not afraid to admit his mistake, and to try to do better. He was also
very patient and forgiving. On one occasion he heard that a man named
Ni-ca'nor was always speaking ill of him.

He therefore sent for the man, who came in fear and trembling, thinking
that the king would either imprison or slay him. Philip, however,
received him kindly, made him sit at his own table, and let him go only
after giving him many rich gifts. As the king had not found fault with
him in any way, Nicanor was greatly surprised, and vowed that he would
not speak another word against so generous a man.

As soon as Philip had made sure of his authority at home, drilled his
army, and piled up enough gold, he began to carry out his bold plans.
First of all, he wished to subdue a few of his most unruly neighbors,
such as the Thracians and O-lyn'thi-ans.

An archer named As'ter came to him just before he began this war. This
man offered his help to the king, and began to boast how well he could
shoot. Philip, who believed only in spears for fighting, sent the man
away, after saying that he would call for his help when he began to war
against starlings and other birds.

This answer made Aster so angry that he went over to the enemy and
enlisted in their ranks. Philip soon came to besiege the city where
Aster was stationed; and as soon as the archer heard of it, he got an
arrow upon which he wrote, "To Philip's left eye."

Aster then went up on the wall, took careful aim, and actually put out
the king's left eye. Philip was so angry when he heard of the writing on
the arrow, that he ordered another shot into the city. On this arrow was
written, "If Philip takes the city, he will hang Aster."

The city was taken, and the archer hung; for Philip always prided
himself upon keeping promises of this kind. The Olynthians, finding that
they would not be able to resist long, now wrote a letter to the
Athenians, begging them to come to their rescue.

The Athenians read the letter in the public square, so that every one
could hear it, and then began to discuss whether they should send any
help. As was always the case, some were for, and others against, the
plan, and there was much talking. Among the best speakers of the city
was the orator De-mos'the-nes, a very clear-sighted man, who suspected
Philip's designs. He therefore warmly advised the Athenians to do all
they could to oppose the Macedonian king, so as to prevent his ever
getting a foothold in G