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By Plutarch
It being my purpose to write the lives of Alexander the king, and of Caesar, by whom
Pompey was destroyed, the multitude of their great actions affords so large a field that
I were to blame if I should not by way of apology forewarn my reader that I have chosen
rather to epitomize the most celebrated parts of their story, than to insist at large on
every particular circumstance of it. It must be borne in mind that my design is not to
write histories, but lives. And the most glorious exploits do not always furnish us with
the clearest discoveries of virtue or vice in men; sometimes a matter of less moment,
an expression or a jest, informs us better of their characters and inclinations, than the
most famous sieges, the greatest armaments, or the bloodiest battles whatsoever.
Therefore as portrait-painters are more exact in the lines and features of the face in
which the character is seen, than in the other parts of the body, so I must be allowed to
give my more particular attention to the marks and indications of the souls of men, and
while I endeavor by these to portray their lives, may be free to leave more weighty
matters and great battles to be treated of by others.
It is agreed on by all hands, that on the father's side, Alexander descended from
Hercules by Caranus, and from Aeacus by Neoptolemus on the mother's side. His father
Philip, being in Samothrace, when he was quite young, fell in love there with Olympias,
in company with whom he was initiated in the religious ceremonies of the country, and
her father and mother being both dead, soon after, with the consent of her brother
Arymbas, he married her. The night before the consummation of their marriage, she
dreamed that a thunderbolt fell upon her body, which kindled a great fire, whose
divided flames dispersed themselves all about, and then were extinguished. And Philip
some time after he was married, dreamt that he sealed up his wife's body with a seal,
whose impression, as he fancied, was the figure of a lion. Some of the diviners
interpreted this as a warning to Philip to look narrowly to his wife; but Aristander of
Telmessus, considering how unusual it was to seal up anything that was empty, assured
him the meaning of his dream was, that the queen was with child of a boy, who would
one day prove as stout and courageous as a lion. Once, moreover, a serpent was found
lying by Olympias as she slept, which more than anything else, it is said, abated Philip's
passion for her; and whether he feared her as an enchantress, or thought she had
commerce with some god, and so looked on himself as excluded, he was ever after less
fond of her conversation. Others say, that the women of this country having always been
extremely addicted to the enthusiastic Orphic rites, and the wild worship of Bacchus,
(upon which account they were called Clodones, and Mimallones,) imitated in many
things the practices of the Edonian and Thracian women about Mount Haemus, from
whom the word threskeuein, seems to have been derived, as a special term for
superfluous and over-curious forms of adoration; and that Olympias, zealously affecting
these fanatical and enthusiastic inspirations, to perform them with more barbaric
dread, was wont in the dances proper to these ceremonies to have great tame serpents
about her, which sometimes creeping out of the ivy and the mystic fans, sometimes
winding themselves about the sacred spears, and the women's chaplets, made a
spectacle which the men could not look upon without terror.
Philip, after this vision, sent Chaeron of Megalopolis to consult the oracle of Apollo at
Delphi, by which he was commanded to perform sacrifice, and henceforth pay particular
honor, above all other gods, to Ammon; and was told he should one day lose that eye
with which he presumed to peep through the chink of the door, when he saw the god,
under the form of a serpent, in the company of his wife. Eratosthenes says that
Olympias, when she attended Alexander on his way to the army in his first expedition,
told him the secret of his birth, and bade him behave himself with courage suitable to
his divine extraction. Others again affirm that she wholly disclaimed any pretensions of
the kind, and was wont to say, "When will Alexander leave off slandering me to Juno?"
Alexander was born the sixth of Hecatombaeon, which month the Macedonians call
Lous, the same day that the temple of Diana at Ephesus was burnt; which Hegesias of
Magnesia makes the occasion of a conceit, frigid enough to have stopped the
conflagration. The temple, he says, took fire and was burnt while its mistress was
absent, assisting at the birth of Alexander. And all the Eastern soothsayers who
happened to be then at Ephesus, looking upon the ruin of this temple to be the
forerunner of some other calamity, ran about the town, beating their faces, and crying,
that this day had brought forth something that would prove fatal and destructive to all
Just after Philip had taken Potidaea, he received these three messages at one time,
that Parmenio had overthrown the Illyrians in a great battle, that his race-horse had
won the course at the Olympic games, and that his wife had given birth to Alexander;
with which being naturally well pleased, as an addition to his satisfaction, he was
assured by the diviners that a son, whose birth was accompanied with three such
successes, could not fail of being invincible.
The statues that gave the best representation of Alexander's person, were those of
Lysippus, (by whom alone he would suffer his image to be made,) those peculiarities
which many of his successors afterwards and his friends used to affect to imitate, the
inclination of his head a little on one side towards his left shoulder, and his melting eye,
having been expressed by this artist with great exactness. But Apelles, who drew him
with thunderbolts in his hand, made his complexion browner and darker than it was
naturally; for he was fair and of a light color, passing into ruddiness in his face and upon
his breast. Aristoxenus in his Memoirs tells us that a most agreeable odor exhaled from
his skin, and that his breath and body all over was so fragrant as to perfume the clothes
which he wore next him; the cause of which might probably be the hot and adjust
temperament of his body. For sweet smells, Theophrastus conceives, are produced by
the concoction of moist humors by heat, which is the reason that those parts of the
world which are driest and most burnt up, afford spices of the best kind, and in the
greatest quantity; for the heat of the sun exhausts all the superfluous moisture which
lies in the surface of bodies, ready to generate putrefaction. And this hot constitution,
it may be, rendered Alexander so addicted to drinking, and so choleric. His temperance,
as to the pleasures of the body, was apparent in him in his very childhood, as he was
with much difficulty incited to them, and always used them with great moderation;
though in other things he was extremely eager and vehement, and in his love of glory,
and the pursuit of it, he showed a solidity of high spirit and magnanimity far above his
age. For he neither sought nor valued it upon every occasion, as his father Philip did,
(who affected to show his eloquence almost to a degree of pedantry, and took care to
have the victories of his racing chariots at the Olympic games engraved on his coin,) but
when he was asked by some about him, whether he would run a race in the Olympic
games, as he was very swift-footed, he answered, he would, if he might have kings to
run with him. Indeed, he seems in general to have looked with indifference, if not with
dislike, upon the professed athletes. He often appointed prizes, for which not only
tragedians and musicians, pipers and harpers, but rhapsodists also, strove to outvie one
another; and delighted in all manner of hunting and cudgel-playing, but never gave any
encouragement to contests either of boxing or of the pancratium.
While he was yet very young, he entertained the ambassadors from the king of Persia, in
the absence of his father, and entering much into conversation with them, gained so
much upon them by his affability, and the questions he asked them, which were far
from being childish or trifling, (for he inquired of them the length of the ways, the
nature of the road into inner Asia, the character of their king, how he carried himself to
his enemies, and what forces he was able to bring, into the field,) that they were struck
with admiration of him, and looked upon the ability so much famed of Philip, to be
nothing in comparison with the forwardness and high purpose that appeared thus early
in his son. Whenever he heard Philip had taken any town of importance, or won any
signal victory, instead of rejoicing at it altogether, he would tell his companions that his
father would anticipate everything, and leave him and them no opportunities of
performing great and illustrious actions. For being more bent upon action and glory than
either upon pleasure or riches, he esteemed all that he should receive from his father as
a diminution and prevention of his own future achievements; and would have chosen
rather to succeed to a kingdom involved in troubles and wars, which would have
afforded him frequent exercise of his courage, and a large field of honor, than to one
already flourishing and settled, where his inheritance would be an inactive life, and the
mere enjoyment of wealth and luxury.
The care of his education, as it might be presumed, was committed to a great many
attendants, preceptors, and teachers, over the whole of whom Leonidas, a near kinsman
of Olympias, a man of an austere temper, presided, who did not indeed himself decline
the name of what in reality is a noble and honorable office, but in general his dignity,
and his near relationship, obtained him from other people the title of Alexander's foster
father and governor. But he who took upon him the actual place and style of his
pedagogue, was Lysimachus the Acarnanian, who, though he had nothing specially to
recommend him, but his lucky fancy of calling himself Phoenix, Alexander Achilles, and
Philip Peleus, was therefore well enough esteemed, and ranked in the next degree after
Philonicus the Thessalian brought the horse Bucephalas to Philip, offering to sell him for
thirteen talents; but when they went into the field to try him, they found him so very
vicious and unmanageable, that he reared up when they endeavored to mount him, and
would not so much as endure the voice of any of Philip's attendants. Upon which, as
they were leading him away as wholly useless and untractable, Alexander, who stood
by, said, "What an excellent horse do they lose, for want of address and boldness to
manage him!" Philip at first took no notice of what he said; but when he heard him
repeat the same thing several times, and saw he was much vexed to see the horse sent
away, "Do you reproach," said he to him, "those who are older than yourself, as if you
knew more, and were better able to manage him than they?" "I could manage this
horse," replied he, "better than others do." "And if you do not," said Philip, "what will
you forfeit for your rashness?" "I will pay," answered Alexander, "the whole price of the
horse." At this the whole company fell a laughing; and as soon as the wager was settled
amongst them, he immediately ran to the horse, and taking hold of the bridle, turned
him directly towards the sun, having, it seems, observed that he was disturbed at and
afraid of the motion of his own shadow; then letting him go forward a little, still
keeping the reins in his hand, and stroking him gently when he found him begin to grow
eager and fiery, he let fall his upper garment softly, and with one nimble leap securely
mounted him, and when he was seated, by little and little drew in the bridle, and
curbed him without either striking or spurring him. Presently, when he found him free
from all rebelliousness, and on]y impatient for the course, he let him go at full speed,
inciting him now with a commanding voice, and urging him also with his heel. Philip and
his friends looked on at first in silence and anxiety for the result, till seeing him turn at
the end of his career, and come back rejoicing and triumphing for what he had
performed, they all burst out into acclamations of applause; and his father, shedding
tears, it is said, for joy, kissed him as he came down from his horse, and in his
transport, said, "O my son, look thee out a kingdom equal to and worthy of thyself, for
Macedonia is too little for thee."
After this, considering him to be of a temper easy to be led to his duty by reason, but by
no means to be compelled, he always endeavored to persuade rather than to command
or force him to anything; and now looking upon the instruction and tuition of his youth
to be of greater difficulty and importance, than to be wholly trusted to the ordinary
masters in music and poetry, and the common school subjects, and to require, as
Sophocles says,
The bridle and the rudder too,
he sent for Aristotle, the most learned and most cerebrated philosopher of his time, and
rewarded him with a munificence proportionable to and becoming the care he took to
instruct his son. For he repeopled his native city Stagira, which he had caused to be
demolished a little before, and restored all the citizens who were in exile or slavery, to
their habitations. As a place for the pursuit of their studies and exercises, he assigned
the temple of the Nymphs, near Mieza, where, to this very day, they show you
Aristotle's stone seats, and the shady walks which he was wont to frequent. It would
appear that Alexander received from him not only his doctrines of Morals, and of
Politics, but also something of those more abstruse and profound theories which these
philosophers, by the very names they gave them, professed to reserve for oral
communication to the initiated, and did not allow many to become acquainted with. For
when he was in Asia, and heard Aristotle had published some treatises of that kind, he
wrote to him, using very plain language to him in behalf of philosophy, the following
letter. "Alexander to Aristotle greeting. You have not done well to publish your books of
oral doctrine; for what is there now that we excel others in, if those things which we
have been particularly instructed in be laid open to all? For my part, I assure you, I had
rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my
power and dominion. Farewell." And Aristotle, soothing this passion for preeminence,
speaks, in his excuse for himself, of these doctrines, as in fact both published and not
published: as indeed, to say the truth, his books on metaphysics are written in a style
which makes them useless for ordinary teaching, and instructive only, in the way of
memoranda, for those who have been already conversant in that sort of learning.
Doubtless also it was to Aristotle, that he owed the inclination he had, not to the theory
only, but likewise to the practice of the art of medicine. For when any of his friends
were sick, he would often prescribe them their course of diet, and medicines proper to
their disease, as we may find in his epistles. He was naturally a great lover of all kinds
of learning and reading; and Onesicritus informs us, that he constantly laid Homer's
Iliads, according to the copy corrected by Aristotle, called the casket copy, with his
dagger under his pillow, declaring that he esteemed it a perfect portable treasure of all
military virtue and knowledge. When he was in the upper Asia, being destitute of other
books, he ordered Harpalus to send him some; who furnished him with Philistus's
History, a great many of the plays of Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus, and some
dithyrambic odes, composed by Telestes and Philoxenus. For awhile he loved and
cherished Aristotle no less, as he was wont to say himself, than if he had been his
father, giving this reason for it, that as he had received life from the one, so the other
had taught him to live well. But afterwards, upon some mistrust of him, yet not so great
as to make him do him any hurt, his familiarity and friendly kindness to him abated so
much of its former force and affectionateness, as to make it evident he was alienated
from him. However, his violent thirst after and passion for learning, which were once
implanted, still grew up with him, and never decayed; as appears by his veneration of
Anaxarchus, by the present of fifty talents which he sent to Xenocrates, and his
particular care and esteem of Dandamis and Calanus.
While Philip went on his expedition against the Byzantines, he left Alexander, then
sixteen years old, his lieutenant in Macedonia, committing the charge of his seal to him;
who, not to sit idle, reduced the rebellious Maedi, and having taken their chief town by
storm, drove out the barbarous inhabitants, and planting a colony of several nations in
their room, called the place after his own name, Alexandropolis. At the battle of
Chaeronea, which his father fought against the Grecians, he is said to have been the
first man that charged the Thebans' sacred band. And even in my remembrance, there
and when he had placed her in Epirus. This early bravery made Philip so fond of him. At which Alexander reproachfully insulted over him: "See there. am I then a bastard?" Then Philip taking Attalus's part." He was so convinced by this seasonable reproach. were preparing the way for settling the kingdom upon Arrhidaeus. This proposition was much more agreeable to Pixodorus than the former. This so irritated Alexander.net 6 . which people called Alexander's oak. Among the rest. "the man. he dispatched Thessalus. rose up and would have run his son through. as soon as he was made acquainted with this transaction." said he. made his foot slip. both as illegitimate and a fool. or the wine he had drunk. an old friend of the family." said he. At the wedding of Cleopatra. and reproached him bitterly. the son of Parmenio." replied Demaratus. that nothing pleased him more than to hear his subjects call himself their general and Alexander their king. But this reconciliation lasted not long. coming to visit Philip. to dispose Pixodorus to slight Arrhidaeus. (the troubles that began in the women's chambers spreading. sent Aristocritus to treat for a match between his eldest daughter and Philip's son Arrhidaeus. to send http://www. But the disorders of his family.idph. viceroy of Caria. Nor did this satisfy his resentment. when you have involved your own house in so many dissensions and calamities. hoping by this alliance to secure his assistance upon occasion. one of Alexander's intimate friends and companions. which the violence of Olympias. "to be so solicitous about Greece. whom Philip fell in love with and married. that he should be so degenerate. and rather to accept of himself for his sonin-law.stood an old oak near the river Cephisus. "It ill becomes you. a woman of a jealous and implacable temper. Demaratus the Corinthian. into Caria. by a splendid marriage and important alliance. as to desire the alliance of a mean Carian. presently filled his head with tales and calumnies. her uncle Attalus in his drink desired the Macedonians would implore the gods to give them a lawful successor to the kingdom by his niece. because his tent was pitched under it. as if Philip. for he wrote to the Corinthians. who makes preparations to pass out of Europe into Asia. "what. Philip asked him." After this debauch. and there reproved him severely. either his over-hasty rage.) raised various complaints and differences between them. made wider. but by good fortune for them both. by exasperating Alexander against his father. for when Pixodorus. And not far off are to be seen the graves of the Macedonians who fell in that battle. and by Demartatus's mediation prevailed with him to return. who had the freedom to say anything among them without offense. to the whole kingdom. after the first compliments and embraces were over. so to say. that throwing one of the cups at his head. But Philip. In alarm at this. About this time. taking with him Philotas. Alexander's mother. who was at best but the slave of a barbarous prince. the tragic actor. chiefly caused by his new marriages and attachments. went to his son's apartment. "You villain. overturned in passing from one seat to another. and unworthy of the power he was to leave him. so that he fell down on the floor. this accident contributed most to their falling out. whether the Grecians were at amity with one another. and some who pretended to be his friends. he and his mother Olympias withdrew from Philip's company. he himself retired into Illyria. that he immediately sent for his son home. she being much too young for him.
