[ 258 ] 



exaggeration, his florid narration is not wholly undeserving of atten- 

 tion*. 



After the capture of Aornus, Alexander marched, in a north-east 

 direction, to Pucela, or Peucelaotis, the capital of a province, known 

 in Indian geography, as detailed in the Ayeen Akbery, by the name 

 ofPuhkely, to which the Greek term UevxeXaurif corresponds as nearly 

 as the idiom of the two languages would admit of. The province is 

 situated among the western sources of the Indus, and the city itself 

 is washed by the main stream of the Sinde. Hither, as was before 

 observed, Hephaestion and Perdiccas had been dispatched, on the 

 commencement of the march from Paropamisus, to provide a 

 bridge of boats, and make other preparations for crossing the Indus 

 at this point. Here he found those generals engaged in the siege of 

 this capital, which had employed their whole force, during thirty 

 days ; but, on the king's arrival, it surrendered ; and the princes of 

 the country, which had not yet submitted, now hastened to pay their 

 homage to Alexander, and be enrolled among his allies and friends. 

 Among these, the earliest and the most distinguished for riches and 

 power, was Taxiles, sovereign of the whole country extending be- 

 tween the Sinde and the Hydaspes, who not only brought from 

 beyond the Sinde very handsome presents in money, elephants, and 

 provision, but was also actively serviceable in promoting and securing 

 the future conquests of Alexander. 



The bridge of boats was already prepared ; but this being not 

 deemed the properest point for the easy and secure transportation of 

 the forces, Alexander sent forward the heavy-armed troops and the 

 gross of the army to a place on the Sinde, sixteen days march 

 distant below that position. At this place the mountainous range of 



* Arrian, lib. iv. cap. 30, and Curtius, lib. viii. cap. 11. 



