March to Persepolis.--Reckless cruelty.--The banquet.--Thais proposes to burn the Persian palace.--Conflagration of the palace.--Sublimity of the scene.--Olympias.--Her letters to Alexander.--Sysigambis.--Alexander's kindness to her.--Darius at Ecbatana.--His speech to his army.--Conspiracy against Darius.--Bessus and his confederates.--Advance of Alexander.--Retreat of Darius.--The Caspian Gates.--Pursuit of Darius.--Foraging parties.--The pursuit continued.--Alexander stops to rest his army.--Want of water.--Disregarded by Alexander.--The pursuit grows more exciting.--Guides employed.--The Persians overtaken.--Murder of Darius.--Sufferings of Darius.--Treachery of friends.--Darius found.--Sufferings from thirst.--Darius calls for water.--The interpreter.--Darius's message to Alexander.--Affecting scene.--Alexander's grief at Darius's death.--He sends the body to Sysigambis.--Crossing the Oxus.--Capture of the traitor Bessus.--Mutilation of Bessus.--He is sent to Sysigambis.--Terrible punishment of Bessus.