c. sixth to ninth centuries CE
translated by Jason Colavito
2026
|
NOTE |
The Alexander Romance is often described as Antiquity's most successful novel. The Romance is a collection of legendary narratives about Alexander the Great that blend history, myth, and fantasy into a highly imaginative biography. Probably originating in the Hellenistic period, but certainly before the Latin translation of 334 CE, and later attributed falsely to Callisthenes (hence the “Pseudo-Callisthenes”), the text recounts Alexander’s miraculous birth, his conquests across the known world, and a series of fantastical adventures—such as encounters with strange peoples and monsters, journeys to the ends of the earth, and even ascents into the sky and descents beneath the sea. Over centuries, the work was translated and adapted into numerous languages. The Coptic version of the Alexander Romance survives only in fragmentary form, but it is an important witness to how the legend circulated in Christian Egypt.
The text is known from nine fragments of a single Coptic manuscript from the White Monastery in Sohaj, divided among collections in four European capitals. Only a a few folios of a manuscript that apparently ran about 220 folios over around 37 chapters survive. Several of the incidents in it parallel the Greek version, but others are otherwise unknown in surviving texts. Interestingly, the word used to describe Alexander as king is the Coptic word for pharaoh rather than the Greek-derived cognate for basileus. Oscar von Lemm published a critical edition of the fragments in 1903 in his volume Der Alexanderroman bei den Kopten with a German translation. It is from this German edition that I translate the fragments below. The note to fragment 8 is that of Lemm. |
The Alexander Romance Among the Copts.
Fragment 1.
Recto.
He spoke to Alexander: "Ask each one of these: 'How long have you been in this place?'" The first among them spoke: "Hear me, my brother; I am one from the land of Thrace. Behold, forty years have passed since I came to this place; I had been sent to the land bearing letters." The second spoke: "I, on the other hand—my brother—have spent twenty-two years since I came from the land of the Lacedaemonians." The third spoke to him: "Behold, sixty-six years have passed since I came to this place. I had been sent bearing letters from my lord, the King .......es. Now, then, [I shall] comfort [you (?)]." [.....] spoke to Alexander:
Verso.
"I have heard that [it is the son of the [King] who is King today. But you, my brother, will never see your lord—your King—again." Alexander, however, wept bitterly; all who saw him were struck with astonishment at him, and some from the crowd spoke: "He has come by the right path, and his heart still burns within him." Eleazar, however—'the Elder of the Persians'—took Alexander and led him into his house. The messengers, however, followed him and sat down; and each one spoke of his own land. And they [lamented] over their people and wept—shedding tears—over Alexander, who was weeping. …………………….. My Lord. …………………… [Elea]zar
Fragment 2.
Recto.
He assumed command of the troops and sent them forth with men; these men he had crucified, while the women were bound in droves. Alexander, however, ordered his troops to station themselves at the city gate and to keep watch, ensuring that no one departed. But when morning broke, the old man—namely Eleazar—had a royal garment brought forth; and all those messengers he laden—or rather, adorned—in this manner: with gold, silver, and precious gemstones found within that palace: sardius, topaz, jasper, onyx, agate, ligure, chrysolite, chrysoprase, and amethyst—this last stone, the amethyst, being the very one used to test the purity of gold. He plundered the city of the Elamites, and his forces departed from it; he then appointed Jodae to rule over them. Alexander spoke:
Verso.
[...clad in the garb] of a mere beggar. Thus he spoke: "I shall put the elders—the fathers—of the city to the test, to see what they will do." He entered the city and took up his station near the king's palace. The king did not see him; he knew only that this man had spent seventy-seven years among the Elamites. Neither did that same man call out—for he did not know that it was his son—nor did the son himself know that the man wrapped in his cloak was his father. Behold, a woman called out to him and said: "Antipater, why do you not go and seek your father? I have heard concerning the Elamites that Alexander has become their master and has released all the messengers." The young man replied: "My father died more than forty years ago; for my father departed before I was born in my mother's womb. It is my mother who told me the story [of my father]."
Fragment 3.
Recto. (Codex: Verso.)
