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

448 DISCIPLINE IMPROVED.Perhaps no monarch has so much that is great and goodto his credit, without being charged with more of evil, thanAlexander. It is quite possible, by judicious extracts from allthe ancient authorities, to prove Alexander a monster.equally possible to prove him superhuman in his virtues.It iswas neither. He had glaring vices, especially overweeningvanity and often uncontrolled rashness of temper. But hehad noble virtues as well, and a just estimate of all that issaid of him by all the old historians, barring none, exhibits apersonal character equal perhaps to any other man in historywho enacted so eminent a role. But whatever the truth orthe motives, that Parmenio and Philotas were grievous lossesto the army, remains indisputable.The Macedonians also demanded at this time the executionof the Lyncestian Alexander, whom the king had formerlyshielded from death in Asia Minor, and who had since thenbeen under arrest. This was carried out. Their zeal nowoutran their ancient spirit of antagonism. The king's dangerhad revived all their old enthusiasm for his person.The incident, terrible in its details, and much to be regretted,had none the less purified the atmosphere of discipline. Thearmy was all the better for it.HeAlexaiidei-.^From a Medal struck at ApoUonia.)