unto that height of power was the Son of Amintas a man indued with wisdom courage and all other vertues of a Noble Captain This Amintas had by Euridice his Wife three Sons Alexander Perdicas and Philip who was the Father of Great Alexander and a Daughter called Eurione The Queen Euridice being enamoured with one that had married her Daughter conspired the death of the King her Husband to the intent to have married with her Son-in-Law and to make him King which thing she had brought to effect had not the Treason and Lasciviousness of the Mother been opportunely revealed by the Daughter After the death of Amintas Alexander the Eldest Son enjoyed his Fathers Kingdom who in the beginning of his Reign was so assailed on all sides that he was driven by force to purchase Peace of the Illyrians with Money and by giving his Brother Philip in Hostage And afterwards by the same Pledge he made a like Peace with the Thebans which was the occasion that Philip did attain to such Excellency of Knowledge and Wisdom for by reason that he was committed to the custody of Epaminondas who was a valiant Captain and an excellent Philosopher he was brought up in the exercise of honest Disciplines and Princely matters greatly profiting under a Scholar of Pythagoras School whom Epaminondas kept in his house for the instruction of his Son In the mean season Alexander was slain by the means of Euridice his Mother whose former Treason King Amintas her Husband had pardoned in respect of the Children had between them little thinking that she would afterwards have been their destruction For when Alexander was dead she caused in like manner her other Son Perdicas to be slain which Perdicas left behinde him one Son being a young Babe About the same time Philip the youngest Brother having by good hap slipt away from his Guardian Epaminondas returned into Macedon and not taking upon him the Name of King remained a great while no otherwise but as a Protector to his young Nephew Nevertheless afterwards by occasion of sundry mischiefs growing in the State the same being such as might not well attend the Majority of the young King Philip appearing to be a man of singular activity and of no less skill in feats of War then in knowledge of Philosophy was compelled by the people to take upon him the Kingdom of Macedon which as then stood in great difficulties and danger of ruine This was done 300 years after the building of Rome and in the 105 Olympiad In the beginning of his Reign he was environed with infinite troubles for all the Neighbouring Countries as it were by a general Conspiracy moved War against him and at one time sundry Nations combined together out of sundry parts to assail his Kingdom Wherefore considering that it stood him upon to move discreetly not being able to Match them all at once he pacified some with fair promises others with money and the weakest he withstood by force By this means he both made his Enemies afraid and confirmed the hearts of his people whom he found discouraged and sore amazed These things he wrought with great Artifice and â—ineness of wit in such sort that he diminished not any part of his Honour Estate or Reputation determining nevertheless as time should serve to deal with every one apart His first War was with the Albenians whom he overcame by Wit and Policy And whereas it lay in his power to have put them all to the Sword he set them all at liberty without Ransom By which point of Clemency though it was but counterfeit being done for fear of a greater War at hand yet it procured him great Estimation and Authority After that he subdued the Peons and from them turned his Power against the Illyrians of whom he slew many thousands and conquered the famous City of Larissa That done he moved War against the Thessalians not for any desire of their goods or spoil of their Country but out of a policy to add to his strength the force of their Cavalry which in those days were accounted the chiefest in the world This he happily effected for being suddenly assailed they were soon brought to subjection and Philip joyning the force of their Horsemen unto his Footmen he made his power invincible After all these things being brought to pass he took to Wiâ—e Olympias one of the Daughters of Neoptolemus King of the Molossi This Marriage was concluded by the means of Arisba who had the Government of Olympias and not long before had married her other Sister Troas This Marriage which he intended for his security turn'd afterwards to his subversion for thinking to have made himself strong by the affinity of Philip he was at last by him deprived of the whole Kingdom and ended his life miserably in Exile Not long after this Marriage King Philip dreamed that he saw an excellent Medal fastened to the Wâ—mb of his Wife and to his seeming the lively Image of a Lyon thereupon By which Dream the Divines did interpret that his Wife was conceived of a Childe that should be of a Lyons heart and courage which interpretation pleased him highly Afterwards at the assault of a City called Methronâ— by shot of an Arrow he lost his right eye whereof though the displeasure was great yet was he content upon their submission to take them to mercy He won also the City of Pagus and annexed the same unto his Kingdom He invaded the Land of the Tribals and at one instant conquered it with all the Countries thereabout Thus having made his Kingdom strong by subduing his Neighbours at his return home his Wife Olympias was delivered of his Son Alexander on the eighth of the Ides of April Of these good fortunes the King rejoyced no less then reason was having established his Country at home subdued his enemies abroad and gotten an Heir to succeed him in his Kingdom he could have desired no more of God if the minde of man could ever be satisfied which the more it hath the more it coveteth As Dominion increaseth so doth also the desire to have more which was well seen in Philip that still did compass how to grow great by taking from his Neighbours and lay always like a Spy waiting an occasion how to catch from every man whereunto he had an opportunity offered by the Cities of Greece for whiles one did covet to subdue another and through ambition were at strife who should be chief by one and one be brought them all into subjection perswading the smaller States to move War against the greater and to serve his purpose contrived the ways to set them altogether by the ears But at length when his practises were perceived divers Cities fearing his increasing power confederated against him as their Common Enemy but chiefly the Thebans Nevertheless necessity compelling they chose him afterwards to be their Captain General against the Lacedemonians and the Phoceans who had spoiled the Temple of Apollo This War
the body and all men judging him to be slain the Booty was lost As soon as he was recovered of his wound his dissembled grudge against the Athenians burst out so far that he made open War against them by reason whereof the Thebans seeing the danger so near at hand gave succour to their Neighbours fearing if the Athenians were overcome the last fury of the Wars would turn upon them Wherefore the Cities that a little before were mortal Enemies one to another combined together in one League and sent their Embassadours through all Greece holding it most expedient with a common Aid to withstand a common Enemy Some considering the peril to be universal stuck to the Athenians and some observing Philip's power increasing and the other decreasing took part with Philip. In this War Alexander had the charge of one of the Wings committed to him wherein his Noble Courage did well appear for he deported himself so valiantly that he seemed nothing inferiour to his Father nor any else but by most just desert got the honour of the Victory yet he was defrauded thereof by the envy and sleight of his Father as he himself complained afterwards This Battel was fought at Cheronaea wherein though the Athenians were the greater number yet were they overcome by the Macedonians who were the fewer but expert Souldiers by reason of their long and continual practise in Wars Nevertheless the Athenians as men not unmindful of their former honour lost their lives valiantly That day made an end of all the Grecians glory as well of their large Rule and Government as of their most Ancient Freedom and Liberty which being hardly won and long time kept was thus lost in a moment For these things and many other experiments of Valour and Prowess in young Alexander although the King his Father did bear him singular affection and favour yet nevertheless by certain occasions ensuing that love was unhappily broken For Philip being married to Olympias Mother of Alexander as is said before took to Wife besides her a Lady called Cleopatra whereupon fell great discord and unkindness between the Father and the Son The occasion was given by one Attalus Uncle to Cleopatra who being at the new Marriage exhorted the Macedons to make prayers to the gods to send the King and new Queen a lawful Heir to succeed in the Kingdom of Macedon Whereat Alexander being moved Vile man as thou art said he dost thou count