Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/210

 202 ALEXANDER. lieved the rear by a considerable reinforcement drawn out of the front. This message being brought him just as he was giving the signal to those about him for the onset, he bade them tell Parmenio that he must have surely lost the use of his reason, and had forgotten, in his alarm, that soldiers, if victorious, become masters of their enemies' baggage ; and if defeated, instead of taking care of their wealth or their slaves, have nothing more to do but to fight gallantly and die with honor. When he had said this, he put on his helmet, having the rest of his arms on before he came out of his tent, which were a coat of the Sicilian make, girt close about him, and over that a breastpiece of thickly quilted linen, which was taken among other booty at the battle of Issus. The helmet, which was made by Theophilus, though of iron, was so well wrought and polished, that it Avas as bright as the most refined silver. To this was fitted a gorget of the same metal, set with precious stones. His sword, which was the weapon he most used in fight, was given him by the king of the Citieans, and was of an admirable temper and lightness. The belt which he also wore in all en- gagements, was of much richer workmanship than the rest of his armor. It was a work of the ancient Helicon, and had been presented to him by the Ehodians, as a mark of their respect to him. So long as he was en- gaged in drawing up his men, or riding about to give orders or directions, or to view them, he spared Bucepha- las, who was now growing old, and made use of another horse ; but when he was actually J.o fight, he sent for him again, and as soon as he was mounted, commenced the attack. He made the longest address that day to the Thessa- lians and other Greeks, who answered him with loud shouts, desiring him to lead them on against the barbari- ans, upon which he shifted his javelin into his left hand,