Alexander hemmed in by Mount Ida and the Granicus.--The Granicus.--Prodromi.--Alexander stopped at the Granicus.--Council called.--Alexander resolves to advance.--His motives.--The Macedonian phalanx.--Its organization.--Formidable character of the phalanx.--Is irresistible.--Divisions of the phalanx.--Its position in battle.--Battle of the Granicus.--Defeat of the Persians.--Alexander's prowess.--His imminent danger.--Results of the battle.--Spoils sent to Greece.--Memnon overruled.--Alexander visits the wounded.--Alexander resumes his march.--The country surrenders.--Incidents.--Alexander's generosity.--Omens.--The eagle on the mast.--Interpretations.--Approach of winter.--The newly married permitted to go home.--A detachment of bridegrooms.--Taurus.--Passage through the sea.--Hardships.--The Meander.--Gordium.--Story of the Gordian knot.--Midas.--Gordius made king.--Alexander cuts the knot.--He resumes his march.--Alexander's bath in the Cydnus.--His sickness.--Alexander's physician Philip.--Suspicions of poison.--Asia subdued.--The plain of Issus.