me a Bastard And with that word flung the Cup at his head The King hearing this rose up and with his Sword drawn ran at his Son who by the nimbleness of his body avoided the stroke so that it did him no harm Hereupon Alexander inveighing against him with many sharp and despiteful words departed and went with his Mother into Epirus Nevertheless soon after by the means of one Demoratus a Corinthian who perswaded the King that this discord was nothing for his Honour Alexander was sent for again and much solicitation was used before they could be well reconciled Wherefore to confirm this Attonement there was a Marriage made between Alexander the Brother of Olympias whom Philip by the expulsion of Acisba had made King of Epirus and Cleopatra the new Queens Daughter The Triumph of the day was remarkable according to the State and Magnificence of such two Princes the one bestowing his Daughter and the other marrying a Wife There were set forth sundry Interludes and Inventions pleasant to behold And as King Philip between the two Alexanders the one his Natural Son the other his Son-in-law was passing through the press without any Guard one Pausanias a young man of the Nobility of Macedon when no man suspected any such thing suddenly slew him making the day dedicated to joy and triumph to be heavy with lamentation This Pausanias being a Boy one Attalus inforced to the unlawful use of his Body and not content to do so himself at another Feast he caused divers of his Familiars to abuse him likewise which shame and villany grieved the young man so sore that he complained to the King whom although the foulness of the fact moved much yet for the love he bare to Attalus and for the respect of his service he did forbear to animadvert against him This Attalus was very near unto the King and in special favour by reason he was Kinsman unto the Queen Cleopatra whom Philip had lately married He was also Elected Captain General of the Kings Army prepared to pass into Asia being one that was both valiant in his person and no less politick in the discipline of War Upon these respects the King endeavoured by all the means he could to pacifie Pausanias incensed with indignation and revenge as well by giving him great gifts as by placing him honourably among those Gentlemen that were for the Guard of his Person But all this could not appease the rage of his implacable anger which wrought so in him that he determined to be revenged not only upon Attalus that did the villany but also upon the King that would not administer Justice which determination he put in effect as is said before Many things might be said more of the doings and sayings of this Philip but one thing above all others is to be noted that although for the most part he was exercised in the travel of the Wars and in Victorious Actions yet had he ever such affection to the Studies of Humanity and good Learning that he both did and spake many things worthy of Memory which were both witty and pleasant He lived 47 years and Reigned 25 being the three and twentieth King of the Macedons THE SECOND BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS Of the Acts of Alexander the Great King of Macedon WHen Philip was dead his Son who for the greatness of his Acts was afterwards called Alexander the Great took upon him the Kingdom the 426 year after the building of Rome being of the age of twenty years His state stood at that time subject to much envy hatred and hazard from all parts for the Nations and Provinces bordering upon him could not well endure their present bondage and every one of them sought how to recover again their ancient Dominions and Principalities The first thing he undertook after he was King was the severe punishment of as many as had conspired his Fathers death which performed he celebrated his Funerals with great solemnity As for his Estate he soon established it and that much better then any man could have imagined in one of so young and tender years For being of some had in contempt and by some others suspected to be cruel towards the one he deported himself so gallantly that he took from them all contempt and to the other so gently that their imagined fear of his cruel disposition was clean taken away He granted unto the Macedons freedom and priviledge from all Exactions and Bondage except from the service of War By which act he got so great favour
Captains thither with a small power which being known he sent Mardus back again to Damascus with a small Guard to accompany him but he escaped out of their hands and came to Damascus before day-light That thing troubled Parmenio greatly doubting that his Enemies had laid an Ambuscado for him and therefore he durst not adventure in an unknown way without a Guide Notwithstanding upon the confidence he had in the felicity of his Prince he took some Peasants of the Country to conduct him the way who the fourth day brought him to the City of Damascus The Captain doubting that Credence should not be given to his Letter pretended to mistrust the strength of the Town and made countenance as though he would fly away On the break of day he caused Darius Treasure which the Persians call Gaza with the rest of all his precious things to be brought forth of the Town with a resolution to betray the same into the Macedons hands There were many thousands of men and women that followed a pitious sight to all that saw them saving to him to whose fideliâ—y they were committed For he to win himself thanks purposed to deliver to his Enemies a prey more precious then all the rest which was such of his Nobiliâ—y as he had in his custody with the Wives and Children of the Great Men that bare Rule under Darius And besides the Embassadours of the Cities of Greece whom Darius had left in his treacherous hands as in a Fortress to his thinking of most security The Persians call those Gargabe that carry burthens upon their shoulders and these having the carriage of things of most value when they could not endure the Cold for the Frost and Snow that suddenly fell they put upon them the Robes of Gold and Purple which they carried together with the money there being no man to let them for the adversity of Darius caused that base sort of men to use a wretched liberty Those kinde of men seemed to Parmenio at the first sight to be no small Army and therefore weighed not the matter lightly but gave Exhortation to those that were with him as though they should have fought a sore Battel and willed them to put their Spâ—â—s to their Horses and give the Charge which being perceived by them that bâ—â—e burthens they 〈◊〉 away for fear and so did the Men of War that were with them by such ways as they best knew The Captain of Damascus counterfeiting such fear as others feared indeed was the cause of all this confusion The riches of Darius were left unguarded and lay scattered abroad over all the Fields with the money that was prepared for the wages of so infinite a number of Souldiers as also the apparel of so many great men and Noble women with Vessels and Bridles of Gold â—avilions adorned with Regal Magnificence and Waggons full of infinite riches A thing even sorrowful to behold to the Spoilers if any thing could stay the covetousness of men Was it not a pitiful thing to behold the riches that had been gathered together in so great a number of years whiles the state of the Persians stood in that incredible height of Fortune one part thereof to be torn with Bushes and another part sunk into the Miâ—â— being so great besides that the hands of the Spoilers could not suffice for the Spoil when the Horsemen had overtaken them that fled first they â—ound divers women carrying their small Children amongst whom there were four Virgins the Daughters of Occhus that reigned next before Darius They before that time had suffered change oâ— Fortune when the State was altered from their Fathers Line but this adversiâ—y was much more grievous unto them There was in that number the wiâ—e of Occhus the Daughter of Oxatres that was Darius's Brother and the Wife of Artabasus who was of the chief House of Persia with his Son called Ilioneus The Wife and the Son of Pharnabasus were also taken to whom Darius had committed the charge of all the Sea-Coasts and with them the three Daughters of Mentor the Wife and Son of the Noble Captain Memnon There was scarcely any House of the Nobility of Persia free from that evil adventure There were also both Lacedemonians and Athenians that contrary to the League between Alexander and them took Darius part amongst the Athenians Aristoiton Dropides and Levertes were of the greatest Line and Linage and of the Lacedemonians the chiefest were Perisippus and Onomastorides with Omais and Callicratides The sum of the coyned money there taken was two thousand and sixty Talents beside thirty thousand men and seven thousand beasts that carried burthens upon their backs But the gods did persecute with due punishment the Betrayer of such a Treasure for one whom he had made privy to the matter pitying therein the Estate of his Prince did slay the Traytor and brought his head to Darius a comfort not unapt in that season to the betrayed