A man is at his youngest when he thinks he is a man, not yet realizing that his actions must show it.

Power is the test. Some, once they have it, are content to buy the show of liking, and punish those who withhold it; then you have a despot. But some keep a true eye for how they seem to others, and care about it, which holds them back from much mischief.

There is nothing like despair to make one throw oneself upon the gods.

At the stair-foot Hephaistion was waiting. He happened to be there, as he happened to have a ball handy if Alexander wanted a game, or water if he was thirsty; not by calculation, but in a constant awareness by which no smallest trifle was missed. Now, when he came down the stairs with a shut mouth and blue lines under his eyes, Hephaistion received some mute signal he understood, and fell into step beside him.

Love is a boaster at heart, who cannot hide the stolen horse without giving a glimpse of the bridle.

I was a king and a king's heir and now I am a slave.

Never destroy without thought your enemy's pretences; they are usually your best weapon against him.