Famous Cities IV., V. — Antioch and Alexandria

Third would be Antioch, the home of Phoebus' laurel, if Alexander's settlement were willing to be placed fourth: both hold the same rank. These also doth frenzied ambition drive into rivalry of vices: each is disordered with her mob, and half-crazed with the riots of her frantic populace. This, fertile and secure, vaunts herself because she has the Nile for bulwark and is deep-embayed in her sheltered site; that, because her rival power confronts the faithless Persians.

Ye, too, go forward equal and uphold the Macedonian name. Great Alexander founded thee; while she claims that Seleucus whose birthmark was an anchor, whereof the branded likeness is wont to be the sure token of his race; for through his whole succeeding line this natal sign has run.