King for thereby he was both revenged of his Enemy and perceived that the memory due unto his Estate was not removed out of the hearts of his people THE FOURTH BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS Of the Acts of Alexander the Great King of Macedon DArius who a little before was Lord of so great an Army and who came unto the Field carried aloft upon his Chariot more like to Triumph then to Fight flâ—d by the places then waste and desâ—rt which he before had filled with his infinite numbers of Men of War There were but few that followed him for neither they fled all one way nor such as followed could keep pace with him that so often changed Horsâ—s At length he came to Vâ—chae where he was received of â—our thousand Greeks who conducted him to the River of Euphrates thinking all those his Countriâ—s lost in the which by his speed he could not prevent the comâ—ng of Alexander Parmenio was appointed Governour of Syria and to be the Keeper of the Treasure and prisoners which he took at Damascus The Syrians could not at the first bear the new Government because they had not yet felt the Scourge of the Wars but as they revolted they were straightway subdued performing all that they were appointed to do The Isle of Arade was yielded to Alexander whereof Strato was King that had in subjection all the Sea-coast with divers of the Island-Countries who being received into trust Alexander marched with his Army into the City of Marathon There he received Letters from Darius that put him into great choler because they were so arrogantly written The special point that moved Alexander was for that Darius writing himself King did not vouchsafe to give him that Title but did write rather by way of Commandment then of Request proffering for the Ransom of his Wife and Children so much money as Macedon could receive For the Government of the Empire he said he put it to his choice to try it by the Sword if he list but if he would be
he honourably atchieved so that by punishing of their Sacriledge he got himself great Renown in all those parts But in the end observing both those Countries to be brought low with the War he found means to subdue the one and the other compelling as well the Overcomers as the Overcome to be his Tributaries Then he made a Voyage into Cappadocia where killing and taking prisoners all the Princes thereabout he reduc'd the Province to the subjection of Macedon He conquered Olinthus and after invaded Thrace For whereas the two Kings of that Country were at variance about the limits of their Kingdoms and chose him to be their Arbitrator he gladly took it upon him But at the day appointed for the Judgment he came not thither like a Judge with a Councel but like a Warriour with an Army and to part the strife expelled both Parties from their Kingdoms By this time young Alexander was twelve years of Age and began to take great delight in the feats of War shewing most manifest signes of a Noble Heart and an excellent apprehension He was very swift of foot and one day at a solemn game of Running called The Olympick Race being demanded by some of his Companions if he would run with them Gladly said he if there were Kings Sons to run with me On another time when certain Embassadours of the Persians came into Macedon Alexander who in his Fathers absence took upon him to entertain them and discoursing with them of divers things in all his communication there not passed not from him one Childish or vain word but he enquired of them the state of their Country the manners of the People the distances of the Ways the Power of the King and the order of his Wars with such like So that the Embassadours astonished thereat esteemed the Greatness of the Father to be much less then the Expectation of his Son and that his Courage was much greater then was to be looked for in one of his years As often as Tydings came that the King his Father had conquered any strong or rich Town or obtained any notable Victory he never seemed greatly joyful but would say to his Play-Fellows My Father doth so many great Acts that he will leave no occasion of any remarkable thing for us to do Such were his words such was his talk whereby it was easie to conjecture what a Man he would prove in his Age who so began in his Youth His delight was not set on any kinde of pleasure or greediness of gain but in the only exercise of Vertue and desire of Honour The more Authority that he received of his Father the less he would seem to bear And although by the great increase of his Fathers Dominion it seemed that he should have the less occasion of Wars yet he did not set his delight in vain pleasure or heaping up of treasure but sought all the means he could to use the feats and exercises of War coveting such a Kingdom wherein for his Vertue and Prowess he might purchase Fame and Immortality That hope never deceived Alexander nor any other that had either will or occasion to put the same in practise The Charge and Government of this young Prince was committed to sundry excellent Masters but chiefly to the Philosopher Aristotle whose Vertue Learning and Knowledge King Philip so much esteemed that he would often say he took no greater comfort in the birth of his Son then that he was provided with such a Master as Aristotle under whose Tuition he remained ten years Many things there hapned besides whereby it was conjectured that Alexander should prove a man of great valour For when his Father sent to Delphos to receive answer of the gods who should be his Successor the Oracle delivered That such a one should not succeed him only but also be Lord of the World whom Bucephalus would suffer to sit upon his Back This Bucephalus was a passing fair Horse fiery and full of courage whom Philip had bought of a Thessalian for thirteen Talents and because of his fierceness he kept him in a Stable impaled with iron Bars yet for all this he remained so full of spirit that none could approach to dress him whereof the King was so wary that he sought the means to be rid of the Horse It fortuned that Alexander came one day with his Father into the Stable What a Horse said he is spoiled here for want of good Horsemanship And so coming more near and gently clapping him without any great difficulty he got upon his Back and using both the Spur and the Rod to the uttermost he ran and managed him so up and down that the Horse seemed proud of his Rider and having rode his fill he brought the Horse back again As he alighted the King for joy imbraced and kissed him and with tears in his eyes said O Son seek out for some other Kingdom suitable to the greatness of thy heart for Macedonia cannot suffice thee So that even then the prudent Father did presage that all his possessions were far insufficient for his Sons heart After this King Philip determined to make War against all Greece for the maintainance whereof he thought it great advantage if he might first win Bizantium a famous City on the Sea Coast Wherefore committing the Charge and Government of his Realm to his Son being then fifteen years of Age he laid siege to the Town which made him great resistance When he had dispâ—nded all his riches and treasure about the siege he was driven to so narrow a shift that to furnish himself with money he became a Pyrate and roved on the Sea where he took 170 Ships the spoil whereof he divided among his Souldiers And least his whole Army should be detained about the siege of one City he selected the choicest Bands of all his Souldiers and marched into Chersonâ—sius where he took and put to sack many Towns and because his Son Alexander was then about eighteen years of age and had shewed an evident proof of his Vertue and Manhood in all his Attempts his Father sent for him thither to the intent that under him he might learn and exercise all the feats belonging to a Souldier and with him made a Voyage into Scythia upon no other quarrel but to spoil the Country Thus using the way of Merchants with the gain of one War he did bear out the charges of another After he brought the Country in subjection because no riches of gold nor silver was to be gotten there he brought from thence 20000 men women and children besides a great multitude of Cattel with 20000 choice Mares to make a Race in Macedon In his return he was encountred by the Tribals who denied him passage except they might have part of his Booty Whereupon debating of the matter from words they fell to fighting in which King Philip was so wounded in his Thigh that through the violence of the Thrust the Horse was run through