net 7 . But he rejected this counsel as weak and timorous. Pausanias. And hearing the Thebans were in revolt. and some sort of suspicion attached even to Alexander himself. and by a proclamation on their part. repeated the verse out of Euripides's Medea: -On husband. and rancorous enemies. he only demanded of them Phoenix and Prothytes. However. it was said. For not only the barbarous nations that bordered on Macedonia. he reduced the barbarians to tranquility. to show how willing he was to accept of their repentance for what was past. his son's friends and favorites. and looked upon it to be more prudence to secure himself by resolution and magnanimity.idph. king of the Triballians. Not long after this. by seeming to buckle to any. he took care to find out and punish the accomplices of the conspiracy severely. It seemed to the Macedonians a very critical time. whom Alexander afterwards recalled. and proclaimed a general pardon to those who would come over to him. who was said to have encouraged and exasperated the enraged youth to revenge. an entire overthrow. though he had been victorious over the Grecians. by a rapid expedition into their country as far as the river Danube. saying that to Demosthenes who had called him a child while he was in Illyria and in the country of the Triballians.Thessalus to him in chains. when he found he could get no reparation for his disgrace at Philip's hands. But when the Thebans merely retorted by demanding Philotas and Antipater to be delivered into their hands. and raised to great honor and preferment. Erigyius. and try the effect of indulgence in arresting the first motions towards revolution. he would appear a man before the walls of Athens. he immediately marched through the pass of Thermopylae. When he came to Thebes. and on bride. to encourage all to trample on him. The guilt of which fact was laid for the most part upon Olympias. when Pausanias came and complained to him of the injury he had received. having had an outrage done to him at the instance of Attalus and Cleopatra. he presently applied himself to make them feel the last extremities of war. and put an end to all fear of war from them. and on father. The Thebans indeed defended themselves with a zeal and http://www. as the time had not been sufficient for him to complete his conquest and accustom them to his sway. invited all who would assert the liberty of Greece to come over to them. were impatient of being governed by any but their own native princes. and was very angry with Olympias for treating Cleopatra inhumanly in his absence. In pursuit of this opinion. and some would have persuaded Alexander to give up all thought of retaining the Grecians in subjection by force of arms. who. and succeeded to a kingdom beset on all sides with great dangers. and banished Harpalus. than. Alexander was but twenty years old when his father was murdered. the authors of the rebellion. yet. and rather to apply himself to win back by gentle means the allegiance of the tribes who were designing revolt. where he gave Syrmus. and the Athenians in correspondence with them. but Philip likewise. and a youth when he was in Thessaly. watched his opportunity and murdered him. had simply left all things in a general disorder and confusion. and Ptolemy. Nearchus.
that in after-time he often repented of his severity to the Thebans. After this he received the Athenians into favor. into which. asked her. and bade him follow her into a garden. who had the good fortune to survive this victory. declared their resolution of joining with Alexander in the war against the Persians. to the wrath and vengeance of Bacchus. after he had used violence with her. they were likely to be the arbiters of Greece. and it is computed that upwards of six thousand were put to the sword. till she had killed him. And when the king asked her who she was. which he committed in his wine. it happened well for the Athenians. that he could not choose but give her and her children their freedom to go whither they pleased." Alexander was so surprised. she came behind him. he had a mind to appear merciful. or that after an example of extreme cruelty. After which. "the sister of Theagenes. The greedy Thracian presently stooping down to view the place where he thought the treasure lay. the family of the poet Pindar. the Grecians. and pushed him into the well. except the priests. and entertained those who escaped with all possible humanity. Soon after.idph. he was sure to grant without the least difficulty. and his remorse had such influence on his temper as to make him ever after less rigorous to all others. being much outnumbered by their enemies. when the soldiers led her away bound to Alexander. too. and what she said. the Phocians and Plataeans. and fell there in command for the liberty of Greece. asked of him. that the greater part of them fell in the battle. all the rest. by which his enterprise and glory was left imperfect.net 8 . to which she readily answered she did. their captain. that his passion was now satisfied. named Timoclea. and also in order to gratify the hostility of his confederates. were publicly sold for slaves. not betraying the least sign of fear or astonishment. and those who were known to have opposed the public vote for the war. to the number of thirty thousand. He imputed also the murder of Clitus. it happened that some Thracian soldiers having broken into the house of a matron of high character and repute. Whether it were. although they had shown themselves so much concerned at the calamity of Thebes that out of sorrow they omitted the celebration of the Mysteries. upon the taking of the city she had thrown what she had of most value. and then flung great stones in upon him. she told him. who fought the battle of Chaeronea with your father Philip. And it was observed that whatsoever any Theban.courage beyond their strength. both at what she had done. they were so hemmed in on all sides. but bade them to look to their affairs with vigilance. the city itself being taken by storm. if she knew of any money concealed. where she showed him a well. remembering that if he should miscarry." said she. But when the Macedonian garrison sallied out upon them from the citadel. So that. being assembled at the Isthmus. like the lion. and the unwillingness of the Macedonians to follow him against the Indians. her very mien and gait showed her to be a woman of dignity. and some few who had heretofore been the friends and connections of the Macedonians. Certain it is. Among the other calamities that befell the city. was sacked and razed. and of a mind no less elevated. to satisfy his avarice as well as lust. for he not only forgave them all past offenses. the protector of Thebes. "I am. Alexander's hope being that so severe an example might terrify the rest of Greece into obedience. and proclaimed him their http://www.
"Yes. he went up himself. Among other prodigies that attended the departure of his army. consisted of thirty thousand foot. or desired assistance of him. especially Achilles. http://www. that far from presaging any ill to him. he liberally granted it. but contrary to his expectation. Then he went to Delphi. he replied. speak but of forty-three thousand foot. it signified he should perform acts so important and glorious as would make the poets and musicians of future ages labor and sweat to describe and celebrate them. that as he went away. to consult Apollo concerning the success of the war he had undertaken. and the revenue of some hamlet or harbor town to another. where Alexander found him lying along in the sun. made of cypress-wood." Alexander taking hold of what she spoke. and happening to come on one of the forbidden days." said she. whose gravestone he anointed. and at Troy sacrificed to Minerva. but to those who willingly received. he never so much as stirred out of the suburb called the Cranium." and refused to accept of the estate he had assigned him. thought so little of him. and began to draw her by force into the temple.idph. he had not a fund of above seventy talents for their pay. the image of Orpheus at Libethra. and when he kindly asked him whether he wanted anything. and surprised at the greatness of the man. "My son. yet he would not embark his army until he had informed himself particularly what means his friends had to enable them to follow him. by giving good farms to some. "thou art invincible. with solemn libations. However narrow and disproportionable the beginnings of so vast an undertaking might seem to be. and when she refused. until tired and overcome with his importunity. With such vigorous resolutions. and congratulated him on his election. While he stayed here.general. on the plea of a law to the contrary. declared he had received such an answer as he wished for. the most part of which was spent in these donations. "I would have you stand from between me and the sun. he passed the Hellespont. when it was esteemed improper to give any answers from the oracle. which giving Perdiccas an occasion to ask him what he would leave himself. and four thousand horse. and three thousand horse. if we may believe Duris. So that at last he had portioned out or engaged almost all the royal property. Diogenes of Sinope. he told his followers who were laughing at the moroseness of the philosopher. that if he were not Alexander. Some others of his friends did the like. and those who make the most of it. "Your soldiers. His army. he was two hundred talents in debt. But Aristander told him. was seen to sweat in great abundance. who had taken so little notice of him. he raised himself a little. his hopes. and honored the memory of the heroes who were buried there. and his mind thus disposed. to the discouragement of many. When he saw so much company near him. Onesicritus tells us. and vouchsafed to look upon Alexander. nor had he more than thirty days' provision. Aristobulus says. he sent messengers to desire the priestess to do her office. and that it was needless to consult the god any further. who then was living at Corinth. many public ministers and philosophers came from all parts to visit him. "will be your partners in those.net 9 . a village to one. that instead of coming to compliment him." Alexander was so struck at this answer. as far as his patrimony in Macedonia would reach. and supplied what they wanted. he would choose to be Diogenes. by their computation who make the smallest amount." replied Perdiccas." said he.
he was glad to betake himself to his dagger. and some pronounced it an improper time to engage. they fell to it with their swords. and it was necessary to fight. he had instantly to join in a mere confused hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. soon gave ground and fled. But Alexander broke through these scruples. While they were thus engaged. should he fear the Granicus. yet escaped wounding. and when he was dead. While the horse were thus dangerously engaged. being easily known by his buckler. desired quarter. he avoided one of them. if he pleased. and advanced against whole showers of darts thrown from the steep opposite side. because it was late. them they should call it a second Artemisius. called the black Clitus. though his cuirass was pierced by a javelin in one of the joinings. who had a good cuirass on. with their lances. And Alexander. prevented him. Clitus. being told he might see Paris's harp. which was to be gained by main force. because it was unusual for the kings of Macedonia to march with their forces in the month called Daesius. was attacked on all sides. by running him through the body with his spear. as the ancient custom is. At the same time Alexander dispatched Rhoesaces with his sword. ran naked about his sepulchre. in the gate of Asia for an entrance into it. with one of his plumes. he thought it not worth looking on. in having while he lived so faithful a friend. notwithstanding the disadvantage of the ground and the rapidity of the stream. before he could draw up his men. and at last with much ado making his way up the banks. into any order. to which he used to sing the glories and great actions of brave men. which were extremely muddy and slippery. had his horse (not http://www. he said. And Rhoesaces and Spithridates. and charging horse against horse. gave him such a blow with his battle-axe on the helmet. were encamped on the further bank of the river Granicus.idph. falling upon him at once. the Macedonian phalanx passed the river. that his spear breaking in his hand. In the meantime Darius's captains having collected large forces. than of prudent conduct. he persisted obstinately to gain the passage. with the unevenness and difficult ascent of the opposite bank. guided rather by passion than judgment. with such force. after they had broken and spent these. but he should be glad to see that of Achilles. and the helmet was only just so far strong enough to save him. all but the mercenary Greeks. making a stand upon a rising ground. And so without more saying. he told him that he should disgrace the Hellespont. which Alexander. Spithridates came up on one side of him. telling. refused to grant. While he was viewing the rest of the antiquities and curiosities of the place.net 10 . But the enemy hardly sustaining the first onset. who. he immediately took the river with thirteen troops of horse. and struck at Rhoesaces. that he cut off the crest of it. The depth of the river. However. as it were. two Persian commanders.and with his friends. so that the action seemed to have more of frenzy and desperation in it. and charging them himself first. who were still passing over. and crowned it with garlands. declaring how happy he esteemed him. so famous a poet to proclaim his actions. For the enemy pressed upon him with loud and warlike outcries. and raising himself upon his horse. and a large plume of white feathers on each side of his helmet. was apprehended by most. which was covered with armed multitudes of the enemy's horse and foot. And when Parmenio advised him not to attempt anything that day. and the foot on each side advanced to fight. But as he was about to repeat his stroke. that the edge of the weapon touched the hair of his head.
and hardly ever leave so much as a narrow beach under the steep. and passed through what they call the Ladders. and an extraordinary effect of divine favor.idph. to be erected. broken cliffs at any time uncovered. This battle presently made a great change of affairs to Alexander's advantage. cost him the lives of more of his own soldiers than all the battle before. only Halicarnassus and Miletus stood out. and finding the statue of Theodectes. won these from the barbarians who inhabit Asia. except a very small quantity which he reserved for himself. alludes to this marvel when he says. he sent as a present to his mother. which he took by force. and many other considerable places were surrendered to him. And should I ask for passage through the sea.net 11 . Menander. For Sardis itself. but says he went from Phaselis. another while he looked upon it as a more prudent course to make an entire reduction of the sea-coast. erected in the marketplace." All the plate and purple garments. On Alexander's side. While he was thus deliberating what to do. The Persians lost in this battle twenty thousand foot. and upon all the rest he ordered this inscription to be set: "Alexander the son of Philip. he sent a portion of the spoils home to them. he went and danced about it. After which he was a little unsettled in his opinion how to proceed. Aristobulus says there were not wanting above four and thirty. and not to seek the enemy till he had first exercised his power here and made himself secure of the resources of these provinces. At Phaselis he stayed some time. of Lysippus's making. and crowned it with garlands. the memory of a philosopher whose conversation he had formerly enjoyed. should on a sudden retire to afford him passage. and two thousand five hundred horse. honoring not ungracefully in his sport. of whom nine were foot-soldiers. Was Alexander ever favored more? Each man I wish for meets me at my door. except the Lacedaemonians. http://www. and passed his army along the seacoasts of Pamphylia with such expedition that many historians have described and extolled it with that height of admiration. who was a native of this town and was now dead. The sea I doubt not would retire for me. and threw up a copper plate upon the margin. Sometimes he thought it best to find out Darius as soon as he could. that the waves which usually come rolling in violently from the main. and the Grecians. it happened that a spring of water near the city of Xanthus in Lycia. and other things of the same kind that he took from the Persians. And that the Grecians might participate the honor of his victory. Encouraged by this accident. when he was Aristotle's scholar. particularly to the Athenians three hundred bucklers. and in memory of them he caused so many statues of brass. but another) killed under him. when the Persian empire should be destroyed by the Grecians. in which was engraven in ancient characters. But Alexander himself in his epistles mentions nothing unusual in this at all. he proceeded to reduce the maritime parts of Cilicia and Phoenicia. in one of his comedies. the chief seat of the barbarian's power in the maritime provinces. that the time would come. after he had supped. of its own accord swelled over its banks.Bucephalas. and put all to the hazard of a battle. besides those who were wounded. And this obstinacy of his to cut off these experienced desperate men. together with the territory about them. as if it were no less than a miracle. having drunk pretty plentifully.
it was supposed. to show his kindness to and confidence in his physician. which the Persian soothsayers interpreted rather in flattery to him.net 12 . who. and when Philip came in with the potion. he saw the famous chariot fastened with cords made of the rind of the cornertree. which he imputed to his cowardice. But Aristobulus tells us it was easy for him to undo it. at whose chief city Gordium. he was the rather encouraged to carry the war into the upper provinces of Asia. The dream would appear to have supernaturally signified to him the illustrious actions the Macedonians were to perform. and then hearing of the death of Memnon. he vanished out of his sight. and were so afraid of the suspicions and ill-will of the Macedonians if they should fail in the cure. and a promise of his daughter in marriage. to see Alexander take the draught. both which countries he soon reduced to obedience. the best commander Darius had upon the seacoasts. as one who was bribed by Darius to kill him. going into the temple of Belus. because Alexander spent so much time in Cilicia. and Philip read the letter at the same time. than according to the natural probability. but likewise in a dream. and conquered the Phrygians. for Alexander's looks were cheerful and open. if he had lived. cut it asunder with his sword. Most authors tell the story that Alexander. But it was sickness that detained him there. giving him meantime the letter to read. conclude his life with glory. He dreamed that he saw the Macedonian phalanx all on fire. in order to prosecute the war. others from bathing in the river Cydnus. At this very time. which some say he contracted from his fatigues. the ends of which were secretly twisted round and folded up within it. while the other was full of surprise and alarm at the http://www. to which the yoke was tied. When he had perused the letter. whose waters were exceedingly cold. Darius's confidence increased the more. than suffer him to perish for want of physic. resolved to try the last efforts of his art.Then he subdued the Pisidians who made head against him.idph. he took it with great cheerfulness and assurance. seeing how critical his case was. might. This was a spectacle well worth being present at. but relying on his own well-known friendship for him. if he desired a speedy recovery. and rather hazard his own credit and life. and Alexander waiting on him. and not long surviving his conquests. Parmenio wrote to Alexander from the camp. they thought his case so desperate. with great sums of money. that for him was reserved the empire of the world. have put many impediments and difficulties in the way of the progress of his arms. which is said to be the seat of the ancient Midas. which amounted to six hundred thousand. by only pulling the pin out of the pole. Darius was by this time upon his march from Susa. However it happened. and then turn and look upon one another. the inhabitants had a tradition. clad in the same dress which he himself had been used to wear when he was courier to the late king. which he confidently administered to him. and that as he from a courier's place had risen to the throne. but with different sentiments. bidding him have a care of Philip. so Alexander should come to be master of Asia. finding himself unable to untie the knot. till Philip. he put it under his pillow. very confident. From hence he advanced into Paphlagonia and Cappadocia. the Acarnanian. and afterwards drawing off the yoke itself from below. which whosoever should untie. encouraging him to take it boldly. without showing it so much as to any of his most intimate friends. not only in the number of his men. none of his physicians would venture to give him any remedies. after which.
and found his own men busy in pillaging the barbarians' camp. but the taking the person of Darius. they had left most of their baggage at Damascus) was exceedingly rich. it being the advantage of a numerous army to have field-room enough when it engages with a lesser force. greatly pleased with the event. named Amyntas. sometimes lifting up his hands to heaven. for Darius immediately decamping.accusation. had scarce any sense or pulse left. and beseeching Alexander to lay aside all fear. the vital forces into the interior. for the property of the conquered is. when he saw Darius intended to fall upon the enemy in the passes and defiles. so far from allowing himself to be outflanked. when http://www. "but in Alexander's rather. yet he takes no notice who it was that wounded him. and missing one another in the night. and is now most likely on his march towards you. and follow his directions without apprehension. Darius. Fortune was not kinder to Alexander in the choice of the ground. which (though to disburden themselves. But in the account which he gave Antipater of the battle though indeed he owns he was wounded in the thigh with sword. appealing to the gods to witness his innocence. they reserved for Alexander himself. "Let us now cleanse ourselves from the toils of war in the bath of Darius. For being much inferior in numbers. Chares says by Darius. went to bathe himself. instead of taking his counsel. than he was careful to improve it to his advantage. his health and strength returned. and so Alexander would escape out of his hands.idph. advised him earnestly to keep where he was." But Amyntas's counsel was to no purpose. would necessitate him to divide his forces. and draw his army out of so disadvantageous a place. who escaped very narrowly by flight. put the barbarians to flight. However. having taken his chariot and his bow. who after he had put off his arms. made all the haste he could to fight in the defiles. for assure yourself that far from avoiding. render his horse almost unserviceable. and should be called the conqueror's. In this battle he was wounded in the thigh. though not dangerously. For the medicine at first worked so strongly as to drive. and then throwing himself down by the bedside. who were in continual fear and dejection until they saw him abroad again." replied Amyntas. marched into Cilicia." replied one of his followers.net 13 . one who was pretty well acquainted with Alexander's character. However. you. and Darius to recover his former ground. he returned from pursuing him. told him he was afraid the enemy would endeavor to run away. in no long time. and fighting there himself in the very foremost ranks. and quantities of gold and silver. he stretched his right wing much further out than the left wing of his enemies. in which he overthrew above a hundred and ten thousand of his enemies. "is needless. This man. they both turned back again. saying. But Darius's tent. and falling into a swoon. he will make all the speed he can to meet you. Alexander. For now he began to perceive his error in engaging himself too far in a country in which the sea." "Not so. the mountains. which was full of splendid furniture. at the same time that Alexander advanced into Syria to meet him. Nothing was wanting to complete this victory." Here. so to say. "That fear. in the open and extensive plains. by Philip's means. and only cover and support the weakness of the enemy. There was at this time in Darius's army a Macedonian refugee. and the river Pinarus running through the midst of it. and he showed himself in public to the Macedonians. with whom he fought hand to hand. he lost his speech.
