Page 537 Camp; and having refresh'd his weary Body in the Baths, went to Supper, and then to his rest.
In the mean time, one came to the Mother of Darius, and told her that Alexander was return'd from the pursuit of Darius, and had possess'd himself of all the rich Spoils of his Tent. Upon which, there was given up a great Shriek and Lamentation amongst the Women, and from the multitude of the Captives lamenting with the Queen at the sad News, all places were fill'd with Cries and Lamentations. The King understanding what Sorrow there was among the Women, sent Leonatus, one his of Courtiers to them, to put an end to their Fears; and to let Sisygambres, the Mother of Darius, know, that her Son was alive, and that Alexander would have respect to their former Dignity; and that to confirm the Promise of his Generosity by his Actions, he would come and discourse with them the Day following. Whereupon the Captives were so surpriz'd with the sudden and happy Turn of their Fortunes, that they honour'd Alexander as a God; and their Fears were turn'd into Exultations of Joy.
The King, as soon as it was light (with Hephestion, one of the trustiest of his Friends) went to visit the Queens. When they entred, in regard they were both habited alike, Sisygambres taking Hephestion for the King (because he was the more comely and taller Man) fell prostrate at his Feet; but the Attendants, by the Nods of their Heads, and Pointing of their Fingers, directed her to Alexander; whereupon being much asham'd, and out of Countenance by reason of Mistake, she salutes Alexander in the same manner she had done before the other. Upon which, he lift her up, and said, Mother, trouble not, nor perplex your self; for that Man also is Alexander. By which courteous and obliging Title of Mother, to a grave and honourable Matron, he gave a clear Demonstration of the Respects and Civilities he intended towards them all.
Having therefore own'd her for a Second Mother, he presently confirm'd his Words by his Actions: For he order'd her to be cloath'd in her Royal Robes, and restor'd her to all the Honours becoming her former State and Dignity. For he gave her all her Attendants and Houshold Servants and Furniture allow'd her by Darius, and added also as much more of his own Bounty. He promis'd likewise to dispose of the young Ladies in Marriage far better than if their Father had provided Husbands for them; and that he would educate the King's little Son as carefully and honourably as if he were his own. Then he call'd him to him, and kiss'd him; and taking notice that he was not at all dash'd, nor seem'd to be in the least afrighted, turning to Hephestion and those about him, This Youth, but Six Years of Age (says he) carries in his Countenance Marks of a stcut and brave Spirit above his Age, and is better than his Father. He further declar'd, That he would take care of the Wife of Darius; that nothing should be wanting to her; in order to the support and maintenance of her Royal State and former Prosperity. Many other kind and gaining Expressions he us'd, insomuch as the Ladies fell a weeping in Showers of Tears, out of Transports of Joy, upon account of the Greatness of their unexpected Felicity. After all, he at length put forth to them his Right Hand to kiss, upon which not only they who were immediately honour'd with those Kindnesses, set forth his Prai • e, but even the whole Army cry'd up his incomparable Grace and Clemency. And indeed, I conceive, that amongst the many Brave and Noble Acts of Alexander, none of them were greater than this, nor more worthy by History, to be handed down to Posterity. For storming and taking of Cities, gaining of Battels, and other Successes in War, are many times the Events of Fortune, more than the Effects of Valour and Virtue; but to be compassionate to the miserable, and those that lie at the Feet of the Conqueror, must be the Fruit only of Wisdom and Prudence. For many by Prosperity grow high-crested, and are so far swell'd with Pride, by the favourable Blasts of Fortune, that they are careless and forgetful of the Common Miseries of Mankind; so that 'tis common to see many to sink under the weight of their prosperous Successes, as an heavy Burden they are not able to bear.
Therefore though Alexander was many Ages before us who are now living, yet the remembrance of his Virtue, justly challenges Honour and Praise from all those that succeed him in future Generations.
As for Darius, being now got to Babylon, he musters up his broken Troops that were escap'd from the Battel of Issus; and though he had receiv'd so great an Overthrow, yet he was not at all discourag'd, but writ Letters to Alexander, whereby he advis'd him to use his Good Fortune and Success moderately, and offer'd him a great Sum of Money for the Ransom of the Captives: He promis'd likewise to give up to him all that part of Asia, with the Cities which lay on that side, within the Course of the River Halys, if he were willing to be his Friend.
The Histories of Herodotus written in 440 BC is considered to be the founding work of history in Western literature. His history included stories and fables but he claimed to have traveled extensively and learned about many countries through direct observation.
The thesis of Stolen Legacy is that the Egyptians created what is wrongly called Greek philosophy. Dr. James argues that the African origin of Greek Philosophy is well known but rarely discussed. Ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Diodorus the Sicilian wrote in significant detail about the contributions of Egypt. Egyptian technology and libraries were unmatched and Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato studied there. The contribution of Africa to the intellectual foundation of modern knowledge is tremendous but unacknowledged.
The Library of History by Diodorus the Sicilian is one of the most highly regarded universal histories in antiquities. His work includes the history of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece and Europe. His book is a must read for research of ancient history.
Bible Study The King James Bible (kjv), World English Bible (web) and Bible in Basic English (bbe) are all examples of public domain books. The King James Bible (kjv) online uses the content from these books and open source software to enhance Bible study capabilities. The site includes the verse of the day, search tools, christian literature and links to related content. It demonstrates the use of open source to create a valuable service.