pproach of an
enemy during such deep snow.]

[Footnote 212: [Greek: Diaithriazein].] The commentators rightly
interpret this word disserenascere, "to clear up." _Kuehner_; who,
however, prefers [Greek: synaithriazein], for which there is good
manuscript authority. He translates it, with Bornemann, _simul
disserenascere_, "to clear up at the same time;" so that the one word
has little advantage over the other. Sturz disapproves of the
interpretation _disserenascere_, and would have both verbs to signify
_sub dio agere_, "to bivouack in the open air;" but the other sense
appears preferable.]

[Footnote 213: See note on i. 2. 22. Oil made of sesamum, or sesama, is
mentioned, says Kuehner, by Plin. H. N. xiii. 1, xviii. 10; Q. Curt. vii.
4. 23; Dioscorid. 2. 119-121; Theophrast. de Odoribus, p. 737, ed.
Schneid.; Salmas. Exercit. Plin. p. 727; Interp. ad Aristoph. Pac.
865.]

CHAPTER V.

The Greeks march through an uninhabited tract of country, suffering
greatly from cold winds, snow, and want of provisions. At length
they reach some well-stored villages, where they rest seven days.

1. The next day it was thought necessary to march away as fast as
possible, before the enemy's force should be re-assembled, and get
possession of the pass. Collecting their baggage at once, therefore,
they set forward through a deep snow, taking with them several guides;
and, having the same day passed the height on which Tiribazus had
intended to attack them, they encamped. 2. Hence they proceeded three
days' journey through a desert tract of country, a distance of fifteen
parasangs,[214] to the river Euphrates, and passed it without being wet
higher than the middle. The sources of the river were said not to be far
off. 3. From hence they advanced three days' march, through much snow
and a level plain, a distance of fifteen parasangs; the third day's
march was extremely troublesome, as the north-wind blew full in their
faces, completely parching up everything and benumbing the men. 4. One
of the augurs, in consequence, advised that they should sacrifice to the
wind; and a sacrifice was accordingly offered; when the vehemence of the
wind appeared to every one manifestly to abate. The depth of the snow
was a fathom;[215] so that many of the baggage-cattle and slaves
perished, with about thirty of the soldiers. 5. They continued to burn
fires through the whole night, for there was plenty of wood at the place
of enca