Nevertheless Darius's wife was accounted the most beautiful princess then living. or of the attentions and respect formerly paid them." But as he was going to supper. the pans. and the daughters were not unworthy of their parents. more livelily affected with their affliction than with his own success he sent Leonnatus to them to let them know Darius was not dead. not suffering them to hear. and smelt the fragrant odors with which the whole place was exquisitely perfumed.net 14 . had to sell.idph. For he gave them leave to bury whom they pleased of the Persians. "This. nor indeed with any other woman before marriage. is royalty. wrote to him to know if he would buy two young boys. where they enjoyed their privacy sacred and uninterrupted. by the display of the beauty of his own temperance and selfcontrol. But Alexander. and to make use for this purpose of what garments and furniture they thought fit out of the booty. by her father Artabazus. that he should presume to make him such a reproachful offer. or receive. as a present for him. as it were. he took no further notice than to say jestingly. And he himself. than in the camp of an enemy. or so much as to apprehend anything that was unbecoming. But the noblest and most royal part of their usage was. bade them be removed. being taken among the rest of the prisoners. When Philoxenus. all of gold. made him the more willing to attach himself to so agreeable and illustrious a woman. where the couches and tables and preparations for an entertainment were perfectly magnificent. who was taken prisoner at Damascus. it seems. upon the sight of his chariot and bow were all in mourning and sorrow. who made war upon him only for dominion. as Aristobulus tells us. royally descended. He diminished nothing of their equipage. Memnon's widow. She had been instructed in the Grecian learning. and from thence passed into a pavilion of great size and height. esteeming it more kingly to govern himself than to conquer his enemies. and. that he treated these illustrious prisoners according to their virtue and character. After a little pause. And hearing that Damon and Timotheus. imagining him to be dead. they should themselves be provided with everything they had been used to receive from Darius. So that they seemed rather lodged in some temple. This kind message could not but be very welcome to the captive ladies. whom one Theodorus. Of the rest of the female captives though remarkably handsome and well proportioned. curiously wrought. word was brought him that Darius's mother and wife and two unmarried daughters. who sent him word he would buy a Corinthian youth named Crobylus. as her husband the tallest and handsomest man of his time. his lieutenant on the sea-coast. the water-pots. of great beauty. as he would have done so many lifeless images. or some holy virgin chambers. especially being made good by actions no less humane and generous. And he immediately wrote him a very sharp letter. he turned to those about him and said. added to the solicitations and encouragement of Parmenio. retaliating.he beheld the bathing vessels. he was so offended. except Barsine. Nor was he less severe to Hagnon. and the ointment boxes. was of a gentle temper. a Tarentine. telling him Theodorus and his merchandise might go with his good-will to destruction. two of Parmenio's Macedonian http://www. that Persian women were terrible eye-sores. that he often expostulated with his friends. and allowed larger pensions for their maintenance than they had before. sought no intimacy with any one of them. which good qualities. what baseness Philoxenus had ever observed in him. and that they need not fear any harm from Alexander.
he was most temperate. he wrote to Parmenio. He was much less addicted to wine than was generally believed. When he came in for the evening. He never cared to dine till it was pretty late and beginning to be dark. they were in a great strait how to behave themselves. used to open and search the furniture of his chamber. For when his affairs called upon him. so that between the shame and the danger. to know if they had his dinner ready. and was wonderfully circumspect at meals that everyone who sat with him should be served alike and with proper attention. which were a night march to prepare for breakfast. and made his better friends very uneasy. was always magnificent. he would distribute them among his friends. whom he adopted. though otherwise no prince's conversation was ever so agreeable. as appears. omitting many other circumstances. to see if his mother had left him anything that was delicate or superfluous. and his wardrobe. that he had not so much as seen or desired to see the wife of Darius. and had sacrificed to the gods. as other generals often were. He was so very temperate in his eating. either by wine. he loved to sit long and talk. Leonidas also. and then perhaps he would sleep till noon. Leonidas. and sweetmeats. or reading. and over every cup hold a long conversation. and afterwards created queen of Caria. or any other diversion whatsoever. which gave his flatterers a great advantage to ride him. if he found them guilty. In his diet. rather than drink. and a moderate breakfast to create an appetite for supper. In marches that required no great haste. In the same letter he added. giving decisions on some military questions. a convincing argument of which is. made him delight to sit long at his wine. had abused the wives of some strangers who were in his pay. his preceptor. he would call for his bakers and chief cooks. however. and alight from it in full speed. His table. that which gave people occasion to think so of him was. who were thought to have great skill. he would hunt foxes and go fowling. or writing memoirs. by what he said to Ada. he would not be detained. as was said before. with the title of mother. he accomplished so many and so great actions. after he had bathed and was anointed. the expense of it still increasing with his http://www. as his journals tell us. he would fall into a temper of ostentation and soldierly boasting. and would have furnished him with some cooks and pastry-men. and sometimes all day long. also. that weariness and pleasure proceed both from the same frailty and imbecility of human nature. as wild beasts that were only made for the mischief of mankind. and his love of talking. he told her he wanted none of them. Sometimes. or sleep. yet they found it hazardous not to do it. After such an entertainment. he was wont to bathe. he added. to put them to death. spectacles. after he was up. for sport's sake. having already given him the best.net 15 . charging him strictly. he would practice shooting as he went along. For though they thought it too base to strive who should flatter him most. And then. He was wont to say. no.idph. nuptial solemnities. that in the short time he lived. that sleep and the act of generation chiefly made him sensible that he was mortal. For when she out of kindness sent him every day many curious dishes. or to mount a chariot. and often reserve nothing for himself. nor suffered anybody to speak of her beauty before him.soldiers. When he was free from employment. that when he had nothing else to do. that when any rare fish or fruits were sent him. and then spend the rest of the day in hunting. he used to sit down to breakfast. as much as to say.
so to say. quitting their horses. They immediately made a great fire. which with mounds of earth cast up. The soothsayers making two words of Satyrus.good fortune.net 16 . was carried on for seven months together. he was left behind. of which spoil the Thessalian horsemen had the greatest share. and two hundred galleys by sea. Another time. was surrendered to him. and sent them thither on purpose to make their reward suitable to their courage. the rest of the soldiers outwent them a great deal. and returned with it to his own men. and with his dagger dispatching two of the barbarians that sat by it. he still escaped from him. and when he endeavored to catch him. he got him into his power. in which he hazarded his life extremely to bring off his master Lysimachus. with a slender attendance. to encourage and help up the lagging and tired old man. near which they say Alexander slept. that they were ready to pursue and follow upon it with all the eagerness of hounds upon a scent. reaching. he ran straight to one of the nearest fires. that before he was aware. which so alarmed the enemy that most of http://www. Alexander was fain to stay behind so long. And many of the Tyrians in their sleep. After the battle of Issus. For when. and trusting to his agility of body. when he fancied the Satyr appeared to him. Not but that the rest of the army had so considerable a part of the booty as was sufficient to enrich them all. that he was a favorer of Alexander. This first gave the Macedonians such a taste of the Persian wealth and women and barbaric splendor of living. he made an excursion against the Arabians who inhabit the Mount Antilibanus. Upon which. he dreamt that he saw Hercules upon the walls. they seized him. and as he was always wont by undergoing toils and labors himself to cheer and support the Macedonians in any distress. for he had taken particular notice of their gallantry in the fight. The inhabitants at this time show a spring of water.idph. in the act. till it amounted to ten thousand drachmas a day. as if the god had been a deserting soldier. and running about after him. fancied that Apollo told them he was displeased with their actions. a great way from his soldiers. and beyond this he would suffer none to lay out in any entertainment where he himself was the guest. to which sum he limited it. and the enemy near. till seeing a great many scattered fires of the enemy at some distance. he sent to Damascus to seize upon the money and baggage. Those who governed in Cyprus. and battering engines. assured him. they began to march up the hills on foot. who would needs go along with him. and in a very inconvenient place. out his hand. But Alexander. Achilles's guardian. and forced to pass an extremely cold night in the dark. so that night drawing on. that Tyre should he his own. and Phoenicia. thought it necessary to assure himself of the sea-coast. While the body of the army lay before Tyre. till at last with much perseverance. Tyre only excepted. Alexander dreamed he saw a Satyr mocking him at a distance. put that island into his possession. and was about to leave them and go over to Alexander. and nailed it to the pedestal. the wives and children of the Persians. before he proceeded any further. tied down the statue with ropes. snatched up a lighted brand. reproaching him. and calling to him. declaring he was neither older nor inferior in courage to Phoenix. During the siege of this city.
on the Egyptian shore. but as the twenty-third of the month.net 17 . not omitting his preceptor Leonidas. designing to settle a colony of Grecians there. and when they had delivered their various opinions. attacked the walls more seriously than he at first intended. standing by him one day while he was sacrificing. let a clod of earth fall upon his shoulder. had led only a small party towards the walls. and thus they rested securely the remainder of the night. in remembrance of the hopes he had once expressed of him when he was but a child. affirmed confidently to those who stood by. and then settling upon one of the battering engines. was suddenly entangled and caught in the nets composed of sinews. the soothsayer. appeared to stand by him. and seeing him take both his hands full of incense to throw into the fire. which being brought to Alexander for a great rarity." Among the treasures and other booty that was taken from Darius. Pharos they call it. a greyheaded old man. saying. It happened at this time that Aristander. he chanced one night in his sleep to see a wonderful vision. that they could not hold from advancing to second it. In order to which. that the Tyrians retired. The next place he sat down before was Gaza. But to return to the siege. and the town was carried that very day. on whom he bestowed five hundred talents weight of frankincense. that he might refresh his army. Cleopatra. and the rest of his friends. that for the future you may not be stingy to the gods. it had this issue. and a hundred of myrrh. This fell out exactly according to Aristander's prediction. The king seeing him in perplexity. gave order that they should not count it as the thirtieth. A large bird flying over him. he resolved to build a large and populous city. where this accident befell him. Alexander. be true. than with any prospect of much advantage. it seems. where loud the billows roar. told him it became him to be more sparing in his offerings. Homer was neither an idle.them fled. there was a very precious casket. http://www. For Leonidas. This is attested by many credible authors. The sharpness of the assault so inflamed the rest of his forces who were left in the camp.idph. that the city should be certainly taken that very month. Thus Chares writes. rather to keep the enemy busy. nor an unprofitable companion to him in his expedition. and if what those of Alexandria tell us. relying upon the authority of Heraclides. which they performed with so much vigor. he told them he should keep Homer's Iliad in it. "We have sent you abundance of myrrh and frankincense. after he had measured and staked out the ground with the advice of the best architects. and not be so profuse till he was master of the countries which those sweet gums and spices came from. he asked those about him what they thought fittest to be laid up in it. one of the largest cities of Syria. upon view of the entrails. For when he was master of Egypt. and the city reduced. and ordering the trumpets to sound. So Alexander now wrote to him. harassed with many former encounters. From hence he sent great part of the spoils to Olympias. after he had sacrificed. that Alexander should be wounded. and those that assaulted them were soon routed. and always anxious to support the credit of the predictions. as this was the last day of it. which protected the ropes with which the machine was managed. which was. upon which there was a laugh and some mockery among the soldiers. and give it his own name. of a venerable aspect. and pronounce these verses:-An island lies.
but Alexander was not easily to be diverted from anything he was bent upon. This was a long and painful. rising like a black cloud out of the river and the lake. though it has now been joined to the main land by a mole. as if it were not enough to be always victorious in the field. and the boldness of his temper raised a sort of passion in him for surmounting difficulties. blowing the sand together in heaps. as for several days none could be obtained. as Callisthenes tells us. devoured every morsel of the flour that had been used in setting out the lines. a dangerous journey. the soil being black. the relief and assistance the gods afforded him in his distresses. Besides this. and. and. Homer. which. He commanded the workmen to proceed. and ordered the plan of a city to be drawn out answerable to the place. which flew before them when on their march.idph. they never ceased croaking and making a noise. was an island lying a little above the Canobic mouth of the river Nile. because the marks which were wont to direct the guides were disordered and lost. till fifty thousand were swallowed up and destroyed by it. first. till the augurs restored his confidence again by telling him. if they should lose their provision of water. As soon as he saw the commodious situation of the place. stretching like an isthmus between large lagoons and shallow waters on one side. In this journey. as it is said to have done when Cambyses led his army that way. was a very good architect. For first. taking in a pretty large compass of ground in a semicircular figure. and drawing into the inside of the circumference equal straight lines from each end. the whole desert like a sea upon them. For fortune having hitherto seconded him in his designs. allaying the extreme dryness of the sand. the latter at the end of it making a spacious harbor. and. were more remarkable. made him resolute and firm in his opinions. he said. they came to the place. at which omen even Alexander himself was troubled.Alexander upon this immediately rose up and went to Pharos. cleared and purified the air. while they were traveling through the wide extent of deep sands. while he went to visit the temple of Ammon. besides his other excellences. and raising. and waited for them when they lingered and fell behind. if a violent south wind should rise upon them.net 18 . While he was pleasing himself with his design. To do which. for want of chalk. at that time. they were set right again by some ravens. All these difficulties were weighed and represented to him. and obtained greater belief than the oracles he received afterwards. Having passed through the wilderness. as it were. and the greatest miracle. preserved them from any fear of perishing by drought. unless places and seasons and nature herself submitted to him. in two respects. it was a sign the city he was about to build would not only abound in all things within itself. thus giving it something of the form of a cloak or cape. till by that means they had brought them into the right way again. but also be the nurse and feeder of many nations. and were wandering up and down. was that if any of the company went astray in the night. when they were out of their way. where the high-priest at the first salutation bade Alexander welcome from his father Ammon. And being asked by him whether any of his father's murderers had escaped http://www. however. they laid out their lines with flour. plentiful rains that fell. on a sudden an infinite number of great birds of several kinds. secondly. which. which now became moist and firm to travel on. it being a long neck of land. and the sea on the other. were valued and credited the more on account of those occurrences.
