Leo of Naples: HISTORIA DE PRELIIS ALEXANDRI MAGNI

1. Exiit Alexander inde et venit in locum, qui dicitur Platea, in civitate Athena et introivit in templum Dian[a]e. Erat ibi prophetissa, qu[a]e faciebat sacerdotalem vestem, introivitque ad eam Alexander. Cui prophetissa: 'Bene venisti, Alexander, quia tu debes subiugare omnes civitates.' Hec dicendo donavit ei plurima dona auri. Post aliquot dies Strasagoras, princeps Plateae civitatis, ingressus est et ipse templum, in qua erat prophetissa; dixitque ad eum: 'Quid habes?

1. Alexander went out from there and came to a place which is called Platea, in the city of Athens, and he entered the temple of Diana. There was there a prophetess who was making a sacerdotal vestment, and Alexander went in to her. To whom the prophetess: 'You have come well, Alexander, for you ought to subjugate all cities.' Saying this, she bestowed on him very many gifts of gold. After some days Strasagoras, the prince of the city of Platea, also entered the temple in which the prophetess was; and she said to him: 'What do you have?

Scias, quia principatum tuum tolletur a te.' Ille autem non credendo talia dixit: 'Non eris tu digna tenere prophetiss[a]e locum. Alexander ingressus ad te; laudasti et prophetizasti illi bene. Mihi autem prophetizasti male, ut perderem principatum meum.' Cui prophetissa: 'Noli irasci in hoc, quia sic debet fieri.' Post paululum eiecit Alexander Strasagoram ex principatu suo.

“Know that your principate will be taken from you.” But he, not believing such things, said: “You will not be worthy to hold the place of a prophetess. Alexander came in to you; you praised him and prophesied well to him. To me, however, you prophesied ill, that I should lose my principate.” The prophetess to him: “Do not be angry at this, for thus it ought to be done.” After a little while, Alexander cast Strasagoras out from his principate.

Inter haec autem venit Strasagoras cum Alexandro in Athenam et intravit Strasagoras in ipsam civitatem et recitavit illis hominibus, qualiter eum Alexander eiecit de principatu suo. Irati sunt Athenienses et iniuriaverunt Alexandrum. Ubi hoc audivit Alexander, scripsit epistolam et direxit Atheniensibus continentem ita: 'Rex Alexander Atheniensibus hoc dico.

Meanwhile Strasagoras came with Alexander into Athens, and Strasagoras entered the city itself and recited to those men how Alexander cast him out from his principate. The Athenians were angry and insulted Alexander. When Alexander heard this, he wrote an epistle and sent it to the Athenians, containing thus: 'King Alexander to the Athenians: this I say.

Postquam mortuus est pater meus et sedi in throno eius, descendi in occidentis partibus. Plurim[a]e civitates subiugat[a]e sunt mihi; ali[a]e per epistolas subiugat[a]e sunt mihi; receperunt bene et honorem a nobis et secuti sunt me quidam ex eis in proelium; nolentes itaque alii venire ad me in pace, pugnavi eos et dissipavi. Iterum quomodo veni modo a Macedonia per Europam, restitit mihi Theba civitas; apprehendi et dissipavi illam pro stultitia illorum.

After my father died and I sat upon his throne, I descended into the western parts. Very many cities were subjugated to me; others were subjugated to me by epistles; they received us well and obtained honor from us, and some of them followed me into battle; but since others were unwilling to come to me in peace, I fought them and scattered them. Again, when I lately came from Macedonia through Europe, the city of Thebes resisted me; I apprehended and devastated it on account of their folly.

Nunc autem veni Athenam; dico vobis Atheniensibus et hoc promitto, quia nihil aliud opto a vobis, nisi ut militetis sum meo imperio et me habeatis seniorem. Et si non vultis, estote forciores meis; sin autem, subiugamini mihi forciori vestro.'

Now, however, I have come to Athens; I say to you Athenians and I promise this, that I desire nothing else from you, except that you do military service under my command and hold me as your seignior. And if you do not wish it, be stronger than my men; but if not, be subjugated to me, your stronger.'

3. Legentes autem Atheniensibus epistolam rogaverunt Demostenem philosophum, ut daret eis consilium. Ille autem eri[g]ens se annuit manu, imperavit populis silentium et dixit: 'Viri cives mei, commune consilium dabo vobis. Quod si scitis vos tales esse, ut vincatis regem Alexandrum, pugnate cum eo; sin autem, flectamus nos sub potestate manuum eius.

3. But when the letter was being read to the Athenians, they asked Demosthenes the philosopher to give them counsel. But he, eri[g]ens himself, nodded assent with his hand, commanded the people to be silent, and said: 'Men, my fellow-citizens, I will give you a common counsel. If you know yourselves to be such as to conquer King Alexander, fight with him; but if not, let us bend under the power of his hands.'

Audite similitudinem: scimus regem Xerxen fortissimum atque magnum esse, et cum milititus suis multas fecit victorias, sed sutinuit perditionem. Hic Alexander ecce iam tredecim pugnas exercuit et vicit eas, etiam plurimae civitates, in quibus abiit, sine pugna et sine aliqua altercatione subiugatae sunt ei. Dicite mihi: Tirii non erant fortissimi milites et periti in omnem artem pugnandi? Quod actum est ex illis?

Listen to the similitude: we know King Xerxes to be most brave and great, and with his soldiers he achieved many victories, yet he endured ruin. This Alexander, behold, has already waged thirteen battles and has won them; also very many cities into which he went were subjugated to him without battle and without any altercation. Tell me: were not the Tyrians the very bravest soldiers and skilled in every art of fighting? What became of them?

Thebei sine virtute erant, qui, ex quo erecta est ipsa civitas, ars pugnandi erat in eis? Quid iterum factum est ex illis? Poliponienses (Corinthii) quantum pugnaverunt cum Alexandro?

The Thebans—were they without virtue, they in whom, from the time the city itself was erected, the art of fighting was in them? What, again, became of them? How much did the Peloponnesians (the Corinthians) fight with Alexander?

Scitis iterum, quid factum est ex illis. Pro Strasagora irati estis, quem eiecit de principatu suo? Culpa illius fuit.'

You know again what became of them. For Strasagoras you are angry, whom he ejected from his principate? The fault was his.'

4. Ubi hoc consilium dedit Demostenen, cuncti laudaverunt eum et loqui coeperunt inter se. Iterum Demostenen imperavit silentium dicens: 'Quis rex ingressus est Egyptum pugnare cum Egyptiis nisi solus Alexander? Et istud, quod fecit, non pugnando, sed dii adiuverunt eum querendo divinitatem et adiutorium ab illis. Abiit itaque et subiugavit atque potestate sua redegit Egyptios.

4. When Demosthenes gave this counsel, all praised him and began to speak among themselves. Again Demosthenes commanded silence, saying: “What king entered Egypt to fight with the Egyptians except Alexander alone? And this deed which he accomplished was not by fighting; rather, the gods helped him, as he was seeking divinity and assistance from them. And so he went and subjugated the Egyptians and reduced them to his power.

Quin etiam nomini suo magnam civitatem ibidem fabricavit, quin immo etiam et ipsi Egyptii rogaverunt eum, ut irent super Persidam in adiutorium eius. Dicite mihi: Syri parvi fuerunt? Nam et illi humiliati sunt atque datum dederunt illi.

Nay even, he constructed there a great city to his own name; nay rather, even the Egyptians themselves asked him to go against Persia to his aid. Tell me: were the Syrians small? For they too were humbled and gave tribute to him.

Et vos vultis pugnare cum eo? Sic nos monendo et tanta data dando militibus nostris tale meritum recipiet a nobis?'

And you want to fight with him? Thus, by admonishing us and by giving such gifts to our soldiers, will he receive such a reward from us?'

5. Hoc dicendo Demostenen acquievit cunctus populus et statuerunt dirigere illi victorialem coronam pensante[m] libras quinquaginta, sed et apochrisarios, promittens illi dare dacionem pariter et dona; rethorici vero nullomodo mandaverunt ei. Abeuntes vero apocrisarii in Plateas offerendo haec dona regi; legendo ipsam epistolam intellexit consilium Eschillis, qui dixit, ut insurgerent adversus eum, et Demostenes dixit, ut obedierent ei.

5. By saying this, the whole people acquiesced to Demosthenes and they resolved to send him a victory crown weighing fifty pounds, and also apocrisiaries, promising to give him a dation likewise and gifts; but the rhetoricians in no way gave him a mandate. The apocrisiaries, going off to Plataea to offer these gifts to the king; upon reading the letter itself he understood the counsel of Aeschylus, who said that they should insurge against him, and Demosthenes said that they should obey him.

Sed tamen scripsit epistolam Atheniensibus tali modo: 'Alexander, filius Filippi atque Olimpiadis. Quousque sub potenti manu Grecorum humiliem cunctos barbaros, nullomodo assumam nomen regis. Ego itaque direxi vobis, ut mandaretis mihi decem rethoricos, non quod aliquam iniuriam sustineant a me, sed ut salutem et honorem illos sicut ma[g]istros.

But nevertheless he wrote an epistle to the Athenians in this manner: 'Alexander, son of Philip and Olympias. So long as, under the potent hand of the Greeks, I humble all the barbarians, I will in no way assume the name of king. I therefore have directed to you that you should send me ten rhetoricians, not because they would sustain any injury from me, but that I may accord to them safety and honor as masters.'

Credite mihi, quia non cogitavi introire vestram civitatem cum militibus meis, sed tantum cum principibus meis atque rethoricos vestros, ut liberarem vos ex omni suspectione. Et vos contrarium cogitastis de me manifestando indignationem vestram. Tamen Corinthi coeperunt pugnare, sed dignum meritum receperunt a me. Et vos habendo malam conscientiam culpastis mihi.

