THE FIRST BOOK 215 



then that she was solitary and of herself : these things I 

 say considered, as I could not have chosen an instance so 

 recent and so proper, so I suppose I could not have chosen 

 one more remarkable or eminent, to the purpose now in 

 hand ; which is concerning the conjunction of learning in 

 the prince with felicity in the people. 



Neither hath learning an influence and operation only 

 upon civil merit and moral virtue, and the arts or tempera- 

 ture of peace and peaceable government; but likewise it 

 hath no less power and efficacy in enablement towards 

 martial and military virtue and prowess; as may be 

 notably represented in the examples of Alexander the 

 Great and Caesar the Dictator, mentioned before, but now 

 in fit place to be resumed ; of whose virtues and acts in war 

 .there needs no note or recital, having been the wonders of 

 time in that kind ; but of their affections towards learning, 

 and perfections in learning, it is pertinent to say somewhat. 



Alexander was bred and taught under Aristotle the 

 great philosopher, who dedicated divers of his books of 

 philosophy unto him. He was attended with Callisthenes 

 and divers other learned persons, that followed him in 

 camp, throughout his journeys and conquests. What 

 price and estimation he had learning in doth notably 

 appear in these three particulars : first, in the envy he used 

 to express that he bare towards Achilles, in this that he 

 had so good a trumpet of his praises as Homer's verses ; 

 secondly, in the judgment or solution he gave touching 

 that precious cabinet of Darius, which was found among 

 his jewels, whereof question was made what thing was 

 worthy to be put into it, and he gave his opinion for 

 Homer's works ; thirdly, in his letter to Aristotle, after he 

 had set forth his books Of Nature, wherein he expostulated! 

 with him for publishing the secrets or mysteries of philo- 

 sophy, and gave him to understand that himself esteemed 

 it more to excel other men in learning and knowledge 

 than in power and empire. And what use he had of 

 learning doth appear, or rather shine, in all his speeches 

 and answers, being full of science and use of science, and 

 that in all variety. 



