It were needless to speak of treasure, horses, elephants, engines of battery, and the like: of all which the Macedonian had abundance; the Roman having nought, save men and arms.
As for sea forces. He that shall consider after what sort the Romans in their first Punic war, were trained in the rudiments of navigation—sitting upon the shore, and beating the sand with poles, to practise the stroke of the oar; as not daring to launch their ill-built vessels into the sea— will easily conceive how far too weak they would have proved in such services.
Now for helpers in war: I do not see why all Greece and Macedon—being absolutely commanded by ALEXANDER— might not well deserve to be laid in balance against those parts of Italy, which the Romans held in ill-assured subjection.
To omit therefore all benefit that the Eastern World— more wealthy indeed, than valiant—could have afforded unto the Macedonian: let us conjecture how the States of Sicily and Carthage—nearest neighbours to such a quarrel, had it happened—would have stood affected.
The Sicilians were for the most part Grecians; neither is it to be doubted that they would readily have submitted themselves unto him that ruled all Greece besides them. In what terms they commonly stood; and how ill they were able to defend themselves, it shall appear anon. Sure it is, that ALEXANDER coming into those parts, would have brought excessive joy to them; that were fain to get the help of PYRRHUS, by offering to become his subjects.
As for the Carthaginians. If AGATHOCLES, the Tyrant of Syracuse—hated of his people, and ill able to defend his own besieged city—could, by adventuring to sail into Africa, put their dominion; yea, and Carthage itself, in extreme hazard: shall we think that they would have been able to withstand ALEXANDER? But why do I question their ability; seeing that they sent ambassadors with their submission, as far as Babylon; ere the war drew near them?
Wherefore it is manifest that the Romans must (without other succour than, perhaps, of some other few Italian friends—of which yet there were none that forsook them not at some time; both before, and after this) have opposed their valour and good military discipline against the power of all countries to them known: if they would have made resistance.
