Diogenes
, Plutarch
Soon after, the Grecians, 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.
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