The Pictures of the nine Worthies are not unquestionable, and to critical spectators may seem to contain sundry improprieties. Some will enquire why _Alexander_ the Great is described upon an Elephant: for, we do not find he used that animal in his armies, much less in his own person; but his horse is famous in History, and its name alive to this day. Beside, he fought but one remarkable battel, wherein there were any Elephants, and that was with _Porus_ King of _India_; in which notwithstanding, as _Curtius_, _Arrianus_, and _Plutarch_ report, he was on Horseback himself. And if because he fought against Elephants, he is with propriety set upon their backs; with no less or greater reason is the same description agreeable unto _Judas Maccabeus_, as may be observed from the history of the _Maccabees_; and also unto _Julius Cæsar_, whose triumph was honoured with captive Elephants, as may be observed in the order thereof, set forth by _Jacobus Laurus_[SN: In splendere urbis Antiquæ.]. And if also we should admit this description upon an Elephant, yet were not the manner thereof unquestionable, that is, in his ruling the beast alone; for beside the Champion upon their back, there was also a guide or ruler, which sat more forward to command or guide the beast. Thus did King _Porus_ ride when he was overthrown by _Alexander_; and thus are also the towred Elephants described, _Maccab._ 2. 6. Upon the beasts there were strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them by devices: there were also upon every one of them thirty two strong men, beside the _Indian_ that ruled them.
Others will demand, not only why _Alexander_ upon an Elephant, but _Hector_ upon an Horse: whereas his manner of fighting, or presenting himself in battel, was in a Chariot, as did the other noble _Trojans_, who as _Pliny_ affirmeth were the first inventers thereof. The same way of fight is testified by _Diodorus_, and thus delivered by Sir _Walter Rawleigh_. Of the vulgar little reckoning was made, for they fought all on foot, slightly armed, and commonly followed the success of their Captains; who rode not upon horses, but in Chariots drawn by two or three Horses. And this was also the ancient way of fight among the _Britains_, as is delivered by _Diodorus_, _Cæsar_, and _Tacitus_; and there want not some who have taken advantage hereof, and made it one argument of their original from _Troy_.