Believe me, for I did not think to enter your city with my soldiers, but only with my princes and your rhetoricians, so that I might free you from all suspicion. And you thought the contrary of me, manifesting your indignation. Nevertheless, at Corinth they began to fight, but they received from me the deserved recompense. And you, having a bad conscience, laid blame upon me.

Adhuc non credidistis, quod, si quislibet ex vobis erexisset se et voluisset fieri imperator inter vos, malum non reddideram illi, si bene ei promisissem. Audite, Athenienses, de ipsis gloriosissimis rethoricis, quos habetis: Non scio ego, quomodo in carcere habetis Euclidi, quia dedit vobis bonum consilium. Ypostheni persecuti estis, quia dedit vobis consilium salvationis.

You have not yet believed that, if anyone of you had raised himself up and had wished to become emperor among you, I would not have repaid him with evil, if I had promised him well. Hear, Athenians, about those most glorious rhetoricians whom you have: I do not know how you have Euclid in prison, because he gave you good counsel. Yposthenes you have persecuted, because he gave you counsel of salvation.

Socratem interfecistis, qui fuit ductor vester. Et quomodo reprehenditis Alexandrum, quia abstraxi Strasagoram de principatu suo, qui mihi culpavit? At tamen totum hoc finiatur.

You killed Socrates, who was your leader. And how do you reprehend Alexander, because I removed Strasagoras from his principate, he who blamed me? But nevertheless let all this be brought to an end.

Promitto vobis, quia dedit vobis consilium Demostenes de salvatione vestra, et vos fecistis illud. Amodo confortamini et salvi estote nullam contrarietatem sustinentes a me.'

I promise you, because Demosthenes gave you counsel concerning your salvation, and you did it. From now on take courage and be safe, enduring no contrariety from me.'

6. Inde accepta militia sua perrexit Lacedemonam. Consiliati sunt inter se Lacedemonii: recipiemus eum an non? Alii dixerunt atque statuerunt, ut nullomodo reciperent eum, dicentes, quia: 'nos similes sums inbecillis Atheniensibus?

6. Thence, his military service accepted, he proceeded to Lacedaemon. The Lacedaemonians took counsel among themselves: shall we receive him or not? Some said and decreed that they should in no way receive him, saying: ‘are we like the feeble Athenians?’

Ostendamus virtutem nostram Alexandro, quia non sumus similis Atheniensibus, qui dubitaverunt cum eo inire pugnam.' Clauserunt portas et ascenderunt naves et praepareverunt se ei ad pugnam exeuntes obviam ei ad litus maris, quia plus erant cogniti classico bello quam terreno.

'Let us show our valor to Alexander, for we are not like the Athenians, who hesitated to enter battle with him.' They closed the gates and boarded the ships and prepared themselves for him for battle, going out to meet him at the sea-shore, because they were better known in naval war than in land war.

Ubi vidit hoc Alexander, direxit illis epistolam talia dicendo: 'Do vobis consilium, ut custodiatis fidem, quam accepistis ab antecessoribus parentibus vestris. Si per forititudinem desideratis gaudere, tunc ostendatur fortitudo vestra, quando digni (non) estis a me bene recipere. Nunc autem nolite ostendere gloriam vestram, ne forte reprehensionem ex vobis ipsis acquiratis, cum vicerit vos Alexander.

When Alexander saw this, he sent them a letter saying such things: 'I give you counsel, that you keep the faith which you received from your ancestors, your parents. If you desire to exult through fortitude, then let your fortitude be shown when you are (not) worthy to be well received by me. Now, however, do not display your glory, lest perhaps you acquire reproach from your own selves, when Alexander has conquered you.'

Pro quo rogo vos, ut exeatis de ipsa navidia vestra per vestram voluntatem, ante quam focus turpiter eiciat vos exinde.'

For which cause I ask you to go out from your very ships of your own will, before the fire disgracefully ejects you from there.'

Cum autem legissent illi hance epistolam, noluerunt acquiescere verbis illius, set preparaverunt se ad pugnam; impetumque fecit super eos Alexander cum suis militibus. Alii vero vulnerati cadebant per murum; illi vero, qui in navibus sedebant, devoravit eos ignis, quem fecit super eos inmittere; qui vero superfuerunt, venerunt ad pedes Alexandri deprecando misericordiam illius, ut non eos captivaret. Quibus dixit: 'Veni mansuetus; noluistis me recipere.

But when they had read this letter, they were unwilling to acquiesce to his words, but prepared themselves for battle; and Alexander made an onslaught upon them with his soldiers. Others, wounded, were falling over the wall; but those who were sitting in the ships, fire devoured them, which he caused to be sent upon them; but those who survived came to Alexander’s feet, imploring his mercy that he might not take them captive. To whom he said: 'I came gentle; you were unwilling to receive me.'

Cum autem concrematae fuerunt naves vestrae, postulastis misericordiam. Tamen non reprehendo vos in hoc, quia proinde fecistis impetum super me sperando vos facere mihi, quem ad modum Xerxen fecistis; set non potuistis sustinere impetum armatorum Alexandri.' Hoc dicendo castra metatus est et fecit diis offercionem. Lacedemoniis vero et civitati illorum donavit libertatem.

"Now when your ships had been burned up, you asked for mercy. Yet I do not blame you in this, because accordingly you made an assault upon me, hoping to do to me just as you did to Xerxes; but you were not able to withstand the assault of Alexander’s armed men.' Saying this, he pitched camp and made an offering to the gods. Moreover, to the Lacedaemonians and their city he granted liberty.

Deinde ingressus est per partes Ciliciae in terram barbarorum.

Then he entered through the parts of Cilicia into the land of the barbarians.

7. Darius itaque congregavit principes et sapientes suos et contulit cum eis, quid debuisset facere, et dicebat: 'Ut video, iste, qui sic pugnando vadit, adiungitur in virtute et victoria sua. Ego enim sperabam illum ess latrunculum, ut iret sicut latro depredando. Ille autem sicut rex pugnat et humiliat et, quantum nos exaltari volumus super eum, tanto amplius exaltatur nomen illius.

7. Darius therefore congregated his princes and his sages and conferred with them what he ought to do, and he was saying: 'As I see, this man, who goes thus fighting, is being augmented in his virtue and his victory. For I was hoping he was a brigand, that he would go like a robber, plundering. But he fights like a king and humbles, and, the more we wish to be exalted over him, by so much the more his name is exalted.

Ego itaque direxi illi speram curvatamque virgam, ut ludum disceret sicut puer. Ille autem, quem dixi esse discipulum, super magistrum veniet suum et, ubicumque pergit, victoria sequitur eum. Unde si placet, cogitemus de salvatione nostra, ut non intendendo in elatione nostra, despiciendo illum, dicendo, quia nihil est Alexander, superbiendo, quia tenemus regnum Persarum, parvitas illis crescit et magnitudo nostra despiciat[ur]. Dubito, ne accrescat illi concedere diadema regni, et, optandonos eicere illum de Ellada, eiciat nos ipse de Persida.' Hoc dixit Darius.

I therefore sent to him a sphere and a curved rod, that he might learn a game like a boy. But he, whom I said to be a disciple, will come over his own magister, and, wherever he goes, victory follows him. Wherefore, if it please, let us think about our safety, so that by not fixing upon our elation, by despising him, by saying that Alexander is nothing, by being proud because we hold the kingdom of the Persians, their smallness grows and our greatness is despised. I fear lest it come to granting him the diadem of the kingdom, and, while we wish to cast him out of Hellas, he himself may cast us out of Persis.' This Darius said.

Ocsiather, frater Darii regis, dixit: 'Magnificasti Alexandrum concedendo illi fiduciam in hoc, ut plus exardescat ille ingredi Persidam, dimittendo illi Elladam. Unde si tibi placet, fac sicut facit Alexander, et nunc stabit regnum tuum sine aliqua turbatione et acquiris aliud regnum, quia ille non facit sicut tu, quando vult pugnare cum aliquo homine; [non] satrapes et principes mittit, ut pugnent cum eo; per semet ipsum vadit et pugnat et antecedit omnes principes et omnes satrapas et pugnat viriliter acquirendo sibi nomen atque victoriam.'

Ocsiather, brother of King Darius, said: 'You have magnified Alexander by conceding to him confidence in this, that he blaze up the more to enter Persia, by letting him have Hellas. Hence, if it pleases you, do as Alexander does, and now your kingdom will stand without any disturbance and you will acquire another kingdom, because he does not do as you do, when he wishes to fight with any man; [not] does he send satraps and princes to fight with him; by himself he goes and fights and goes before all the princes and all the satraps and fights virilely, acquiring for himself a name and a victory.'

Cui Darius dixit: 'Ego debeo accipere ab illo similitudinem?' Cui alius satrapas dixit: 'Alexander in omnibus peritissimus est et in nullo offendit, omnia ipse faciens viriliter; formam et virtutem secundum suam nativitatem leonis habet.' Cui Darius dixit: 'Unde tibi hoc cognitum?' Cui ille: 'Quando perrexi per tuam iussionem Macedoniam tollere censum Philippo patri suo, vidi eum et cognovi sapientiam illius et figuram eius intellexi. Quod si tibi placet, congrega omnes satrapas tuos et dirige in cunctis finibus tuis, quia plurimae sunt gentes Persarum, videlicit Parthi et Medi et Apolloniades, Mesopotamitae et Illirii, non dico longuinquas regiones, sicut sunt Itali et Bac[t]rei et Semiramei. Habemus gentes amplius quam centum quinquaginta.

