A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

272 Rise of Macedon
A ncient
World, 27s f.
Philip's
character.
Justin ix. 8.
and chose from them all a council, to form a senate as it
were for the country. But the Lacedaemonians, standing
alone, showed contempt alike for the terms and the king.
They regarded the state of things, which had not been
agreed upon by the cities themselves, but had been forced
upon them by a conqueror, as a state, not of peace, but of
slavery. The number of troops to be furnished by each
city was then determined, whether the king in case of
being attacked was to be supported by their united force,
or whether war was to be made on any other power under
him as their general. In all these preparations for war it
was not to be doubted that the kingdom of Persia was the
object in view. The sum of the force was two hundred
thousand infantry and fifteen thousand cavalry. Exclusive
of this number there were also the army of Macedonia
and the barbarians of
the adjacent conquered nations.
. . .
As a king he was more inclined to display in war than
in entertainments; and his greatest riches were means for
military operations. He was better at getting wealth than
keeping it, and in consequence was always poor amidst his
daily spoliations. Clemency and perfidy were equally
valued by him; and no road to victory was, in his opinion,
dishonorable. He was equally pleasing and treacherous
in his address, promising more than he could perform.
He was well qualified either for serious conversation or for
jesting. He maintained friendship more with a view to
interest than good faith. It was a common practice with
him to pretend kindness where he hated, and to counterfeit
dislike where he loved; to sow dissensions among
friends, and try to gain favor from both sides. With such a
disposition, his eloquence was very great, his language full
of point and studied effect; so that neither did his facility