By: Tom Zart

ALEXANDER THE GREATKing Philip his father engaged a new teacherWhen Alexander turned thirteen.Aristotle the greatest mind of his timeGave Alexander his taste for the unforeseen.Alexander dreamed of a one world empireHeld together by one king and tradition.After his father was murdered by rivalsHe ruled in his place with conviction.Philip’s death caused conquered kingdoms to rebelAnd for next two years Alexander forced them to concede.The huge Persian Empire of King Darius IIIPosed the greatest threat to Greeks and their creed.The Persian cavalry numbered over forty thousandPlus one million foot soldiers with weapons and shield.Alexander’s troops numbered thirty thousand on the groundAlong side five thousand horsemen who dominated the field.Alexander practiced many new methods of warOne of his most effective was called the siege train.Several high towers would be rolled up to city walls on wheelsFrom which defenders were overwhelmed and slain.He developed mechanical machines of deathCatapults, which hurled fifty pound stones.Large arrows and burning balls of fireSmashing walls, buildings and bones.Soon Alexander fulfilled his prophecySitting on the golden throne of Persian kings.Possessing great treasures from conquered landsThough his greatest need was conquest not things.Alexander, king of Asia, would not be satisfiedHis ambition and ego denied him rest.He decided to march his armies to IndiaPutting the Rajahs armies and elephants to test.The huge beasts, which were unknown in EuropeFrightened Alexander’s men at the start.In spite of their fear disciplined prevailedAs Greek spears tore holes in their heart.Exhausted by years of hardship and battle.His men refused to go on and Alexander gave in.Disease, thirst, and hunger were their constant companionsFrom the time they left Greece till they were home again.Alexander was physically and emotionally sickTo the point of becoming critically ill.He died in Babylon at thirty-twoKing of prophecies he pledged to fulfill.DAVID AND GOLIATHDavid, the shepherd, a tender of sheep, Would pray to his God before he would sleep.One day he awoke to the roar of beasts;A bear and a lion in search of a feast.David slew both with his knife and his hand,Though still just a boy and not yet a man.The Lord's love for David was proven once again,When he challenged the champion of the Philistine men.Goliath’s beastly fingers and hideous toes,Made David more selective with the stones that he chose.One for the giant, he knew he would slay,Four more for his brothers who were laughing that day.The giant told David, "I'll tear you apart;The birds and the animals shall feast on your heart."David yelled back, "I’ll soon see you dead,And when I’m through I’ll cut off your head!"The worst of all men, drew high with his arm,Came forth to David to do him great harm.The youth jumped ahead just as quick as a lynx;  A stone from his sling popped the giant where he thinks.Blood and bone spewed forth as that devil fell down; A thousand pound soldier lie dead on the ground.With Goliath’s own sword, David chopped off his head, Then took it to Jerusalem, to prove that he was dead.By Tom ZartSoldier For The Lord

ALEXANDER THE GREAT & DAVID AND GOLIATH
zart08@netzero.net