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

BUCEPHALUS. 183story of Bucephalus is probably no myth. No one, fromPlutarch's narration, had apparently been able to control thehigh-strung Deast, mainly because he had been treated withindiscretion. Alexander, however, observant of the animal'specidiarities, by intelligent kindness and fearlessness bestrodeand managed him with ease. Bucephalus served him stanchlyand affectionately from that day till the battle of the Ilydaspes,where he diec, gamely pursuing Porus.Bucephalus had been brought to Philip for sale. The pricewas thirteen talents. He must have been a celebrated horseat that time to command so much. But no one was able tomount him on account of his rearing and plunging. He wasbeing led away, when Alexander asked for leave to try him.The lad was laughed at, but his entreaties finally prevailed." Alexander immediately ran to the horse, and taking holdof the bridle, turned him directly towards the sun, having, itseems, observed that he was disturbed at and afraid of themotion of his own shadow ; then letting him go forward alittle, still keeping the reins in his hand, and stroking himgently when he found him begin to grow eager and fiery, he letfall his upper garment softly, and with one nimble leap securelymounted him, and when he was seated, by littleand littledrew in the bridle, and curbed him without either striking orspurring him. Presently when he found him free from allrebelliousness and only impatient for the course, he let himgo at full speed, inciting him now with a commanding voice,and urging him also with his heels." (Plutarch.)In his mental equipment Alexander was equally strong ;he enjoyed all manner of intellectual friction. In strengthof character few in the world's history have been his equals,none his superior.It was thus that Alexander the Great grew to manhood.We have seen how he came to the throne. Once fairly seated,