The Tyrians were, therefore, now left solitary and alone, as a majestic Column in the desert of Nations: they had now to depend upon their own solid base for support. Their chief weapon was their ancient Pride, which was daily being transfused from the brittle character of its metal, into the more pliable and useful temper of true courage; enabling its possessor to correctly analyze and appreciate the powers of an opponent. This courage, and their walled and Island-Citadel, enabled them to laugh to scorn the approach of the Macedonian: for intelligence had been received by them, that his Navy had been dismissed, and that the original report of its bearing down upon Tyrus, was but "a stratagem of the Invader." Alexander's army now advanced, and commenced hostilities by destroying the suburbs of Tyrus situate upon the mainland; the inhabitants of which had previously entered the Island-Metropolis. Thus was the Last Siege of Tyrus commenced in the eleventh Hebrew month,--Shebat,-- (January-February) in the year 332 before the Christian Æra. CHAPTER X. (JANUARY--AUGUST, 332 B. C.) THE SIEGE AND DESTRUCTION OF TYRUS, BY ALEXANDER OF MACEDON; AND THE HEROIC DEFENCE BY AZELMIC AND THE NATION. This great National event in the History of an Ancient People, was commenced by Alexander in person, attended and assisted by the renowned Generals and favourites--Hephæstion, Antigonus, Seleucus, Lysimachus, Cassander, Ptolemeus, "Old Clytus," and Parmenio,--all of whom, except the first and two last named, subsequently became the successors to, and sharers of, their Master's army and ill-gotten dominions.