Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

182 ALEXANDER'S YOUTH.mind was alert and inquisitive beyond his years. So, whenPersian ambassadors once came to the Macedonian court, itwas natural that this boy should inquire of them about thearmies and topography of Asia, the resources and wealth, thelaws and customs, the government and the life of the peoples; but the ambassadors were none the less astounded. Nowonder Philip was proud ofhis son and heir.Alexander's early education was presided over by Leonidas,a relative of his mother, and an austere man. His specialpedagogue was Lysimachus, who indulged in superstitiouslore and in unwise flattery, and bred in the youth a half beliefin the divine origin of Peleus and of Achilles, from whom heclaimed descent. He was afterwards more fortunate ; for"Aristotle, who conquered the world of thought, gave instructionto him who should conquer the world itself " (b. C.345-4). From this great man Alexander gained all that waswisest and best ;and what he thus learned never forsook him.It was well that the teaching of this j^hilosopher should fallon such fruitfid soil. It was sad that the pupil should, laterin life, lose his trust in his great preceptor and friend.Alexander inherited his enthusiastic nature, his deep wealthof sentiment, his truly heroic soul, from his mother. Fromhis father he took his physique, his power of reasoning, hiscool judgment, his infallible penetration. Vigor and quicknessof movement, a bright and intelligent look and a full,round, strong voice distinguished him in action. At rest hewas gentle and pleasing, and possessed a peculiarly moist,expressive eye. He wore long and curly hair. He is said tohave had a trick of habitually inclining his head over theleft shoulder, a thing at one time much imitated by the dandiesof Greece. He was agreeable in person, and very temperatein his pleasures. In sports and gymnastics he easilyexcelled all, but cared little for professional athletes. The