Chapter CXXXI

Read a work _On Alexander_ by Amyntianus, dedicated to the emperor Marcus.[621] The author claims to describe the deeds of Alexander in a befitting manner, but the course of his narrative proves him to be too ready and audacious in his promises, but backward and timid in performance. For he is far inferior to those who have previously written of Alexander, and his style, although clear, is characterized by lack of vigour and energy, and much that is of the greatest importance is omitted.

Amongst other works Amyntianus also wrote parallel lives of Dionysius and Domitian, and of Philip of Macedon and Augustus, both in two books. A life of Olympias, the mother of Alexander, is also attributed to him.

CXXXII-CXXXV

Read various _Declamations_ by Palladius[622] the sophist, Aphthonius,[623] Eusebius[624] the sophist, and Maximus the sophist of Alexandria. Palladius is far superior to the others in excellence of style.