The Globe-republican., 1903-10-15
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s ALEXANDER the GREAT 5
z and BU(EpHALUS {
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3 twelve years old, his father, Kin
r Philip Of Macedon, took him with tn
r rest Of the court to see a display
, cavalry in . large field adjacent t
, the palace. The handsome younl
prince with his golden hair fallinl
upon his shoulders and his fine EYED
all aglow with enthusiasm, was no dis
interested spectator, you may be sure
At the close Of the review Thes
salian approached the king. who was
standing among his officers; and sale
that he had horse for sale which
be wished him to buy.
what is your price, Sir Philoni
cus?" asked Philip, who. 1t seems,
knew the man quite well.
Sixteen talents, your Majesty,
but 'tis a royal steed and only kings
should mount him."
"And your price is royal" laughed
the king. However, let me see your
beast. If he suits us, we shall not
quarrel about the price"
The horse was brought, a huge black
charger Of Thessalian breed that
champed Its bit and paved the turf,
like a Pegasus. He was a young
horse, too, splendidly built, saving q
| rather large head, and giving promise
Of remarkable speed.
HE has never been mounted, my
lord" observed Philonlcus; doubtless
he will be shy at first"
A dozen gaily dressed young officers
stepped boldly forward to mount the
new horse and test his speed But
the black steed appeared so fierce
and unmanageable that the gay fel.
lows were glad to step back to their
places. One Of the officers persisting
in his attempt, was thrown violently
upon the ground, from which he arose
crestfallen enough, his helmet be-
grimed with dust, and a brand new
cloak nearly spoiled.
The Thessalian courser seemed In q
bad humor that morning. He reared
and plunged and kicked, and so far
from allowing any one to mount him,
he would not even bear to be spoken
to, but would turn fercely upon his
grooms at the least provocation.
"Take away your steed, Sir Thes-
salian," said Philip, angrily. HE is
savage as Cerberus. marvel that he
has not killed thee ere now. Only
a Centaur could ride the beast"
"Truly he Is possessed" answered
Philonicus, very much disappointed.
What aileth thee, Bucephalus? Thou
mast never acted SO until now"
Father" said Alexander, who had
]een very quiet and observant now
stepping forward and speaking very
earnestly, that is too good horse
o be lost for want Of skill and spirit
uficient to manage him."
"And do you think, forward boy,
hat you can manage the brute bet
er than your elders?" asked the king.
"That can" replied the prince, "or
will forfeit the price asked for the
orse."
At this the courtiers laughed, and
hilip shook his head, but the boy did
OF smile. He only said: Have I
our permission, father?"
"Ho, there! Sir Thessalian, lead
ick your steed," cried Philip. Here
a headstrong youth who wishes to
eak his neck"
Then the young prince, throwing of
S gold-embroidered mantle, and ty.
6 his sandals tightly, ran up to
and laying hold of the
idle, turned him to the sun, for he
d quietly been making up his mind
at the horse had been frightened
his own shadow, which had con-
lntly moved as he moved. His as
mption was verified at once. for no
oner was Bucephalus turned about
IN he Immediately became quieter.
exander continued to speak to him
ltly, patting him on the neck, until
had him under control, Then
inging suddenly upon his back, the
nee, without using either whip or
lr, galloped the fiery steed across
field to his hearts content.
lfter half hours hard racing, he
roached the royal circle again, and
Ivered Bucephalus as tame as an
chariot horse to the grooms. The
ok steed had found his, master.
Pay the Thessalian his gold, Perdi.f
/" said Philip to one Of the young =.
,ers, and then turning to the young
ICE, he said, with a trembling
10, "Macedon is too small king
for thee, my son, and one day
'ophesy, thou shalt rule over a
ter. Thou art indeed worthy of
ire"
le handsome prince, his face all
led with the exercise, and his col.
locks blown hither and thither,
home leading Bucephalus proud
Y the bride; and Bucephalus was
d to be led, too
t the Thessalian steed would per-
no one else to mount him, SO
ander was the only person who
rode him. He bore bis master
Ugh all his campaigns, and when
st he died, Alexander gave the