PART IV.] ANECDOTES. 95
Birds sometimes devour a lion. There is nothing so strong but that it can be broken. What have you to do with us have never entered into your territories; we wish neither to obey nor rule any one: we do not wish to take anything from you. But you, who say that you come to punish robbers, are yourself the worst robber of all. What need have you of riches? The more you have, the more you desire. If you are a god you ought to give gifts to men, not rob them; but, if you are a man, do not forget this. We are your neighbouts; therefore you should use us as friends. Do you wish to have friends or enemies? for never shall Scythians be reduced to slavery.’
Alexander and Clitus.
273.Clitus was one of Alexander’s friends; the same had long been most friendly to Philip his father. Formerly, when Alexander was fighting with bare head against an enemy, Clitus protected Alexander with his shield, and cut off the enemy’s head. Moreover, Hellenice, his sister, had been Alexander’s nurse; the king was very fond of her. So Alexander used always to pay respect to Clitius, and had put him over a great province. When he was going to set out thither, the king received him at a splendid banquet. When they were sitting down to the feast, Alexander began to speak of the deeds done by himself, making no mention of the bravery of Philip. He even assailed him with reproaches, saying, that he had been robbed by his father of the glory of his victories. Then Clitus began to praise Philip as one who had been more distinguished than his son. So Alexander, being greatly enraged, pierced his breast with his sword. But, on remembering that Clitus was the brother of his nurse, he repented of what he had done, and was near killing himself.
The advice of Alcibiades.
274.While a youth Alcibiades visited Pericles. He found him sitting alone, with a gloomy countenance. The youth inquires the reason. Then Pericles said, ‘I have completed the vestibule of the temple of Minerva according to the command of the citizens; but I know not how to give an account of the
