The Ten Books on Architecture, 2.0.3

Vitruvius  translated by Joseph Gwilt

« Vitr. 2.0 | Vitr. 2.0 | Vitr. 2.1 | About This Work »

3Alexander, delighted at the proposition, made immediate inquiry if the soil of the neighbourhood were of a quality capable of yielding sufficient produce for such a state. When, however, he found that all its supplies must be furnished by sea, he thus addressed Dinocrates: “I admire the grand outline of your scheme, and am well pleased with it: but I am of opinion he would be much to blame who planted a colony on such a spot. For as an infant is nourished by the milk of its mother, depending thereon for its progress to maturity, so a city depends on the fertility of the country surrounding it for its riches, its strength in population, and not less for its defence against an enemy. Though your plan might be carried into execution, yet I think it impolitic. I nevertheless request your attendance on me, that I may otherwise avail myself of your ingenuity.”

« Vitr. 2.0 | Vitr. 2.0 | Vitr. 2.1 | About This Work »