Bibliotheca Historica

​he would have met with death at the hands of the multitude. Having in this way intimidated the others and acquired great dignity and authority for himself, he changed his course again, and winning Peucestas over with friendly words and grand promises, made him well-disposed to himself and eager to fight along with the kings.

​And wishing to obtain from the other satraps and generals also a sort of hostage that they would not abandon him, he pretended to be short of funds and urged each one to lend to the kings according to his ability.

​Receiving four hundred talents from those commanders from whom it seemed advantageous to do so, he secured those who had previously been suspected of plotting or of abandoning him as the most faithful guardians of his person and fellow combatants.

​While he was thus managing these matters like a general with an eye to the future, some people arrived from Media reporting that Antigonus had begun his march toward Persis with his army. Upon learning this, he himself also broke camp, having resolved to meet the enemy and run the hazard of battle.

​On the second day of the march, he performed a sacrifice to the gods and, by feasting the army sumptuously, won the goodwill of the multitudes; but he himself, being carried away during the drinking bout with those of the guests who rushed to drink, fell into an illness. For this reason he delayed his march for several days, being weighed down by his affliction. The army fell into despondency, for while the enemy was expected to engage them soon, the most capable of their generals was hard pressed by the illness.

​Nevertheless, when the crisis of the illness had passed and he had slightly recovered his strength, he advanced with the army under the leadership of Peucestas and Antigenes, while he himself, carried in a litter, followed in the rear so that he might not be disturbed by the noise and crowding.