To whom Darius said: 'Ought I to take from him a similitude?' To whom another satrap said: 'Alexander is most skilled in all things and errs in nothing, doing everything himself manfully; he has the form and valor of a lion, according to his native nature.' To whom Darius said: 'Whence is this known to you?' To whom he: 'When I went, by your command, to Macedonia to levy the census for Philip his father, I saw him and recognized his wisdom and understood his bearing. Therefore, if it pleases you, gather all your satraps and direct them through all your borders, for the peoples of the Persians are very many, namely the Parthians and the Medes and the Apolloniads, the Mesopotamians and the Illyrians—I do not speak of far regions, such as the Italians and the Bactrians and the Semiramians. We have peoples more than 150.'

Congregentur omnes, et queramus auxilium a diis, quia cum barbari virtute et plenitudine gentium videndo terrorem inmittimus eis.' Alter satrapas dixit: 'Bonum consilium dedisti, [s]et non est aptum. Consilium Grecorum vincet plenitudinem barbarorum, quia et unus canis maximam gregem animalium spargit.'

Let all be congregated, and let us seek help from the gods, because when the barbarians, seeing valor and the plenitude of nations, behold it, we send terror into them.' Another satrap said: 'You have given good counsel, but it is not apt. The counsel of the Greeks will conquer the plenitude of the barbarians, for even one dog scatters a very great herd of animals.'

8. Hoc consiliando Darius rex congregata multitudine hostium, moram faciente in Cilicia venit [Alexander] ad fluvium Oceanum, ex quo decurrit aqua pulcherrima et fortis. Accidit voluntati eius, ut lavaretur in eo. Quod et factum est. Sed lesio facta est in illo, quia per frigitudinem apprehendit eum dolor capitis, atque egrotavit fortiter.

8. While this was being deliberated, King Darius, a multitude of enemies having been assembled; [Alexander], making a delay in Cilicia, came to the river Ocean, from which there runs down water most beautiful and strong. It befell his desire to be bathed in it, which also was done. But an injury befell him, because through the frigidity a pain of the head seized him, and he fell grievously ill.

Videntes autem Macedones illum egrotari, valde tristes effecti sunt dubitantes, ut non audiret Darius infirmitatem Alexandri et faceret impetum super eos ac deleret illos. Sanitas itaque Alexandri omnes confortabat.

But seeing that he was ailing, the Macedonians became very sad, being in doubt lest Darius should hear of Alexander’s infirmity and make an assault upon them and obliterate them. Therefore the health of Alexander comforted all.

Quidam iuvenis nomine Filippus, --diligebat eum multum Alexander--erat enim medicus, et promisit Alexandro, ut daret illi potionem atque salvaret eum. Quidam principes milici[a]e, qui tenebat Armeniam, (h)odio habebat hunc medicum, eo quod diligebatur ab Alexandro. Scripsit epistolam et direxit Alexandro dicens: 'Cave te a medico Filippo et noli bibere potionem eius, quia promisit ei Darius rex dare suam sororem in coniugium et faceret eum consortem in suo regno, si occidisset vos.' Cum autem preparasset Filippus potionem dare Alexandro, portavit illam ante eum et, antequam eam biberet, supervenit ei ipsa epistola.

A certain youth named Philip --Alexander loved him greatly-- for he was a physician, and he promised Alexander that he would give him a potion and save him. A certain leader of the soldiery, who held Armenia, hated this physician, because he was loved by Alexander. He wrote a letter and sent it to Alexander, saying: 'Beware of the physician Philip and do not drink his potion, because King Darius has promised to give him his sister in marriage and would make him a partner in his kingdom, if he should kill you.' But when Philip had prepared the potion to give to Alexander, he brought it before him and, before he drank it, that very letter arrived to him.

Recepit eam ac relegit, antequam potionem biberet, et non est turbatus, quia erat securus de conscientia Filippi. Alexander itaque una manu tenens epistolam, altera apprehendit potionem tenensque illam in manu respiciebat in faciem Filippi. Cui Filippus dixit: 'Magnissime imperator, noli expavescere potionem, sed bibe illam.' Statim ebibit eam et, postquam illam bibit, porrexit epistolam Filippo.

He received it and re-read it before he drank the potion, and he was not disturbed, because he was secure regarding Philip’s conscience. Therefore Alexander, holding the letter in one hand, with the other seized the potion, and, holding it in his hand, was looking into the face of Philip. To whom Philip said: 'Most mighty Emperor, do not be terrified at the potion, but drink it.' At once he drained it, and after he drank it, he handed the letter to Philip.

Relecta Filippus epistola cognovit contrarietatem suam et dixit: 'Alexander, non sum culpatus, sicut haec epistola dicit.'

With the letter reread, Filippus recognized the contrariety against himself and said: 'Alexander, I am not culpable, as this letter says.'

Rex autem sanus effectus est vocavitque Filippum, amplexavit collum eius et dixit: 'Cognovisti, Filippe, qualem amorem et quam fiduciam habeo in te, qui ante bibi potionem tuam et sic dedi tibi ipsam epistolam, sciendo simplicitatem.' Cui Filippus dixit: 'Alexander, fac venire ipsum hominem, qui tibi direxit hanc epistolam, quia ipse voluit me tibi talia facere.' Statim Alexander iussit venire Parmenium et inquisivit illum invenitque eum culpabilem, iussit eum decollari.

But the king, having recovered, called Philip, embraced his neck, and said: 'You have recognized, Philip, what sort of love and what confidence I have in you, in that I first drank your potion, and thus gave to you the letter itself, knowing your simplicity.' To whom Philip said: 'Alexander, have the very man come who directed this letter to you, for he it was who wished me to do such things to you.' At once Alexander ordered Parmenion to come, and he examined him and found him culpable; he ordered him to be beheaded.

9. Dehinc movit exercitum suum et perrexit in Med[i]am et in Armeniam magnam et subiugavit eas. Deinde ambulavit dies multos et ingressus est locum aridum et cavernosum, in quo non inveniebatur aqua. Et transivit per locum, qui dicitur Andriaci, venitque ad fluvium Eufraten et applicavit.

9. Then he moved his army and proceeded into Media and into Great Armenia and subjugated them. Then he marched for many days and entered a dry and cavernous place, in which no water was to be found. And he passed through the place which is called Andriaci, came to the river Euphrates, and put in.

Iussit afferi ligna et preparavit pontem super ipsum fluvium cum tabulis et catenis ferreis et praecepit militibus suis, ut transirent, simul et omnes apparatus atque cibaria. Post haec iussit militibus suis, ut transirent. Illi autem videntes magnitudinem fluvii, et cursu validissimo dubitaverunt transire, ut non frangerentur catenae.

He ordered wood to be brought and prepared a bridge over the river itself with planks and iron chains, and he instructed his soldiers to cross, together with all the apparatus and the victuals. After this he ordered his soldiers to cross. But they, seeing the size of the river and its very powerful current, hesitated to cross, lest the chains be broken.

Alexander autem convocavit milites suos et coepit transire primum ipse.

However, Alexander called together his soldiers and began to cross, he himself first.

Fluvius itaque Tigris et Eufrates pergunt per mediam Mesopotomiam et Babiloniam et intrant fluvium Nilum. Referunt enim, quia, quando fluvius Nilus pergit in Egiptum, ista flumina evacuantur et, quando iterum egreditur ab Egipto, superabundant ista flumina.

Therefore the rivers Tigris and Euphrates proceed through the middle of Mesopotamia and Babylonia and enter the river Nile. For they report that, when the river Nile goes into Egypt, these rivers are emptied; and when again it goes out from Egypt, these rivers superabound.

Cum autem transisset Alexander et omnis milicia sua fluvium Eufraten, rediit retro Alexander et fecit incidere ipsum pontem. Hoc videntes milites eius coeperunt dubitare murmurantes inter se ac dicentens: 'Si acciderit nobis, ut fugiamus in prelio, non erit transitus nobis.' Quibus omnibus dixit Alexander: 'Bene me confortastis, quando talia cogitastis. Et ego proinde feci dissolvere ipsum pontem, ut aut pugnetis viriter et vincatis aut, si vultis fugere, pereatis, quia pugna et victoria non erit his, qui fugiunt, sed de illis, qui insequuntur.

But when Alexander and all his militia had crossed the river Euphrates, Alexander turned back and had that very bridge cut down. Seeing this, his soldiers began to doubt, murmuring among themselves and saying: 'If it should happen to us to flee in battle, there will be no passage for us.' To all of whom Alexander said: 'You have well strengthened me, when you have thought such things. And I for that reason had that very bridge dissolved, so that either you may fight manfully and conquer or, if you wish to flee, you may perish, because battle and victory will not be for those who flee, but for those who pursue.'

Unde vero, quia nullomodo videbitis Macedoniam, nisi prius vicero cunctos barbaros, et tunc cum victoria revertamur, confortetur mens vestra, et fortitudinempugn[a]e estimetur vobis esse iocus.'

Wherefore indeed, since in no way will you see Macedonia unless I first conquer all the barbarians, and then let us return with victory, let your mind be strengthened, and let the fortitude of the battle be esteemed by you a jest.'

Multitudo vero militum Darii applicata erat super fluvium Tigris. Principes miliciae erant super eis quinque. Convenerunt in campo Alexander cum suis et principes miliciae Darii et acriter pugnaverunt.

The multitude of Darius’s soldiers had been deployed upon the river Tigris. Over them the chiefs of the militia were five. They convened in the field—Alexander with his own men and the chiefs of Darius’s militia—and they fought fiercely.

