THE GIANT EMPEROR

 

THE GIANT EMPEROR 

GIANTS so imposing in story, are in real life for the most part, rather disappointing persons. Even in fiction their intellect by no means corresponds with their stature, the renowned 'Jack.' not appearing to have found much difficulty in getting the better of his huge antagonists. It is likely that the famous Giant Regiment of Frederick William of Prussia were rather a weak-kneed and shambling set, who could not have withstood the charge of a well-drilled regiment of ordinary grenadiers. There have, however, been some exceptions to this rule, and the most notable was the Roman Emperor Maximinus the First. This giant was a native of Thrace, and was eight feet and one -third in height, so that his stature was little short of that of the mighty Goliath himself. He was of fair complexion, and the size of his eyes gave a terrible look to his face; and so large in all his proportions, that his wife's bracelet served him for a thumb-ring. 
The Emperoreror Septimius Severus returning from the East, halted in Thrace to celebrate military games. His attention was attracted by a young barbarian  of lofty stature, who overthrew sixteen of the strongest wrestlers in the army! This was Maximinus the giant. A golden collar and enrolment in the Emperor's body-guard was the reward of his prowess. His valour equalled his strength, and he advanced from one station to another till, in the reign of Alexander Severus, he was appointed 'general of all the armies.' He was the idol of the soldiers, who called him 'Hercules' and despised the quiet virtues of Severus. They said one to another, W ho more fit to be an emperor than one, who rose like a tower above the ordinary mortals,- one who could draw a loaded waggon, break a horse's leg with his fist, and tear up trees by the roots. Yes, he should be emperor . So they murdered the good Severus and elected Maximinus in his stead in AD 235. 

 But they soon found that something more needed in a ruler of men than brute force. So as the wife of Maximinus lived, she tempered ferocity of her husband with a woman's gentleness; but after her death his savage nature burst through all his restraint. Thousands of innocent people put to horrid deaths on mere suspicion; and even his own soldiers were condemned to frightful tortures trifling breaches of discipline, and they found they had crowned a monster, as well as a giant! They must deliver themselves from this misery and fear, but who dare attack the dreadful tyrant?

One day, overcome by the noontide heat, and accompanied only by his son, the emperor slumbered within his tent. A band of Prætorian guards seized the opportunity, and rushing in slew him with their long spears while the terrible eyes were shut.

 A.R.

References:

Chatterbox 1877  

THE STORY OF A FAMOUS HORSE

 

THE STORY OF A FAMOUS HORSE - BUCEPHALUS- THE HORSE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT

ONE day there came to the court of Philip, king of Macedonia, a horsedealer with a wonderful horse to sell. Never before had there been seen such a horse. He was white as milk, all over, except that on his forehead there was a black mark in shape of a bull's head. Hence he was called Greek 'Bucephalus,' which would be 'Bull-head' in English. The knowing horsedealer, whilst vaunting the good qualities of the horse, said nothing some little ways that he had with him. So, when one young nobleman mounted him to try his paces, 'Bull-head' shied violently, sprang aside, and threw his rider! It was no easy matter in those days to keep your seat on an unruly horse, for stirrups were not yet invented, and there was no saddle, only 'pad.' covered with a cloth, and soon there were so many young gentlemen with broken ribs and collarbones, that no one would venture to mount an animal that seemed so vicious. 

All this time the king's son, the young Prince Alexander, had been watching Bull-head's proceedings, and he thought that he had discovered the reason of his behaviour. So gaining his father's permission to try his hand, he mounted the horse, and turning his head towards the sun, he went off at an easy gallop. It seemed like magic! And when the prince quietly dismounted, his father was so delighted with his skill and courage, that embracing him he exclaimed, 'Go, my son, and conquer a kingdom for thyself; Macedonia is too small for thee !'

At this time Alexander was chiefly remarkable among other brave young gentlemen of his age, for an ardent thirst for knowledge, and reverence for his tutor Aristotle. He had not yet achieved his title of 'the Great,' but being gifted with keen powers of Observation, he had found out that poor 'Bull-head' was simply frightened of his own shadow; like many a more rational being. frightened of a thing merely because he did not understand it!The poor animal took his shadow for some dark enemy who was to gain an unfair advantage over him by attacking him in flank; and when he was turned towards the sun, so that the shadow fell behind him, and he no longer saw his supposed adversary, he became as manageable as other high-spirited horses. From this time he became a great favourite with Alexander; and when that prince set out on his career of conquest, he made Bucephalus his war-horse, and rode him through all his campaigns. He was so attached to him. that when the brave steed fell in a battle with the Indians, Alexander buried him on the banks of the Hydaspes, and built a city in his honour, and called it 'Bucephalia'.

 A.R. 

References:

Chatterbox 1877