CLITUS

We will make no controversy of that which there ought to be no question, only this shall be the oh pinion of us both, that none was worthy to be the fa there of Alexander but Philip, nor any meet to be the son of Philip but Alexander. Parmenio I cannot tell how it continued ̄ meth to pass, that in Alexander now a days there grows and vnpacie ̄ to kind of life, in the morning he is melam ̄ cholye, at noon solomne, at all times either more Sour or severe, then he was accustomed. Yet between us there can be no danger to find out the cause: for that there is no malice to with stand it. It may be and unquenchable thirst of conque ring makes him unquiet: it is not unlikely his long ease hath altered his humour: that he should be in love, it is not impossible. We hear nothing of our Embassage, a colour belike to blear our eyes, or ticle our ears, or inflame our hearts. But what does Alexander in the mean sea son, but use sor Tantara, Solemnizing. Fa. La. for his harden couch, down beds, for his handful of water, his standing Cup of wine? You mistake me Parmenio, if whilst I come mend Alexander, you imagine I call Phillyp into question on, unless happily you conjecture (which none of judge meant will conceive) that because I Like the fruit, there before I heave at the tree, or coveting to kiss the child, I therefore go about to poison the teat. We are ready at all commands, wishing no thing else, but continually to be commanded. Cease Permenio, least in speaking what become meth thee not, thou feel what liketh thee not: truth is never without a scratched face, whose tongue although it cannot be cut out, yet must it be tied up. P Armenio, I cannot tell whither I should more commend in Alex anders victories, courage, or cur tesie, in the one being a resolution on without fear, in the other a liberality above custo ̄ e: Thebes is raised, the people not racked, towers thrown down, bodies not thrust aside, a continued ̄ quest without conflict, and a cruel war in a mild peace. Alexander as he tendereth virtue, so he will you, he drinketh not blood, but thirsteth after honour, he is greedy of victory, but never satisfied with mercy. In fight terrible, as becometh a captain, in Conquest mild, as beseems a king. In all things then which no thing can be greater he is Alexander. Like your majesty they are prisoners, & of Thebes. I know not, but they seem to be Ladies of honour.