The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-05-04
s ALEXANDER the GREAT +:
; and BU(EPHALUS I

One day when Alexander was about
twelve years old, his father, King
Philip of Macedon, took him with the
rest of the court to see a display Of
cavalry in a large field adjacent to
the palace. The handsome young
prince with his golden hair falling
upon his shoulders and his fine eyes
all aglow with enthusiasm. was no dis
interested spectator, you may be sure.
At the close of the review a Thes-
salian approached the king. who was
standing among his officers, and said
that he had a horse for sale which
he wished him to buy.
What is your price, Sir Philoni-
cus?" asked Philip, who. it seems,
knew the man quite we'll
Sixteen talents, your Majesty,
but It's 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, huge black
charger of a Thessalian breed that
champed its bit and paved the turf,
like Pegasus. He was a young
horse, too, splendidly built, saving a
rather large head, and giving promise
of remarkable speed.
He has never been mounted, my
lord" observed Philonicus; 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 fell
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 a
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
Centaur could ride the beast"
Truly he is possessed" answered
Philonicus, very much disappointed
What aileth thee, Bucephalus? Thou
hast never acted so uutil now"
Father" said Alexander, who had
been very quiet and obsa-yant, now
stepping forward and speaking very
earnestly. that is too good horse
to be lost for want Of skill and spirit
sufficient to manage him."
"And do you think, forward boy,
that you can manage the brute bet
ter than your elders?" asked the king.
THAT | can," replied the prince, "or
! will forfeit the price asked for the
horse"
At this the courtiers laughed, and
Philip shook his head, but the boy did
not smile. He only said: Have
your PERMISSION, IatnerE
"Ho, there! Sir Thessalian, lead
back your steed." cried Philip. Here
is headstrong youth who wishes to
break his neck"
Then the young prince, throwing OFF
his gold-embroidered mantle. and ty-
ing his sandals tightly, ran up to
Bucephalus, and laying hold of the
bride, turned him to the sun, for he
had quietly been making up his mind
that the horse had been frightened
by his own shadow. which had CON
stantly moved as he moved. His as
sumption was verified at once. for no
sooner was Bucephalus turned about
than he Immediately became quieter.
Alexander continued to speak to him
gently, patting him on the neck. until
ne had him under control. Then
springing suddenly upon his back. the
prince, without using either whip or
spur, galloped the fiery steed across
the field to his hearts content.
After half hours, hard pacing. he
approached the royal circle again. and
~N-AFNr w A1ANNRndAuo db tame as AN
DID chariot horse to the grooms. The
black steed had foand his master.
Pay the Thessalian his gold. Perdi-
cas-" said Philip to one of the young
and then turning to the young
prince. he said, with a trembling
voice, "Macedon is too small king
iom for thee, my son, and one day
prophesy, thou shalt rule over a
greater. Thou art indeed worthy Of
empire"
The handsome prince, his face all
iuslsed with the exercise, and his gol-
len locks blown hither and thither,
vent home leading Bucephalus proud
y by the bride; and Bucephalus was
,roud to be led. too.
But the Thessalian steed would per-
nit no one else to mount him. so
alexander was the only person who
yer rode him. He bore his master
through all his campaigns, and when
t last he died. Alexander gave the
lack steed a funeral like that of