Stabant enim fortiter et nullomodo cedebant sibi locum. Vir quidam Persarum animo acer, indutus veste et arma Macedonica abiit occidere Alexandrum; mixtus militibus suis stetit post tergum Alexandri; evaginato gladio tam fortiter percussit caput eius, qui et galeam transforavit et caput eius vulneravit. Statimque apprehenderunt eum milites Alexandri et statuerunt illum ante eum.

For they stood bravely and in no way ceded the place. A certain man of the Persians, keen in spirit, clad in Macedonian garb and arms, went to kill Alexander; mingled with his soldiers he stood behind Alexander; with his sword drawn he struck his head with such force that he pierced the helmet and wounded his head. And immediately Alexander’s soldiers apprehended him and set him before him.

Cui dixit Alexander: 'O strenue vir, quid est hoc?' Cui Persa barbarus dixit: 'Ne estimes me, dominator, Macedonam esse, sed Persarum. Et ego promisi Dario venire, aufferre caput tuum; spopondit enim mihi dare in coniugio filiam suam et regales provintias.' Tunc Alexander iussit eum monstrari cunctis militibus suis et dixit: 'Viri Macedones milites, convenit omnibus militibus talem habere confortationem.' Et continuo iussit abire illum. Et tunc pugnando fortiter ceciderunt multi barbari et, ut viderunt se minui, in(h)ierunt fugam.

To whom Alexander said: 'O strenuous man, what is this?' To whom the Persian barbarian said: 'Do not suppose me, lord, to be a Macedonian, but of the Persians. And I promised Darius to come, to carry off your head; for he pledged to give me his daughter in marriage and royal provinces.' Then Alexander ordered him to be shown to all his soldiers and said: 'Men, Macedonian soldiers, it befits all soldiers to have such an encouragement.' And immediately he ordered him to depart. And then, fighting bravely, many barbarians fell, and, when they saw themselves diminished, they entered upon flight.

10. Et persecuti sunt eos usque Bactram et applicavit. Alia vero die cepit fortiter pugnare ipsam civitatem et apprehendit eam. Invenitque ibi matrem Darii et uxorem et filios eius.

10. And they pursued them as far as Bactra, and he approached. On another day, however, he began to fight the city itself bravely and apprehended it. And he found there the mother of Darius and his wife and his sons.

Posuitque in ea solium suum et subiugavit sibi omnes alias civitates. Post haec unus ex principibus miliciae Darii presumpsit se venire ad Alexandrum et dixit: 'Dominator Alexander, princeps Darii sum et plurima bona servitia ei feci, et nihil boni ab eo recepi. Quapropter si tibi placeat, da nobis decem milia armatos milites et ego trado tibi principes nostros, sed et ipsum Darium.' Cui Alexander dixit: 'Perge adiuvaturus regem tuum, quia non tibi credunt extranei, postquam pugnare vis tuos.'

And he set his throne in it and subjugated to himself all the other cities. After this, one of the chiefs of Darius’s militia dared to come to Alexander and said: 'Lord Alexander, I am a prince of Darius, and I have rendered him very many good services, and I have received nothing good from him. Wherefore, if it please you, give us ten thousand armed soldiers, and I will hand over to you our princes, and Darius himself as well.' To whom Alexander said: 'Go, to aid your king, for outsiders do not trust you, since you wish to fight your own.'

Tunc scripserunt Stapsi et Sphictir epistolam: 'Dario regi praeclaro atque deo mango gaudium. Iam antea scripsimus et nuc iterum scribemus adventum Alexandri et cognitum facimus tibi, quia pervenit in hanc terram et dissipavit eam et occidit plurimos ex nobis et sum oppressi in magna angustia. Unde recordamur, ut succurrat nobis tua magnitudo, antequam ingrediatur ad te.'

Then Stapsi and Sphictir wrote a letter: 'To King Darius, illustrious and great god, joy. Already before we have written, and now again we write about the advent of Alexander and make it known to you, that he has come into this land and has laid it waste and has killed very many of us, and we are oppressed in great anguish. Wherefore we are mindful—may your magnitude succor us—before he enters to you.'

Recepta hac epistola Darius relegit eam et scripsit epistolam ad Alexandrum tali modo: 'Darius Alexandro dicit: Pervenit in manus nostras epistola de tua superbia, quia cogitas venire prope nos, ut loquaris nobiscum. Quod si hoc poterit fieri, orientales dii pergant habitare in occidente. Non elevetur mens vestra in hoc, quod fecisti.

This epistle having been received, Darius reread it and wrote an epistle to Alexander in such a manner: 'Darius says to Alexander: An epistle about your arrogance has come into our hands, because you are thinking to come near us, so that you may speak with us. But if this can be done, let the Oriental gods go to dwell in the Occident. Let not your mind be exalted in this, which you have done.

Sic spero, quod mater mea mortua sit et uxorem aliquando non habuissem; unde scias, quia non tacebo inquirendo iuiuriam meam. Scriptum est mihi hoc, quia ostendisti benignitatem erga meos. Tamen ne pigrites aut indulge aris meis vel crucia illos sicut filios inimici.

Thus I hope that my mother may be dead and that I at some time had not had a wife; whence know that I will not be silent in seeking my injury. This has been written to me, that you have shown benignity toward my own. Yet do not grow slothful, nor indulge my people, or torment them like the sons of an enemy.

Quantumcunque bene illis feceris, me non habebis amicum et econtra, si male illis feceris, me inimicum non habebis; ultimo namque sententiam mandabo vobis.'

However much good you do to them, you will not have me as a friend; and conversely, if you do ill to them, you will not have me as an enemy; for ultimately I will send the sentence to you.'

Recepit Alexander haec epistolam et legit ac risit scripsitque illi epistolam: 'Rex Alexander Dario regi. Superbiam et elationem suae vacuae gloriae odio habuerunt dii. Prout video, non cessas tu blasphemari usque in finem.

Alexander received this letter and read it and laughed, and he wrote him a letter: 'King Alexander to King Darius. The gods have held in hatred the pride and the elation of your empty glory. As I see, you do not cease to blaspheme unto the end.'

Quod si bene feci tuis, non feci pro tuo timore. Habeo spem intrandi ad te, proinde ostendi benignitatem meam in eis, ut et tu grato animo illud reciperes. Tamen diadema meum non est similis tuae diademae.

But if I have done well to your people, I did not do it for fear of you. I have hope of entering to you; therefore I have showed my benignity toward them, so that you also might receive that with a grateful mind. Yet my diadem is not similar to your diadem.

Haec epistola mea ultima sit tibi. Cave itaque et habeo mentem in te.'

Let this epistle of mine be to you the last. Therefore beware, and I have my mind set upon you.'

11. Ubi direxit epistolam, preparvit se et scripsit [e] Celeperses suis satrapis: 'Rex Alexander, precipio: Satrapis ac subiectis meis habitatoribus Syriae et Cappadociae, Ciliciae et Paphlagoniae, Arabis et aliis gentibus sit gaudium. Volo, ut preparetis mihi unusquisque mille vestimenta et mandetis ea in Antiochi(o)am; et pelles animalium mortuorum, ubicumque mortua fuerunt animalia, conficite et dirigite eas similiter in Antiochiam, ut militibus omnis parata sint scilicet et vestimenta atque calciamenta; cameli ordinati sunt ab Antiochia, ut portent ea usque Eufraten et omnem necessitatem. Gaudete.'

11. When he sent the letter, he prepared himself and wrote [from] Celeperses to his satraps: ‘King Alexander: I command—Let there be joy to the satraps and to my subjects, inhabitants of Syria and Cappadocia, of Cilicia and Paphlagonia, the Arabs and other peoples. I wish that each of you prepare for me a thousand garments and dispatch them to Antioch; and the hides of dead animals, wherever the animals have died, make ready and send them likewise to Antioch, so that for the soldiers all things may be prepared, namely both garments and footwear; camels have been appointed from Antioch to carry them as far as the Euphrates, and every necessary thing. Rejoice.’

Unus ex principibus Darii significavit ei omnia per epistolam tali modo: 'Nostadi Dario deo dirigo gaudium. Non oportuerat me vobis talia scribere, sed quasi per fortia scribo vobis videndo talia. Sciat vestra sublimitas, quia duo magni principes mortui sunt et ego vulneratus.

One of the princes of Darius signified to him everything by a letter in this manner: 'To our lord Darius the god I direct joy. It had not been fitting for me to write such things to you, but, as if by force, I write to you on seeing such things. Let Your Sublimity know that two great princes are dead, and I am wounded.'

Coxari fortiter vulneratus est et fugiendo abiit in finibus suis. Potentissimi atque plurimi preclari milites nostri iunxerunt se Alexandro regi, honoravitque eos et imperiales provincias illis concessit. Civitas Mitriadis cum templo igne succendit.'

Coxares was badly wounded and, by fleeing, went away into his own borders. The most powerful and very many distinguished soldiers of ours joined themselves to King Alexander, and he honored them and granted imperial provinces to them. He set the city of Mithriades, together with the temple, ablaze.'

Darius itaque scripsit satrapi suo Nostadi haec, ut pararet se cum omnibus suis, sed et alii Dario pertinentes quatinus resisterent gentibus Macedoniae, quia nullomodo letantur ad id, quod presumpserunt facere. Scripsit interim et aliam epistolam ad Porum, ut et ipse preberet ei adiutorium.

Therefore Darius wrote these things to his satrap Nostades, that he should prepare himself with all his own; but also to others pertinent to Darius, that they should resist the peoples of Macedonia, because they in no way rejoice at that which they have presumed to do. Meanwhile he also wrote another epistle to Porus, that he too would proffer him assistance.