God was the common father of us all." said Alexander. whom he heard in Egypt. and it went for current that the oracle had called him so. as if he were fully persuaded of his divine birth and parentage. to which were added shows of lyric dances and tragedies. he most approved of this. "from the bounty of him who at that time was called my lord and father. afterwards being wounded with an arrow." meaning Philip. and that Philip's death was fully revenged. At his return out of Egypt into Phoenicia. when it thundered so much that everybody was afraid. which the king sent to Hephaestion. and Anaxarchus. For the kings of Cyprus were here the exhibitors. except it were once in writing to the Athenians about Samos. but to the Grecians more moderately. asked him if he who was Jupiter's son could do anything like this. "O Paidion. or had the vanity to think himself really a god. "O Paidios. But what he pronounced himself upon this subject. he should obtain. "This. he charged him to speak with more respect. who despised my table for being furnished with fish. which at his return he would communicate to her only. This is what most authors write concerning the oracles. it is apparent that Alexander in himself was not foolishly affected. However. the god answered." For in fact it is related as true. just in the same manner as at Athens those who are chosen by lot out of the tribes. but more particularly of the best of us. that all men are governed by God. indeed. To the barbarians he carried himself very haughtily. is divine. king of http://www." he says. the sophist. and further concerning dominion. since his was not a mortal father. had used this expression. my friends. and gave the priests very rich presents. but merely used his claims to divinity as a means of maintaining among other people the sense of his superiority. was even more like a philosopher. Among the sayings of one Psammon. that he made splendid offerings to Jupiter." by a slip in pronunciation ended with the s instead of the n. that which is chief and commands. when he tells them that he should not himself have bestowed upon them that free and glorious city. From what I have said upon this subject. Then Alexander. "Nay. changing his expression. for he said. desirous as a piece of courtesy to address him in Greek.idph." which mistake Alexander was well enough pleased with. whether the empire of the world was reserved for him? This. and feeling much pain. as you would have me. But Alexander. in a sort of irony. 'Such as immortal gods are wont to shed. And.punishment. because in everything. especially Nicocreon. and told them. they showed the greatest emulation to outvie each other. not Ichor. remarkable not merely for the splendor of the equipage and decorations. "I have no desire to be formidable to my friends.'" And another time. desired to know of him if any of those who murdered Philip were yet unpunished. tells her there were some secret answers. that Anaxarchus seeing a present of small fishes. and said. but for the competition among those who exhibited them. and not with the heads of governors of provinces. is real flowing blood. which gave him so much satisfaction. he turned to those about him. in a letter to his mother.net 19 . "You received it. laughing. and disparagement of those who undergo vast labors and encounter great hazards in pursuit of magnificent objects. and with less affectation of divinity. a philosopher. which after all bring them little more pleasure or enjoyment than what others have. he sacrificed and made solemn processions. Others say that the priest.
though he refused his request that he would write a letter in his behalf. Darius wrote him a letter. and art become a Macedonian in thy heart. he laughed and gave him the money. "Alas! how great is the calamity of the Persians! Was it not enough that their king's consort and sister was a prisoner in her lifetime. and defrayed the expenses of the two most celebrated actors. for to my knowledge neither your queen Statira when alive. he gave him a sufficient sum to satisfy the penalty. if he were Alexander. and taking Tireus aside into a more private part of his tent. Another time. "if I were Parmenio. as far as he could. who getting out of the camp. though it did not appear till Athenodorus was declared victor by the plurality of votes. But the death of Darius's wife in childbirth made him soon after regret one part of this answer. However. unless it were the light of your countenance. if thou yet ownest me for thy master Darius. at being thus deprived of a further opportunity of exercising his clemency and good nature. which he manifested. but she must. he should readily embrace them. now she is dead also. Among the eunuchs who waited in the queen's chamber. nor your mother. "So would I. wanted anything of their former happy condition. beating his head. "as to her funeral rites. he said the judges deserved to be commended for what they had done. when Lycon of Scarphia happened to act with great applause in the theater. And after her decease. be but meanly and obscurely buried?" "Oh king. and offering him in exchange for his amity and alliance. you have not the least reason to accuse the ill-fortune of your country. http://www. to inform him of his wife's death. and in a verse which he introduced into the comic part which he was acting. together with the good fortune of Persia. and bursting into tears and lamentations. when he understood Athenodorus was fined by the Athenians for being absent at the festivals of Bacchus. as he is terrible in the field. that they carried him into extravagant suspicions. "Unless thou likewise. begged for a present of ten talents. and were taken prisoners with the women." Accordingly. however. that for his part. and Pasicrates of Soli. that if he would come and yield himself up into his power. which I doubt not but the lord Oromasdes will yet restore to its former glory. and he showed evident marks of grief. He. nor children." replied the eunuch. and the latter for Nicocreon. Thessalus was most favored by Alexander.idph. who furnished the chorus. or any respect or honor that should have been shown in them. for Alexander is as gentle after victory. said. by giving her a most sumptuous funeral. when he heard it. if not. I assure you. but that he would willingly have lost part of his kingdom." said Alexander. and sent friends to intercede with him. the former performing for Pasicrates. she had not only all due funeral ornaments. "hast deserted me." At the hearing of these words.Salamis. all the countries on this side the river Euphrates. such was the grief and emotion of Darius's mind. These propositions he communicated to his friends. there was one Tireus. Athenodorus and Thessalus. rather than to have seen Thessalus overcome. his answer to Darius was. requesting him to accept as a ransom of his captives the sum of a thousand talents. he would treat him with all possible kindness. and when Parmenio told him. together with one of his daughters in marriage. he was resolved immediately to go himself and seek him. fled away on horseback to Darius. but was honored also with the tears of your very enemies. For then at his going away.net 20 ." said he to him.
net 21 . which. and uttered this prayer. who had given no less proofs of his continence towards the Persian women. but at Gaugamela. "Ye gods. I beseech you to restore the declining affairs of Persia. But if. upon hearing of it. But to return to Alexander. ordered the two captains to decide the quarrel by single combat. and of my kingdom. indeed. if it be possible. and named the commander of one of them Alexander. who was coming down against him with a million of men. till Alexander. with an allowance of http://www. and was further enlarging upon Alexander's moderation and magnanimity on other occasions. if our ruin be a debt that must be paid to the divine jealousy and the vicissitude of things. and for a reward of his prowess. was not. and have it in my power to make a grateful return to Alexander for the kindness which in my adversity he has shown to those who are dearest to me. signifies the camel's house. nor his dead wife and sister. than of his valor among the men. but presently took to their fists. The eunuch confirmed all he said with solemn and dreadful oaths. "of my family. willing from the event of it to derive an omen of their own future success. The whole army were spectators of this encounter. the belief that he was overcome by a man whose virtues raised him above human nature. the fatal time be come. So we are told by Eratosthenes. so that they had much ado to part them. were it not from some motive that does me disgrace?" Whilst he was yet speaking. as to give utterance to any such thoughts. when Darius. and armed him who bore his name himself. and at last." Such is the narrative given by the greater number of the historians. The servants who followed the camp. settled him at this place. and this right hand of thy king. and besought him neither to wrong Alexander so much. At first they only pelted one another with clods of earth. I charge thee. which deprived him of the greatest consolation left him in his adversity. in gratitude to his beast. should treat the wife of his opponent with so much distinction. But the great battle of all that was fought with Darius. by the veneration thou payest the light of Mithras. After they had fought stoutly a pretty long while. forasmuch as one of their ancient kings having escaped the pursuit of his enemies on a swift camel. that I may leave them in as flourishing a condition as I found them. then I beseech you grant that no other man but Alexander may sit upon the throne of Cyrus. lifted up his hands to heaven.idph. breaking away from him into the other division of the tent. In his march. for sport's sake divided themselves into two parties.tell me. heated with the contention. and of the other Darius. where his friends and courtiers were. they fought in good earnest with stones and clubs. while Philotas did the same to him who represented Darius. Tireus threw himself at his feet. with leave to wear the Persian dress. that he ought to look upon Alexander with love and admiration. a very ridiculous passage happened." said he. do I not lament the least of Statira's misfortunes in her captivity and death? Have I not suffered something more injurious and deplorable in her lifetime? And had I not been miserable with less dishonor. which is to give a period to the Persian monarchy. at last he who was called Alexander had the better. had twelve villages given him. After he had reduced all Asia on this side the Euphrates. in their language. as most writers tell us. at Arbela. he advanced towards Darius. if I had met with a more severe and inhuman enemy? For how is it possible a young man as he is.
In the meanwhile the oldest of his commanders. "And are we not so. and acted on a true judgment of the future. was so impetuously charged by the Bactrian horse that it was disordered and forced to give ground. performing certain mysterious ceremonies. and by torchlight took a general review of them. It came to pass that in the month Boedromion. and called him twice or thrice by his name. the narrow passages. in case he were worsted. indeed. who came to him early in the morning. hoping in vain that he would fight us?" And not only before the battle. till he waked him. to the astonishment of the commanders." replied Alexander. spent the night before his tent with his diviner Aristander. about the beginning of the feast of Mysteries at Athens. The left wing. as he did before to the mountains. like the distant roaring of a vast ocean.certain villages and rents for his maintenance.net 22 . and manifested the self-possession of a just foresight and confidence. and therefore meeting the king as he came from sacrificing. For while he had such numerous forces and large dominions still remaining. he laid himself down in his tent and slept the rest of the night more soundly than was usual with him. which so disturbed Parmenio. Darius kept his men in arms. For the battle for some time fluctuated and was dubious. the two armies being now in view of one another. there was an eclipse of the moon. the eleventh night after which. But at last. that the darkness might conceal the danger of the ensuing battle. others. smiling. it was not any want of men or arms that could induce him to give up the war. regarded as an evidence that he confided in his present condition. if he could impute his overthrow to the disadvantage of the night. he showed himself great. But Alexander." which though some at the time thought a boyish and inconsiderate speech. which he might suppose himself to have. that after some conference among themselves. and chiefly Parmenio. but in the height of the danger. they concluded it an enterprise too difficult and hazardous for them to engage so numerous an enemy in the day. and sacrificing to the god Fear.idph. however. After they were gone from him with this answer. and heard the uncertain and confused sound of voices out of their camp. besought him to attack Darius by night. he bade them tell http://www. when he was to fight the most important battle of all. he could sleep as soundly as if he were already victorious. but only the loss of all courage and hope upon the conviction of an undeniable and manifest defeat. at the same time that Mazaeus had sent a detachment round about to fall upon those who guarded the baggage. were so amazed at the thoughts of such a multitude. where Parmenio commanded. and then asked him how it was possible. "since we are at last relieved from the trouble of wandering in pursuit of Darius through a wide and wasted country. not wishing to leave Darius. "I will not steal a victory. that he sent messengers to acquaint Alexander that the camp and baggage would be all lost unless he immediately believed the rear by a considerable reinforcement drawn out of the front. time not giving them leave to wait any longer. as if he played with danger. To this he gave them the celebrated answer. This message being brought him just as he was giving the signal to those about him for the onset. when they beheld all the plain between Niphates and the Gordyaean mountains shining with the lights and fires which were made by the barbarians. while his soldiers slept. and the sea. the pretext of trying his fortune again. Parmenio went to his bedside. and were fain themselves to give order that the soldiers should breakfast.
that he could not turn or disengage his chariot without great difficulty. upon a mare that had been taken from http://www. and mounting. instead of taking care of their wealth or their slaves. that soldiers. and as soon as he was mounted. as Callisthenes tells us. he put on his helmet. that after mutual encouragements and exhortations. but almost covered the horses. conspicuous in the midst of his life-guard. in this extremity was glad to quit his chariot and his arms.Parmenio that he must have surely lost the use of his reason. as mark of their respect to him. But Alexander's approach was so terrible. He made the longest address that day to the Thessalians and other Greeks. the barbarians shrunk back. and a crown of gold on his head. set with precious stones. and made them rear and grow so unruly. or to view them. The belt which he also wore in all engagements. who drove those that fled before him into the middle of the battle. commenced the attack. The helmet. It was a work of the ancient Helicon. having the rest of his arms on before he came out of his tent. whom he saw from a distance over the foremost ranks. besought the gods. who had a white mantle about him. and had forgotten. which was made by Theophilus. girt close about him. that he beat down and dispersed them almost all. he sent for him again. and if defeated. that it was as bright as the most refined silver. become masters of their enemies' baggage. desiring him to lead them on against the barbarians. it is said. but when he was actually to fight. forcing those who gave back upon those who yet maintained their ground. who stood close in order about it. who was now growing old. where Darius himself was in person. At the same time the augur Aristander. Darius now seeing all was lost. defended by an abundance of the best horse. was so well wrought and polished. who were slain in their king's presence. or riding about to give orders or directions. and were followed in a mass by the whole phalanx of the foot. who answered him with loud shouts. was of much richer workmanship than the rest of his armor. When he had said this. which were coat of the Sicilian make. and had been presented to him by the Rhodians. have nothing more to do but to fight gallantly and die with honor. To this was fitted a gorget of the same metal. So long as he was engaged in drawing up his men. Only a few of the bravest and valiantest opposed the pursuit. and with his right lifted up towards heaven. and was of an admirable temper and lightness. drawn in a lofty chariot. that those who were placed in front to defend him were broken and beat back upon him. which was taken among other booty at the battle of Issus. they would he pleased to assist and strengthen the Grecians. rode by and showed them an eagle that soared just over Alexander.net 23 . in his alarm. and directed his Right towards the enemy. was given him by the king of the Citieans. which was the weapon he most used in fight. though of iron. that the frighted charioteer could govern them no longer. that if he was of a truth the son of Jupiter. falling in heaps upon one another. His sword. and were hotly pursued by Alexander. if victorious. upon which he shifted his javelin into his left hand. the wheels being clogged and entangled among the dead bodies. the horse charged at full speed. which lay in such heaps as not only stopped. and in the very pangs of death striving to catch hold of the horses. he spared Bucephalas. ready to receive the enemy. and over that a breastpiece of thickly quilted linen. But before they could well come to blows with the first ranks.idph. and made use of another horse. a tall and fine-looking man. which so animated the beholders.
For. out of a cleft in the earth. who was now proclaimed king of Asia. he wrote to them that he would have all tyrannies abolished." The youth. and would not give ground. who desired him to make an experiment of the naphtha upon Stephanus. in such a manner that the whole street was one continued flame. and often inflame the intermediate air also. a youth with a ridiculously ugly face. From hence he marched through the province of Babylon. seemed to put a period to the Persian empire. He sent also part of the spoils into Italy. or that. and rewarded his friends and followers with great sums of money. flows out so abundantly as to form a sort of lake.net 24 . when they fought with the barbarians for their common liberty. Among those who used to wait on the king and find occasion to amuse him when he anointed and washed himself. This battle being thus over. it caught from one end to another. in other respects resembling bitumen. and when it was almost night. So affectionate was Alexander to all kind of virtue. he secretly disliked and envied Alexander's growing greatness. to the Crotoniats. and in Ecbatana was much surprised at the sight of the place where fire issues in a continuous stream. stood at the further end with torches. Alexander. the wrestler. readily consented to undergo the trial. joined the fleet at Salamis. that he might have a share in the danger. there was one Athenophanes. which. "if it take hold of him and is not put out. his whole body broke out into such a flame. and places. and by the way met with the news of the enemy's total overthrow and flight. and so desirous to preserve the memory of laudable actions. But he had not escaped so either. and specially to the Plataeans. because their ancestors had permitted their countrymen of old to make their territory the seat of the war. as Callisthenes says. which being applied to the moistened places. like a spring of water. when the other Grecian colonies in Italy disowned Greece. to desire him to return and assist him against a considerable body of the enemy which yet stood together. that Alexander http://www. that before it touches the flame. the first at once taking fire. Parmenio is on all hands accused of having been sluggish and unserviceable in this battle. and governments of provinces. The barbarians. And eager to gain honor with the Grecians. whether age had impaired his courage. returned thanks to the gods in magnificent sacrifices. and was so seized by the fire. that they might live free according to their own laws. it will kindle at the very light that surrounds it. This naphtha. as if it were too late to continue the execution any longer. to honor the zeal and courage of their citizen Phayllus." said he. as quick as a man could think of it. marched back towards the place of danger. "For. it must undeniably be allowed to be of the most invincible strength. though he was not a little vexed to be so recalled and hindered from pursuing his victory. an Athenian. to show the power and nature of it. sprinkled the street that led to the king's lodgings with little drops of it. and as soon as he was anointed and rubbed with it. whose talent was singing well. indeed. and Alexander. if Parmenio had not sent fresh messengers to Alexander. with a vessel set forth at his own charge. instantly. and causing a retreat to be sounded. is so subject to take fire. in the Median war. as it happened. not far from this spot. betook himself to flight. who stood by in the bathing place. yet concealed the true reason from his men.her foal. that their city should be rebuilt. which immediately submitted to him.idph. and the stream of naphtha. who.
amongst which was five thousand talents' worth of Hermionian purple.net 25 . and are thrown out. of the production of naphtha admits of a diversity of opinion on whether this liquid substance that feeds the flame does not rather proceed from a soil that is unctuous and productive of fire. and was desirous to adorn the palace gardens and walks with Grecian plants. And thus it is not without some plausibility that they endeavor to reconcile the fable to truth. who was left governor of this country. that he was not cured of it a good while after. but being prepared for it by the naphtha. and his body was so burned all over. Nor was the money found here less. The manner. however. as much as ten thousand pair of mules and http://www. Darius himself having escaped further. and his mother a Persian. and not without reason. At the taking of Susa. and was guarded by the noblest of the Persians. they imperceptibly attracted and caught a flame which happened to be brought near them. For being a plant that loves a cold soil. if by good chance there had not been people at hand with a great many vessels of water for the service of the bath. Dinon also relates that the Persian kings had water fetched from the Nile and the Danube. of which himself gives this account. but in others. Harpalus. which they laid up in their treasuries as a sort of testimony of the greatness of their power and universal empire. But such digressions as these the impatient reader will be more willing to pardon. by a way something about. where they meet with airy dryness. For neither the things themselves. and in the extreme heats the inhabitants are wont to sleep upon skins filled with water. which the earth would not bear. and also sufficient rich moisture. that a lycus should conduct him into Persia. besides an unspeakable quantity of other furniture and treasure. than at Susa. chanced to find a guide in exact correspondence with what the Pythia had foretold when he was a child. For the rays and emanations of fire at a distance have no other effect upon some bodies than bare light and heat. that he commanded them to be killed in the belief that it would be for his advantage. besides other movables and treasure. yet without fetching any considerable compass. but constantly killed. with all which they had much ado to extinguish the fire. is that in dyeing the purple they made use of honey. that oftentimes the grains of barley leap up. Alexander. Here a great many of the prisoners were put to the sword. whose father was a Lycian.idph. succeeded in raising all but ivy. nor the fire could kindle of its own accord. and of white oil in the white tincture. they say. as if the violent inflammation had made the earth throb. he says. the temper of this hot and fiery earth was improper for it. The reason of which. as that of the province of Babylon is. where the ground is so very hot. The entrance into Persia was through a most difficult country. however. for nothing could have prevented his being consumed by it. and yet kept its color as fresh and lively as at first. For by such an one. he was now led into the country. both which after the like space of time preserve the clearness and brightness of their luster. Alexander found in the palace forty thousand talents in money ready coined.was in the greatest perplexity and alarm for him. they collect themselves and soon kindle and create a transformation. if they are kept within a moderate compass. who say this was the drug in the tragedies with which Medea anointed the crown and veil which she gave to Creon's daughter. that had been laid up there a hundred and ninety years. and who spoke both languages.
