Page:The story of Greece told to boys and girls.djvu/377

 CHAPTER XCV

DARIUS GALLOPS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD

As soon as he had recovered from his illness, Alexander led his army to meet Darius. He found the great king in the pass of Issus, in October 333

Darius had first encamped on the plain of Issus, in a strong position, where his vast army would have had room to fight.

But he dreamed that Alexander would try to escape him, so he ordered his men to march through the narrow mountain passes to meet the enemy.

A Macedonian, who had deserted, begged Darius not to leave the plain. 'But,' said the king, 'if I stay here, Alexander will escape me.'

'That fear is needless,' answered the Macedonian, 'for assure yourself that far from avoiding you, he will make all speed to meet you, and is now most likely on his march toward you.'

When Alexander knew that Darius had left the plain for the pass of Issus, he was pleased, for he knew that the enemy would now be hemmed in between the mountains and the sea.

Before long the two armies were close together. Alexander led his right wing against the left wing of the Persians. Here he was soon victorious, and free to attack the centre of the enemy, where Darius sat in his chariot, surrounded by a band of Persian nobles.

As the great king saw Alexander and his followers drawing nearer and nearer, he began to grow afraid. Soon he