all men before him because in such glory he died young and had his Acts set forth by such a one as Homer was From thence he passed forwards into the Dominions of Darius King of Persia who being the Son of Arsanus and the fourteenth King after Cyrus had the possession of the Monarchy of the whole Eastern part of the World The chiefest cause that moved Alexander to invade him was to be revenged of the damages and destructions wherewith the Predecessors of Darius had afflicted the Country of Greece and also for demanding Tribute of Philip his Father for the which he sent a proud and presumptuous Embassage calling himself The King of Kings and Kinsman of the Gods Lastly he had written to Alexander and called him his Vassal and gave Commission to his Lieutenants that they should beat that Mad Boy the Son of Philip with Rods and afterwards bring him to his Presence in Kings Apparel And furthermore that they should sink both Ships and Marriners and convey all the Souldiers that should be left alive beyond the Red Seas They therefore purposing to execute the Kings Commandment assembled their Power at the River of Granike which doth divide the Country of Troy from Propontides having to the number of 20000 Footmen and as many Horsemen with whom they had taken the ground on the other side of the River where Alexander must needs pass over whereof when he was advertised though he saw apparent danger in the Enterprize to fight in the water and the Ouze against his Enemies who had the advantage of the higher Bank yet upon a singular trust to his own good Fortune and the courage of his Souldiers he charged upon the Enemy At the first he was sore encountred and put in great danger of repulse but at length he vanquished and overthrew them In doing whereof there neither wanted policy in himself nor singular Manhood in his men There was slain in that Battel of the Persians twenty thousand Foot and two hundred and fifty Horse and of the Macedons but thirty four This Victory was greatly advantagious to Alexander's designe for thereby he won the City of Sardis being the chief strength the Persians had for the Mastering of the Seas unto which City and to all the rest of the Country of Lydia he gave liberty to live under their own Laws He got also under his possession the City of Ephesus which the fourth day after the Battel was abandoned by the Garrison which Darius set there In the mean season there came Embassadours from Magnetio and from the Triallians proffering the delivery of their Cities Parmenio was sent to them with three thousand Footmen and two hundred Horsemen with which Power he won Miletum that made-strong opposition And marching from thence towards Hilicarnassus he got all the Towns thereabouts at the first approach and afterwards besieged Hilicarnassus it self which with great travel he overcame at length and razed it to the ground As Alexander entred into Caria Ada the Queen of that Country who had been spoiled of all her Dominions by Oâ—ontobates Darius Lieutenant saving of one strong City called Alindaâ— met with Alexander and adopted him for her Son and Heir He would not refuse the Name and the proffer of her Liberality but did restore to her again the Command of her own City And besides for the Memorial of her Benevolence he put the whole Country of Caria under her Rule and Subjection From thence he marched into Licia and Pamphylia to the intent that by getting the possession of the Sea-coasts of those Countries he might cause the Sea-power of Darius to be of no effect When he had subdued the people of Pisidia he entered into Phrygia by which Country he was inforced to pass and marched towards Darius with whom he had a great desire to encounter having understood that he was coming against him with a formidable Army THE THIRD BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS Of the Acts of Alexander the Great King of Macedon ALexander in the mean season having sent Cleander to levy Recruits out of Peloponnesus established the Countries of Licia and Pamphylia and removed his Army to the City of Celenae Through this City there ran at the same time the River of Martia made famous by the Poetry of Greece whose Head springing out of the top of a high Mountain and falling down upon a Rock beneath makes almost deafning murmures flowing from thence and watering the fields round about without increase of any stream saving his own the colour whereof being like unto the calm Sea gave occasion to the Poets to feign how the Nymphs for the delight they took in that River did chuse their dwelling under that Rock So long as it runneth within compass of the walls it keepeth his own name but when it cometh without where the stream is more swift and vehement it is then called Lycus Alexander did enter into this Town being forsaken of the Inhabitants and perceiving they were fled into the Castle which he determined to win before he departed he first sent to summon them by an Herald who declared that except they would yield themselves they should suffer the extremity of the Law of Arms. They brought the Herald into an high Tower which was strong both by Nature and Art willing him to consider the height and strength thereof and to declare unto Alexander that he had not a full dimension of the strength of the place for they did know it to be impregnable and if the worst should fall yet were they ready to die in their Allegiance Notwithstanding their words when it came to the point that they saw themselves besieged and all things were scarce they took Truce for forty days with this Composition That if they were not rescued by Darius within that time they would render it up into his hands Which they did afterwards at the day appointed when they saw no Succours coming To that place there came Embassadours to him from Athens making request that such of their City as were taken prisoners at the Battel fought upon the River Granike might be restored to them To whom answer was made that when the Wars of Persia were once brought to an end both theirs and all others that were Greeks should be restored to their liberty Alexander had his present care and resolution always upon Darius who he knew had not yet passed the River Euphrates He assembled therefore all his Powers together purposing to adventure the hazard of the Battel The Country was called Phrygia that he passed through plentiful of Villages but scarce of Cities yet there was one of great Antiquity called Gordium the Royal Seat sometime of King Mydas The River of Sangaray doth run through it and it standeth in the mid-way betwixt the Seas of Pontus and Cilicia being judged to be the narrowest part of Asia by reason of the Seas which lye on both sides representing the form of an Island and if it were not for a finall point of
himself have been laught at to scorn But afterwards when he once knew that Dimnus had slain himself he was clearly then resolved no longer to have concealed the thing And so falling down before the King besought him that he would rather have respect to his life past then to his fault which was only a concealment and no act done It is hard to say whether the King believed him or grounded his displeasure more deeply in his heart Nevertheless in token of pardon he gave him his hand saying how it appeared that the Accusation was rather misscredited by him then concealed of malice Notwithstanding he called his Councel together amongst whom Philotas was not admitted but Nichomachus was brought in before them where he declared all such matters as he before had shewed unto the King There was one Craterus at that time in especial favour with Alexander who for the envy he had to Philotas advancement did bear him always a grudge He knew very well that the King had often been displeased with Philotas for the over-much advancing of his good service and valiant Acts But yet for all that he was not suspected of Treason but only noted of presumption and arrogancy Craterus thought that he could not have a better occasion to oppress his Enemy then by colouring his private hatred with a pretence of duty towards his Prince I would to God quoth he you had taken our counsel in the beginning of this business for if you would needs have pardoned him you should have kept from him his knowledge how much he was in danger rather then have brought him in fear of his life whereby you shall make him more mindful of his own peril then of your goodness for he may always imagine your death but you shall not be always in a condition to pardon him Let it never sink into your heart that he who purposed so heinous a Treason would change his purpose for the indulgence of a Pardon You know well that such as offend are often in despair of mercy and though he perchance either with repentance of his fault or remembrance of your goodness would change his minde yet I am sure that his Father Parmenio Captain-General of so great an Army and of so grounded Authority amongst your Souldiers and who is with them in manner as your self would be ill content to be in your debt for his Sons life There are certain benefits hateful to men and it is a shame to confess to have deserved death Therefore I conclude that he had rather it should be thought you had done him wrong then that you had given him his life I cannot see therefore but you shall be inforced to destroy them for your own surety There are Enemies enough remaining yet unconquered against whom we are going make your self sure from your Foes at home so shall ye have less need to fear your Enemies abroad These were Craterus words and the residue of the Councel were of opinion that Philotas would never have concealed this Conspiracy except he had been either Principal or privy thereunto For they thought there was no true man of honest heart