2.2
But Alexander, knowing well in what matters he should be merely a spectator and listener, and in what he should play the chief role, trained himself always to be formidable in arms, and. in the words of Aeschylus, Cf. 317 e, supra, and the note. Sturdy contender in arms, baleful to all that oppose. This art he inherited from his ancestors, the Aeacidae, and from Heracles Cf.Life of Alexander, chap. ii. (665 b).; but upon the other arts he freely bestowed honour without jealousy according to their worth and artistic excellence; but he was not so easily carried away by the pleasure they give him as to try to imitate them. The tragic actors of his time were the group that centred about Thettalus and Athenodorus. Ibid. chap. xxix. (681 d). At the contest of these two, the kings of Cyprus defrayed the expenses of the performance and Alexander’s most celebrated generals served as judges. When Athenodorus won, I would rather, said Alexander, have lost half my kingdom than see Thettalus defeated. However, he did not intercede with the judges nor find fault with the judgement, since he felt that, while he must be superior to all men, yet he must submit to Justice.
2.2
The comic actors of his time were the group that centred about Lycon of Scarpheia. Ibid. chap. xxix. (681 d). When Lycon inserted in one of his comedies a begging verse, Alexander laughed and gave him ten talents.
