Budge_Ethiopic_Alexander

BY AL-MAKIN. 357
deliberations on the matter, and he advised
Alexander to set out against Darius and to do
battle with him, and he spake unto him, saying,
"Thy exalted star sheweth plainly that thou shalt
"reign over a number of countries."
Then Alexander sent to Darius and asked him
to grant him a respite of some days, in order
that when he came to make his salutations into
him he might bring with him such things as were
of use to him.
Now Aristotle was skilled in every branch ofAristotie
learning, and he composed for Alexander a bookigaming.
of philosophy on the ordering of his ways, wherein
were written certain mystical signs and symbols,
that is to say talismans, and astrological calculations;
and he ordered him to direct his own
bodily exertions and to rule over his kingdom
by what was [written] therein. And he compiled
for him a number of tables, that is to say, plans
or drawings, wherein a star shewed the time when
he should go forth against his enemies, if he would
be helped against them and so gain the victory
over them. And he taught him a prayer which he Aristotle's
should pray always, without ceasing, and he spake Alexander,
unto him, saying, "Know, O king, that the stars
"are the head and foundation of the dispensation of
"this universe, and that it is by means of them that
"the world which is beneath the lowest heaven
"of the moon standeth. Know, too, that a certain
"section of the starry vault ruleth over each district
"[p. 209] and country on the earth. Now the portion