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of petulant criticism, when they are represented as in the highest 

 degree astonished and alarmed at such an uncommon phenomenon. 

 The violence of the bore was so great, aided by tempestuous gales 

 from the ocean, as to overset some of the vessels and drive others on 

 shore ; which, on the retreat of the waters, were left a-ground. At 

 the return of the tide, however, those that stuck in the mud were 

 again elevated and floated off, while most of those that lay inclined 

 on the sand were swept away or dashed to pieces by its fury. 

 This second misfortune being repaired as well as circumstances 

 would permit, Alexander dispatched two of the transports before the 

 fleet, with orders to explore a certain island at the mouth of the 

 river, which, he was informed, contained commodious harbours and 

 abounded with fresh water ; and, this intelligence being confirmed at 

 their return, he commanded the fleet to anchor there, while he him- 

 self, with a few select vessels, sailed out of its mouth to a second 

 island, which lay about two hundred stadia beyond the former, 

 and, boldly launching out into the vast ocean itself, enjoyed the 

 sublime gratification for which he had so long and so ardently 

 panted, and for the attainment of which he had cheerfully borne so 

 many toils. Here he sacrificed bulls to Neptune, imploring the 

 protection of that deity for his future enterprizes on his domain, 

 and threw the slaughtered animals into the sea. Then, in a trans- 

 port of delight, he poured out libations from golden goblets, 

 which, with all the other sacred vessels used in the oblation, he 

 committed to the bosom of the deep ; and, having thus successfully 

 explored the southern extremity of Asia, he rejoined his fleet, 

 which was now fully repaired, and returned triumphantly to 

 Pattala. 



On his arrival at Pattala, he found Python, with his forces, return- 

 ed, after having effectually executed their commission. The harbour 

 and arsenal were also in great forwardness, under the continued care 



2 S2 



