Historiae Alexandri Magni 9.6.11

9.6.11

Tuo vero capite ignobilem vicum emi, quis ferat non tuorum modo militum, sed ullius gentis barbarae civis, qui tuam magnitudinem novit?

" No doubt while you were still contending with Darius for the sovereignty of Persia, one could not even think it strange (though no one wished it) that you were ever ready and eager to rush boldly into danger, for where the risk and the reward are fairly balanced, the gain is not only more ample in case of success, but the solace is greater in case of defeat. But that your very life should be paid as the price of an obscure village, which of your soldiers, nay, what inhabitant of any barbarous country that has heard of your greatness can tolerate such an idea? My soul is struck with horror when I think of the scene which was lately presented to our eyes.