12. Porus, rex Indorum, rescripsit epistolam Dario regi Persarum: 'Quomodo direxistis nos rogando, ut venissemus in adiutorium vestrum, parati fuimus et sumus, sed impedit nos infirmitas, quam habemus; quia et nobis durum est de hac iniuria, tamen in proximo recipies milites meos; sed et aliae gentes, quae procul sunt a vobis, venient in adiutorium vestrum.'

12. Porus, king of the Indians, wrote back a letter to Darius, king of the Persians: 'As you directed us by requesting that we come to your aid, we have been and are prepared; but an infirmity which we have hinders us. For this injury is hard for us as well; nevertheless, soon you will receive my soldiers; and other peoples too, who are far from you, will come to your aid.'

Cum autem audisset mater Darii, quod preparasset se iterum facere pugnam cum Alexandro, direxit illi epistolam: 'Dario regi, mater dirigit illi gaudium. Audivimus itaque, quia congregas alias gentes et vis pugnare cum Alexandro. Quod si totum mundum adunare potueris, nescis, quid exinde fiat, quia victoriae concessae sunt.

But when the mother of Darius had heard that he had prepared himself to make battle again with Alexander, she sent him a letter: 'To King Darius, his mother sends him joy. We have heard, therefore, that you gather other nations and wish to fight with Alexander. And if you should be able to unite the whole world, you do not know what may come of it, because the victories are granted.'

Dimitte sensum altitudinis tuae et reclina paululum et ne multum presumas, quia perdis vitam. De nobis autem scias, quia in maximo honore aput eum sumus. Inducis malum super nos et facis nos perdere honorem, quem apud eum habemus.

Let go the sense of your loftiness and incline a little, and do not presume too much, for you are losing your life. But as for us, know that we are in the greatest honor with him. You induce evil upon us and make us lose the honor which we have with him.

Fili mi, noli preparare matri tuae angustiam, quia fiducia est mihi, si volueris, venire te in bono ordine cum Alexandro.' Perlecta Darius hac epistola flevit veniendo illi in memoriam parentes suos; turbatus est valde.

My son, do not prepare anguish for your mother, for I have confidence, if you are willing, that you will come in good order with Alexander.' When this letter had been read through, Darius wept, his parents coming into his memory; he was greatly troubled.

13. Inter haec autem Alexander movit exercitum suum et cepit ingredi terram Darii et appropinquavit ei ita, ut Macedones viderent sublimissimum locum ex civitate Darii. Hoc ingenium fecit sapientissimus Alexander: evellens [h]erbas ramosque arboris ligans ea in pedibus equorum, ut maiorem pulverem facerent, ita ut viderent eam Perses et miraretur.

13. Amid these things, however, Alexander moved his army and began to enter the land of Darius and drew near to him in such a way that the Macedonians could see the loftiest place of the city of Darius. This stratagem the most wise Alexander devised: pulling up [h]erbs and tying branches of a tree, binding them to the feet of the horses, so that they might make a greater dust, in such a way that the Persians saw it and marveled.

Erant enim ab ipsa civitate itinere dierum quinque et applicavit. Dixitque Alexander senatoribus suis: 'Inveniamus hominem, quem mandemus Dario, ut preparet se et quando exeat nobis ad pugnam.' Dormivit ibi viditque in somno Ammonem deum in forma Hermi portantem dominicalem clamidem atque Macedonicam vestem et dixit illi: 'Fili Alexander, quando necesse est adiutorium, paratus sum nuntiare tibi. Vide, quem missum dirigere volueris, sed dico, ut induaris figuram meam et pergas tu ibi.

For they were at a distance of a journey of five days from the city itself, and he drew near. And Alexander said to his senators: 'Let us find a man whom we may send to Darius, that he may prepare himself and that he come out to us for battle.' He slept there and saw in a dream Ammon the god in the form of Hermes, bearing the lordly chlamys and Macedonian vesture, and he said to him: 'Son Alexander, whenever aid is necessary, I am ready to announce to you. See whom you would wish to dispatch as an emissary, but I say that you put on my form and that you yourself go there.'

Periculosa enim res est ire regem per missaticum, sed quia deus est in adiutorium tibi, nullum sustinebis angustiam.' Qua hora vidit hoc somnium, evigilavit et gaudio repletus recitavitque illud amicis suis. Dederuntque ei consilium, ut ita faceret.

For it is a perilous matter to go to the king as a messenger; but because a god is for aid to you, you will endure no distress.' At the hour he saw this dream, he awoke, and, filled with joy, he recited it to his friends. And they gave him counsel to do thus.

14. Vocavit autem fidelissimum sum satrapem, cui nomen Eumilo; portans secum tres velocissimos caballos, unum residens ipse et alium princeps miliciae, tertius pergebat vacuus; pergebant ambo et (h)abierunt ad fluvium, quid dicitur Stragan. Iste fluvius hiemali tempore pernimio gelu coagulat se et prebet iter transeuntibus. Tota nocte permanet coagulatus, mane vero cum incaluerit sol, disolvit se et efficit se profundissimum et, quicuque ibi ingressus fuerit, absorbet eum.

14. He called, moreover, his most faithful satrap, whose name was Eumilo; bringing with them three most swift horses, he himself sitting on one and the commander of the militia on another, the third went along empty; both set out and went to a river which is called Stragan. This river in the winter-time congeals itself by excessive frost and affords a way to those crossing. Through the whole night it remains congealed; but in the morning, when the sun has grown warm, it dissolves itself and makes itself most deep, and whoever shall have entered there, it absorbs him.

Cum venisset Alexander ad ipsum fluvium et invenisset eum coagulatum, induit se figuram, quam viderat in somno. Principem miliciae dimisit ibi cum duobus caballis et ipse cum caballo suo transiit. Erat enim fluvius in latitudine unius stadii.

When Alexander had come to that river and had found it coagulated (frozen over), he assumed the figure which he had seen in a dream. He left the commander of the militia there with two horses, and he himself crossed with his own horse. For the river was in breadth of one stadium.

Satrapa enim illum rogabat, ut transiret cum eo, ne eveniret illi aliqua angustia. Cui dixit: 'Exspecta me hic, quia in meo adiutorio veniet ille, qui mihi apparuit.'

For the satrap was begging him to cross with him, lest some anguish befall him. To him he said: 'Wait for me here, for he who appeared to me will come to my aid.'

Abiitque ad portam Persidae civitatis. Videntes autem eum Perses mirati sunt in figura eius, estimantes illum deum esse, interrogaveunt eum: ['Quis es tu?'] Respondit: 'Apocrisarius regis Alexandri sum.' Tunc in monte erat Darius vociferando et congregando multitudinem hostium et portaverunt eum Dario regi. Vidensque eum Darius indutum vestem Macedonicam adoravit eum ut deum, cogitans illum esse Mithram deum descendentem de caelis, interrogavit eum: 'Quis es tu?' Cui ille: 'Apochrisarius sum regis Alexandri missus ad te, dicens tibi, quia: moram facit exire preliari in campo cum inimicis suis; timidus est atque pavidus.

And he went to the gate of the Persian city. But the Persians, seeing him, were amazed at his figure, supposing him to be a god, and they asked him: ['Who are you?'] He replied: 'I am the apocrisiary of King Alexander.' Then Darius was on the mountain, shouting and gathering a multitude of enemies, and they brought him to King Darius. And seeing him clad in Macedonian dress, Darius adored him as a god, thinking him to be the god Mithras descending from the heavens, and he asked him: 'Who are you?' To whom he said: 'I am the apocrisiary of King Alexander, sent to you, saying to you that: he is making delay to go out to do battle in the field with his enemies; he is timid and fearful.'

Unde si tibi placet, constitue diem preliandi.' Cui Darius: 'Forsan enim tu es Alexander, qui cum tanta audatia loqueris? Non loqueris sicut nuntius, sed sicut idem ipse Alexander. Tamen hoc scias pro certo, quia audatia tua nullomodo conturbat me. Sed tamen manduca hodie mecum sicut missus, quia et Alexander sedit ad cenam cum missis meis.'

Whence, if it pleases you, appoint a day for battle.' To which Darius: 'Perhaps indeed you are Alexander, who speak with such audacity? You do not speak like a messenger, but like Alexander himself. Yet know this for certain, that your audacity in no way disturbs me. But nevertheless eat today with me as an envoy, for Alexander too sat down to dinner with my envoys.'

Tendensque manum suam apprehendit eum per dexteram introducens eum in palacium suum. Alexander cogitans in corde suo tenere palacium inimici sui, quasi signum faciens ei apprehendendo eum per manum dexteram. Ingressusque triclinium eius, in quo erat convivium preparatum, sedit Alexander, sederunt et principes Darii facie ad faciem.

And stretching out his hand, he seized him by the right hand, conducting him into his palace. Alexander, thinking in his heart to hold the palace of his enemy, as if making a sign to him by taking him by the right hand. And having entered his triclinium, in which a banquet had been prepared, Alexander sat, and the princes of Darius also sat, face to face.

15. Perses itaque sedentes in convivio despexerunt vultum Alexandri, eo quod esset parvus, sed ignorabant, qualis virtus et qualis audacia erat in tali vasculo. Pincernae vero ferebant sepius pocula. Mediante vero convivio cogitavit hoc facere Alexander: cum porrectus fuisset illi poculus aureus, bibisset et misisset eum in sinum suum.

15. And so the Persians, sitting at the banquet, looked down upon the countenance of Alexander, because he was small; but they did not know what sort of virtue and what sort of audacity was in such a small vessel. The cupbearers, moreover, kept bringing cups repeatedly. But in the midst of the banquet Alexander thought to do this: when a little golden cup should be proffered to him, he would drink and put it into his bosom.

