The historical library of Diodorus the Sicilian in fifteen books : the first five contain the antiquities of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece, the islands, and Europe : the last ten an historical account of the affairs of the Persians, Grecians, Macedonians and other parts of the world : to which are added the fragments of Diodorus that are found in the Bibliotheca of Photius : together with those publish'd by H. Valesius, L. Rhodomannus, and F. Ursinus / made English by G. Booth ..., Esq.

1. Of his Offence against Bacchus, and the Murder of Clitus in his Cups. Arrianus, lib. IV.

TO declare in this place the death of Clitus, and the foul act of Alexander in that matter (though it happned some little time after) yet I judge it not altogether out of course. The Macedonians (its said) have a certain day sacred to Bacchus, and Alex∣ander

was accustomed to sacrifice to Bacchus every year upon that day; but at that time he neglected Bacchus, and sacrific'd to Custor and Pollux; and from that time he appointed Sacrifice to them, with Feasting always at that day. And whereas now the Company had been a considerable time quaffing and carouzing (for Alexander had now learn'd to imitate the Barbarians in his Cups) and all were heated with Wine, a discourse hap∣pned concerning the * 1.1 Discorides how to derive their Original from Jupiter, and set aside that of Tyndarus; some who were present to flatter the King (which sort of Crea∣tures are ever Pernicious both to the Persons and Concerns of Kings, and are ever at hand) deliver'd their Judgment that Castor and Pollux were not in the least respect to be compar'd to Alexander, and his brave and noble Actions: Others in their Cups did not spare Hercules himself; but said that Envy was the cause that debarr'd Mortals from these Honours that were due to them from those among whom they convers'd. But Clitus who ever heretofore hated Alexander's imitation of the Manners of the Barbarians, and the discourses of his Flatterers, having now his Spirits something rais'd with Wine, was not able to bear those Contempts cast upon the Gods, nor that by undervaluing those Acts of the antient Heroes, so thankless a piece of service should be paid to the King. And declar'd that Alexander had neither done such wonderful things as they cri'd him up for, neither did he do any of them himself alone, but the Praise of a great part of 'em was due to the Valour of the Macedonians. But Alexander was much inrag'd at these words of Clitus; neither indeed, can I commend him in what he said, for I am of opinion it had been much more prudent for him in this time of carouzing to have held his peace, as well as to forbear joining with others in this sordid Vice of Flattery: And whereas some call'd to mind the Acts of Philip, and did all they could most unjustly to bear down and make slight of all he did as nothing at all memorable (in the mean time caressing and extolling of Alexander) Clitus now not himself, began to advance the the actions of Philip, and vilifie Alexander and his Atchievments: And cast it in the King's Teeth (now raging like a Madman) amongst other things, how he had at the River Granicus in the Charge, in the Horse Engagement preserv'd him, and impudently stretch∣ing out his right Hand, cried out, This Hand O Alexander, preserv'd thy Life in that Battel: Alexander not being able longer to endure the unbridled Passion of Clitus, or his base language, nor his reproaches cast upon him, in a rage leapt out towards him, but was held back by them that were round about him; on the other hand Clitus let fly all the reproachful words he cou'd devise, surpassing all bounds. The King with a loud voice call'd out for Argyraspides, and no Man regarding him, he cried out again that he was now in the same Condition Darius was in, when he was seiz'd and led away by Ressus and his Accomplices, and that there was nothing left him but the Name of a King. His Friends then could not hold him any longer, but springing from them, some say he snatcht a Launce out of the hands of one of his Guards, and with that run Clitus through, and kill'd him; others report it was with a * 1.2 Sarissa deliver'd to him by one of the Guard; Aristobulus gives no account whence this mad Fit of Alexander's arose; but says all the fault was wholly in Clitus; for that when Alexander in a rage rush't up and made at him to kill him, he at a back Door shifted out of the way, and got quite out of the Trenches into the Fort to Ptolemy the Son of Lagus, a Squire of the Body, yet could not contain himself but must needs come back again; and lighting upon Alexander when he was calling out for Clitus, Here's Clitus, Alexander, said he, upon which the King ran him through with a Sarissa: As I cannot but greatly blame Clitus for his Insolency to the King, so I am troubled for Alexander on the other side, because at that time he expos'd himself as guilty of Two Vices together, Anger and Drunkenness; to be overtaken with either of which, did not in the least become a sober Man. But yet again I must praise Alexander upon another account, that presently he repented of the soul Fact he had committed. For some who write of the Affairs of Alexander, say, that he set the end of the Spear against the Wall, and attempted to run himself upon the point, because his Life seem'd hateful to him, having through his Drunkenness destroy'd his Friend. But many Writers do not mention this. But when he was upon his Bed he lay lamenting, calling and repeating still the name of Clitus. Lanices the Daughter of Dropidus, who had brought up Alexander, received from him now he was a Man a large reward for his Education: she had lost Two Sons in the War, fighting for the King, and had her Brother now kill'd by his own Hand: He cry'd out he was the Mur∣derer of his Friends, and wou'd neither eat nor drink for Three days space, nor take any care of himself what became of him. Some of Bacchus's Priests told him that these Mis∣fortunes befell him because he had neglected to Sacrifice to Bacchus. His Friends had much ado to perswade him to eat or drink any thing to refresh him. But at last

he sacrific'd to Bacchus; since it was not displeasing to him that that misfortune should be imputed rather to the Anger of the God, than to his own wickedness.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Castor and Pollux.
• * 1.2

  Macedonian Launce.