§1.1Eumenes Cardianus.
Eumenes of Cardia.
huius si virtuti par data esset fortuna, non ille quidem maior exsitisset, quod magnos homines virtute metimur, non fortuna, sed multo illustrior atque etiam honoratior.
If a fortune equal to his virtue had been granted to him, he would indeed not have turned out greater—for we measure great men by virtue, not by fortune—but much more illustrious and even more honored.
§1.2nam cum aetas eius incidisset in ea tempora, quibus Macedones florerent, multum ei detraxit inter eos viventi, quod alienae erat civitatis, neque aliud huic defuit quam generosa stirps.
For since his lifetime had fallen into those times when the Macedonians were flourishing, it detracted much from him living among them that he was of a foreign state, nor did he lack anything else than a noble descent.
§1.3etsi enim domestico summo genere erat, tamen Macedones eum sibi aliquando anteponi indigne ferebant, neque tamen non patiebantur: vincebat enim omnes cura, vigilantia, patientia, calliditate et celeritate ingenii.
For although he was of the highest class in his home country, yet the Macedonians bore it with indignation that he was sometimes preferred to them, and yet they did tolerate it; for he surpassed everyone in care, vigilance, patience, craftiness, and quickness of mind.
§1.4Hic peradulescentulus ad amicitiam accessit Philippi, Amyntae filii, brevique tempore in intimam pervenit familiaritatem: fulgebat enim iam in adulescentulo indoles virtutis.
This man, as a very young man, attained the friendship of Philip, the son of Amyntas, and in a short time arrived at intimate familiarity; for the natural quality of virtue was already shining in the youth.
§1.5itaque eum habuit ad manum scribae loco, quod multo apud Graios honorificentius est quam apud Romanos.
Therefore he kept him close at hand in the post of secretary, which is much more honorable among the Greeks than among the Romans.
namque apud nos, re vera sicut sunt, mercennarii scribae existimantur; at apud illos e contrario nemo ad id officium admittitur nisi honesto loco, et fide et industria cognita, quod necesse est omnium consiliorum eum esse participem.
For among us, as they really are, mercenary scribes are regarded; but among them, on the contrary, no one is admitted to that office unless of an honorable origin, and of proven fidelity and industry, because it is necessary that he be a partner in all counsels.
§1.6hunc locum tenuit amicitiae apud Philippum annos septem.
He held this post of friendship under Philip for seven years.
illo interfecto eodem gradu fuit apud Alexandrum annos tredecim.
When he was killed, he was in the same rank under Alexander for thirteen years.
novissimo tempore praefuit etiam alterae equitum alae, quae Hetaerice appellabatur.
In his final period, he also commanded the other wing of the cavalry, which was called 'Hetaerice'.
utrique autem in consilio semper affuit et omnium rerum habitus est particeps.
Moreover, he was always present at the council of both, and was regarded as a partner in all matters.