Mr. de Vere's verse is tempting to quote; but we must hasten on. Some idea of his Alexander may be gathered from the passages given; but, as we said, he permeates the book, and we must leave it to the reader himself to trace the slow growth and development of this singularly-rounded yet most difficult conception. We do not believe that the author in this instance has fallen below the level of his subject, high and remote as that level was. [pg 356] A strong, resolute, far-seeing character, possessed with the very passion of empire, speaks to us in every line of Alexander. Many of his sayings have almost the wisdom and the brevity of proverbs. “Time takes still the conqueror's side,” he tells Hephestion; and when that great-souled character puts the deep and solemn question, “Is there forgiveness for conquerors?”—his answer is:
“Aye; but for half-conquerors, none.”
Here is his policy told in a line:
“Strong hand makes empire; hand that heals retains it.”
When, in a light moment, he asks his generals, were gods their slaves, what fortunes would they choose, and all cry out, “A kingdom!” he says aside:
“Note this, Hephestion:
Imagination is economist,
And vastest ends move less the appetite
Than small things near and easier of access.”
Here is a truth for conquerors to ponder. In the height of his conquest he is convinced that