When Antilochus heard this, he went to Alexander and immediately said to him, “If I tell the king how he should release you, what will you do to me?” Alexander said to him, “Will I see you in this way, while I am walking through my city? If so, then take half of my kingdom from me today!” But Antilochus gave him ink and paper. And he wrote in this way: “By the throne of my kingdom and by my own salvation!” “If you save me, I will give you everything you ask.” Antilochus sent and hurried to the “chief of Chaos” and said to him: “Take from me three centenaries [of gold] under one condition, which I will tell you. The king has ordered Alexander to be thrown into Chaos; but when he is brought to you, keep him hidden in your hiding place and throw a stone the length of his body down into Chaos, and we will hear it with those who follow us. If you do this, you will live and find favor in my sight, and when the man comes to you, you will find many baskets and he will give you rich gifts.” But they concluded the treaty with each other. Antilochus, however, returned home. When morning came to Alexander….
Verso. (Codex: Recto.)
[Alex]ander went to the place of Chaos and saw it with his own eyes. But Alexander—whose reign had ended and whose strength had failed—lifted his eyes toward heaven and spoke to those who held him: "Grant me now, my brothers, to behold the sun." And Alexander wept, saying: "O radiant Sun! Shall I ever see you again at the morning hour?" They led him inside. Antilochus spoke to him: "Take wine and bread, and eat before you see it!" Alexander replied: "If this is to be the last sustenance I shall ever partake of, then I will not eat." Antilochus spoke to him in a whisper, saying: "Eat and drink! I shall set your soul free; for I have already inquired into the appointed sign—namely: When they seize the stone to cast it down, cry out with a loud voice, so that we may know it is you whom we hear." Antilochus went out with ten soldiers. Antilochus said: "Let us go outside, lest our eyes witness his misery." Then they seized the stone, and Alexander cried out with a loud voice. Antilochus spoke—weeping along with those who were with him—saying: "Oh, what misery has befallen King Alexander, and what destitution..." ...down into the city.
Fragment 4.
Recto.
Alexander died in the Chaos. But everyone who heard this cried out. The King, however, upon hearing this, became sorrowful and distressed—along with the Queen and Antilochus—and said: "I regret that I cast the great King down into the Chaos, and I fear that his army may rise up against us." Antilochus said to him: "I grew weary of pleading with you: 'Let him go!' Yet you would not be persuaded to grant me a hearing, nor would you turn your face toward me." The King said: "Why did you find no means to set him free?" During the night, however, Alexander was taken to the house of Antilochus; they took him, placed him in a cave, and provided him with every comfort. But the rumor spread throughout the entire land: "Alexander is dead." Everyone who heard this stood frozen like stone at what had come to pass. Afterward, however, Menander had a dream of this nature; he beheld a vision in this manner: He saw a lion, bound with iron chains, cast down into a pit. Behold, a man spoke to him: "Menander, why do you not descend to that lion, seeing that his purple robe has fallen down? [Rise now and grasp the] neck-opening (?) of the purple!" And immediately he rose and spoke [in distress] to Selpharios and Diatrophe, saying: "Are you asleep?"
Verso.
They replied: "What is the matter, O foremost Philosopher?" Weeping, he spoke thus: "The dream I have seen shall be fulfilled upon the enemies of Alexander. [I saw] a vision—of those who hate him—intrude upon my sleep, and I was struck rigid as stone with grief." Menander said to them: "The lion I saw is the King." And they continued in this discourse until morning. Behold, a messenger arrived before Selpharios, Menander, and Diatrophe, crying out and weeping as he spoke: "Who could hear these words I have heard and remain silent? It is terrible to speak them; it is a disgrace to utter them." Menander said: "What is this news, my son? I have already learned what has befallen King Alexander." The messenger said to them: "Men worthy of death have raised their hands against my master, the King, in Gedrosia, and have slain him." Menander tore at his purple robes and rent them; Selpharios and Diatrophe likewise tore their garments. They cried out aloud, and the very earth seemed to tremble at their outcry. Diatrophe said: "I shall go and bring back tidings concerning my master." He took with him a chiliarch and three soldiers; they traveled to Gedrosia, heard the full account, learned [everything], and returned to their army, [reporting it to Menan]der [and recounting it amidst tears], saying:
Fragment 5.
