“When Alexander the Great was about to destroy the city Lampsacus, his old master Anaximenes came out to meet him.
Alexander, suspecting his design, that he would intercede for the city, being determined to destroy it, swore that he would not grant him any thing he should ask.
Then said Anaximenes, “I desire that you will destroy this city.” Alexander respected his oath, and the city was spared. Thus, says Valerius Mancimus, the narrator, (lib. 7:c. iii., No. 4. Extern.,) by this sudden turn of sagacity, this ancient and noble city was preserved from the destruction by which it was threatened.” Adam Clarke