Alexander was wont to say, "Were I not Alexander, I would be Diogenes." -

Related:

• When Alexander asked Diogenes whether he wanted anything,
  "Yes," said he, "I would have you stand from between...
• When Darius offered him ten thousand talents, and to divide Asia equally with him,
  "I would accept it," said Parmenio, "were I Alexander...
• Alexander said, "I assure you I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent,
  than in the extent of my power and dominion." -- Plutarch...
• When he was wounded with an arrow in the ankle, and many ran to him that were wont to call him a god,
  he said smiling, "That is blood, as you see, and not...
• Whenever Alexander heard Philip had taken any town of importance,
  or won any signal victory, instead of rejoicing at...
• The most glorious exploits do not always furnish us with the clearest discoveries of virtue or vice in men.
  Plutarch (46-120 AD) -- Life of...
• Odious! in woollen! 't would a saint provoke," Were the last words that poor Narcissa spoke.
  Alexander Pope (1688-1744) -- Moral Essays, Epistle...
• Being nimble and light-footed, his father encouraged him to run in the Olympic race.
  "Yes," said he, "if there were any kings there to run...
• Then he will talk--good gods! how he will talk! --
  Nathaniel Lee (1655-1692) -- Alexander the Great,...