Quintus Curtius Rufus, History of Alexander 8.12.7

8.12.7

Itaque venienti obviam cum armato exercitu egressus est, elephanti quoque per modica intervalla militum agmini inmixti procul castellorum fecerant speciem.

The sovereign of the territories on the other side was Omphis, who had urged his father to surrender his kingdom to Alexander, and had moreover at his father's death sent envoys to enquire whether it was Alexander's pleasure that he should meanwhile exercise authority or remain in a private capacity till his arrival. He was permitted to assume the sovereignty, but modestly forbore to exercise its functions. He had extended to Hephaestion marks of civility, and given corn gratuitously to his soldiers, but he had not gone to join him, from a reluctance to make trial of the good faith of any but Alexander. Accordingly, on Alexander's approach, he went to meet him at the head of an army equipped for the field. He had even brought his elephants with him, which, posted at short intervals amidst the ranks of the soldiery, appeared to the distant spectator like towers.