Alexander
visits Troy , Plutarch
With such vigorous resolutions, and his mind thus disposed, he passed
the Hellespont, and at Troy sacrificed to Minerva, and honoured the memory
of the heroes who were buried there, with solemn libations; especially
Achilles, whose gravestone he anointed, and with his friends, as the ancient
custom is, ran naked about his sepulchre, and crowned it with garlands,
declaring how happy he esteemed him, in having while he lived so faithful
a friend, and when he was dead, so famous a poet to proclaim his actions.
While he was viewing the rest of the antiquities and curiosities of the
place, being told he might see Paris's harp, if he pleased, he said he
thought it not worth looking on, but he should be glad to see that of Achilles,
to which he used to sing the glories and great actions of brave men.
Cicero reports that Alexander the Great,
while standing at Achilles tomb said:
O fortunate youth, to have found Homer as the herald of your glory!
Cicero, Pro Archia 24
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