Allatus est autem illi vas aureum, bibit et fecit sic, deinde usque ad secundum et tercium. Fertores vero, cum vidissent hoc, nuntiaverunt Dario. Erexit se Darius et dixit: 'O fortissime vir, quid est hoc, quod agis?

However, a golden vessel was brought to him; he drank and did thus, then even to the second and the third. But the bearers, when they had seen this, reported it to Darius. Darius rose and said: 'O most valiant man, what is this that you are doing?'

Quare abscondis vasa aurea in sinu tuo?' Cui Alexander: 'Noster senior sedens in convivio donat militibus suis vascula, cum quibus bibunt.' Cogitaverunt enim sedentes in convivio, quod talis consuetudo esset apud illos. Intulitque Alexander: 'Quod si talis consuetudo inter vos non est, reddo ea vobis.' In hoc tacuerunt omnes.

‘Why do you hide the golden vessels in your bosom?’ To which Alexander: ‘Our lord, sitting at the banquet, gives to his soldiers little vessels with which they drink.’ For those sitting at the banquet supposed that such a custom was among them. And Alexander added: ‘But if such a custom is not among you, I return them to you.’ At this all were silent.

Unus autem princeps miliciae sedens in convivio, cui nomen Anepolis, sedens facie ad faciem cum Alexandro--viderat enim eum tunc, quando direxerat eum Darius Macedoniam Phylippo tollere censum--intuens in faciem eius coepit cogitare in corde suo: 'Nonne iste est Alexander?' Intelligens enim vocem et signa illius accessit propius Dario et dixit: 'Domine, istum missum quem vides, ipse est Alexander, filius Phylippi.'

But one commander of the militia, sitting at the banquet, whose name was Anepolis, sitting face to face with Alexander--for he had seen him then, when Darius had sent him to Macedonia to levy the tribute from Philip-- gazing into his face began to think in his heart: 'Is not this Alexander?' And, recognizing his voice and features, he approached nearer to Darius and said: 'Lord, that envoy whom you see, he himself is Alexander, son of Philip.'

Cognoscens autem Alexander, quia loquebantur de illo et de agnitione eius, exiliens de sedio suo vidit quenquam Persam tenendo in manu facculam tollensque eam illi percussit eum, ascendit equum et (h)abiit. Perses vero insequebantur eum armati cum omni velocitate. Alexander portans in manu facculam, tenens iter rectum--erat enim obscura nox--insequentes eum cadebant in foveas.

But Alexander, perceiving that they were talking about him and about his recognition, leaping up from his seat saw a certain Persian holding a torch in his hand; and snatching it from him he struck him with it, mounted a horse, and went away. The Persians, however, pursued him armed, with all speed. Alexander, carrying the torch in his hand, keeping a straight course—for the night was dark—the pursuers were falling into pits.

Sedente vero Dario in sedio suo vidit signum, quia cecidit domus Xerxen regis et statua eius, et doluit. Alexander venit ad fluvium Stragan et transiit. Cum autem transisset alteram ripam, dissolutus est fluvius et, antequam de fluvio exiret, mortuus est caballus et tulit eum fluvius.

But as Darius was sitting on his seat he saw a sign, namely that the house of King Xerxes and his statue fell, and he grieved. Alexander came to the river Stragan and crossed. And when he had crossed to the other bank, the river was loosed, and before he went out of the river, the horse died and the river carried him away.

Alexander vero remansit in terra, iunctus principi miliciae suae reversus est ad suos.

However, Alexander remained on the ground; joined with the chief of his military, he returned to his own men.

16. Congregata omni miliciae sua pervenit ad numerum centum viginti milia hominum; ascendit in eminentiorem locum et confortavit milites suos dicens: 'Multitudo hominum nostrorum non equabitur mulitudini Persarum, quia multipliciores nobis sunt. Sed non conturbet nos multitudo illorum, etiam si centupliciter essent, quia nullam lesionem facere prevalet multitudo muscarum parvitati vespium.' Audientes hoc laudaverunt eum.

16. Having gathered all his soldiery, he came to the number of one hundred twenty thousand men; he ascended to a higher place and encouraged his soldiers, saying: 'The multitude of our men will not be equal to the multitude of the Persians, because they are more numerous than we. But let not their multitude trouble us, even if they were a hundredfold, for the multitude of flies is not able to inflict any harm on the smallness of wasps.' Hearing this, they praised him.

Darius itaque movit exercitum suum et venit ad fluvium Stragan et transiit, ut pugnaret cum exercitibus Alexandri. Erat enim exercitus Darii magnus valde et fortis, habebat denique falcatos currus. Cum autem venisset utrisque hostis in campum, tunc ascendit Alexander equum, qui dicitur Bucefalo, et occurrit et stetit in medio ante omnes.

Therefore Darius moved his army and came to the river Stragan and crossed over, to fight with the armies of Alexander. For the army of Darius was very great and strong; moreover he had scythed chariots. But when the foe on both sides had come into the plain, then Alexander mounted the horse which is called Bucephalus, and rode to meet them and stood in the midst before all.

Videntes eum Perses, dubitabant enim ire super eum, eo quod divinitas cooperiebatur eum. Mixtus est inter se utrisque hostis et pugnavit acriter et ex ambabus partibus sonabant tubae. Fortior enim erat sonus pugnantium quam sonus armorum, et defecerunt ex utrisque multitudo militum.

Seeing him, the Persians hesitated to go against him, because divinity was overshadowing him. The opposing hosts were mingled with one another and fought keenly, and on both sides the trumpets were sounding. For the sound of the combatants was stronger than the sound of the arms, and from both sides a multitude of soldiers fell.

Erat enim sagittariorum plenitudo maxima et cooperuerunt ipsum aerem sagittis sicut nubes, alii manu ad manum pugnantes, alii vero sagittis atque lanceis. Et erat planctus in eis et tribulatio maxima et ceciderunt ex parte Darii. Videns autem Darius, quia corruissent sui, fugam iniit, fugierunt et Perses.

For there was a very great plenitude of archers, and they covered the very air with arrows like clouds, some fighting hand to hand, others with arrows and lances. And there was lamentation among them and very great tribulation, and there fell on Darius’s side. But Darius, seeing that his own had collapsed, took to flight, and the Persians fled as well.

Multitudo curruum falcatorum fugiens occidebant suos et cadbant sicut messis in campo. Veniens autem Darius ad ipsum fluvium et invenit eum coagulatum, transiit. Plenitudo vero postergum veniens ingressa est; venientes vero in medio loco dissoluta est nix et plurimi mortui sunt.

Fleeing, the multitude of scythed chariots were killing their own men and were falling like the harvest in the field. But Darius, coming to the river itself and finding it coagulated, crossed over. The multitude indeed coming after entered; yet as they were coming into the middle place, the snow was dissolved, and very many died.

Alii autem applicantes ad ipsum fluvium et, cum transire non potuissent, insequentes eos Macedones occidebant illos.

But others, coming up to the very river, and since they had not been able to cross, the Macedonians pursuing them were killing them.

Fugit autem Darius et ingressus est palatium, prosternens se super faciem suam in terram, ex alto pectore dura trahens suspiria, quia perdidit tantam multitudinem hominum, et plorando dicebat: 'Heu me, qualis caelestis tribulatio apprehendit Persidam, quia humiliatus est Darius, qui subiugavit atque in suam potestatem redegit gentes; nunc autem fugax et subiectus factus sum. Quod si cognitum fuisset homini, quid in futuro accidisset ei, in presenti aliud cogitaret. In puncto articulo unius diei veniet, quod [h]umiles exaltantur super nubes et sublimes humiliantur usque ad tenebras.'

But Darius fled and entered the palace, prostrating himself with his face upon the ground, drawing hard sighs from his deep breast, because he had lost so great a multitude of men, and weeping he was saying: 'Alas for me, what a heavenly tribulation has seized Persia, because Darius has been humbled, he who subdued the nations and brought them back into his own power; now, however, I have been made a fugitive and a subject. But if it had been known to a man what would befall him in the future, in the present he would think otherwise. In the instant point of a single day it will come, that the [h]umble are exalted above the clouds and the lofty are humbled down to the darkness.'

17. Erigens se iterum et rediit in sensu suo, scripsit epistolam continentem hunc modum: 'Darius rex dominatori meo Alexandro gaudium. Recordor tuam clementiam, quia et tu sicut homo natus es. Sufficit enim homini, in quo sapientia esse videtur, cum [h]abuerit victoriam, ut non elevetur amplius mens eius. Quia Xerxen, qui mihi lumen tribuit, multas victorias plurimaque habuit prospera, sed quia ultra modum elevata est mens eius, sustinuit turpitudinem in Ellada, ille, qui plurimas divitias auri habuit, sicut tu ipse vidisti apud nos.

17. Raising himself again and returning to his senses, he wrote a letter containing this tenor: 'King Darius to my overlord Alexander, greetings. I recall your clemency, for you too were born as a man. For it suffices for a man in whom wisdom appears to be, when he has had a victory, that his mind not be exalted any further. For Xerxes, who gave me life, had many victories and very many prosperous outcomes; but because his mind was raised beyond measure, he endured disgrace in Hellas—he who had the greatest riches of gold—as you yourself saw among us.'

Recordare, quia superna divinitas concessit tibi hanc victoriam. Sed quia refugium facio ad te, inpende mihi misericordiam. Scis enim nos nostramque magnitudinem atque nativitatem.

Remember that the supernal divinity has granted you this victory. But since I take refuge with you, bestow mercy upon me. For you know us and our greatness and our birth and lineage.