and with a chaplet of flowers on his head. persuaded to be of the party. the stately palace of the Persian monarchs. an Athenian. at last was carried so far as to utter a saying. while others say it was done deliberately. and indulged so far as to let every one's mistress sit by and drink with them. she added. Demaratus. now thou art prostrate on the ground. I will give a few instances of this kind. and so seconded by the encouragement and eagerness of the company. it would please her much better. he diverted himself with his officers at an entertainment of drinking and other pastimes. "Shall we. "neglectfully pass thee by.net 26 . having killed an enemy. the Corinthian. after he had paused some time. under the canopy of gold. and gave order to put out the fire. that it might be recorded to posterity. She. and a lighted torch in his hand. dancing and making loud cries about the place." said he. because thou once invadedst Greece. He stood still. in an old man's manner. that she was that day treated in. started from his seat. to speak truth. mistress of Ptolemy. Amongst other things he happened to observe a large statue of Xerxes thrown carelessly down to the ground in the confusion made by the multitude of soldiers pressing. led them the way. who was afterwards king of Egypt. set fire to the court of that Xerxes who reduced the city of Athens to ashes. which. while they went after him in a riotous manner. before he set out. and told him that in his country. for they hoped the burning and destruction of the royal palace was an argument that he looked homeward. who was much attached to him and had been one of his father's friends. such a present was recompensed with a cup of http://www. than all the famed commanders had been able to do by sea or land.five thousand camels could well carry away. into the palace. It is related that the first time he sat on the royal throne of Persia. or shall we erect thee again in consideration of the greatness of thy mind and thy other virtues?" But at last. not misbecoming her native country's character. he went on without taking any further notice of it. From hence designing to march against Darius. and deplored the misfortune of those Creeks whom death had deprived of the satisfaction of seeing Alexander seated on the throne of Darius. is necessary to make a benefit really obliging. and grew more so as his fortune increased. and silently considered with himself. which when the rest of the Macedonians perceived. and stayed four months to refresh his soldiers. and had no design to reside among the barbarians.idph. the captain of the Paeonians. Ariston. that the women who followed Alexander had taken a severer revenge on the Persians for the sufferings and affronts of Greece. she might in sport. wept. as the drinking went on. and could insult over. But. however. partly out of sport. with her own hands. She said it was indeed some recompense for the toils she had undergone in following the camp all over Asia. and accosting it as if it had been alive. that the king himself. Thus some writers give their account of this action. if while the king looked on. all agree that he soon repented of it. partly as a sort of well-turned compliment to Alexander. accompanying what he gave with that courtesy and freedom. Alexander was naturally most munificent. In this place he took up his winter quarters. brought his head to show him. What she said was received with such universal liking and murmurs of applause. The most celebrated of them was Thais. they also in great delight ran thither with torches. though somewhat too lofty for her own condition.
however. when he read a long letter from Antipater. as his custom was. till Alexander seeing the man so overcharged. and carry what you have there to your own tent for yourself. you give them power and opportunity of making many friends of their own. and begged his pardon himself with tears. and that they carried http://www." But when he perceived his favorites grow so luxurious and extravagant in their way of living and expenses. that Hagnon. "I cannot believe it. and told him. he went the way to make many Alexanders. Mazaeus. and in the meantime you leave yourself destitute. "does not know that one tear of a mother effaces a thousand such letters as these. the beast grew tired. whom he permitted. having incurred his displeasure. "but I drink to you in this. who was the most considerable man in Darius's court. Alexander bestowed another upon him that was better. For now. and presently ordered five talents to be given him." said Alexander. Nay more. and set the seal upon Hephaestion's lips. a pleasant. he. got his friends to intercede for him. and when she fell out with him upon this account." he said. He wrote to Antipater. not indulging her busy temper. and when the king asked him why he did not direct it to him. wore silver nails in his shoes." The king understood his meaning. he still threw the ball to others. drinking fellow. that he was very liberal to him afterwards. only to bring him powder out of Egypt to use when he wrestled. and Alexander declared he was friends with him. which answer pleased him so." She often wrote to him to this purpose. that he would not own him for his friend any longer. "unless you first give me some pledge of it. to read it along with him. and he never communicated her letters to anybody. To his mother he sent many presents." said Proteas. one of the youths that played at ball with him. "you make them all equal to kings. "but finish the journey. if he refused his presents. appears by a letter which Olympias wrote to him. that more used precious ointment than plain oil when they went to bathe. One Proteas. because he did not ask of him. commanding him to keep a life-guard about him for the security of his person against conspiracies. had a son who was already governor of a province. but would never suffer her to meddle with matters of state or war. and began to march with it. jesting. instead of one Darius. till one day. that Leonnatus employed several camels. modestly refused. just as he was ready to lay down his burden for weariness." said she. "Antipater." Another time.net 27 . where she tells him he should reward and honor those about him in a more moderate way. He had never given anything to Serapion. And therefore he wrote to Phocion.gold." said he. "Do not faint now. and the soldier took it upon his own back. but then as soon as he had done. the Teian. which I give you full of wine. "Because you do not ask for it. unless it were one which he opened when Hephaestion was by." said he to him." He was always more displeased with those who would not accept of what he gave than with those who begged of him. smiling. in which he found a wardrobe of apparel worth more than a thousand talents. as one of the common soldier was driving a mule laden with some of the king's treasure. "With an empty one. he bore her ill-humor very patiently.idph. asked what was the matter. How magnificent he was in enriching his friends. and when he was informed. which at last prevailed. and that Philotas had hunting nets a hundred furlongs in length. and those who attended on his person. full of accusations against her. he took off his ring. it coming to Serapion's turn to play. To Parmenio he gave Bagoas's house.
and be evil spoken of. longed to indulge themselves in pleasure and idleness. how it was possible for anyone who pretended to be a soldier. Hearing Peucestes was bitten by a bear. the physician. When he sent the old and infirm soldiers home. he confessed he was in love with a young woman named Telesippa. and chanced to be by when he encountered with and mastered a huge lion. all expressed in figures of brass. who was absent about some business. insomuch that a Lacedaemonian." He sent Hephaestion. and partly to give him a caution how he used that medicine.about servants everywhere with them to rub them and wait upon them in their chambers. he saw a vision in his sleep. and inciting others to the performance of brave and virtuous actions. saying. who was about to purge Craterus with hellebore. but the most noble arid royal to undergo pain and labor. embracing all opportunities of hardship and danger. that those who labor sleep more sweetly and soundly than those who are labored for. he reproved them in gentle and reasonable terms. and at last went on so far as to censure and speak ill of him. a citizen of Aegae. it became a king well to do good to others. Meantime. told him he had fought gallantly with the beast. and the rest by Leochares. and had it dedicated in the temple of Apollo at Delphi. When Craterus was ill. some of which were by Lysippus. "But now. which of the two should be king. "since it is so. got his name enrolled among the sick. and not make him acquainted with it. who was there on an embassy to him. either to look well after his horse. Alexander exposed his person to danger in this manner.idph. "Are you still to learn." said he. word how while they were fighting for their diversion with an ichneumon. that I may punish them. "that the end and perfection of our victories is to avoid the vices and infirmities of those whom we subdue?" And to strengthen his precepts by example. let me know how you do. consisting of the lion and the dogs. his own body. Craterus caused a representation to be made of this adventure. though he ailed nothing. and were weary of marches and expeditions. after which he offered sacrifices for his health. telling them he wondered that they who had been engaged in so many signal battles did not know by experience. who brought him the first news of Harpalus's flight and withdrawal from his service. there was every indication on his part of tenderness and respect. But his followers. And upon Peucestes's recovery from a fit of sickness. he wrote to him. and bade him to do so likewise. and whether any of your companions forsook you when you were in danger. who thought it much to let his hands be serviceable to what was nearest to him. with the object both of inuring himself. on the smallest occasions that called for a show of kindness to his friends. All which at first he bore very patiently. that it was the most abject and slavish condition to be voluptuous. partly out of an anxious concern for him." said he. which being discovered. Craterus was by chance run through both thighs with Perdiccas's javelin. he sent a letter of thanks to his physician Alexippus.net 28 . he applied himself now more vigorously than ever to hunting and warlike expeditions. of the king engaged with the lion. and consequently proud. that he took it unkindly he should send others notice of it. Eurylochus. as if they had falsely accused him. and himself coming in to his assistance. He argued with them further. who were grown rich. He was so tender of his friends' reputation that he imprisoned Ephialtes and Cissus. or to keep his armor bright and in good order. and could fail to see by comparing the Persians' manner of living with their own. http://www. He wrote also to Pausanias.
to keep up. He asked them to whom they were carrying the water. And at last. Then he took the helmet into his hands. and gave credit to those also that were false. though they all perished. and looking round about. but heard he was taken and secured by Bessus. and show himself cruel and inexorable. and in another. that if his life were but saved. gave direction that he should not meddle with him while he was there. for in eleven days he marched thirty-three hundred furlongs. set forth to seek Darius. "if I alone should drink. that he lost his tenderness of heart. they told him to their children. it is said. he would be transported out of his reason. thanked and commended Peucestes for apprehending Nicon. and looked upon themselves to be little less than immortal. if your mistress be to be gained either by presents or persuasions. to keep it free and unprejudiced in behalf of the party accused. "For. concerning a slave that had taken sanctuary in a temple. upon which news he sent home the Thessalians. expecting he should be put to the hazard of another battle. they endeavored to overtake the first of those that fled. in hopes to meet with Darius among them. It is reported of him that when he first sat in judgment upon capital causes. and so many proved true." It is surprising to consider upon what slight occasions he would write letters to serve his friends. he would lay his hand upon one of his ears while the accuser spoke." said he. He now. But though they were all equally cheerful and willing. as we said. yet not above threescore horse were able. and being told she was a free courtesan. and especially when anybody spoke ill of him. and in one to Megabyzus. For whilst they had such a king.idph. and began whipping on their horses. presently filled a helmet and offered it him. While they were in this distress. they found him http://www. chiefly for want of water.and wanted to go along with her to the seaside." The soldiers no sooner took notice of his temperance and magnanimity upon this occasion. came about noon to the place where Alexander was. earnestly after the drink. a servant of Craterus. when he saw all those who were near him stretching their heads out and looking. adding. it was no matter for them. after much trouble. because she is free-born. Alexander inquired to whom the woman belonged. "I will assist you. but we must use no other means. But afterwards such a multitude of accusations were brought before him. valuing his glory and reputation beyond his life or kingdom. and seeing him almost choked with thirst. he returned it again with thanks without tasting a drop of it.net 29 . who was run away into Cilicia." said he to Eurylochus. where they rode over abundance of gold and silver that lay scattered about. but if he could entice him out by fair means. but they one and all cried out to him to lead them forward boldly. the rest will be out of heart. As when he wrote one in which he gave order to search for a youth that belonged to Seleucus. and gave them a largess of two thousand talents over and above the pay that was due to them. and to fall in with Alexander upon the enemy's camp. they said they defied both weariness and thirst. and passing by a great many chariots full of women that wandered here and there for want of drivers. This long and painful pursuit of Darius. it happened that some Macedonians who had fetched water in skins upon their mules from a river they had found out. then he gave him leave to seize him. "in your amour. they should be able well enough to repair that loss. harassed his soldiers so that most of them were ready to give it up.
a sight which the Macedonians beheld with grief. as the Persians did their kings. His brother Exathres. by accustoming them by little and little to bear with the alteration of his rule and course of life in other things. that he sent a herald to let them know he would put them all to the sword. and when he had drunk a little cold water. and yet more pompous and magnificent than the other. and at public audiences. and had given an account of it many years before Alexander's expedition. but afterwards he appeared in it abroad. but they so respected his other virtues and good qualities. at which Alexander was so much vexed. and taking off his own cloak. just at the point of death. with water. and my children I hope the gods will recompense. and sent to his mother with pomp suitable to his quality. They fastened him to a couple of trees which were bound down so as to meet. he first put on the barbaric dress." with which words he took hold of Polystratus's hand and died. this. However. perhaps with the view of making the work of civilizing them the easier.lying in a chariot. however. therefore. But on their doing so. unexpectedly meeting with those who led Bucephalas. that it had become the last extremity of his ill fortune.net 30 . where he saw a large bay of an open sea. took them prisoners. with a great force returned to their places. without mercy. which was altogether foreign and uncouth. and then being let loose. as nothing gains more upon men than a conformity to their fashions and customs." said he. that they felt it reasonable in http://www. women. so contrived his habit that it was not so flaunting as the one. my wife. and children. will doubtless thank you for your humanity to me. that of four gulfs which out of the main sea enter into the continent. among his intimate friends and companions. who gave it him. to receive benefits and not be able to return them. but also paid a ramsom for his horse to those who took him. nor the tiara for the head. However. When Alexander came up to them. and at the same time surrendering their cities into his hands. From hence he marched into Parthia.idph. he followed not the Median fashion. if they did not restore him. he ordered him to be torn in pieces in this manner. At first he wore this habit only when he conversed with the barbarians. However. And now with the flower of his army he marched into Hyrcania. known indifferently as the Caspian and as the Hyrcanian sea. apparently not much less than the Euxine. where not having much to do. when Bessus was taken. men. and carried the horse away with them. in token of my acknowledgment. each of them carrying that part of the body along with it that was tied to it. Darius's body was laid in state. Alexander received into the number of his intimate friends. but taking a middle way between the Persian mode and the Macedonian. and adopted neither the trousers nor the sleeved vest. threw it upon the body to cover it. the naturalists were better informed of the truth. Or it may have been as a first trial. whether the Macedonians might be brought to adore him. "whose kindness to my mother. sweeter than that of other seas. I give him this right hand. "But Alexander. wounded all over with darts. he told Polystratus. And sometime afterwards. or within doors. he desired they would give him some drink. is the most northern. when he rode out. Here the barbarians. Tell him. but could learn nothing of certainty concerning it. further than that in all probability it seemed to him to be an arm issuing from the lake of Maeotis. he showed manifest tokens of sorrow. he not only treated them kindly.
besides his other adventures. the king laughed quietly and asked.idph. that. he more and more accommodated himself in his way of living to that of the natives. and to train them up to arms in the Macedonian discipline. also. Here many affirm that the Amazon came to give him a visit. it would be wiser to depend upon the goodwill which might arise from intermixture and association as a means of maintaining tranquillity. and not conquered it. Philip the Chalcidian. he had but lately been wounded in the leg by an arrow. "Where could I have been at that time?" But it signifies little to Alexander whether this be credited or no. for in a letter in which he gives Antipater an account of all that happened. Antigenes. Ptolemy and Anticlides. that when on his way to make the Macedonians the masters of the world. Certain it is. also. So Clitarchus. Onesicritus. they would go along with him whithersoever it was his pleasure to lead them. that apprehending the Macedonians would be weary of pursuing the war. And many years after. as near as he could to the Macedonian customs. and having with him in Hyrcania the choice of his men only. he was left alone with a few friends and volunteers. followed them above a hundred furlongs. and three thousand horse.some things to gratify his fancies and his passion of glory. taking part in a dance. In order to this. After succeeding with these. Philip of Theangela. As for his marriage with Roxana. they all cried out. they might go if they pleased. insomuch that he passed the river Orexartes. where he adds. though suffering all the time from a diarrhea. whom he put under masters to teach them the Greek tongue. and tried to bring them. Polyclitus. he should merely enter his protest. it was. he told them he would keep none of them with him against their will. than upon force and compulsion. whose youthfulness and beauty had charmed him at a drinking entertainment. which had so shattered the shank-bone that splinters were taken out. which dimmed his sight for a good while afterwards. it was no hard matter for him to bring over the multitude. yet it http://www. but makes no mention at all of the Amazon. he left the greater part of them in their quarters. he tells him that the king of Scythia offered him his daughter in marriage. And truly Alexander himself seems to confirm the latter statement. he spoke to them to this effect: That hitherto the barbarians had seen them no otherwise than as it were in a dream. and Duris the Samian. tell us. their enemies would set upon them as upon so many women. and if they should think of returning when they had only alarmed Asia. But Aristobulus and Chares. wisely considering that whilst he was engaged in an expedition which would carry him far from thence. he chose out thirty thousand boys. Now. Philon the Theban. that when he had thus spoken to them. when Onesicritus read this story in his fourth book to Lysimachus. a love affair. as he wrote in a letter to Antipater. in pursuit of which he hazarded himself so far. say it is wholly a fiction. and Ister. and putting the Scythians to flight.net 31 . where he first happened to see her. amounting to twenty thousand foot. who held the office of reporter of requests. indeed. which easily followed the example of their betters. This is almost word for word. which he took to be the Tanais. who then reigned. However. And yet all this could not hinder him from exposing himself freely to any dangers. Hecataeus the Eretrian. And on another occasion he received a violent blow with a stone upon the nape of the neck.
