Into this gap the Macedonian king, at the head of the "Companion" cavalry and a portion of the phalanx, plunged.

Here he found himself in the near neighborhood of Darius, whereupon he redoubled the vigor of his assault, knowing the great importance of any success gained in this quarter.

The Companions rushed on with loud cries, pressing with all their weight, and thrusting their spears into the faces of their antagonists--the phalanx, bristling with its thick array of lances, bore them down.

Alexander found himself sufficiently near Darius to hurl a spear at him, which transfixed his charioteer.

The cry arose that the king had fallen, and the ranks at once grew unsteady.