though he had been none of the Kings Familiars hearing so much as Philotas heard but would forthwith have opened the Conspiracy But he being the Son of Parmenio Master of the Kings Horse and of his Privy Councel did not so much as a Stranger who straightway made relation of what his Brother had told him And whereas he pretended that the King was not at leisure they judged it to be done to the intent the Accuser should not seek any other to whom he might divulge it whereas Nichomachus albeit he was bound by his Oath to the contrary yet would he never rest till he had discharged his Conscience But Philotas when he consumed in a manner the whole day in sport and pastime with the King could not finde in his heart to cast forth a few words especially in a matter so much concerning the Kings safeguard But admit quoth they he had given no credit to the matter through the lightness of the Reporter why should he have deferred the Accuser two days as though he had believed it For if he had misliked the report he might have dismissed the party It was also alledged that every mans minde much misgiveth him when the matter concerneth his own jeopardy much more ought men to be credulous when it toucheth the safety of a Kings person in which case it ought to be throughly examined though it be of small moment They all therefore determined that Philotas should be inforced to disclose the Partners of this Conspiracy The King commanding them to keep the matter secret departed and to the intent no inkling should appear of this new Councel he caused it to be proclaimed that the Army should be set forward the next day The same night the King called Philotas to a Banquet with whom he vouchsafed not only to eat but also familiarly to discourse notwithstanding he had before in the Councel determined his death After the second Watch of the night Ephestion Craterus and Erigonus who were of the Kings Councel came privily into the Court without light and of the Esquires there came Perdicas and Leonatus by whom Commandment was given that all such as lay near the Kings lodging should watch in Arms. By this time Souldiers were appointed to all the Passage and Horsemen were sent to keep the ways that no man should pass privily to Parmenio who was then Governour of Media and had under him a great power Then Artaras came into the Court with three hundred armed men unto whom there were appointed ten of those that had the charge of the Kings Person every one of them accompanied with ten Esquires who were forced into divers companies to take the other Conspirators But Artaras with his three hundred was sent to Philotas lodging where with fifty of the most resolute he brake up his Chamber-door that was shut against them the residue were commanded to beset the house lest he might escape by some secret way Philotas whether it were through the surety of his own Conscience or through weariness of the travel of his minde was in so profound a sleep that Artaras brake in upon him before he waked But at length when he was rouzed and come to himself perceiving they went about to binde him he cryed out and said Oh Alexander the malice of mine Enemies hath prevailed above thy Mercy Speaking these words they covered his face and brought him into the Court. The next day the King gave Commandment that certain of the Men of War should assemble in Arms to the number of six thousand Besides these there were a Rabble of the Black Guard that filled the Court who being assembled together the armed men compassed in Philotas with their Band to the intent he should not be espied of the people until such time as the King might speak unto them for by an old
because I would have offended none I have found some more desirous to procure my death then to save my life What hatred suppose ye should I have gotten if I had accused Innocents But Dimnus slew himself could I therefore divine before that he would so do No surely this his death being that which only tryed the Accusation true could not move me to utter it being prevented by another And if I had been a Conspirator with Dimnus of so great a Treason is it likely that I would have dissembled it by the space of two days after it was discovered As for Ceballinus it had been an easie matter to have dispatched him out of the way after the thing disclosed wherefore should I have delayed the matter I entred into the Kings Chamber alone having my weapons about me why deferred I my purpose Durst I not attempt it without Dimnus But perchance ye will say Because he was the chief Conspirator How then standeth it together that I should be his Vnderling who did covet to be King of Macedon Which of you all have I corrupted with Bribes What Captain what Officer have I inclined to more then another It is laid to my charge that I abhor the speaking of my Country Language and that I disdain the manners of the Macedons What Do I despise the Kingdom that I covet Ye know that our Natural Tongue through our Conversation with other Nations is gone out of use as well those that be Conquerours as they that be subdued must learn a new Language But surely these things make no more against me then did the Treason that Amintas the Son of Perdicas intended against the King with him I had friendship I will not die except ye will make it a thing unlawful to love the Kings Brother But it was our duty to honour a man called to that degree of Fortune I beseech you am I guilty because I could not guess before that he would offend Is the Law such that the Friends of Offenders must suffer being Innocents if that be the reason why live I so long If it be no reason why am I condemned to die But I am charged that I had pity of them that should live under such a one as believed himself to be the Son of Jupiter O faith of friendship and dangerous liberty of true counsel it was you that deceived me it was you that compelled me to hide that I thought I confess I wrote so to the King but not of the King I did it not for spite but for my duty sake I thought it more expedient for Alexander to have acknowledged the Kindred of Jupiter with silence then to have made a report thereof with Ostentation But because the truth of gods Oracle is certain let god he witness in my cause Retain me in Prison till ye may know Jupiters answer concerning this Conspiracy and in the mean season be that hath vouchsafed our King to be his Son will suffer none of them that have conspired against his Off-spring to be unknown If you suppose torments more then Oracles I will not desire to be saved from them in tryal of truth There is an old use that such as be put to answer upon Life and Death are accustomed to bring their Parents and Kinsmen before you Two Brothers of late have I lost my Father I neither can bring forth nor dare I call for because he is accused of this Treason with me It is a small thing for him that is the Father of many Children and having but one Son left in whom to take pleasure not only to lose him but also to lose his own life with him Therefore my most dear Father shalt thou die for me and with me It is I that do take thy life from theeâ— It is I that put a period to thy old days Why didst thou beget me unhappy Wretch in hatred of the gods Was it to receive such fruit from me as is prepared for thee I am in doubt whether my Youth be more unhappy or thine Age For I in the flower of my years am plucked away and the Executioner shall bereave thee of thy life which if Fortune would have suffered to continue yet Nature would have asked it e're it had been long The remembrance of my Father doth put me in minde how loath and timerous I ought to have been to the report of Informations For when my Father was advertised that Philip the Physitian had prepared poyson for Alexander he wrote a Letter to warn the King that he should not receive the Medicine which his Physitian had prepared Was my Father believed Was his Letter of any Authority I my self when I have reported such things as I heard how often have I been shaken off with a check for my light belief So that when we tell things we are hated and when we hold our peace we are suspected What would you have us to do Then one of the Company that stood by cryed out That none ought to be Traytors to them by whom they are intrusted Thou sayest well quoth Philotas whosoever thou art And therefore if I have committed Treason I require no respite of my pain And here will I make an end of speaking because my last words seem tedious unto your ears As he was speaking these words his Keepers led him away There was amongst the Captains one Belon a hardy man but one very rude and void of all civility who being an old Souldier was promoted from a low estate to the degree of Captain This Belon presuming upon a foolish audacity when all others had done began to tell them that when divers had taken up their lodgings in the Camp how they were thrust out by the servants of Philotas who would take his quarters where other men were placed before and how all the Streets were full of his Waggons laden with Gold and Silver He added further that Philotas would suffer none to lodge near unto him but always appointed certain to wait whiles he slept to the intent he should not be disquieted with any noise not so much for wakening of him as for disturbing his rest and that he was so haughty that he despised the plain men of Phrygia and Paphlagonia and being a Macedon born would not be ashamed to hear men of his own Nation by an Interpreter And whereas he had heretofore moved to have the Oracle of Jupiter enquired after he said it was meant thereby to make Jupiter a lyer for acknowledging Alexander to be his Son as if any man should envy the King for that Title which the gods had given him But why said he did he not ask counsel at Jupiter before he did offend For now he would have sent to the Oracle that in the mean season his Father who ruleth in Media might raise a power and with the money that he hath in custody assemble desperate persons to the fellowship of his mischief Nevertheless we shall said he send to Jupiter not
