"Do not think," he said, laughing, "that we have come so far and endured so much to stop here. There is many a campaign yet before us."
When Philip came, bringing an earthen bowl containing a liquid which steamed with an odor of spices, he raised himself on his couch and drew Parmenio's letter from under his pillow. As he took the bowl from the physician, he handed him the letter.
"Read it!" he said quietly, setting the potion to his lips.
With his eyes on Philip he slowly drank the medicine. The physician glanced at the letter and grew pale, but he returned Alexander's gaze without flinching.
"Drink and be of good cheer," he said. "I tell thee this after having read this charge against me."
He returned the letter as he spoke.
"I have drunk already," Alexander replied; and then, turning to Clitus, he bade him read what Parmenio had written.
"Beware of Philip, your physician," the letter ran. "I am informed that he hath been bribed by the Great King with the promise of a thousand talents and the hand of his daughter to poison thee. I beg of thee to take nothing that he may offer."
Scowling brows were turned toward the physician, who was busying himself unconcernedly in heaping fresh coverings upon his patient.
"Let no man interfere," Alexander said sternly. "Where I have placed my trust, no other shall doubt."