Παντάρζην φορέουσα πυρὸς μὴ τάρζει ἐρώην
'Ρηῑδιώς μόιραις καὶ τ'αδόκητα πέλει.
Αἰθιόπον εἰς γᾶιαν ἀφίξεαι ἄμμιγα κόυρη
Δεσμών Άρτακέων αὔριον ἐκπροφυγών.
[16] Herodotus gives the same account of the swiftness of this race, and mentions their subsisting upon snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, adding, that their language resembles the shrill cry of a bat; they are the modern Tibboos.—See Herod. iv. 183, Blakesley's Edit.
[17] See Xen. Cyrop. vii. 5. 60.
[BOOK IX.]
Syene was now closely blockaded, and on every side, as with a net, invested by the Ethiopian army.
Oroondates, as soon as he was informed of the design and sudden approach of the enemy (who, having passed the cataracts, were pressing towards the place), using the utmost diligence and expedition, had contrived to throw himself into the city before their arrival; and after planting his engines and artillery upon the walls, awaited the attack, and made every preparation for a vigorous defence.
Hydaspes, the king of Ethiopia, though he was deceived in the hope of surprising the town before they had any notice of his approach, invested it, however, on all sides, and surrounding it with a line of circumvallation, made for the present no attack, but sat down quietly before it, filling and exhausting the plains of Syene with myriads of men, beasts, and cattle. Here the party which has been mentioned brought their captives into his presence.