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

650 ALEXANDER'S TABLE.by Aristotle, with a dagger, always lay under his pillow. Inhis youth he was given to music, and played well, but in laterlife neglected the accomplishment. He enjoyed martial music,but disliked sentimental airs. He had devoted some timeto medicine, and did not lack skill as a physician. He wasat all times surroimded by men of brains, and enjoyed theirconversation. He understood and grasped all the science ofthe day. An admirer of the drama, he considered comedylacking in the inculcation of the hardier virtues. He strictlyobserved his duties to the gods.While he had no code of morals beyond the usages of thatday, though indeed Plutarch credits him with more than naturalchastity, Alexander was moderate, respected the rightsof others, was unselfish in his dealings with women, and oftenshowed a self-denial and continence which, in one so youngand naturally of a very passionate nature, calls for the highestpraise. He w^as abstinent of pleasures except drinking.Aristobidus says Alexander did not drink much in quantity,but enjoyed being merry. Still the Macedonian much wasmore than wisdom dictates. He was fain to talk over his wineand to sit long at table chatting with his friends, rather thanoverdrink. His principal meal was after dark. He ate littlehimself, but paid much heed to his guests. When Ada,queen of Caria, sent him, daily, curious dishes and desired tosend him some skillful cooks and pastrymen, he told her thathis preceptor, Leonidas, had given him the best : a nightmarch (^qiicere, early morning walk) to prepare for breakfast,and a moderate breakfast to prepare for supper. His tablewas alwaj^s open to, in fact was intended for his military familyand friends. It is said, in Asia, to have cost 10,000 drachmas(-12,000) a day — no very great outlay for the owner of theworld. Many of his officers were more extravagant and moregiven to luxurious living than he. But Alexander was unde-