When Alexander the son of Philip led his forces against Thebes the gods sent them signs and portents presaging their imminent fate; but the Thebans thought Alexander had died in Illyria and they made many rude remarks about him.  The marsh at Onchestus made a continuous frightening noise which seemed like a bull roaring.  The spring called Dirce, running parallel to the Ismenus and the walls themselves, which had always previously had clear water, was suddenly and unexpectedly filled with blood.  The Thebans were sure the gods threatened the Macedonians.  In the city at the temple of Demeter a spider began to cover the face of the cult statue with its handiwork and weave its usual product.  The statue of Athena known as Alalcomeneïs caught fire spontaneously, though no light was set to it; and much else.