OON after, the
Greeks, being assembled at the Isthmus, declared their resolution of joining
with Alexander in the war against the Persians, and proclaimed him their
general. While he stayed here, many public ministers and philosophers came
from all parts to visit him, and congratulated him on his election, but
contrary to his expectation, Diogenes of Sinope, who then was living at
Corinth, thought so little of him, that instead of coming to compliment him,
he never so much as stirred out of the suburb called the Cranium, where
Alexander found him lying along in the sun. When he saw so much company near
him, he raised himself a little, and vouchsafed to look upon Alexander; and
when he kindly asked him whether he wanted anything, "Yes," said he, "I would
have you stand from between me and the sun." Alexander was so struck at this
answer, and surprised at the greatness of the man, who had taken so little
notice of him, that as he went away, he told his followers who were laughing
at the moroseness of the philosopher, that if he were not Alexander, he would
choose to be Diogenes.
Plutarch: ALEXANDER
OON after, the Greeks, being assembled at the Isthmus, declared their resolution of joining with Alexander in the war against the Persians, and proclaimed him their general. While he stayed here, many public ministers and philosophers came from all parts to visit him, and congratulated him on his election, but contrary to his expectation, Diogenes of Sinope, who then was living at Corinth, thought so little of him, that instead of coming to compliment him, he never so much as stirred out of the suburb called the Cranium, where Alexander found him lying along in the sun. When he saw so much company near him, he raised himself a little, and vouchsafed to look upon Alexander; and when he kindly asked him whether he wanted anything, "Yes," said he, "I would have you stand from between me and the sun." Alexander was so struck at this answer, and surprised at the greatness of the man, who had taken so little notice of him, that as he went away, he told his followers who were laughing at the moroseness of the philosopher, that if he were not Alexander, he would choose to be Diogenes.