Hephaestion most approved all that he did. and complied with and imitated him in his change of habits. When Alexander had heard what she had to say. he reconciled them. also. and he.seemed at the same time to be conducive to the object he had in hand. a very handsome woman. that once in India they drew upon one another. not to be sensible that without his favor he was nothing. who brought the woman secretly to the king. and the greatest lover of his friends. with their friends on each side to second them. calling him fool and madman. to another. and Craterus the king's friend. and were proceeding in good earnest. and affecting all the loftiness without succeeding in showing any of the grace or gentleness of true greatness. by this mistaken and spurious majesty he gained so much envy and ill-will. He rebuked Craterus. the son of Parmenio. the boy Alexander reaped and enjoyed by their means. Noticing. For besides that he was valiant and able to endure any fatigue of war. Particularly when Darius was defeated in Cilicia. and accused to Alexander. and an immense booty was taken at Damascus. declared to his mistress. and when he told him he had not wherewith. or at least the aggressor. soldier's manner. also. that he loved them two above all other men. at the same time swearing by Ammon and the rest of the gods. he commanded his steward to give it him.net 32 .idph. he was also next to Alexander himself the most munificent. was overcome by. but discovered what he had said to one of her acquaintance. to offend one another. there was one Antigone of Pydna. as is usual in such cases." said he. and at times quarreled openly. She could not hold. being Alexander's. to be not quite so great would be better. the glory and benefit of which. "or any clothes of mine to sell?" But he carried his arrogance and his pride of wealth and his habits of display and luxury to a degree of assumption unbecoming a private man. so much so. After which they neither ever did or said anything. till at last the story came to the ears of Craterus. who fell to Philotas's share. that among his chief friends and favorites. to find that in the only passion which he. "My son. but if ever he perceived them fall out again he would be sure to put both of them to death. one of whom asking him for some money. There was scarcely anyone who had greater repute among the Macedonians than Philotas. The young man one day in his cups. he said. severely. that all the great actions were performed by him and his father. and then causing them both to come into his presence. when Alexander rode up and publicly reproved Hephaestion. as he used to say. in private. And so these two friends always bore in secret a grudge to each other. he made it his practice to employ the first in all transactions with the Persians. he http://www. the most temperate of men. together with the title of king. outspoken. while Craterus continued strict in the observation of the customs and fashions of his own country. Hephaestion. so much as in jest. and it made them feel the most lively affection for him. and the latter when he had to do with the Greeks or Macedonians. in the vaunting. For it gratified the conquered people to see him choose a wife from among themselves. he yet forbore till he could obtain her in a lawful and honorable way." For he had long before been complained of. among the rest of the prisoners who were brought into the camp. that Parmenio would sometimes tell him. "Have you not any plate then. and more respect for Craterus. And in general he showed more affection for Hephaestion.
yet he would take no notice of it at present. and had been killed by the soldier who was sent to seize him. that in all likelihood he was but subservient to the design. indiscreet speeches against the king in Antigone's hearing. by whose means being admitted into Alexander's presence.net 33 . Alexander himself being placed behind some tapestry to understand what passed. till at last they prevailed to have him seized and put to the torture. he was still more discomposed. and put also Parmenio. sent messengers privately to treat for an alliance with the Aetolians. sometimes a mere love of vainglory. for he would himself take care to punish the Aetolians. presently all his old enemies showed themselves. when he heard in what a miserable tone. to imagine that one so inconsiderable as Limnus. and communicated his design to a youth whom he was fond of. they first told about Limnus's conspiracy. to whom they had something of great moment to impart which very nearly concerned him. requiring him to introduce them both to Alexander. the king was too easily imposed on. he had already lost two. and with what abject submissions Philotas applied himself to Hephaestion. who stood in fear of Alexander. and give him an account from time to time of all that should fall from him to this purpose. inviting him to be of the party. Philotas. of his older friends and counselors. and were still slighted by him. But he. These actions rendered Alexander an object of terror to many of his friends. went not with them. and chiefly to Antipater. in this manner: "Are you so mean-spirited and effeminate.commanded her to continue her intrigue with Philotas. And when they had urged him a second time. Of three sons whom he had had in the army. When they had once gained the king's ear for insinuations of this sort. As soon as his displeasure against Philotas began to appear. who immediately addressed himself to Philotas. and now was himself put to death with the third. of which though Alexander was informed and convinced by strong evidence. and by the way let Philotas's negligence appear.idph. because they had destroyed the town of the Oeniadae. that those ought to be more strictly examined about the matter whose interest it was so much to conceal it. conspired against Alexander's life. he presently sent into Media. should of his own head undertake such an enterprise. to death. who had twice disregarded their application to him. But he not relishing the thing. Alexander was greatly incensed. he broke out. on being informed of which. for what reason is uncertain. professing that the king was engaged with affairs of more importance. http://www. a Macedonian of Chalastra. or that he apprehended their authority and interest in the army. But about this time one Limnus. revealed it to his brother Balinus. it is said. who had encouraged Alexander to invade Asia. and was the only man. thinking he had thus lost the means of detecting the plot. to strengthen himself. Alexander had said the children of the Oeniadae need not revenge their fathers' quarrel. and yet can engage in so desperate a design?" After his death. which was done in the presence of the principal officers. they applied themselves to another. and said openly. whether it was that he confided in Parmenio's affection and loyalty. Where. his father. a Chalastrian. who had done brave service under Philip. who. let himself utter numerous foolish. named Nicomachus. they went on to show a thousand grounds of suspicion against Philotas. He thus unwittingly caught in a snare. an instrument that was moved by some greater spring. and on finding that Limnus had defended himself. to gratify some times a fit of anger.
Aristander and Cleomantis the Lacedaemonian. that Clitus was pleading his own cause. sitting by Parmenio's sons who were dead. and by these wounds. and weigh the cause. till at last Clitus. Clitus was then sacrificing." said Alexander. some of the company fell a singing the verses of one Pranichus." answered Clitus. and to give him a share of it. however. But Clitus for all this would not give over. "saved the life of a son of the gods. that you are now raised to such a height. which to those who barely hear the matter-of-fact. in the meantime turning about to Xenodochus. the Colophonian. and stir up the Macedonians to sedition. we shall find it to have occurred rather through a sort of mischance of the king's. behaved themselves like so many demi-gods among wild beasts.net 34 . Alexander. told his diviners. Alexander. who had drunk too much. This gave offense to the older men who were there. Clitus. and was besides of a froward and willful temper. stayed not to finish his devotions. And when they had drunk pretty hard. and encouraged them to go on. on whose assuring him. that he was surprised at it. and it is by the expense of Macedonian blood. of Clitus all in mourning. but if we consider the story with its circumstance of time. and those near Alexander got up from their seats and began to revile him in turn. he commanded them in all haste to offer sacrifices for Clitus's safety.idph. which were made upon those captains who had been lately worsted by the barbarians. and we must esteem theirs a happy lot. the elder men did what they could to compose the disorder. And when Alexander remarked. it was an ill omen. and not be punished for it?" "We are sufficiently punished already. forasmuch as three days before he himself had seen a strange vision in his sleep. or else why did he invite men who were freeborn and accustomed to speak their minds openly without restraint. giving cowardice the name of misfortune. and forced to sue to the Persians to have access to their king. desiring Alexander to speak out if he had anything more to say. Clitus started up. The king had a present of Grecian fruit brought him from the sea-coast. He had http://www." said he to him. who have not lived to see their countrymen scourged with Median rods. and called Clitus to him to see it. asked them if they were not of opinion that the Greeks." While he talked thus at random. on whom the drink-offering had been already poured preparatory to sacrificing them. whose anger and overdrinking offered an occasion to the evil genius of Clitus. and Artemius. to sup with him. may seem more inhuman than that of Philotas. "if this be the recompense of our toils. in comparison with the Macedonians. and call yourself the Son of Ammon. but he immediately left off and came. yet they were much better men than those who laughed at them. was so nettled that he could hold no longer. since though it was their unhappiness to be overcome. "This cowardice. and they upbraided both the author and the singer of the verses. being informed of this. on purpose to disgrace and turn them to ridicule. as to be able to disown your father Philip. or as others say of Pierion. who had sacrificed to Castor and Pollux. but came straight to supper with the king. and asked them what it meant. who was now thoroughly exasperated. as you are pleased to term it.Not long after this happened the deplorable end of Clitus. which was so fresh and beautiful. it was not well done to expose the Macedonians so before the barbarians and their enemies. when in flight from Spithridates's sword. followed by three sheep. though Alexander and the younger men about him were much amused to hear them. saying. "dost thou think to utter these things everywhere of me." "Thou base fellow. the Cardian.
-In Greece. and gentle and soothing means. lying here weeping like a slave. and when he saw his friends about him all in a profound silence. to him. and get a hold upon the passion. Callisthenes used moral language. His friends apprehending some harm from his silence. But Aristophanes.net 35 . as if all had come to pass by an unavoidable fatality. at last. was with much trouble forced by his friends out of the room. and would have thrust it into his own throat. Alexander. cried out aloud. and to make Callisthenes's company. he lay as it were speechless." said he. and Anaxarchus of Abdera. to signify that all the actions of a conqueror are lawful and just?" With these and the like speeches. "Is this the Alexander whom the whole world looks to. for fear of the censure and reproach of men. giving him a blow with his clenched fist for not instantly obeying him. he pulled the spear out of the dead body. Nor did he fail by these means to insinuate himself into his favor. Anaxarchus indeed allayed the king's grief. the philosopher. he then seemed to moderate his grief. till being quite spent with lamenting and exclaiming. which was a certain sign of some great disturbance in him. Clitus still refusing to yield. Which words so provoked Alexander. which at all times. alas! how ill things ordered are! Upon this. http://www. But Anaxarchus. though afterwards the same man was commended for disobeying an order which would have put the whole army into tumult and confusion. was not very acceptable. and ran him through the body. and by main force carried him away into his chamber. but withal corrupted his character.idph. very irreverently and confidently singing the verses out of Euripides's Andromache.better live and converse with barbarians and slaves who would not scruple to bow the knee to his Persian girdle and his white tunic. if he would use the right his conquests have given him as supreme lord and governor of all. if the guards had not held his hands. and commanded a trumpeter to sound. hoping to find access for words of reason. till Aristander putting him in mind of the vision he had seen concerning Clitus. and then looked about for his sword. Upon which the king's anger immediately vanishing. he threw one of the apples that lay upon the table at him. as soon as he came in. broke into the room. but in vain. to whom he himself ought to be a law and measure of equity. and not be the victim of a vain and idle opinion? Do not you know. one of his life-guard. They now brought Callisthenes. that not able to suppress his anger any longer. and had a name for despising and slighting his contemporaries. who had always taken a course of his own in philosophy. but he took no notice of what any of them said. he came perfectly to himself. rendering him more audacious and lawless than he had been. snatching a spear from one of the soldiers. had hid that out of the way. "that Jupiter is represented to have Justice and Law on each hand of him. He fell at once with a cry and a groan. because of his austerity. and the prodigy that followed. met Clitus as he was coming forward and was putting by the curtain that hung before the door. only fetching deep sighs. where all that night and the next day he wept bitterly. he called out aloud to his guards in the Macedonian language. and others came about him and besought him. who was the near friend of Aristotle. For breaking from them. more uneasy and disagreeable to him. But he came in again immediately at another door. and hit him.
by his own deportment. and no less esteemed by the older men for his orderly life. 'Tis easy on good subjects to excel. only Alexander told him out of Euripides. to make an oration extempore in praise of the Macedonians. chiefly by the discord of the Grecians. for there you used to have but one threadbare cloak to keep out the coldest winter.It happened that these two philosophers meeting at an entertainment. So that Alexander himself said in application to him. Though he in virtue far exceeded you. he had only made his ill-will appear in what he had spoken. but had no judgment. and to rebuild and repeople his native town. a servant whom Callisthenes kept to read to him.net 36 . For when he was invited to public entertainments. he was called upon when the cup came to him. that one Stroebus. or if he were present at any. I wonder not that you have spoke so well. Hermippus assures us. inveighing against the Macedonians with great freedom. opportunity to do him mischief. Being with many more invited to sup with the king. and his gravity. that instead of his eloquence. Besides the envy which his great reputation raised. added. and the winter sharper there than in Greece. Anaxarchus would by no means allow this. he repeated the verses. that Philip thrived and grew powerful. applying this verse to him:-In civil strife e'en villains rise to fame. indeed. as he was going away. and he did it with such a flow of eloquence. that he was." Callisthenes presently obeyed him. all confirming what he had professed about the object he had in his journey to Alexander. two or three times. and that when he perceived the king grow more and more averse to him. and for being contented with his condition. Callisthenes joined with their opinion. that all who heard it rose from their seats to clap and applaud him. he would most times refuse to come. and dispraise them. where conversation turned on the subject of climate and the temperature of the air. he also. that by hearing their errors they may learn to he better for the future. "you cannot but admit this country to be colder than Greece. and. He acted certainly a true http://www. retracting all he had said before. he put a constraint upon the company by his austerity and silence. which so offended the Macedonians.idph. did Aristotle give this character of Callisthenes. but argued against it with some heat. gave those who wished him ill. which seemed to intimate his disapproval of what he saw." said he. Not without reason. therefore. "if you will show the force of your eloquence. tell my Macedonians their faults. a powerful speaker. And Alexander said. "Surely. and here you have three good warm mantles one over another. "Therefore. that it was only to get his countrymen recalled from banishment. Where a man's blind to his own interest. that he was odious to them ever after. gave this account of these passages afterwards to Aristotle. That vain pretense to wisdom I detest. who held that those countries were colder." said Callisthenes. and threw their garland upon him. and the crowd of flatterers in general could not endure to see Callisthenes so much admired and followed by the youth." This piece of raillery irritated Anaxarchus and the other pretenders to learning. -Death seiz'd at last on great Patroclus too.
that he said aloud. for he only of us all has refused to adore you. on purpose that he might be proceeded against in full council. declared they had entered into the conspiracy of themselves. as he did. interposed. while the king who was engaged in conversation with Hephaestion was not observing. and that growing very fat. But yet afterwards. all which came to pass afterwards. but for the sophist. and honored him as the only man among so many thousands who had the courage to preserve his liberty. reached the cup to one of his friends. a number of such men as Lysimachus and Hagnon now came in with their asseverations that the sophist went about everywhere boasting of his resistance to arbitrary power. His death is variously related. Alexander himself. in the utmost extremity. and by speaking out openly against that which the best and gravest of the Macedonians only repined at in secret. on receiving it. he bade him not be awed by the golden couch. made any mention of Callisthenes's being engaged in the design. who. when Aristotle should be present. Alexander. but Chares writes he was kept in chains seven months after he was apprehended. being his niece Hero's son. none of Hermolaus's accomplices. and then kissed Alexander. in the letters which he wrote soon after to Craterus. But Demetrius. And to finish his disgrace." (meaning Callisthenes. and all the concern Callisthenes showed was." upon which the king declined it. Some say he was hanged by Alexander's orders. in whose house Callisthenes. But he ruined himself by it. others. Therefore when Hermolaus's conspiracy came to be discovered. particularly that when the young man asked him what he should do to be the most illustrious person on earth.) "I will take care to punish him with them too who sent him to me. after he had drunk." he says. he told him the readiest way was to kill him who was already so. because he went too roughly to work. the charges which his enemies brought against him were the more easily believed. or guilty of it. tells them that the young men who were put to the torture. and that the young men all ran after him. he accuses Callisthenes. "were stoned to death by the Macedonians. Nay. Chares of Mitylene writes. he there died. "The young men. that at a banquet. first adored. and that to incite him to commit the deed. about the time that Alexander was wounded in India. without any others being privy to. rose up towards the domestic altar. saying. when the practice was given up.philosopher's part in positively refusing. had been educated. surnamed Phidon. as he had faithfully promised to do. to pay adoration. "Then I go away with a kiss less than the rest. till it came to Callisthenes's turn. Which they all did one after another. and who harbor those in their cities who conspire against my life. and Alcetas.net 37 . However. but remember Alexander was a man equally infirm and vulnerable as another." The displeasure he incurred by this action procured credit for Hephaestion's declaration that he had broken his word to him in not paying the king the same veneration that others did. and afterwards laid himself down at the table with the rest. that he died of sickness in prison. Attalus. in the country of the Malli Oxydracae. by no means let him kiss you. for his relationship's sake. and when he had drunk. who took the cup and drank. he delivered the Grecians and Alexander himself from a great disgrace. in a letter to Antipater. and contracting a disease of vermin. and then came and offered to kiss him. http://www. as if he would have forced the king to that which he should have effected by reason and persuasion. "Sir.idph." an unequivocal declaration against Aristotle.
