[ 230 ] 



at that instant threatened Parmenio and the left wing, prevented any 

 vigorous pursuit on the part of the Macedonians ; for that body was 

 nearly surrounded by Mazaeus at the head of the numerous and ex- 

 pert body of cavalry, principally Median and Parthian, that formed 

 Darius's right wing, and nothing but the instant and effectual 

 succour, which the Macedonian sovereign was thus enabled to give 

 them, saved them from entire destruction. During also this un- 

 fortunate situation of Parmenio, and the distant engagement of 

 Alexander, a considerable body of Indian and Persian horse had 

 taken an opportunity to penetrate even to the Macedonian camp, 

 and assisted by the Barbarian captives, who had risen upon their 

 weak guard, were plundering the tents and baggage. These were 

 immediately attacked by the rear of the centre-division, who had 

 faced about, as commanded in the general orders of the day, and 

 were in part defeated ; but the assailants, being horse, could not be 

 pursued. In their retreat, however, with the plunder, they were 

 met by Alexander on his return to succour Parmenio ; the spoil 

 was retaken, and themselves almost to a man cut to pieces. As soon 

 as the troops had reached their object, the right wing, a combat 

 still more determined and bloody than that in which he had 

 already been engaged with the left commenced, and on this occa- 

 sion many of his most valuable officers were wounded ; among 

 whom was Hephaestion. Victory was at length, though dearly, 

 earned, and the rout became universal and complete. Parmenio 

 then returned with Alexander to the pursuit of Darius, whom they 

 followed as far as Arbela, about six hundred stadia, or seventy-five 

 English miles, distant from the field of battle, but could not over- 

 take ; the royal fugitive never thinking himself secure, nor stopping 

 till he had reached the remote northern provinces. Immense piles 

 of baggage, treasure in money and bullion, and rich furniture of 

 every description, again became the property of the victor ; and, in 