Recto.
But when evening had fallen, Alexander donned a soldier's garb and went out, making his way toward the armies. Selpharios, however, commanded in his decree that no man should drink wine or wear fine raiment during the forty days of mourning for King Alexander. Alexander approached and beheld Agricolaos—the King of the Persians—stretched out upon his couch, speaking thus to his men: "Arise, you men of stout heart; eat and drink, for a yoke has fallen from your shoulders—namely, Alexander, whom they have slain. What lies within your hearts? I will not suffer you to remain in this manner—slaves to Macedon and Egypt." Then spoke Agricolaos (read: Alexander): "Nay, it shall not be that you go this day without eating and drinking, O good man of steadfast heart." He then rose and went among the men of Macedon, saying to them: "Why do you not eat and drink? For he who slew you in battle is dead. Behold, he has been slain, and yet you do not rejoice!" They answered him: "You have lost your wits!" As they spoke these words, they began to cast stones at him. Alexander remained there in his disguise until midnight; then he entered the house of Antilochus and mounted Chiron.
Verso.
He arrived at the place where Menander lay, for his eyes were heavy with sleep. He spoke to Menander, Selpharios, and Diatrophe: "You are my strength." Menander spoke: "It is your voice that I have heard." Diatrophe replied: "Father, what is the matter? It is but a figment of my imagination that I heard." But when they fell silent, he repeated it, saying: "I am Alexander, who was slain by the inhabitants of Gedrosia; Antilochus restored me to life. Chiron, tell them what befell me." When morning dawned, he took his seat upon the throne of his dominion. Alexander immediately dispatched a herald to make a proclamation, who announced: "King Alexander has returned!" And instantly, the multitudes gathered; Agricolaus himself came forward and declared: "We have beheld your face, and we live!" But King Alexander said to him: "You have merely awakened from the drunken stupor of last night—when you exclaimed: 'The yoke of Alexander has been cast off from us! Eat and drink!'" The King immediately gave the order to have him beheaded with the sword. The King declared: "Receive now vinegar in place of the wine you drank until you were intoxicated." Then King Alexander commanded: "Bring the Commander of the Cavalry before me." They led him forth...
Fragment 6
Recto
…they will go out …
… hear the name of …
Jeremiah … your welfare …
the king; you will do this (?)—[when one]
brings you my letter, then do …
and let him go, so that he may go out [with]
all his people. I greet …
the general, I greet Jeremiah and Drakontios, I greet Sergios and Phileas. My son, who will place your mouth upon my mouth and your eyes upon my eyes, my hands upon your [hair]? The birds of the sky, when they fly out, fill their beaks with the fruits of the field and bring them to the beaks of their young; but the little birds rejoice at the presence of their parents because they gather food for them, and they raise their little wings; and the little birds display gentleness. You yourself, Phileas, my own son, remember the hour when I went out …
Verso
… period of time …
… in a dream he saw
[he saw] the downfall of my lord, Alexander …
… it rested a short while—Alexander the king; remember …
… my rule for you, I fought …
… Okeanos and brought him down …
… the bravery of the Persians …
… they were mighty and defeated me. I …
“Selpharios, I have written with my own hand: When you have grown to manhood, look upon this, recognize it, read it, and recite it with weeping and lamentation. I have penned the document of my testament in ink, amidst the tears of my eyes. My drinking places have become a desolate waste, and my places of refreshment have turned into a desert! I bid you farewell—each and every one of my brothers. Fare you well, my beloved ones, and remember me!" When he had finished writing this, he handed the paper to Alexander. Alexander, however, wept and averted his eyes so that Selpharios would not see him. Then Alexander spoke.
Fragment 7.
Recto.
He was struck with wonder [at the splendor (?) of the garden], from which the four [rivers] issued forth—namely: [Pison], Gihon, the Tigris, and the Euphrates. They drank from them, however, and rejoiced, for that spring of water was sweet. Thereupon they beheld a great darkness and spoke thus: "We cannot enter." Then Menander spoke: "Let us bring forth nursing mares and mount them—let them leave their foals outside, while we press forward into the darkness." And they were struck with wonder, for it was exceedingly dark, so that the men could not recognize one another. Alexander spoke: "Come with me—you, Menander, along with Selpharios and Diatrophê!" They mounted four nursing mares; their foals, however, remained in the light, yet each could hear the voice of the others. They pressed into the darkness. Then they heard a voice speaking thus: "Alexander, Menander, Selpharios, and Diatrophê! Be content that you have reached this far." Alexander replied: "I shall not be content until I find what I seek." He pressed forward a little further and halted
Verso.
