cr own readers

200 ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
fire to his own baggage and that of his fri ends, and
th en gave orders tha t the rest should be served in
th e same manner . Few were displeased at th e order,
and numbers received it with acclamations of joy.
His tastes were simple, and his habits fr ee fr om
luxury. Wh en some of the best cooks and bakers
were sent to wait on him, he said tha t he had no
need of th em, for his tutor had supplied him with
mt{ch better-a march before dayb reak to give a
relish to his dinner, and a light dinn er to prepar e
for his supper.
6. It is said th at th e dominions of Taxiles, in India,
were as large as Egyp t. Th ey were very fertile, and
afforded excellent pasturage. As he was a man of
gr eat prudence, he ' waited on Alexander, and after
th e first compliments, thus addressed him: " "'hat
occasion is there for war between you and me, if
you are not come to tak e fr om us our water and
other necessaries of life- the only things that reasonable
men will tak e up arms for ? As to gold and
sil vel' and other possessions, if I am rich er th an you,
I am willing to oblige you with part ; if I am poorer,
I have no objection to sharing in your bounty."
Charmed with his frankness, Alexander took his
hand , and answered, " Think you , then, with all this
civility, to escape without a conflict ? You are much
deceived if you do. I will dispute it with you to th e
last ; but it shall be in favo ur s and benefits, for I will
not have you exceed me in generosity."
7. Wh en Poru s was taken pri soner, Alexander
asked him how he desired to be trea ted. He answ ered,