THE 
ARCHITECTURE 
O F 
M VITRUVIUS POLLIO. 
BOOK THE SECOND. 
P R 
OE M. 
T the time that Alexander was conquering the world, Dinocrates, the architedt. 
confiding in his knowledge and genius, and being desfirous of obtaining the royal commen- 
dation, left Macedon, and repaired to the army. He carried with him letters from bis 
relations and friends in his own country, to the hobles of the first rank, that he might 
thereby more easily gain acces. Being favourably received, he requested to be immediately 
presented to Alexander; they gave him many promises, but made delays, pretending to wait till 
a proper opportunity should offer. Dinocrates, therefore, supecting that he was derided, soucht 
the remedy from himself. He was very large of stature, had an agreeable countenance, and 
a dignity in his form and deportment. Trusting to these gifts of nature, he clothed himself 
in the habit of an host, anointed his body with oil, etowned his head with boughs of poplar. 
put à lion's skin over his left fhoulder, and holding one of the claws in his right hand, 
approached the tribunal where the king was administring justice. The novelty of the 
appearance attracting the notice of the people, occasioned Alexander allo to see him, who¬ 
wondring at the sight, commanded way to be given, that he might approach. Alexander 
then demanded who he was; Dinocrates replied, I am a Macedonian architect, who comes 
to thee with ideas and designs, worthy of the greatness of thy fame; I have formed a design 
to cut mount Athos into the statue of a man, in whose left hand shall be a large city, and 
in his right, a bason, which shall receive all the rivers of the mountain, and again discharge 
them to the sea. Alexander delighted with the idea, immediately enquired, if the country 
adjacent would produce sufficient food for the sustenance of the inhabitants. When he 
understood that provision must be conveyed thither by sea, he replied; Dinocrates, I discern 
the excellence of thy design, and am pleased with it; but I consider, that whoever should 
establish a colony in such a place, would hereafter be justly blamed; for, as a new born 
(1*) This architect is called by Pliny, B. g. S. 11. Dinochares; and by Plutarch, in the Life of Alexander, Stastrates; by 
some Chinocrates; and by others, Chironocrates