[with the horses]. The voice spoke to him [a second time], saying: "Be content, O Alexander!" Alexander, however, would not stop. He looked down beneath the horses' hooves and beheld luminous objects. Alexander spoke thus: "Let us take these luminous objects, for they are precious stones." Selpharios, however, reached out his hand and took four; Menander took three; Diatrophê took two; but Alexander himself stretched out his left hand and filled it, and took three with his right. And at that very hour, his left hand became like his right; and whenever he went to war—from that hour onward—he fought with both hands. Alexander, meanwhile, perceived a strong fragrance. Then a voice struck Alexander’s ears for the third time, saying: "Be content, O Alexander! For when a horse hastens too much to run, it stumbles and falls." And the voice spoke further: "Ask for whatever you desire!" Alexander replied: "Grant me dominion over the whole earth, and let my enemies submit themselves to me." The voice answered him: "Because you did not ask for a long life, but rather for dominion over the whole earth—behold, you have indeed beheld the entire earth with your own eyes and have become its master; yet when the morning once again sheds its light, then..."
Fragment 8.
Unfortunately, this fragment is so poorly preserved that a translation of it is not possible; furthermore, for a transcription, I was obliged to rely solely on Bouriant’s edition, as I was unable even to ascertain the whereabouts of the original fragment. Bouriant and Maspero were able to establish only that the text concerns Alexander’s stay among the Brahmans in India, and that it also makes mention of a certain Kalynos. [...]
Fragment 9.
Recto.
He appeased Olympias’s attack and her bitterness against Antipater by sending Craterus to Macedonia and Thessaly. When Antipater perceived Alexander’s resentment—for he had heard of it through those who had been discharged from military service—Antipater resolved upon Alexander’s assassination, lest he himself fall into great torment; for he had heard and knew what Alexander intended against him on account of his arrogance and his deeds. Alexander sent for the troop of archers—a very large contingent stationed in Babylon. Among them, however, was a son of Antipater named Iollas, who attended upon Alexander. Antipater, for his part, prepared a deadly poison—a substance whose potency no vessel of bronze or clay could withstand, but which caused any such vessel to shatter instantly. And when he had prepared it, he placed it in an iron vessel, gave it to his son Cassander, and dispatched him...
Verso.
...to Alexander; yet, in a private conversation, he was to speak with Iollas, his brother, regarding the administration of the poisonous draught to Alexander. When Cassander arrived in Babylon, however, he found Alexander in the midst of offering sacrifices and receiving those who had come to see him. He spoke with Julios, his brother—for the latter was Alexander’s chief cupbearer. Now, it had happened but a few days earlier that Alexander had struck the servant Julios on the head with a staff while he was seated, on account of a reprimand arising from an act of negligence; consequently, the young man became enraged and grew fully resolved to commit the heinous deed. And he took with him Mesios the Thessalian—a friend of Alexander and one of his judges—whom Alexander had mistreated on account of alleged partiality. And they conspired together to administer the poisonous draught to Alexander.
36. Concerning those who administered the deadly draught.
“He who casts his gaze upon a table that is not his own—his span of life is no true life.”
Recto.
He spoke to Alexander: "Ask each one of these: 'How long have you been in this place?'" The first among them spoke: "Hear me, my brother; I am one from the land of Thrace. Behold, forty years have passed since I came to this place; I had been sent to the land bearing letters." The second spoke: "I, on the other hand—my brother—have spent twenty-two years since I came from the land of the Lacedaemonians." The third spoke to him: "Behold, sixty-six years have passed since I came to this place. I had been sent bearing letters from my lord, the King .......es. Now, then, [I shall] comfort [you (?)]." [.....] spoke to Alexander:
Verso.