as he was breaking up the ground near the river Oxus. of the river Oxus. to death. drawn by four horses. discovered a spring of a fat. oily liquor. as appears by his letters to Antipater. and when he had seen him.idph. and received very severe wounds. had made a great effort. is said to be the smoothest to the feeling of all waters. for deserting a fortress where he had placed him in garrison. that he immediately caused his Babylonian priests. clear oil. and told his friends he was not so much concerned for his own sake as for theirs. now quite an old man. impotent person. the sight of which redoubled Alexander's zeal and eagerness for his design. a Macedonian. to set up the royal pavilion. having exactly the same smoothness and brightness. and the army raised him a monument of earth. The water. fourscore cubits high. And. any otherwise than that soon after falling sick and dying. whom he usually carried about with him for such purposes. who was the chief of those who looked to the king's furniture. about this time. they said. and to leave a gloss on the skins of those who bathe themselves in it. one of his friends. for he exposed himself to many hazards in the battles which he fought. with his own hand. supplied one another with what was absolutely necessary. At this time a sheep happened to yean a lamb. and of a vast circumference. and then commanded those to be burnt which belonged to the rest of the army. But he did not long enjoy the benefit of the king's kindness for him. without any difference either of taste or smell. Demaratus of Corinth. he was now grown very severe and inexorable in punishing those who committed any fault. and attended with many difficulties.net 38 . with which few were dissatisfied. for oil. who were so unhappy as to die before they had beheld Alexander seated on the throne of Darius. with the perfect shape and color of a tiara upon the head. indeed. but very painful. first he set fire to his own. for most of the soldiers. to pay Alexander a visit. but the greatest loss in his army was http://www. he had a magnificent funeral. and testicles on each side. uttering loud outcries and warlike shoutings. too. which after the top was taken off. where he speaks of it as one of the most remarkable presages that God had ever favored him with. and shot Orsodates.For to go on in order. was bestowed on mankind by God as a refreshment of their labors. to purify him. Therefore. took notice that his soldiers were so charged with booty that it hindered their marching. ran pure. certain it is that Alexander was wonderfully pleased with it. out of an apprehension that after his death the divine power might suffer his empire to fall into the hands of some degenerate. and burnt and destroyed all that was superfluous. and to those of his friends. For Proxenus. Nor did they judge amiss. Whatever might be the cause. said he pitied the misfortune of those Grecians. at break of day. But this fear was soon removed by a wonderful thing that happened not long after. Alexander now intent upon his expedition into India. An act which in the deliberation of it had seemed more dangerous and difficult than it proved in the execution. to the seaside. in a country where no olives grew. The diviners told him it signified his expedition would be glorious in the event. as soon as the baggage wagons were laden. and that. as if they had been inspired. For he put Menander. one of the barbarians who revolted from him. which portent Alexander regarded with such dislike. indeed. His ashes were conveyed in a very rich chariot. and was thought to presage better.
But he still applied himself to overcome fortune and whatever opposed him. that he took it without any difficulty. he asked Oxyartes whether Sisimithres was a man of courage. at which he was sensibly afflicted. he advanced before them. were surprised to find him still in his armor. But the best soldiers of the Indians now entering into the pay of several of the cities.idph. "I shall govern them with more ease. came to submit to him and make their peace. if I send you so many of the worst. "What a miserable man. rather than the best of my subjects. if the design of your coming into these parts be not to rob us of our water or our necessary food. and to complete his bounty." And in a little time he so terrified Sisimithres. and when at last some one brought him a cushion. Here. The youth fought gallantly and was killed in the action. that embracing him. and send one hundred of the most worthy men among them to remain with me as hostages. I have no objection to be obliged to you." said he. if it were but for his name's sake. he at any rate must fight bravely. and thought nothing impossible to true intrepidity. "that the place may easily be taken. who held an inaccessible. without anyone in waiting or attendance upon him. but it gained him the hearts of many of the barbarians. asked him what his countrymen should do to merit his friendship. gave him in money ready coined one thousand talents." said Alexander." Acuphis laughed and answered." This discourse pleased Alexander so much. at which his old friends were much displeased. if I am better provided of them than you." said he. seeing his men march slowly and unwillingly to the siege of the place called Nysa.occasioned through the unwholesomeness of the air." said he. Sir. "am I. "should we make war upon one another. I shall contend and do battle with you so far. he made the eldest of them. because of a deep river between them and the town. and his soldiers began to despair of taking it. that how obliging soever you are. and standing upon the bank. and at his first interview with Alexander. and on the other hand nothing secure or strong for cowardice." said he to him. "I would have them. named Acuphis. "your kind words and courteous behavior will bring you off in this interview without a contest? No.net 39 . abounding in good pastures. Another time. It is told of him that when he besieged Sisimithres. that I have not learned to swim!" and then was hardly dissuaded from endeavoring to pass it upon his shield." Then receiving some presents from him. marveling at his magnanimity and courtesy. undertook http://www. you shall not escape so. by resolution and virtue. he called to one whose name was Alexander. but if fortune has been more liberal to you than me. I am ready to let you share with me. "Do you think. who assuring him he was the greatest coward alive. take it and sit down upon it. since what is in command of it is weak. the ambassadors who from several towns which he had blocked up. "Then you tell me." The extent of king Taxiles's dominions in India was thought to be as large as Egypt. after the assault was over. you shall not have the better of me. The king himself had the reputation of a wise man. and the want of necessary provisions. he spoke to him in these terms: "To what purpose. and producing beautiful fruits. and told him. he returned him others of greater value. The old man. At an attack which he made upon such another precipitous place with some of his Macedonian soldiers. impregnable rock against him. "choose you to govern them. which are the only things that wise men are indispensably obliged to fight for? As for other riches and possessions. as they are accounted in the eye of the world.
Nor did he judge amiss. it was with difficulty he got a footing on the land. now after the storm. after a capitulation. and it was the eighth hour of the day before they were entirely defeated. This is the occasion when he is related to have said. attacked their left wing himself. which was performed with good success. up to the breast in water. Alexander. which was of the largest size. Here there fell a most violent storm of rain. This elephant. if they should attempt to pass the river. accompanied with lightning and whirlwinds. with part of his foot. the enemies fell back in their retreat upon the center. on the other hand. they fought a hand to hand battle. to dissipate the apprehensions of the barbarians.idph. He took several of these also. and that then he advanced with his horse about twenty furlongs before his foot. that he. apprehending the multitude of the enemy. he says. which was slippery and unsteady. and killed four hundred horse upon the place. There rallying. But he. as to have made a breach in the bank. with their heads towards their enemies. if with their foot. and that when he was upon his elephant.to defend them. Porus. which he otherwise had performed throughout with that justice and honor that became a king. was so swollen and grown so rapid. till at last. into a little island. and did it so bravely. as a horseman on his horse. and crowded in upon their elephants. here the men left their boats. upon the surrender of the place. For by this means both wings being broken. and put them all to the sword. gave many singular http://www. that they put Alexander to a great deal of trouble. on whose opposite bank Porus continually kept his elephants in order of battle. came on with his whole army. and the best of his horse. concluding that if the enemy charged him with their cavalry. and solicited the free nations to oppose him. "O ye Athenians. by this time guessing that Alexander himself had crossed over. will ye believe what dangers I incur to merit your praise?" This. he should be too strong for them. who inveighed against those princes who joined his party. that one stormy dark night he passed the river. at a distance from the place where the enemy lay. has given us an account of his war with Porus. This description the conqueror himself has left us in his own epistles. This one breach of his word remains as a blemish upon his achievements in war. dividing his forces. his stature and bulk were so answerable. however. to hold the rest of the Macedonians in play.net 40 . which advanced before their main body. and caused them to be hanged. and a part of the river was now pouring in here. and to avoid the shock of their elephants. to guard the passage. Almost all the historians agree in relating that Porus was four cubits and a span high. The Hydaspes. except a party which he left behind. during the whole battle. Alexander says. his own would come up time enough to his assistance. he fell upon them as they were marching away. for being charged by a thousand horse. He says the two armies were separated by the river Hydaspes. and exposed to the force of the currents on both sides. and commanded Coenus to fall upon the right. in his own letters. he nevertheless quitted the island and made over to the other side. and seeing some of his men burnt and dying with the lightning. and passed the breach in their armor. is Onesicritus's story. he took all the chariots. so that when he came across. made every day a great noise and clamor in his camp. that he appeared to be proportionably mounted. and sixty armed chariots. Nor was he less incommoded by the Indian philosophers.
and called it after the name of a favorite dog. made a present of five hundred elephants at once to Seleucus. Nor was this a mere vain report. when the same question was put to him a second time. and Alexander asked him how he expected to be used. they thought they had reason to oppose Alexander's design of leading them on to pass the Ganges too. Peritas.proofs of sagacity and of particular care of the king. such as arms larger than were really worn. prevailed with him to think of returning. or as Onesicritus says. he answered. who in a suppliant manner crowded about the entrance of his tent. which he set up. also. not only suffered him to govern his own kingdom as satrap under himself. he softly knelt down and began to draw out the darts with his proboscis. and as soon as he perceived him overpowered with his numerous wounds and the multitude of darts that were thrown at him. Some little time after the battle with Porus. To another government. on the bank of the river Hydaspes. and distributed in several places. He erected altars. declaring. in memory of him. and to exaggerate his glory with posterity. "As a king. accordingly. Yet he could not refrain from leaving behind him various deceptive memorials of his expedition. and six thousand fighting elephants. he said. When Porus was taken prisoner. it is said. as most of the authorities state. Bucephalas died. and stayed their further progress into India. which he had brought up himself. which the kings of the Praesians even in our time do honor to when they pass the river.idph. a district which. contained fifteen several nations and five thousand considerable towns. with bits of bridles above the usual size. who not long after reigned in those parts. But this last combat with Porus took off the edge of the Macedonians' courage. and that to retreat now. three times as large as this. But at last the reasonable persuasions of his friends and the cries and lamentations of his soldiers. comprehended everything. eight thousand armed chariots. and the banks on the further side covered with multitudes of enemies. of fatigue and age. spread to discourage them. and built a city. which they were told was thirty-two furlongs broad and a hundred fathoms deep. He also. that he shut himself up in his tent. repelling those who set upon him. he defended with great courage. was plainly to confess himself vanquished. to impose upon after-times. under cure of his wounds. And Alexander.net 41 . we are told. to the gods." For that expression. and threw himself upon the ground. but gave him also the additional territory of various independent tribes whom he subdued. So Sotion assures us he was informed by Potamon of Lesbos. For Androcottus. two hundred thousand foot. Alexander at first was so grieved and enraged at his men's reluctancy. For having found it hard enough to defeat an enemy who brought but twenty thousand foot and two thousand horse into the field. being thirty years old. he owed them no thanks for anything they had hitherto done. which he named Bucephalia. he appointed Philip. to prevent his falling off. and with an army of six hundred thousand men subdued all India. whom as long as he was strong and in a condition to fight. and mangers for horses. than if he had lost an old companion or an intimate friend. built another city. and offer sacrifice http://www. besides abundance of villages. if they would not pass the Ganges. one of his friends. Alexander was no less concerned at his death. For they were told that the kings of the Gandaritans and Praesians expected them there with eighty thousand horse.
But when they had with great difficulty and pains sawed off the shaft of the arrow. he took his cloak and went out. broke and left him almost alone. The brightness and clattering of his armor when he came to the ground. and some. he took ten of the Indian philosophers prisoners. turning himself as well as he could. In this distress. was so hated and despised for the viciousness of his life. who then reigned. stuck in his ribs under the breast. For having beaten off the defendants with showers of arrows. which was of wood. but when it was out he came to himself again. at last he received so weighty a stroke of a club upon his neck. and had the good fortune to light upon his feet. they came to cut out the head of it.upon them after the Grecian manner. or some bright phantom playing before his body. Till seeing him seconded but by two of his guards. subdued a great deal of the country on both sides. he leaped down in the midst of his enemies. who were both wounded. This stroke was so violent. And one who stood further off. their king. which. that he was forced to lean his body against the wall. exposed to the darts which the barbarians threw at him in great numbers from below. They took him up. At this extremity. Androcottus. Yet though all danger was past. upon which the man ran up with his drawn scimitar. for besides many other wounds. without more delay he went on board again. he ran in great danger of his life. Alexander was now eager to see the ocean. Limnaeus mortally. and as he coasted along. and confined himself a great while to a regular diet and the method of his cure. the Macedonians made their way in and gathered round him. still. facing the enemy. that he missed but little of making himself master of those countries.idph. And having sacrificed to the gods. thinking to dispatch him. and consequently of the country on both sides. who had been most active in persuading Sabbas to revolt. which frightened them so at first. and the meanness of his extraction. if Peucestes and Limnaeus had not interposed. however. But at a siege of a town of the Mallians. while Alexander killed the barbarian. and had caused the Macedonians a great deal of http://www. yet so that his navigation was neither unprofitable nor inactive. in which he fell gently down the rivers at his leisure. and so with much trouble got off his cuirass. saw Alexander there. and is said often afterwards to have been heard to say. which was three fingers broad and four long. while he bravely defended himself. as soon as he was up. drew a bow with such just strength. and had done it. made the barbarians think they saw rays of light. and stuck fast in the bone. that they ran away and dispersed. and conveyed him to his tent. To which purpose he caused a great many row-boats and rafts to be built. During the operation. For by several descents upon the banks. having lost all sense of what was done near him. till one day hearing the Macedonians clamoring outside in their eagerness to see him. But this did not free him from danger.net 42 . and set one knee to the ground. he was the first man that mounted the wall by a scaling ladder. then a boy. In this voyage. that it made him give back. he was taken with almost mortal swoonings. upon which it was presently reported all over the camp that he was dead. that the arrow finding its way through his cuirass. tried to wound him through his armor with their swords and spears. he continued very weak. and several considerable cities. who have the repute of being the bravest people of India. they fell upon him hand to hand. he made himself master of the fortified towns. just as he was fainting away. but Peucestes stood his ground.
idph. were reputed to be extremely ready and succinct in their answers. persuaded Calanus to wait upon Alexander. "No other." said he. Others say. wheresoever he trod round about it. His proper name was Sphines." replied the gymnosophist. and not spend too much time on the borders of it. but because he was wont to say Cale. "than that he should either live or die nobly. "He must be very powerful. "By doing that which was impossible for men to do. he sent Onesicritus." He bade the fourth tell him what argument he used to Sabbas to persuade him to revolt. because it supports so many miseries. and hearing him discourse of Socrates. which in the Indian tongue is a form of salutation. which was this. Which was eldest. answered. "Life is stronger than death. The first being asked which he thought most numerous. The meaning of this similitude being that he ought to reside most in the middle of his empire. "which men have not yet found out. O king.trouble. letting them know that those whose answers were not pertinent. "without making himself too much feared. though he came from Jupiter himself. otherwise he would not speak a word to him." In conclusion he gave them presents and dismissed them." said he." "Not so. it is said. the dead or the living. that he ought not to wonder if strange questions had as strange answers made to them." Of the second. one of Diogenes the Cynic's disciples. But to those who were in greatest reputation among them. night or day? The philosopher replied." Then Alexander turned to him whom he had made judge. how a man might become a god. was." said he. he desired to know whether the earth or the sea produced the largest beast. Dandamis only asked him the reason why Alexander undertook so long a journey to come into those parts. "Day was eldest." Of the fifth he asked. These men. still rose up in another." "Nay. Which is the cunningest of beasts? "That. because those who are dead are not at all. very arrogantly and roughly commanded him to strip himself." His question to the third was. and to have erred in nothing so much as in having too great respect for the laws and customs of their country. which he made trial of. He threw a dry shriveled hide upon the ground." And the last being asked. and trod upon the edges of it. and hear what he said. He is said to have shown Alexander an instructive emblem of government." The eighth told him." But perceiving Alexander not well satisfied with that account." The answer of the seventh to his question. for giving such a sentence. the Greeks called him Calanus. to those he met with anywhere. and Diogenes. Pythagoras. called Gymnosophists. told him he thought them men of great parts. "All that I can determine. desiring them to come to him. The skin when it was pressed in one place.net 43 . "then you shall die first. "is. till he set his foot in the middle. what a man should do to be exceedingly beloved. But Dandamis received him with more civility. naked. said. "Till death appeared more desirable than life. that they have every one answered worse than another. for the sea is but a part of it. "The living. of which he made the eldest of them judge. by putting difficult questions to them. who told him." said he. "The earth. how long he thought it decent for a man to live. by one day at least. he added. and lived a private quiet life. "unless you said falsely that he should die first who made the worst answer. Calanus. Then he went on and inquired of the next. and commanded him to give sentence. should be put to death. however." said the king. which made all the parts lie even and quiet. Taxiles. http://www.