Concede nobis matrem atque uxorem seu filios nostros et ad vicem promitto tibi dare thesauros , quos habeo in terra Miniada et Susis et Mactra, quos thesaurizaverunt parentes nostri suptus terram et constituo te dominum Medis et Persis cunctis diebus vitae tuae. Esto salvus et concessa sit tibi victoria a Jove.'

Grant to us our mother and wife, or our sons; and in return I promise to give to you the treasures which I have in the land Miniada and at Susa and Mactra, which our parents treasured up beneath the earth, and I constitute you lord over the Medes and Persians for all the days of your life. Be safe, and may victory be granted to you by Jove.'

Relecta hac epistola ab Alexandro unus a principibus miliciae, nomine Parmenius, dixit: 'Alexander, tolle tibi cunctas has, quas promittit, divitias et redde ei matrem et uxorem et filios.' Cui Alexander: 'Tollo ego has divitias, sed miror, si Darius per datum vult recolligere matrem et uxorem et filios. Si victus est Darius, mihi datum non repromittat; si iterum pugnare vult et vicerit nos, utinam salvare valeamus nosmet ipsos, quanto magis, ut teneamus matrem eius et uxorem ac filios.' Dimisit homines ipsos praecipiens eis, ut talia dicerent Dario, et deinde praecipiens militibus suis, ut irent et colligerent corpora mortuorum et sepelirent ea, vulneratos autem adducerent et inferrent illis medicinam.

When this letter had been reread by Alexander, one of the chiefs of the militia, by name Parmenius, said: ‘Alexander, take for yourself all these riches which he promises, and give back to him his mother and wife and sons.’ To whom Alexander: ‘I take these riches, but I wonder if Darius wishes by a gift to recover his mother and wife and sons. If Darius is defeated, let him not re-promise to me what has been given; if he wishes to fight again and should conquer us, would that we might be able to save ourselves, how much less that we should hold his mother and wife and sons.’ He dismissed those men, instructing them to say such things to Darius, and then ordering his soldiers to go and collect the bodies of the dead and bury them, but to bring in the wounded and apply to them medicine.

Aliquantos autem dies hiemavit ibi et fecit diis offerationem commendans militibus suis, ut pulcherrima palatia Xerxen regis comburerentur, et post paululum paenitentia ductus precipiens, ut nullomodo conburerentur.

However, he wintered there for several days and made an oblation to the gods, commending to his soldiers that the most beautiful palaces of King Xerxes be burned; and after a little while, led by penitence, giving orders that they by no means be burned.

18. Erant enim in ipsis locis sepulcra mortuorum, et fodientes ea invenerunt sepulcrum olovitreum, qui eciam aforis apparebat corpus hominis et capilli eius. Invenerunt ibi turrem, in qua erant et multi truncati homines, et erant ibi in custodia. Clamaverunt ad Alexandrum misericordiam postulantes, ut liberaret eos.

18. For in those very places there were sepulchres of the dead, and as they were digging them they found a glass sepulchre, in which even from outside there appeared the body of a man and his hair. They found there a tower, in which there were also many mutilated men, and they were there in custody. They cried out to Alexander, asking for mercy, that he might liberate them.

Ipsa custodia erat pessima. Iussit eos abstra[h]i de ipsa custodia; vidit eos, doluit et ploravit et praecepit illis dare per unumquemque dragmas mille et restituit illis proprietates suas.

The custody itself was very bad. He ordered them to be taken away from that same custody; he saw them, he grieved and wept, and he commanded that there be given to them, to each one, a thousand drachmas, and he restored their own properties to them.

19. Inter haec autem preparavit illi Darius et aliam pugnam. Scripsit epistolam ad Porum, regem Indorum: 'Darius rex regum regi Poro gaudium. Nuper direxi te deprecando, ut faceres nobis adiutorium contra illos, qui conati sunt dissipare palatium nostrum, quia haec bestia, quae venit super nos, ferocem mentem habet et tempestatur animus eius sicut maris.

19. Meanwhile, Darius also prepared for him another battle. He wrote a letter to Porus, king of the Indians: 'Darius, king of kings, to King Porus—joy. Recently I sent to you, beseeching, that you would give us aid against those who have attempted to dissipate our palace, because this beast, which has come upon us, has a ferocious mind and his spirit is tempest-tossed like the sea.

Volui recolligere ab illo matrem et uxorem et filios et offere illi munera, sed noluit acquiescere. Quamvis sine mea voluntate pugnabo et alia vice cum illo; congregabo gentes multas et certabo usque ad mortem, quia melius est mihi mori in bello quam videre desolationem meam et gentis meae. Unde vigeat misericordia vestra super miseriam meam et adiuvate mihi, ut salver ab angustia mea, in qua positus sum, revocans in memoria tua ordinem parentum nostrorum.

I wished to recover from him my mother and wife and sons and to offer him gifts, but he was unwilling to acquiesce. Although against my will I will fight another time with him; I will congregate many nations and will contend unto death, because it is better for me to die in war than to see my desolation and that of my people. Wherefore let your mercy prevail over my misery and help me, that I may be saved from my anguish in which I am placed, recalling to your memory the order of our ancestors.

Congregamini et parate vos ad portas Caspias. Datum dabo omnibus hominibus, qui vobiscum advenerint; per unumquemque mensem dabo pedestribus hominibus solidos tres, equiti vero quinque; cibaria illorum et omnia, in quibus necesse habuerint, ego retribuam. Spolia vero illorum, qui capti fuerint, medietatem tibi dabimus.

Gather yourselves and prepare at the Caspian Gates. I will give a donative to all the men who come with you; for each month I will give the foot-soldiers three solidi, and to a horseman five; their rations and everything in which they have need I will provide. As for the spoils of those who are taken captive, we will give you one half.

Caballus vero Bucefalon et imperiale paramentum tuum sit. Et ubicumque applicatus fueris, dabo tibi centum octoginta iuvenculas cum ornamentis earum. Cum receperis epistolam hanc, festina venire.'

But as for the horse Bucephalon and your imperial equipment, let them be yours. And wherever you have arrived, I will give you 180 maidens with their ornaments. When you have received this letter, make haste to come.'

Fugientes vero homines Darii ad Alexandrum nuntiaverunt ei omnia haec. Rex autem Alexander, ubi hoc audivit, preparavit se et abiit Mydiam, statuens in corde suo et dixit omnibus, ut nullomodo vocaretur imperator, si regnum Darii non optinuisset. Nuntiatum est Alexandro, quod prepararet se Darius rex et iret ad portas Caspias, expectaret eum ibi.

But the fleeing men of Darius announced all these things to Alexander. And King Alexander, when he heard this, prepared himself and went to Media, setting it in his heart and said to all that by no means should he be called emperor if he had not obtained the kingdom of Darius. It was announced to Alexander that King Darius was preparing himself and would go to the Caspian Gates, and would await him there.

Statim Alexander coepit ire illuc. Cum vero audisset Darius adventum Alexandri, timuit valde.

At once Alexander began to go thither. But when Darius had heard of the advent of Alexander, he feared greatly.

20. Inter haec significatus est Bysso et Ariobarzani adventum eiusdem Alexandri; cogitaverunt occidere Darium estimantes bonam recipere remunerationem ab Alexandro occidendo Darium, inimicum eius. Haec eis cogitantibus evaginatis gladiis abierunt occidere illum. Cum autem vidisset eos Darius, dixit illis: 'O karissimi mei, qui ante fuistis servi, nunc vero domini, quare me vultis occidere?

20. Meanwhile, the advent of that same Alexander was signified to Bysso and Ariobarzanes; they contrived to kill Darius, estimating that they would receive a good remuneration from Alexander by killing Darius, his enemy. While they were thinking these things, with swords unsheathed they went away to kill him. But when Darius saw them, he said to them: 'O my dearest ones, who before were servants, but now indeed masters, why do you wish to kill me?

Plus sunt enim Macedones honorati quam vos? Recedite a me, nolite mihi hoc malum facere; dimitte me; sufficit mihi tribulatio mea. Si me occiditis et venerit Alexander et invenerit me occisum quasi a latronibus, vindictam faciet his, qui me occiderint.

Are the Macedonians indeed more honored than you? Withdraw from me; do not do me this evil; let me go; my tribulation is enough for me. If you kill me and Alexander comes and finds me slain as if by robbers, he will exact vengeance upon those who have killed me.

Non est gaudium imperatori invenire mortuum alium imperatorem in fraude.' Ferientes autem illi cum gladiis et illi preparabant manus; dimiserunt eum semivivum.

'It is not a joy for an emperor to find another emperor dead by fraud.' But they struck with swords, and they were preparing their hands; they left him half-alive.

Transeuntes autem fluvium Stragan Macedones cucurrit Alexander et ingressus est palatium Darii. Cum autem audisset ingressum Alexandri hi, qui percusserunt Darium, abierunt et absconderunt se volentes intellegere voluntatem Alexandri de hoc, quod factum est. Dum ingrederetur Alexander in palatium Darii, invenit(que) eum semivivum iacentem in terra et flevit exuens de se clamidem imperialem et cooperuit eum et amplexatus est vulnera eius flens ac dicens: 'Surge, domine Dari, surge et, sicut aliquando fuisti dominus totius imperii tui, recipe diadema Persarum et esto gloriosus, sicut usque hactenus fuisti.

But after crossing the river Stragan, Alexander with the Macedonians ran and entered the palace of Darius. When those who had struck Darius heard of Alexander’s entrance, they went away and hid themselves, wishing to understand Alexander’s will concerning what had been done. While Alexander was entering the palace of Darius, he found him half-alive, lying on the ground, and he wept, taking off from himself the imperial cloak and covered him, and embraced his wounds, weeping and saying: 'Rise, Lord Darius, rise, and just as once you were lord of your whole empire, take back the diadem of the Persians and be glorious, just as you have been up to now.'