to inquire of any thing touching the matter but to give him thanks and to sacrifice unto him for the preservation of so good a King Then all the Company was moved and among them there began a cry That the Traytor should be rent in pieces which thing Philotas who feared more grievous punishment was content to hear The King returning deferred the Councel till the next day either to commit Philotas to prison to be there racked or else in the mean season to get further knowledge of the Treason yet albeit it drew towards night he commanded his Councel to be called together Some of them thought it best that Philotas should be stoned to death after the Macedons Laws Ephestion Craterus and Cenus determined to have him tryed by torment and then they who perswaded the contrary turned also to their Opinion Therefore when the Councel was broken up Ephestion with Craterus and Cenus arose to haste Philotas to the examination The King called Craterus unto him and commanding the rest to avoid had secret communication with him in the innermost part of his lodging the effect whereof came not to any mans knowledge He tarried there till the night was far past to hear the end of the determination The Executioners set forth all sorts of cruel torments in the sight of Philotas who of his own minde said unto them Why defer you to kill such a man as hath confessed himself the Kings Enemy and a Traytor What needeth more Examination It was my intent it was my will Craterus minde was that whatsoever was confessed before should be confessed by Philotas again upon the Rack Whiles he was taken upon the Rack his Body naked his Eyes bound he cryed out upon the Law of Nature and the gods of the Country but all was in vain to their deaf ears Finally as a condemned man he was torn with most extreme torments by his Enemies for the Kings pleasure And notwithstanding both Fire and Scourges were ministred unto him more to afflict him then to examine him yet he had power of himself both to refrain from speaking and groaning But ... after that his Body began to be 〈◊〉 with stripes and that he could not abide the Scourges which pierced to the bare bones he promised if they would torment him no more he would confess whatsoever they should require of him But first he would have them to swear by the life of Alexander that they should cease their torments and set the Rack aside The which being obtained he said to Craterus Tell me what ye will have me to confess Thereat Craterus was displeased thinking by those words that he had mocked him and caused his torments to be renewed Then Philotas besought him to have a time of respite whiles he might take his breath and then he would utter all that ever he knew In the mean season the chief of the men at Arms and especially such as were near to Parmenio in any degree of Kindred after that the Fame was spread that Philotas was tormented fearing the Macedons Law wherein it was ordained that the Kinsfolk of such as had committed Treason against the King should be put to death with the Traytors some slew themselves some fled into wilde Mountains and waste Wildernesses and great dread and fear fell through all the Host until such time as the King having knowledge of it made Proclamation that he would pardon the rigour of the Law to the Kinsfolk of the Traytors In conclusion Philotas made his Confession but whether it were to deliver himself out of pain by accusing himself falsly or not it is to be doubted seeing that it is commonly seen that both those that truly confess and falsly deny come all to one end You are not ignorant quoth he how familiar my Father was with Egiâ—ocus I mean the same that was slain in the Field he was the cause of our mischief For when the King took upon him the Title of Jupiters Son he disdained thereat Shall we acknowledge him quoth he to be our King who taketh scorn that Philip was his Father We are all undone if we can suffer this He doth not only despise men but the gods also who will be reputed a god We have lost Alexander we have lost our King he is fallen to Presumption neither tolerable to the gods with whom he compareth neither to men whom he despiseth Have we with our Blood made him a god who now despiseth us who disdaineth to be in the number of men Trust me that we also if we be men shall be adopted of the gods Who hath revenged the deaths of Alexander his Grand-father or of Archelaus or Perdicas But this man hath forgiven them that slew his Father These were the words that Egilocus spake about supper-time and on the morrow early my Father sent for me He himself was heavy and saw me also sad for we both had heard that which made us out of quiet Therefore to prove whether he uttered these words through excess of Wine or premeditation we thought good to send for him and seeking occasion of the same communication he of his own minde said further That if we durst undertake the Adventure he would not shrink from us or if our hearts served not he would keep our counsel Yet so long as Darius was living my Father thought all the matter out of season because the death of Alexander should be to the advantage of our Enemies and not of our selves But Darius once rid out of the way then he that could destroy the King should obtain the Empire of Asia and all the Orient for his reward Which counsel being approved Faith and Troth was given but concerning Dimnus I know nothing When he had confessed all this I perceive quoth he that it doth not avail me that I am utterly guiltless of this Treason Then they renewed his torments and did beat his Face and his Eyes with the Truncheons of their Spears until they inforced him not only to betray himself but also to shew the circumstance of the whole Treason pretended Because quoth he it seemed that the King would continue long among the Bactrians I was afraid lest my Father that had so great a power in his hands and the keeping of so much Treasure being fourscore years of age should happen to die in the mean season and then being disarmed of so great a strength I should not get opportunity to slay the King wherefore I hasted the matter whilest the prey was in hand Thus discovered he the Conspiracy whereof if they believed not his Father to be Author he said that for his tryal he not refused to be tormented again though it were too grievous for him to endure The Officers then whispering together thought the examination sufficient and returned therewithal unto the King who on the morrow caused all the Confession to be openly recited before Philotas whom he caused to be led into the place because he was not able to go and there
Embassadours of that Country Phratarus also who had the chief Rule of the Massagetes and Dahans which Nations were joyned by Affinity together sent certain Messengers to Alexander offering to be at his Commandment The Scythian Embassadours made request that Alexander would marry their Kings Daughter and if the Affinity pleased him that he would suffer the Princes of the Macedons to enter into Marriage likewise with the Noble-mens Daughters of their Country promising that the King should come in person to visit him He heard gently both the Embassages and still continued in that place till Ephestion and Artabasus came unto him and then joyning his Power again together he advanced into the Country that is called Baxaria There is nothing more esteemed in that Nation then to have great Droves of wilde Beasts inclosed in Parks which are very pleasant and full of Springs Those Parks are inclosed in Walls and Towers builded within them to be Lodges for the Hunters There was one Park in that Country that had remained unhunted during the time of four mens Ages into which Alexander entered with his whole Army chasing the wilde Beasts in every quarter Amongst the rest there was a Lyon of a vast bulk that came running towards Alexander which when Lysimachus who afterwards was King standing next to Alexander perceived he stepped before him to receive the Lyon with his Hunting Spear But Alexander plucked him back and willed him to withdraw saying That he was able to kill a Lyon as well as Lysimachus For you are to understand that this Lysimachus on a time hunting in Syria killed by himself alone an huge Lyon but yet he was torn to the very bones under the