feasting all the way for seven days together. and some with green boughs.His voyage down the rivers took up seven months' time. and never stopped clapping their hands and shouting till Alexander put his arms round him and kissed him. he continued his march through Carmania. they were so diminished by diseases. and returned himself by land through the country of the Orites. For their march was through an uncultivated country whose inhabitants fared hardly. which the neighboring kings and governors of provinces. having gained the victory. which so pleased the Macedonians. was accompanied with all the sportiveness and insolence of bacchanals. he sailed to an island which he himself called Scillustis. and sat down close by him. he ordered his fleet of which he made Nearchus admiral. he went to see a prize of dancing contended for. and in them the rest of his friends and commanders drinking. and Onesicritus pilot. and one day after he had drunk pretty hard. and those of a wretched kind. they dipped into large bowls and jars. Here was now no target or helmet or spear to be seen. and when he came to the sea. some covered with purple and embroidered canopies. he sacrificed. with harping and singing.net 44 . and the scorching heats. to sail round about. besides the drinking part of it. Nearchus. After sixty days march he came into Gedrosia. and women dancing as in the rites of Bacchus. had taken care to provide. ill diet. others Psiltucis. in which his favorite Bagoas. which was slowly drawn by eight horses. it is said. crossed the theater in his dancing habit. and drank healths to one another. For this disorderly. All places resounded with music of pipes and flutes. and so by Hercules's Pillars into the Mediterranean. As soon as he came to the royal palace of Gedrosia. some seating themselves to it. conspicuous scaffold. others as they went along. Then having besought the gods that no other man might ever go beyond the bounds of this expedition. along the whole way. But the tidings of the difficulties he had gone through in his Indian expedition. Here his admiral. by their continual feeding upon sea-fish. hearing of his approach. He with his most intimate friends banqueted and reveled night and day upon a platform erected on a lofty. came to him and delighted him so with the narrative of his voyage. keeping the Indian shore on the right hand. where he found great plenty of all things. he again refreshed and feasted his army. When he had here refreshed his army. that they made loud acclamations for him to kiss Bagoas. in order for which. and made great provision everywhere of seamen and pilots. which. possessing only a few sheep. and lost a vast number of men. whose flesh was rank and unsavory. he scarcely brought back above a fourth part out of India. he directed all sorts of vessels to be built at Thapsacus. but most by famine. that he resolved himself to sail out of the mouth of Euphrates with a great fleet. where he was reduced to great straits for want of provisions. with which he designed to go round by Arabia and Africa. wandering march. the danger of his http://www. as much as if the god himself had been there to countenance and lead the procession. and made what observations he could as to the nature of the sea and the sea-coast. so that of an army of one hundred and twenty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse. instead of armor. where going ashore. This was followed by a great many chariots. and crowned with garlands of flowers. which were continually supplied afresh. the soldiers handled nothing but cups and goblets and Thericlean drinking vessels.idph.
instead of the necessary provisions which he ought to have furnished. and for acts of great injustice. but he survived his victory but three days. he embraced and took leave of the Macedonians who stood by. "What good. where they still show you "the Indian's monument." The reading of this sensibly touched Alexander. as it was the ancient custom of the philosophers in those countries to do. one of the sons of Abuletes. which was a talent. When he came into Persia. Olympias seizing upon Epirus. in which the victor should receive a crown. had begun to give occasion for revolt among many of the conquered nations. Upon this he dispatched Nearchus again to his fleet. to which he came on horseback. do not grudge me this little earth which covers my body. and Ochus was so sordidly covetous. and Cleopatra upon Macedonia. brought him three thousand talents in coined money. it is said. he lay down. and when they would not touch it. thrusting him through the body with his spear. though he was a man of some distinction. to death. whom in a little time. desiring them to pass that day in mirth and good-fellowship with their king. Then finding Cyrus's sepulchre opened and rifled. Alexander invited a great many of his friends and principal officers to supper. At the same time.person among the Mallians." At his return from the funeral pile. as Chares says. Calanus having been a little while troubled with a disease in the bowels. avarice. from them all. and proposed a drinking match. The same thing was done long after by another Indian. and from whencesoever thou comest (for I know thou wilt come). who did it. And when Abuletes. http://www. whom he killed with his own hand. before he ascended it. a born Macedonian of Pella. for the Macedonians would never endure to be ruled by a woman. gave every one of them a piece of gold. and insolence on the part of the satraps and commanders in the provinces. he said his mother had made the best choice. the words being these: "O man. and divided his government between them.idph. and as he marched that way himself. he ordered it to be thrown to his horses. he caused it to be cut again below the old one in Greek characters. and covering up his face. but continued still in the same posture as at first. that to avoid this expense. some extremely cold weather having set in shortly after. he punished those commanders who had behaved ill. the reported loss of a considerable part of his forces. I am Cyrus. And after he had read the inscription.net 45 . filling him with the thought of the uncertainty and mutability of human affairs." he said. he doubted not but to see again at Babylon. Having thus said. on account of which custom. as their own kings had been wont to do. the founder of the Persian empire. and won the prize. some of them. had come but seldom. so that there seemed to be an universal fluctuation and disposition to change. "will this provision do us?" and sent him away to prison. by forty-one more. Even at home. particularly Oxyartes. he stirred not when the fire came near him. he distributed money among the women. he said. to carry the war into the maritime provinces. When Alexander was told of it. requested that he might have a funeral pile erected. he put Polymachus. who died of the same debauch. and a general doubt as to his own safety. who as often as they came thither. whosoever thou art. he never visited his native country once in all his reign. and so sacrificed himself. Promachus drank twelve quarts of wine. Olympias and Cleopatra had raised a faction against Antipater. and after he had said some prayers and sprinkled himself and cut off some of his hair to throw into the fire. and was followed. who came with Caesar to Athens.
nor would they stir from thence. http://www. but let him also enjoy the benefit of his deceit. that he was extremely pleased with them. which amounted to nine thousand eight hundred and seventy talents. But the third day he came out to them. received the money. and after a gentle reproof spoke kindly to them. and to have supplied him from the bank. for though his anger was already something mollified. and conferring with one another. and served under Philip at the siege of Perinthus. he drove them away. yet he would not admit them into his presence. at the same time making in an entertainment in honor of the other Macedonians whose marriages had already taken place. this would not prevail. For when he was but a youth. However. And when he proceeded to send down the infirm and maimed soldiers to the sea. nor be persuaded to quit the field. bewailing themselves. till he had bravely repulsed the enemy and forced them to retire into the town. and celebrated also the nuptials of his friends.At Susa. out of whom he chose his guards and attendants. he might go on and conquer the world. it is reported.net 46 . crying and weeping. and desired him to deal with them as their baseness and ingratitude deserved. he would neither let the arrow be taken out. and took away his command. and to account his Macedonians useless. These speeches so incensed Alexander. they went without their arms. and it was plain that grief and despair would have made him kill himself. with whom. that he banished him from court. he married Darius's daughter Statira. but continued two days and nights before his tent. they found that jealousy and rage had almost distracted them. and made them fear he would have the less value for them. now to be turned away with disgrace and sent home into their country among their friends and relations.idph. were so improved at his return. to each of whom he gave a golden cup for the libations. At this magnificent festival. if he pleased. in a worse condition than when they came out. The thirty thousand boys whom he left behind him to be taught and disciplined. bestowing the noblest of the Persian ladies upon the worthiest of them. he paid the debts of his army. therefore they desired him to dismiss them one and all. Accordingly he was not able to support such a disgrace with any patience. the king was so incensed at it. he wept himself a great while. who had lost one of his eyes. to offer themselves at his tent. and seeing them very humble and penitent. that after he had given them a great deal of reproachful language in his passion. where he was wounded in the eye by an arrow shot out of an engine. and themselves excluded and shamefully disgraced. now he was so well furnished with a set of dancing boys. But Antigenes. and dismissed those who were unserviceable with magnificent rewards. and performed their exercises with such dexterity and wonderful agility. and committed the watch to Persians. though he owed nothing. and a man of great courage. But when the cheat was found out. When the Macedonians saw him escorted by these men. but that the king fearing it. which grieved the Macedonians. there were no less than nine thousand guests. Not to mention other instances of his wonderful magnificence. not only pardoned him. with on]y their under garments on. and imploring him as their lord to have compassion on them. But at last coming to themselves again. their high spirits fell. they said they were unjustly and infamously dealt with. after they were worn out in his service upon all occasions. and bringing one who pretended to be his creditor. though he was an excellent soldier. both in strength and beauty. got his name set down in the list of those who were in debt.
Then seeking to alleviate his grief in war. and forbade playing on the flute. that when they came home. Alexander. and shortly after died. he would make it the noblest and most durable statue in the world. crowned with chaplets of flowers. When he came to Ecbatana in Media. and when he told him the liver was defective in its lobe. they should sit on the best and foremost seats. and sacrifice to him as to a hero. that of Athos in Thrace was the most capable of being adapted to represent the shape and lineaments of a man. removing his tent from place to place. and drank a large draught of wine. till directions came from the oracle of Ammon. also. above all other artists. and stayed for the most part outside the town. in which. he offered Pythagoras no injury. the soothsayer. he could not confine himself to so exact a diet as was necessary. The poor physician he crucified. or any other musical instrument in the camp a great while. that if he pleased to command him. and went on. and enjoined him to honor Hephaestion. but was sorry that he had neglected Nearchus's advice. This was called a sacrifice to Hephaestion's ghost. he had told him. who had sailed back out of the ocean up the mouth of the river Euphrates. and put the whole nation to the sword. At this misfortune. being a young man and a soldier too.idph. took no thought of it.and with this recommendation to Antipater. he immediately ordered the manes and tails of all his horses and mules to be cut. being privately informed that Apollodorus. that to express his sorrow. Once when they had met before. he began to divert himself again with spectacles and public entertainments. and threw down the battlements of the neighboring cities. he saw a great many crows fighting with one another. upon which he became very ill. for whilst his physician Glaucus was gone to the theater. came to tell him he had met with some Chaldaean diviners. as it were. and when he came near the walls of the place. Alexander was so beyond all reason transported. that of all the mountains he knew. and magnificent in his projects. Nearchus. "A great presage indeed!" said Alexander. unusual. however. and had dispatched his most urgent affairs. But they were soon interrupted by Hephaestion's falling sick of a fever. to a hunt and chase of men. who had warned him against Alexander's going thither. he set out. After this. and designing that the excellence of the workmanship and the singularity of the design might outdo the expense. the governor of Babylon. newly arrived out of Greece. at all public shows and in the theaters. in what condition he found the victim. should have their fathers' pay continued to them. Besides this. and out of its right should pour a copious river into the sea. because he always promised something very bold. However. he http://www. He ordered. and sailing up and down the Euphrates. for he fell upon the Cossaeans. some of whom fell down just by him. had sacrificed. to know what would become of him. to carry on which he had a supply of three thousand actors and artists. that the children of those who had lost their lives in his service. he sent for Pythagoras.net 47 . asked him. yet now he spent a great deal of time with workmen to invent and contrive others even more extravagant and sumptuous. which in its left hand should hold a city of ten thousand inhabitants. he intended to bestow ten thousand talents. As he was upon his way to Babylon. In his sepulchre and monument and the adorning of them. and on his admitting the thing. he ate a fowl for his dinner. to Stasicrates. Though Alexander declined this proposal. his wishes turned.
he thought it a prodigy or a presage. and so miserable. flowing in and never stopping. and to sit where they found him. All which made such a deep impression of terror in Cassander's mind. which like water. When once Alexander had given way to fears of supernatural influence. the first time he saw some of the barbarians adore the king. Alexander. one of whom. and killed him by a kick. for these are the http://www. that if the least unusual or extraordinary thing happened. superstition on the other. was his chief cupbearer.net 48 . Here he drank all the next day. after he had drunk of the bowl of Hercules. which seized him. not as some write. his head grew dizzy. he was brought thither from the sea-side. who had lately arrived. just as he was going to bed. So miserable a thing is incredulity and contempt of divine power on the one hand. and was playing at ball. his mind grew so disturbed and so easily alarmed. put the fellow to death. that he was of Messenia. that he took him by the hair with both hands. he laid aside his sorrow. Iolaus. till at last coming to himself. would come such a journey only to calumniate your father?" To which when Cassander replied. and it was long before he recovered himself. and master of Greece. as he was walking up and down at Delphi. They asked him who he was. but Alexander interrupting him said. if they had received no injury. by the direction of his soothsayers. at the sight of that of Alexander he was suddenly struck with alarm. that Serapis appeared to him. and dashed his head against the wall. which would serve equally on both sides. to which he gave no answer a good while. that for some crime of which he was accused. and having given Nearchus a splendid entertainment. the young men who played with him perceived a man clad in the king's robes. and shook all over. nor was he taken with any sudden pain in his back. Alexander smiled. had freed him from his chains. A tame ass fell upon the biggest and handsomest lion that he kept. at Medius's request he went to supper with him. and added. as was his custom. that their coming so far from the evidence was a great proof of the falseness of their charges. and to say nothing.was disturbed by many other prodigies. and suspicious of his friends. and was attacked with a fever. if they were found guilty of the least injustice towards those who complained. and Cassander. he told them his name was Dionysius. conducted him to that place. His greatest apprehension was of Antipater and his sons. that long after when he was king of Macedonia. and had been bred up in Greek manners. after he had bathed. and commanded him to put on the king's robe and diadem. just as they were going to bring his clothes again. where the level has been lowered. when he heard this. as now in Alexander's case. And one day after he had undressed himself to be anointed. and looking at the statues. "What is it you say? Do you think people. could not forbear laughing at it aloud. but he lost his spirits. and fell again to sacrificing and drinking. fills the mind with slavish fears and follies. and grew diffident of the protection and assistance of the gods. that both he and his father should be severely punished. Another time.idph. his eyes rolled. and his court was thronged with diviners and priests whose business was to sacrifice and purify and foretell the future. which so incensed Alexander. as if he had been struck with lance. Cassander would have said something in defense of Antipater to those who accused him. with a diadem upon his head. and had been kept long in prison. also. sitting silently upon his throne. and said those were some of Aristotle's sophisms. But upon some answers which were brought him from the oracle concerning Hephaestion.
which lasted several days. and continued so the following day. On the twenty-eighth. therefore. and menaced his friends so that they were forced to admit them. and was carried out of his bed to assist at the sacrifices. and discoursed with his principal officers about finding fit men to fill up the vacant places in the army. The next day he bathed and removed into his chamber. In the evening he bathed and sacrificed. But the journals give the following record. The same day Python and Seleucus were dispatched to the temple of Serapis to inquire if they should bring Alexander thither. most are of opinion that all this is a mere made-up story. that during the dissensions among the commanders. as if Alexander had been still alive. and scattered the ashes of Iolaus. deadly cold as ice. that they should not remove him. The twenty-first he passed in the same manner. and tell us that the poison was water. in the evening. But those who affirm that Aristotle counseled Antipater to do it. he was speechless. which they filled up with earth. though it lay neglected in a close. On the twenty-fourth he was much worse. as if he had given it him. and when the generals came into his chamber. they say. On the eighteenth of the month. and the observations he had made in the great sea. and upon that account much honored by the Macedonians.idph. then dead. being jealous of Statira. whilst the inferior officers kept watch without doors. who in the time immediately following the king's http://www. and threw their bodies into a well. he slept in the bathing-room on account of his fever. The next day the fever was very violent. On the twentieth. after the usual sacrifices and bathing. which they gathered like a thin dew. he took a draught of wine. killed her and her sister. they say Olympias put many to death. and let them all pass through unarmed along by his bedside. and gave order that the general officers should wait within the court. supposing he was dead. but upon some information given six years after. sultry place. and spent his time in playing dice with Medius. and ate freely. came with great clamors to the gates. he died. This account is most of it word for word as it is written in the diary. and that by his means the poison was brought. However. sent for her by a counterfeit letter. heard king Antigonus speak of it. At the time. he lay in the bathing-room and heard Nearchus's narrative of his voyage. and had the fever on him through the night. The Macedonians. but his fever did not abate. the body continued clear and fresh. and suffered much during the night. adduce one Hagnothemis as their authority. Roxana. upon which he fell into delirium. not without the privity and assistance of Perdiccas. that in the rage of his fever and a violent thirst. and kept in an ass's hoof. for it was so very cold and penetrating that no other vessel would hold it. who. and were answered by the god.inventions of some authors who thought it their duty to make the last scene of so great an action as tragical and moving as they could. where he slept a little. and when she had her in her power. nobody had any suspicion of his being poisoned. his fever still increasing. who was now with child. without any sign of such taint or corruption. Aristobulus tells us.net 49 . distilling from a rock in the district of Nonacris. and he had himself removed and his bed set by the great bath. no slight evidence of which is. and died on the thirtieth day of the month Daesius. On the twenty-fifth he was removed to his palace on the other side the river.
under cover of the name of Arrhidaeus. not that he had been originally deficient either in body or mind.net 50 . had ruined not only his health.death. he had showed a happy and promising character enough. who was Philip's son by an obscure woman of the name of Philinna. exercised the chief authority Arrhidaeus. in his childhood. whom he carried about him as a sort of guard to his person. But a diseased habit of body. on the contrary. was himself of weak intellect. caused by drugs which Olympias gave him. but his understanding. http://www.idph.