kings, being not only free from every kind of impediment, but masters of circumstances and seasons, control all things in subserviency to their designs, themselves uncontrolled by any.  So that Alexander, unconquered, would have encountered unconquered commanders; and would have had stakes of equal consequence pledged on the issue.  Nay, the hazard had been greater on his side; because the Macedonians would have had but one Alexander, who was not only liable, but fond of exposing himself to casualties; the Romans would have had many equal to Alexander, both in renown, and in the greatness of their exploits; any one of whom might live or die according to his destiny, without any material consequence to the public.

19.  It remains that the forces be compared together, with respect to their numbers, the quality of the men, and the supplies of auxiliaries.  Now, in the general surveys of the age, there were rated two hundred and fifty thousand men, so that, on every revolt of the Latin confederates, ten legions were enlisted almost entirely in the city levy.  It often happened during those years, that four or five armies were employed at a time, in Etruria, in Umbria, the Gauls too being at war, in Samnium, in Lucania.  Then as to all Latium, with the Sabines, and Volscians, the Aequans, and all Campania; half of Umbria, Etruria, and the Picentians, Marsians, Pelignians, Vestinians, and Apulians; to whom may add, the whole coast of the lower sea, possessed by the Greeks, from Thurii to Neapolis and Cumae; and the Samnites from thence as far as Antium and Ostia:  all these he would have found either powerful allies to the Romans or deprived of power by their arms.  He would have crossed the sea with his veteran Macedonians, amounting to no more than thirty thousand infantry and four thousand horse, these mostly Thessalians.  This was the whole of his strength.  Had he brought with him Persians and Indians, and those other nations, it would be dragging after him an encumbrance other than a support.  Add to this, that the Romans, being at home, would have had recruits at hand:  Alexander, waging war in a foreign country, would have found his army worn out with long service, as happened afterwards to Hannibal.  As to arms, theirs were a buckler and long spears; those of the Romans, a shield, which covered the body more effectually, and a javelin, a much more forcible weapon than the spear, either in throwing or striking.  The soldiers, on both sides, were used to steady combat, and to preserve their ranks.  But the Macedonian phalanx was unapt for motion, and composed of similar parts throughout:  the Roman line less compact, consisting of several various parts, was easily divided as occasion required, and as easily conjoined.  Then what soldier is comparable to the Roman in the throwing up of works? who better calculated to endure fatigue?  Alexander, if overcome in one battle, would have been overcome in war.  The Roman, whom Claudium, whom Cannae,