The Foii7' Monarchies. 277
But kingly Porus this brave anfwer fent,
That to attend him there was his intent,
And come as well provided as he could,
But for the reft, his fword advile him fhould.
Great Alexander vext at this reply,
Did more his valour then his crown envy.
Is now refolv'd to pafs Hydafpes flood,
And there by force his foveraignty make good.
Stout Poms on the banks doth ready ftand ^
To give him welcome ^ when he comes to land.
A potent army with him like a King,
And ninety Elephants for warr did bring:
Had Alexander fuch relifl;ance feen
On Tygris iide, here now he had not been.
Within this fpacious River deep and wide
Did here and there Ifles full of trees abide.
His army Alexander doth divide
With Ptolemy fends part to th' other fide;
Porus encounters them and thinks all's there.
When covertly the refl; get o're elfe where.
And whilfl; the firfl; he valiantly aflail'd.
The laft fet on his back, and fo prevail'd.
Yet work enough here Alexander found, [^49]
For to the lafl: fl;out Porus kept his ground :
Nor was't diflionour at the length to yield,
When Alexander fl;rives to win the field.
b And there his Soveraigntj for to make good ;
But on the banks doth Porus ready ftand, c For to receive him,
�� �
