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

652 ALEXANDER'S ATTACHMENTS.its turmoils raised his intellect to its loftiest grade of clearnessand activity. His instincts were keen ; his perception remarkable; his judgment all but infallible. As an organizerof an army he was unapproached ; as a leader, unapproachablein rousing the ambition and courage of his men, and inquelling their fears by his own fearlessness." That the soulof this king was fashioned on a superhuman pattern," saysPolybius, " all men agree."Alexander kept his agreements faithfully, and had wonderfulgenerosity covipled with grace in giving. He was aremarkable judge of men. He had the rare gift of natural,convincing oratory, and of making men hang upon his lipsas he spoke, and do deeds of heroism after. He lavishedmoney rather on hisfriends than on himself.Alexander's chief attachment was for Hephaestion, withwhom he had been brought up, and to whom he clung withnever - changing devotion. To Hephsestion he confided hisevery secret. His affection for his mother, Olympias, neverwaned. Hephaestion alone knew what Olympias wrote toAlexander. One day when the king and his intimate hadtogether read one of the queen-mother's letters, Alexanderdrew his seal ring from his finger and pressed it on Hephaestion'slips. Next to Hephaestion came Craterus. The formerwas Alexander's friend, the latter the king's.Alexander hadmore love for Hephsestion, more admiration for Craterus ; Hephaestionwore the same Persian dress which was adopted byAlexander, and was often his mouth-piece to the Orientals ;Craterus retained his Greek dress, and was the spokesman tothe king for his Macedonians.While every inch a king, Alexander w^asfriendly with hismen ; shared their toils and dangers ; never asked an efforthe himself did not make ; never ordered a hardship of whichhe himself did not bear part. His eagerness to brave dan-