THE GREEK RIDING-HORSE. IO3 



ing fault with your elders because you know 

 any more yourself, or can handle a horse 

 any better than they?' 'I could handle 

 that horse, at any rate, a great deal better 

 than anybody else,' was the answer. 'And 

 what will you forfeit for your rashness if you 

 fail?' 'The price of the horse, by Zeus!' 

 There was a burst of laughter, and it was so 

 agreed. In a moment Alexander ran up to 

 the horse, seized the reins, and turned him 

 to face the sun; for it seems that he had 

 observed that what frightened the creature 

 was the sight of his own shadow playing to 

 and fro on the ground before him. After a 

 little patting and coaxing, seeing him full of 

 courage and spirit, Alexander quietly slipped 

 off his cloak, and springing up bestrode him 

 unharmed. Feeling the bit gently with the 

 reins, he restrained him, without whipping^ 

 or hurting him, until he saw that the horse 

 had given up all threatening behavior, and 

 was only hot for the course; then he let 

 him go, and urged him on by raising his 

 voice and using his heel. The attendants 

 of Philip were anxious and silent at first ; but 

 when he turned and came back full of just 



