Aris. Here commeth Alexander.
Alex. I see, Hephestion, that these philosophers are here attending for us.
Hep. They are not philosophers if they know[819] not their duties. 55
Alex. But I much mervaile Diogenes should bee so dogged.
Hep. I doe not thinke but his excuse will be better than Melippus message.
Alex. I will goe see him, Hephestion, because I long to see him that would command Alexander to come, to whom all the world is 60 like to come.—Aristotle and the rest, sithence my comming from Thebes to Athens, from a place of conquest to a pallace of[820] quiet, I have resolved with my selfe in my court to have as many philosophers as I had in my camp souldiers. My court shal be a schoole wherein I wil have used as great doctrine[821] in peace as I did in 65 warre discipline.
Aris. We are all here ready to be commanded, and glad we are that we are commanded, for that nothing better becommeth kings than literature, which maketh them come as neare to the gods in wisdome as they doe in dignitie. 70
Alex. It is so, Aristotle, but yet there is among you, yea and of your bringing up, that sought to destroy Alexander,—Calistenes,[822] Aristotle, whose treasons against his prince shall not be borne out with the reasons of his philosophie.
Aris. If ever mischief entred into the heart of Calistenes, let 75 Calistenes suffer for it; but that Aristotle ever imagined any such thing of Calistenes, Aristotle doth denie.
Alex. Well, Aristotle, kindred may blinde thee, and affection me; but in kings causes I will not stand to schollers arguments. This meeting shal be for a commandement that you all frequent my 80 court, instruct the young with rules,[823] confirme the olde with reasons: let your lives bee answerable to your learnings, least my proceedings be contrary to my promises.