iolla who were both accustomed to take the assay of the Kings Cup and having the poyson ready in cold water mixed it with Wine after they had tasted it When the fourth day was come the Souldiers partly because they suspected he was dead and partly because they could not endure to want long his sight came sorrowfully unto the Court desiring to see the King who by his commandment were admitted unto his presence by such as had the charge of his person When they beheld him lying in that estate they made great sorrow and lamentation for he seemed not to them to be the same whom they were accustomed to behold but rather a dead Corpse If their grief were great the sorrow of them who stood next to the Bed appeared much greater whom when Alexander beheld to lament after that sort he said unto them When I shall depart you shall finde a King worthy of such men as you are It is a thing incredible to speak how that during the Souldiers of his whole Army came to visit him he never altered his countenance nor gesture but continued in that presence which he gave unto the first unto the last man When he had dismissed the multitude as though he had been discharged of all debt of life he lay down to rest his weak body and his voice beginning to fail him he commanded his Friends to draw near unto him then taking his Ring from his Finger he delivered it to Perdiccas and gave therewith a commandment that his Body should be conveyed to Hammon They demanded to whom he would leave his Kingdom he said To the worthiest By which words it appeared that he foresaw the Contention that was like to ensue upon his death Perdiccas moreover demanded of him when he would have divine Honours done unto him At such time said he as you shall finde your selves in Felicity These were the last words Alexander spake and shortly after he died Immediately after his death the Court was full of howling and lamenting and by and by as it had been in a desart place all things were hush and a sorrowful silence was spread over all grief being converted into imagination what the event should be The young men of the Nobility that were accustomed about the Kings person could not bear the greatness of their dolour