Alexander – The Great

Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil
Greece has been the centre of civilization in ancient period. The land of political thinkers, mathematicians, philosophers, astronomers, warriors and the land is also known for bravery, of many kings, like Alexander- the great, who put his mark in the world’s history with his unique symbol of victory, even today when we talk about victory or a brave person with his achievements, we call him “Sikander” as it is connected with victory.
The great Alexander massacred numerous reigns during his short span of victorious time but even though he is known for his unique style of ruling his empire spreading his wings from ocean to sky and while leaving this world giving a thoughtful and truthful message for his countrymen and common generation.
Alexander was a great king---- as a warrior, administrator and military commander he was undefeated and the most successful history. He outsmarted both his contemporaries as well as his successors. His reign may have come as old as 2300 years but he is still ranked among the three great generals of all time. This is a very enlightening incident concerning the life of Alexander the great king which remained as a great message for generations to come.
After capturing the throne of India, porous was brought before him in order to decide his fate. King Alexander asked porous “what he should do to him or how he should treat him? “Porous replied in the most subservient and decorous manner that “He should be treated in the same manner, just as a king treats another king”. After getting impressed by his audacious and significant answer, Alexander returned his kingdom with pride and relinquish his patio. This shows Alexander’s sense of aesthetics and appreciation for bold answer.
Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his enormous army, his jagged sword and all his wealth were of no consequence.
He now longed to reach to see his mother’s face and bid her last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his plummeting health would not consent him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conquer or lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, “I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail”. With tears rolling down their cheeks, the generals granted to abide by their kings last wishes.
“My first desire is that”, said Alexander, “My physicians alone must lug my coffin”. After a pause, he continued, “secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be speckled with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury.
“The king felt pooped after saying this. He took a minute’s break and continued. “My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin”. The people who had gathered there wondered at the kings bizarre wishes--- but no one dared to bring the question.
Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “As a king, we promise you that your wishes will be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such outlandish wishes”? At this Alexander took a deep breath and said. “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt, I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure any body. They are defenseless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.
The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a steep waste of time to chase wealth.
And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that “I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world”. With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let the death conquer him and breathed his last.