Darius's opinion of Alexander.--He prepares to meet him.--Greek mercenaries.--Counsel of Charidemus.--Darius's displeasure at Charidemus.--He condemns him to death.--Magnificence of Darius's army.--Worship of the sun.--The Kinsmen.--The Immortals.--Appearance of Darius.--Costly apparel of Darius.--His family.--Darius advances to meet Alexander.--Map of the plain of Issus.--Mount Taurus.--Route of Darius.--Situation of Issus.--The armies pass each other.--Reconnoitering parties.--A camp at night.--The night before the battle.--Sublime and solemn scenes.--Defeat of the Persians.--Flight of Darius.--The mother and wife of Darius taken captive.--Their grief.--Alexander's kindness to the captives.--Hephæstion.--Alexander's interview with the queens.--A mistake.--Boldness of Alexander's policy.--Number of Persians slain.--Capture of immense treasure.--Negotiations.--Alexander's message to Darius.--Grecian captives.--The Theban envoys.--Alexander's victorious progress.