[ 227 ] , 



considerable body of elephants obtained from the tributary provinces 

 of India. Of the army of Alexander in the front and centre, as we 

 just observed, were stationed the Macedonian phalanx as an im- 

 pregnable bulwark; and, behind them, the auxiliary Greek in- 

 fantry. Alexander himself, as usual, commanded the right wing, 

 consisting of the Macedonian and auxiliary horse ; while the left, 

 composed principally of Thessalian cavalry, was led on by Par- 

 menio. As the army of the enemy covered nearly twice the space 

 of ground occupied by his own, and it was probable they might 

 attempt to surround him, these wings were directed to extend 

 themselves as wide as they possibly could, without too much weak- 

 ening their strength. The rear of the centre-battalions had also 

 orders, in that case, to face about, and charge the encircling enemy 

 with their spears ; and, as a still farther precaution, Alexander took 

 care to have a flying squadron of considerable force in reserve 

 against such an emergency. In respect to the scythe-armed cha 

 riots, on whatever quarter they might make their attack, orders 

 were issued for that division immediately to open, that their progress 

 might be unobstructed, and, consequently, innoxious. The Persian 

 army on this grand occasion, if estimated at a fair average of the 

 varying historians, amounted to five hundred thousand foot and 

 forty thousand horse : that of Alexander is said, by Arrian, to have 

 been only seven thousand horse and forty thousand foot*. 



Such, very generally stated, (for it is not necessary, nor, amidst the 

 jarring accounts of the ancients, is it possible, to be minutely correct,) 

 were the numbers and arrangement of the mighty armies that con- 

 tended at Gaugamela for the sovereignty of Asia. The Persian Before 

 army, numerous as it was, by no means possessed the vigour and spirit 

 proper for such an important day, having, in the constant apprehen- 



* Arrian, lib. iii. cap. 1J, 12. 

 2 F 2 



331. 



