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

186 ALEXANDER MADE HEGEMON.all things horse in his projected Persian war.With the plausiblegenerosity which he could so well display, — and Alexander'spromise was always sacredly redeemed, — on conveningan assembly, he persuaded the Thessaliaus to give himall they had granted Philip, and if necessary to help him asagainst the rest of Hellas. Not only Thessaly, but othertribes which had Amphictyonic votes Alexander thus gained,and speedily made his way unopposed through the pass ofThermopylae.Here he convened the Amphictyonic counciland was declaredHegemon (cajitain-general) of Greece, as had beenPhilip before him. Thebes and Athens sent no representatives; but on Alexander's moving on Thebes, both citieshastened to agree to the terms ofthe Amphictyonic decision.Alexander was glad to accept this tardy acknowledgment.He caused the vote to be repeated at Corinth, where impla--cable Sparta alone was absent, preferring the isolation ofindependence.Alexander continued his march into the Peloponnesusto exhibit his strength, but undertook no operationsthere.Autonomy was assured to each Greek state.Alexander had ascertained the mood of Greece, and hadfor the moment calmed it. All the wealth, intellect andpower of Greece had joined to simidate honor to the boldyoung king. Diogenes alone waited for Alexander to cometo him, and then requested as his only desire that Alexanderwould stand a trifle out of his sunlight. " By Jupiter, wereI not Alexander, I would wish to be Diogenes " ! said theking. The danger from east and south had been overcome,at least for the moment. Alexander returned before winterto Pella.It is clear, says Freeman, that both the great Macedoniansreally loved and revered Greece, — Athens above all. Tohumble her politically was an unavoidable part of their pol-