HEN he went to
Delphi, to consult Apollo concerning the success of the war he had undertaken,
and happening to come on one of the forbidden days, when it was esteemed
improper to give any answers from the oracle, he sent messengers to desire the
priestess to do her office; and when she refused, on the plea of a law to the
contrary, he went up himself, and began to draw her by force into the temple,
until tired and overcome with his importunity, "My son," said she, "thou art
invincible." Alexander taking hold of what she spoke, declared he had received
such an answer as he wished for, and that it was needless to consult the god
any further. Among other prodigies that attended the departure of his army,
the image of Orpheus at Libethra, made of cypress-wood, was seen to sweat in
great abundance, to the discouragement of many. But Aristander told him, that
far from presaging any ill to him, it signified he should perform acts so
important and glorious as would make the poets and musicians of future ages
labor and sweat to describe and celebrate them.
Plutarch: ALEXANDER
HEN he went to Delphi, to consult Apollo concerning the success of the war he had undertaken, and happening to come on one of the forbidden days, when it was esteemed improper to give any answers from the oracle, he sent messengers to desire the priestess to do her office; and when she refused, on the plea of a law to the contrary, he went up himself, and began to draw her by force into the temple, until tired and overcome with his importunity, "My son," said she, "thou art invincible." Alexander taking hold of what she spoke, declared he had received such an answer as he wished for, and that it was needless to consult the god any further. Among other prodigies that attended the departure of his army, the image of Orpheus at Libethra, made of cypress-wood, was seen to sweat in great abundance, to the discouragement of many. But Aristander told him, that far from presaging any ill to him, it signified he should perform acts so important and glorious as would make the poets and musicians of future ages labor and sweat to describe and celebrate them.
