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

ARRIAN'S CRITICISM. 483discover weaknesses in Alexander's character, the followingextract from Arrian, his most accurate historian and chieflaudator, is of interest :" I do not commend this excessive punishment;on the contrary, I consider that the mutilation ofthe prominent features of the body is a barbaric custom, andI agree with those who say that Alexander was induced toindulge his desire of emulating the Median and Persianwealth, and to treat his subjects as inferior beings, accordingto the custom of the foreign kings. Nor do I by any meanscommend him for changing the Macedonian style of dress,which his fathers had adopted, for the Median one, being, ashe was, a descendant of Hercules. Besides, he was notashamed to exchange the head-dress which the conqueror hadso long worn for that of the conquered Persians. None ofthese things do I commend ; but I consider Alexander's greatachievements prove, if anything can, that supposing a man tohave a vigorous bodily constitution, to be illustrious in descent,and to be even more successful in war than Alexanderhimself ; even supposing that he could sail right round Libyaas well as Asia, and hold them both in subjection as Alexanderindeed designed to do ; even if he could add the possessionof Europe to that of Asia and Libya ; all these thingswould be no furtherance to such a man's happiness, unless atthe same time he possess the power of self-control, though hehas performed the great deeds which have been supposed."It cannot be denied that the Persian habit was constantlyon the increase with Alexander, as how could it be otherwiseif he was suitably to maintain the godlike character whichthese Eastern peoples would not believe in without their accustomedpomp and circumstance ? And was not this blindbut most natural belief a great part of Alexander's stock intrade ? No doubt history would show us a more perfect man,if,with all his wonderful ability and native truth and gener-