Iuro tibi, Dari, per potentissimos deos, quia veraciter abrenuntio tibi imperium tuum, pariter et tecum opto fruere cibariis tuis, quia nullus imperator debet gaudere in tristiciis imperatoris, dum ab eo fortuna leticiae recesserit. Dic mihi, Dari, qui fuerunt hi, qui te percusserunt, ut victor existam de inimicis tuis.'

'I swear to you, Darius, by the most powerful gods, that truly I renounce any claim to your empire, and likewise I wish, together with you, to enjoy your provisions, for no emperor ought to rejoice in the sadnesses of an emperor, when the fortune of joy has withdrawn from him. Tell me, Darius, who were those who struck you, that I may stand forth as victor over your enemies.'

Hoc cum magna angustia dixisset Alexander, extendit manum suam Darius, blanditer amplexans eum, osculans illi manus et pectus et dixit: 'Fili Alexa[n]der, non elevetur mens tua in victoriali gloria, quam habuisti. Etiam si opera operaveris, qua[e] operarunt dii, et manum tuam usque ad caelum tetenderis, semper recordare novissima: fatualis gloria non est data soli imperatori aut simplici homini, sed cui ea fatum providentiae dederit. Intuere me et vide, qualis fui hesterna die, qualis sum hodie, quia miser ego humiliatus sum usque ad pulverem.

When Alexander had said this with great anguish, Darius extended his hand, gently embracing him, kissing his hands and chest, and said: 'Son Alexa[n]der, let not your mind be lifted up in the victorious glory which you have had. Even if you should work deeds which the gods have wrought, and should stretch your hand up to heaven, always remember the last things: fated glory is not given to the emperor alone or to the common man, but to him to whom the fate of Providence shall have given it. Look upon me and see what I was yesterday, what I am today; for I, wretched, have been humbled down to the dust.'

Dominator fui Kyron et plurimarum terrarum aliarum et nuc in memet ipso non habeo potestatem. Sepeliant me benignissimae manus tuae. Veniant in obsequium meum Perses et Macedones et amodo Persarum gens atque Macedones efficiantur in unum regnum.

I was lord of Kyron and of very many other lands, and now I do not have power over my very self. Let your most kindly hands bury me. Let the Persians and the Macedonians come into my obedience, and from now on let the nation of the Persians and the Macedonians be brought into one kingdom.

Ego miser commendo tibi Rodogoni matrem meam, ut sit tibi in memoria matris. Vigeat benignitas tua uxori meae. Roxani filiam meam accipe tibi in coniugium; ex bonis parentibus nati filii iungantur in unum, tu de Filippo, Roxani de Dario.' Haec dicente Dario in manibus Alexandri emisit spiritum.

I, miserable, entrust to you my mother Rodogune, that she may be to you in the memory of a mother. Let your benignity thrive toward my wife. Take my daughter Roxane to yourself in conjugal union; let the sons born from good parents be joined into one, you from Philip, Roxane from Darius.' As Darius was saying these things, he breathed out his spirit in Alexander’s hands.

21. Secundum morem imperialem composuit Alexander corpus eius et cum magno obsequio antecedentes ei armati Macedones et Perses. Alexander autem supponens collum suum portavit lectum illius una cum Persis. Plorabat enim Perses non tantum pro morte [Darii], quantum pro pietate Alexandri et sepelierunt eum.

21. According to the imperial custom Alexander laid out his body, and with great obsequy armed Macedonians and Persians went before him. But Alexander, placing his own neck underneath, carried his bier together with the Persians. For the Persians were weeping not so much for the death [of Darius] as for the piety of Alexander, and they buried him.

Cum autem sepelissent eum in imperiali sepulcro, tale edictum dedit Alexander Persis: 'Rex Alexander, filius Ammonis dei et Olimpiadis reginae, omnibus civitatibus his et populis Persarum precipio hoc: Gauderem utique, si tantus hic non defecisset populus; sed quia voluit deus Ammon constituere me victorialem [in] Persidam, oportet me referre diis gratias. Volo interim, ut per unamquamque civitatem sint principes rectores sicut temporibus Darii regis et oboediatis eis. Unusquisque homo in potestate sua habeat proprietatem suam.

When they had buried him in the imperial sepulcher, Alexander gave to the Persians such an edict: 'King Alexander, son of the god Ammon and of Queen Olympias, to all these cities and to the peoples of the Persians I prescribe this: I would indeed rejoice, if so great a people had not perished here; but since the god Ammon willed to establish me victorious over Persia, it behooves me to render thanks to the gods. I will meanwhile that in each and every city there be princely rulers as in the times of King Darius, and that you obey them. Let each man have his own property in his own power.'

Omnia arma precipio ut recondantur in domibus regalibus. Volo denique, ut locuples et omni bono sit plena haec terra, et hoc precipio, ut ab hac provintia Persida et usque Ellada omnis iter apertum sit, ut euntes et redeuntes cum negotiis nihil paciantur mali. Qui vero vindictam fecerunt de inimico meo Dario, accedant, ut videam illos et dignum honorem exhibeam eis, quia bonum servicium fecerunt mihi.

I command that all arms be stored away in the regal houses. I wish, finally, that this land be opulent and full of every good thing, and this I command: that from this province Persis and as far as Hellas every route be open, so that those going and returning on business suffer no harm. But those who have exacted vengeance upon my enemy Darius, let them approach, that I may see them and render to them worthy honor, because they have done me good service.

Quicumque occidisset eum sive Macedo seu Persas, veniat ad me nihil dubitans. Per potentissimos deos iuro et per dilectam matrem Olimpiadem, quia preclarissimos atque potentissimos illos facio inter omnes homines.'

Whoever had slain him, whether a Macedonian or a Persian, let him come to me doubting nothing. I swear by the most potent gods and by my beloved mother Olympias, that I will make them most preeminent and most potent among all men.'

Taliter ille iurando omnis populus flevit Persarum. Iniquissimi et homicid[a]e Bysso et Ariobarzani, interfectores Darii, astiterunt voluntarie ante eum dicentes: 'Dominator, nos sumus hi, qui occidimus Darium, inimicum tuum.' Quo audito fecit eos apprehendere ac ligari et duci eos super sepulcrum Darii, ut capita eorum truncarentur. Vociferantes autem ipsi ac dicentes: 'Dominator, vide, quia iure iurando iurasti nobis per potentissimos deos et per salvationem matris tuae.' Quibus Alexander: 'Vobis non loquor, sed pro populo, qui circumstat, dico hoc: Manifestatio vestra nullomodo fuerat, si tale sacramentum non fecissem.

In such a manner, as he was swearing, all the people of the Persians wept. The most iniquitous homicides Byssus and Ariobarzanes, the slayers of Darius, stood voluntarily before him, saying: 'Dominator, we are those who killed Darius, your enemy.' On hearing this he had them seized and bound and led over the tomb of Darius, that their heads might be cut off. But they, shouting and saying: 'Dominator, see, for by an oath you swore to us by the most powerful gods and by the safety of your mother.' To whom Alexander: 'I do not speak to you, but for the people who stand around I say this: your disclosure would by no means have come to light, if I had not made such an oath.'

Intentio mea talis fuit ab inicio, ut, si inventi fuissent homicidae illius, occiderentur. Illi enim, qui proximum suum dominum occidunt, extraneo quid faciunt?' In hoc autem vociferatio magna facta est inter Persas laudantes eum quasi deum. Homicidas autem illos decollari precepit.

My intention was such from the beginning, that, if the murderers of that man had been found, they would be put to death. For those who kill their own lord—what will they do to a stranger?'

22. Totam autem provinciam Persidam in pace ordinavit et constituit rectores in omnibus provinciis. Tunc illo in tempore erat ibi Duriti, avunculus Darii; per petitionem tocius populi Persarum ordinavit eum ducem in Persida. Secundum praeceptionem Darii regis fecit venire Roxani, filiam eius, accipiens eam in uxorem et una secum fecit eam sedere in regali throno, ut adoraretur ab omnibus sicut regina.

22. Moreover, he arranged the whole province of Persis in peace and appointed rectors in all the provinces. Then at that time there was there Durites, the uncle of Darius; by the petition of the whole people of the Persians he appointed him duke in Persis. According to the precept of King Darius he caused Roxane, his daughter, to come, taking her as wife, and together with himself he made her sit on the regal throne, that she might be adored by all like a queen.

Tunc omnes Perses levaverunt deos suos et adduxerunt eos ante Alexandrum laudando et celebrando nomen illius dicentes, quia: 'nunc fecisti, quod diis placuit.' Quibus Alexander: 'Nolo, ut exhibeatis mihi honorem sicut diis, quia corruptibilis et mortalis sum. Dubito enim sociare me diis.' Scripsit matri suae epistolam, ut coleret nuptias suas in Macedonia de Roxani, filia Darii, quam acceperat uxorem. Completis vero diebus nuptiarum congregavit iterum milites suos.

Then all the Persians lifted up their gods and brought them before Alexander, praising and celebrating his name, saying, because: 'now you have done what pleased the gods.' To whom Alexander: 'I do not wish that you render to me honor as to the gods, for I am corruptible and mortal. Indeed I hesitate to associate myself with the gods.' He wrote an epistle to his mother, that she should celebrate his nuptials in Macedonia for Roxana, the daughter of Darius, whom he had taken as wife. But when the days of the wedding were completed, he gathered his soldiers again.