in the district at present called the PENJ-AB (or the FIVE RIVERS).
Taxiles, the sovereign of the district, at once surrendered Taxila, his
capital and joined the Macedonian force with 5000 men. Hence Alexander
proceeded with little resistance to the river Haydaspes (BEHUT or
JELUM). On the opposite bank, Porus, a powerful Indian king, prepared
to dispute his progress with a numerous and well-appointed force.
Alexander, however, by a skilful stratagem conveyed his army safely
across the river. An obstinate battle then ensued. In the army of
Porus were many elephants, the sight and smell of which frightened the
horses of Alexander's cavalry. But these unwieldy animals ultimately
proved as dangerous to the Indians as to the Greeks; for when driven
into a narrow space they became unmanageable, and created great
confusion in the ranks of Porus. By a few vigorous charges the Indians
were completely routed, with the loss of 12,000 slain and 9000
prisoners. Among the latter was Porus himself, who was conducted into
the presence of Alexander. The courage which he had displayed in the
battle had excited the admiration of the Macedonian king. Mounted on
an enormous elephant, he retreated leisurely when the day was lost, and
long rejected every summons to surrender; till at length, overcome by
thirst and fatigue, he permitted himself to be taken. Even in this
situation Porus still retained his majestic bearing, the effect of
which was increased by the extraordinary height of his stature. On
Alexander's inquiring how he wished to be treated, he replied, "Like a
king." "And have you no other request?" asked Alexander. "No,"
answered Porus; "everything is comprehended in the word king." Struck
by his magnanimity, Alexander not only restored him to his dominions,
but also considerably enlarged them; seeking by these means to retain
him as an obedient and faithful vassal.

Alexander rested a month on the banks of the Hydaspes, where he
celebrated his victory by games and sacrifices, and founded two towns
one of which he named Nicaea, and the other Bucephala, in honour of his
gallant charger Bucephalus, which is said to have died there. He then
overran the whole of the PENJ-AB, as far as the Hyphasis (GHARRA), its
southern boundary. Upon reaching this river, the army, worn out by
fatigues and dangers, positively refused to proceed any farther;
although Alexander passionately desired to attack a monarch still more
powerf