left shoulder and put in great danger of his life which being that which Alexander meant he performed with his Sword no less then he promised for he did not only receive the Lyon but killed him with one stroke Thereupon the Fable did rise how Alexander should have cast Lysimachus to a Lyon But though Alexander his chance was good herein yet the Macedons knew that by the Custom of his Country he should not have hunted on Foot without the chiefest of his Nobility and Friends about him He killed within that Park four thousand wilde Beasts and there did feast his Army returning afterwards to Maracanda Artabasus there excusing himself by his Age that he was unapt for the Rule of that Country Alexander committed the same to Clitus being the man that defended him with his Target when he was fighting bare-headed at the River of Granike and there cut off Rhosaceris hand that was in a readiness to strike the King He was an old Souldier to Philip his Father and notable by many feats of War that he had done Hellanice his Sister was Alexanders Nurse whom he loved no less then his own Mother For these causes he committed the strongest part of his Empire to his fidelity The King that purposed to set forward his journey the next day made the same night a Solemn Banquet wherein being too great a Boaster of himself when he was hot with Wine he began to set forth the Acts that he had done in such sort that his words offended the ears of such as knew them to be true The Ancient Men kept silence until such time as he began to deface the Acts of Philip his Father vaunting the notable Victory of Cheronese to be his own deed the glory whereof he said was taken from him by the malice and envy of his Father For he alledged how in the Mutiny which rose between the Macedons and the Greek Souldiers when Philip lay hurt of a wound which he received at a Fray and thought he could be no otherwise secure then to counterfeit himself to be dead he defended his body with his Buckler and slew them with his own hand who ran upon his Father to have killed him which act he said his Father never gladly would confess nor ever could abide to acknowledge his safeguard to come by his Son He also declared how after the journey he made by himself into Illyria in writing unto his Father he did ascribe the Victory unto himself having overthrown his Enemies when he was away He said that in his Opinion it deserved but small commendations to make a journey into Samothracia when Asia ought to have been spoiled and burnt Nor he thought no man worthy of praise indeed but such as do so great Acts as may exceed all mens credit The young men that were present were glad to hear these words and such other like but they were ungrateful to the Ancient especially for Philip's sake under whom they had long served Then Clitus who likewise was not very sober turned to such as were beneath him rehearsing some verses of Euâ—ipides whereof the King might rather hear the found then the words The effect of them was That the Greeks did evil who in the Monuments of their Victories did subscribe only the Names of their Kings who usurped that Glory unto themselves which other men did win by shedding of their own blood Alexander therefore judging his words to have been worse then they were inquired of such as were next him what Clitus said But when they kept silence Clitus with a louder voice rehearsed in order Philip's Acts and the Wars he made in Greece preferring them before any Acts done since that time Whereupon there did rise a confusion between the young men and the old But the King inforcing a patience himself when he heard Clitus deface his praise conceived a wonderful wrath in his minde Yet it seemed that he would have bridled his passion if Clitus would have made an end of his presumptuous talk But when he would not cease he gave occasion to Alexander to be further moved Clitus then did proceed so far forth that he durst defend Parmenio his case and preferred the Victory that Philip won of the Athenians before the destruction of Thebes And going further and further not only through drunkenness but even by a frowardness of a contentious minde at length he said If we must die for thee Clitus is not the first for they receive greater rewards of thy Victory that can most shamefully deface thy Fathers memory The Country of the Sogdians is given unto me that hath so often rebelled and now is not only unsubdued but such a one as by no means can be brought to subjection I am placed among those wilde Beasts that be of so uncivil a disposition But I could pass over things pertaining unto my self if the Souldiers of Philip were not despised forgetting that if the old Atharias had not turned again the young men when they gave over the fight we had yet sticked about Alicarnazus How is it then that Asia is conquered with these young men But I see it is true what your Vncle said in Italy He chanced upon Men and you upon Women There was nothing that Clitus spake or did in his rashness that moved more
subdued I came into Asia not utterly to subvert the Nations nor make the one half of the world desart but to give the conquered cause not to repine at my Victorie This is the occasion they gladly fight for you and for your Kingdom spend their bloud who if they were proudly used would straight rebel against you That possession is durable which is kept by violence but the thanks of a benefit received endureth everlastingly If we purpose to enjoy Asia and not to make a progress only through it we must make them partakers of our clemencie and then their fidelitie shall make our Empire stable and perpetual and truly we have â—ow more then we can well wish or desire Covetousness is an unsatiable Disease especially when men desire to fill the vessel that runneth over But you will say that I mingle their customes with ours It is so And why Because I see in many Nations many things which we need not be ashamed to follow and so great an Empire as we have got cannot otherwise be aptly governed except we deliver some things to them and receive likewise some things back from them again One thing is to be laughed at that I should refuse Jupiter for my Father being so acknowledged by his Oracle as who saith the answer of the gods were in my power He proffered the name of his son unto me which was not a thing unseasonable for the Atchievements I intended I would wish that the Indians could believe me to be a god for the success in War standeth much by Fame and that which is falsely believed sometime worketh the effect of things that are true Do you note me given to excess and prodigality because I garnished your Armor with Gold and Silver My purpose was to shew to men accustomed to such things nothing to be more vile then such kinde of metal and to declare that the Macedons invincible in other things could not be overcome with Gold it self After this manner I shall blinde the eyes of the barbarous who are always wont at the first sight to wonder at things be they never so base and vile And in that we shew to make no estimation of it we shall declare to all men that we are not come for desire of Gold nor Silver but to subdue the whole world from which glory thou Traytor wouldest have bereaved me and betrayed the Macedons I being slain to the barbarous Nations I am exhorted to spare their Parents Although it was not expedient that they should know what I have determined of them and to the intent they might die with the greater grief if they have any care or memory of them yet long ago I have forborn the custome of putting the innocent Parents and kinsfolks of traytors to death with the offenders and I now profess to pardon them and have them all in the same estimation I had before I know thou wouldest have thy Master Calisthenes brought forth who only esteemed thee being of his complexion because thou desirest to hear pronounced from his mouth those railing words which even now thou didst vomit out against me If he had been a Macedon born I had brought him into the place with thee a worthy Master of such a Disciple but being born in another Countrey he is subject to another law When he had spoken these words he dismissed the Council and commanded all such as were condemned to be delivered to the Souldiers of their own Regiments who because they would declare by some cruelty the love they bare towards their Prince slew them by all torments Calisthenes also died upon the Rack innocent of the conspiracy against the Kings person but a man not pliable to the custom of the Court and abhorring from the disposition of Flatterers There was never any thing that brought the Greeks into a greater indignation against Alexander then that he not only killed but caused to be tormented to death and that without judgement a man indued with godly Manners and good Sciences and one by whom he was perswaded to live when he purposed to have died for sorrow that he had slain Clitus for which his cruelty repentance followed that came too late But lest he might nourish idleness apt for the sowing of seditious rumours he advanced towards India always more glorious in War than after his Victory The whole Country of India lieth