THE 
ARCHITECTURE 
MARCUS VITRUVIUS POLLIO. 
BOOK THE SECOND. 
INTRODUCTION. 
DINOCRATES the architect, relying on the powers of his 
skill and ingenuity, whilst Alexander was in the midst of 
his conquests, set out from Macedonia to the army, de¬ 
sirous of gaining the commendation of his sovereign. 
That his introduction to the royal presence might be fa¬ 
cilitated, he obtained letters from his countrymen and 
relations to men of the first rank and nobility about the 
king's person ; by whom being kindly received, he be¬ 
sought them to take the earliest opportunity of accom¬ 
plishing his wish. They promised fairly, but were slow 
in performing; waiting, as they alleged, for a proper 
occasion. Thinking, however, they deferred this without 
just grounds, he took his own course for the object he 
had in view. He was, I should state, a man of tall 
stature, pleasing countenance, and altogether of dignified 
appearance. Trusting to the gifts with which nature 
had thus endowed him, he put off his ordinary clothing. 
and having anointed himself with oil, crowned his head 
with a wreath of poplar, slung a lion's skin across his 
left shoulder, and carrying a large club in his right hand, 
he sallied forth to the royal tribunal, at a period when