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extent, and terrible to behold ! Behind this presumed impregnable 

 bulwark were placed the numerous battalions of infantry, that, when 

 the goaded elephants had commenced the work of havoc and de- 

 struction, the former might rush impetuously on, and complete the 

 dreadful tragedy. Such were the maxims of Indian warfare, which, 

 in ancient times, placed its principal dependance on the number and 

 vigour of this species of animal brought into the field. The horse 

 he divided into two bodies, which he constituted the wings of his 

 army ; before which he placed the chariots, most probably them- 

 selves armed with scythes and other offensive weapons, but certainly 

 crowded with those who were dexterous in the use of the bow and 

 skilled in hurling the javelin. 



The Indian order of battle was scarcely thus completely arranged, 

 when Alexander, at the head of his cavalry, arrived in sight. As it 

 was in horse that he was by far superior to Porus, he was determined 

 that they should bear the chief burthen of the action. His infantry 

 was not yet come up, and he had full leisure, therefore, as well to 

 reconnoitre the ground as to examine every point of the position 

 taken by the enemy, who confided principally on the order of battle 

 which he had adopted, and who seemed to await the attack in all that 

 dreadful serenity, which, in the physical world, often precedes the 

 most violent tempests. The infantry, which had pressed on with 

 uncommon eagerness, that they might share in the glory of this 

 memorable day, at length arrived ; and, it being necessary that they 

 should take some rest and refreshment before they could engage in 

 fight, Alexander so completely surrounded them with his horse, as to 

 shield them from any danger of attack, which, however, seemed the 

 last thing the enemy had in contemplation. That portion of the 

 army having recovered from its fatigue, he formed of it his centre, 

 heading himself the right wing, and appointing Ccenus to the com- 

 mand of the left, both consisting of cavalry. The Macedonian 



