uctures which she erected, either for the conveniency or ornament of
her cities; she was particularly careful to have water brought by
aqueducts to such places as wanted it, and to make the highways easy, by
cutting through mountains, and filling up valleys. In the time of
Diodorus, there were still monuments to be seen in many places, with her
name inscribed upon them.

The authority this queen had over her people seems very extraordinary,
since we find her presence alone capable of appeasing a sedition.(996) One
day, as she was dressing herself, word was brought her of a tumult in the
city. Whereupon she went out immediately, with her head half dressed, and
did not return till the disturbance was entirely appeased. A statue was
erected in remembrance of this action, representing her in that very
attitude and undress, which had not hindered her from flying to her duty.

Not satisfied with the vast extent of dominions left her by her husband,
she enlarged them by the conquest of a great part of AEthiopia. Whilst she
was in that country, she had the curiosity to visit the temple of Jupiter
Ammon, to inquire of the oracle how long she had to live. According to
Diodorus, the answer she received was, that she should not die till her
son Ninyas conspired against her, and that after her death one part of
Asia would pay her divine honours.

Her greatest and last expedition was against India; on this occasion she
raised an innumerable army out of all the provinces of her empire, and
appointed Bactra for the rendezvous. As the strength of the Indians
consisted chiefly in their great number of elephants, she caused a
multitude of camels to be accoutred in the form of elephants, in hopes of
deceiving the enemy. It is said that Perseus long after used the same
stratagem against the Romans; but neither of them succeeded in this
artifice. The Indian king having notice of her approach, sent ambassadors
to ask her who she was, and with what right, having never received any
injury from him, she came out of wantonness to attack his dominions;
adding, that her boldness should soon meet with the punishment it
deserved. Tell your master (replied the queen) that in a little time I
myself will let him know who I am. She advanced immediately towards the
river(997) from which the country takes its name; and having prepared a
sufficient number of boats, she attempted to pass it with her army. Their
passage was a long time disputed, but after a