chiefly towards the East containing more in length than it doth in bredth The North parts are full of Mountains and Hills but all the rest of the land is plain having many fair Rivers which running out of the Mount Caucasus do pass pleasantly through the Countrey Indus is more cold than any other of the Rivers whose water is not unlike the colour of the Sea But of all the Rivers in the Orient Ganges is most excellent which running from the South passeth directly through many great Mountains until that by the encountring with Rocks his course is turn'd towards the East where it is received into the red Sea The violence of the stream breaketh down his banks swallowing trees and much of the ground In many places the stream is kept in with the rocks on which it beateth but where the ground is more soft there the River becometh more large and maketh many Islands The greatness of Ganges is much increased by the River of Acâ—sines which both meet before they enter into the Sea at their meeting the water is violently troubled and whiles the one resisteth the others entry neither of them seem to give place to other Diardnes is a River of the less Fame because is runneth in the uttermost bounds of India but yet it bringeth forth Crocodiles as the Nile doth and also Dolphins with Monsters unknown to other Nations Crooked Erimanthus with his many turnings and reflexions is consumed by the Inhabitants with watering their ground which is the cause that when it draweth near the Sea it becometh very little and beareth no name There are many other Rivers that divide the Countrey but none of them are so famous as these because they do not run so far The North-winde doth blast and annoy those parts most that are next unto the Sea but those Windes are so broken with the tops of the Mountains that they cannot endamage the inward parts of the Countrey wherefore Fruits are very plentiful there and perfect But that Region doth so much differ from the ordinary course of time in other parts of the world that when other Countries are burned most with the Sun India is covered over with Snow And when other places are Frozen the Heat is there most intolerable and yet there appeareth not any natural cause why it should be so The colour of the Indian Sea not differing much from the water of other Seas did take his name of King Erithrus by reason whereof the ignorant Greeks took opinion that the water of those Seas was red The Land is very aboundant of Flax whereof the greater part of
ALEXANDER y e GREAT King of Macedon F. H. van Houe fec THE LIFE DEATH OF Alexander The GREAT KING of MACEDON IN TEN BOOKS BY Quintus Curtius Rufus Exactly Conferred with the Original And purged from Many gross Errours and Absurdities With which it before abounded Done into English by the same Hand that Translated the last Volume of the HOLY COURT LONDON Printed for S. S. and are to be sold by Nich. Cox over against Furnivals-Inne in Holborn 1674. To the true Lover of all good Learning the Right Honourable Baptist Viscount Cambden Lord Noel of Redlington and Baron of Elmington c. My Lord GReat Actions are the Subjects of great Wits and no Age hath been so unhappy but they have great Personages if not to exceed yet to second and protect them But the Atchievements of Alexander the Great are so great in themselves that they are rather the Subjects of our Wonder then Belief nor can any man be a just Judge of them who is not indued with the same Spirit of Fortitude and withal transported with the same desire of glory Fame indeed is not so much the bound as the delight of Transcendent Spirits who with the unwearied Travels of their Swords add Kingdoms unto Kingdoms and abstract from the number of the Nations to add to the numbers of their Conquests How many have we read of who almost since the Cradle of the World have exercised thus the Power of the Sword and by a lamentable happiness have made the Epitaphs of other Nations to become the best Annals of their Immortality and Fury But Alexander was as merciful as he was just and having overcome the Nations by force he always after by a newer and Nobler Conquest did both overcome and oblige them by his Bounty By a rare felicity he had Fortune intirely in his own Power and at last he would become the Master as much of Fame as of Fortune He was sad to understand that his Atchievements had brought him to the utmost parts of the World and he would have no end of his Victories because he would have no end of his Glory Having exceeded the Acts of Men he would exceed even Fame her self unless she could finde breath enough to raise him unto Heaven and leave him there inthron'd amongst his gods And yet for all this vain attempt and confidence he might have slept cover'd with the Dust of Oblivion were he not beholden to a better Divinity and to the Light of History which have preserved his Name throughout all Generations The Prophets have done the one and this our Author the other the Prophets in the Word of God and our Author in this History A History drawn from the Records of Antiquity and famous as Ptolomy himself a man as admirable in the Arts of Peace as of War who being present with Alexander in all his Wars was both his Companion and his Kinsman A History composed with such Art such State and Truth that Lipsius the most Lettered and most received of the Criticks hath affirmed If there were ever History pure and legitimate it was this of Curtius It was before imperfect in English and laboured at least under a thousand Solecisms I have only taken the pains to put it in a new Dress and to prepare it for your Honours hands to which precisely it doth devote it self and with it the most Elaborate Observances of him who is My Lord The most humble and most faithful of all that serve you Robert Codrington To the Reader in general and especially to the Souldier IN these Martial Times if any thing can excite you yet higher to Honourable Atchievements it will be the perusal of this History then which if you respect either the Excellence of Alexander or the Abilities of Curtius you will finde nothing more Magnificent or Delightful You will finde how Kingdoms are disposed of by the Eternal Decrees of Providence and that when God is pleased to put a period to them he selects men and inspires them with Courage and Vnderstanding answerable to that great Work unto which he hath appointed them None but Alexander could perform what Alexander hath done and though his course of life was so short that he did rather destroy then erect an Empire yet we may wonder as much at his Resolution what he undertook as at his success in what he performed With an inconsiderable Power with Wicker Targets and Swords covered with Rust and a Stock of not above threescore Talents which he himself confesseth was the strength of his Exchequer he advanced into Asia and in the compass of a few years he became Master of all the East and at that time of the most Flourishing and Potent Nations of the World He never encountred any Enemy whom he overcame not nor besieged City which he took not nor invaded Land which he subdued not Although the first grounds of the War were in the days of Xerxes and his Predecessors yet the calamity of it and the utter ruine of the Empire was in the days of Darius the last and best of the Emperours The admirable Revolution of States and from what small beginnings great Powers do arise is no where more apparently to be seen and by the understanding of the events so long ago abroad you may draw your Application to things more present and at home To add more is to anticipate your understanding I shall only insert that the Author of this History Quintus Curtius by his Complexion sirnamed Rufus was supposed to live in the days of Caligula His History is full of Variety and attended with us much Gravity as Delight as in the perusal of it you will acknowledge with him who for your sakes only hath taken these pains to review it it being as much my Business as Ambition to relieve and advance your Vnderstanding Codrington THere is nothing that is absolutely perfect Alexander himself had a Mole in his Face The over-sight of the Printer hath caused some literal faults in the Press which are left to your Candour either to correct or excuse them An Advertisement to all Gentlemen Book-sellers or others WHereas Samuel Speed Book-seller hath lately disposed himself to a Whole-sale Trade for Books not making any appearance of that Imployment as formerly he did These are to certifie That those persons that please to apply themselves to him for Books shall be as well used as by any person whatsoever And whosoever hath any Study or Library of Books or Copies either in Manuscript or such as have been already Printed to dispose of shall receive from him the full value thereof to the said Parties ample satisfaction THE FIRST BOOK OF QVINTVS CVRTIVS Concerning the Birth and Education of Alexander the Great The Murther of his Father Philip The Dream of his Mother Olympias in relation to the admirable Victories which throughout the whole course of his Wars he afterwards atchieved PHilip of Macedon who by subduing of Greece did first advance that Kingdom