"I have heard that [it is the son of the [King] who is King today. But you, my brother, will never see your lord—your King—again." Alexander, however, wept bitterly; all who saw him were struck with astonishment at him, and some from the crowd spoke: "He has come by the right path, and his heart still burns within him." Eleazar, however—'the Elder of the Persians'—took Alexander and led him into his house. The messengers, however, followed him and sat down; and each one spoke of his own land. And they [lamented] over their people and wept—shedding tears—over Alexander, who was weeping. …………………….. My Lord. …………………… [Elea]zar
Fragment 2.
Recto.
He assumed command of the troops and sent them forth with men; these men he had crucified, while the women were bound in droves. Alexander, however, ordered his troops to station themselves at the city gate and to keep watch, ensuring that no one departed. But when morning broke, the old man—namely Eleazar—had a royal garment brought forth; and all those messengers he laden—or rather, adorned—in this manner: with gold, silver, and precious gemstones found within that palace: sardius, topaz, jasper, onyx, agate, ligure, chrysolite, chrysoprase, and amethyst—this last stone, the amethyst, being the very one used to test the purity of gold. He plundered the city of the Elamites, and his forces departed from it; he then appointed Jodae to rule over them. Alexander spoke:
Verso.
[...clad in the garb] of a mere beggar. Thus he spoke: "I shall put the elders—the fathers—of the city to the test, to see what they will do." He entered the city and took up his station near the king's palace. The king did not see him; he knew only that this man had spent seventy-seven years among the Elamites. Neither did that same man call out—for he did not know that it was his son—nor did the son himself know that the man wrapped in his cloak was his father. Behold, a woman called out to him and said: "Antipater, why do you not go and seek your father? I have heard concerning the Elamites that Alexander has become their master and has released all the messengers." The young man replied: "My father died more than forty years ago; for my father departed before I was born in my mother's womb. It is my mother who told me the story [of my father]."
Fragment 3.
Recto. (Codex: Verso.)
When Antilochus heard this, he went to Alexander and immediately said to him, “If I tell the king how he should release you, what will you do to me?” Alexander said to him, “Will I see you in this way, while I am walking through my city? If so, then take half of my kingdom from me today!” But Antilochus gave him ink and paper. And he wrote in this way: “By the throne of my kingdom and by my own salvation!” “If you save me, I will give you everything you ask.” Antilochus sent and hurried to the “chief of Chaos” and said to him: “Take from me three centenaries [of gold] under one condition, which I will tell you. The king has ordered Alexander to be thrown into Chaos; but when he is brought to you, keep him hidden in your hiding place and throw a stone the length of his body down into Chaos, and we will hear it with those who follow us. If you do this, you will live and find favor in my sight, and when the man comes to you, you will find many baskets and he will give you rich gifts.” But they concluded the treaty with each other. Antilochus, however, returned home. When morning came to Alexander….
Verso. (Codex: Recto.)
[Alex]ander went to the place of Chaos and saw it with his own eyes. But Alexander—whose reign had ended and whose strength had failed—lifted his eyes toward heaven and spoke to those who held him: "Grant me now, my brothers, to behold the sun." And Alexander wept, saying: "O radiant Sun! Shall I ever see you again at the morning hour?" They led him inside. Antilochus spoke to him: "Take wine and bread, and eat before you see it!" Alexander replied: "If this is to be the last sustenance I shall ever partake of, then I will not eat." Antilochus spoke to him in a whisper, saying: "Eat and drink! I shall set your soul free; for I have already inquired into the appointed sign—namely: When they seize the stone to cast it down, cry out with a loud voice, so that we may know it is you whom we hear." Antilochus went out with ten soldiers. Antilochus said: "Let us go outside, lest our eyes witness his misery." Then they seized the stone, and Alexander cried out with a loud voice. Antilochus spoke—weeping along with those who were with him—saying: "Oh, what misery has befallen King Alexander, and what destitution..." ...down into the city.
Fragment 4.
Recto.
Alexander died in the Chaos. But everyone who heard this cried out. The King, however, upon hearing this, became sorrowful and distressed—along with the Queen and Antilochus—and said: "I regret that I cast the great King down into the Chaos, and I fear that his army may rise up against us." Antilochus said to him: "I grew weary of pleading with you: 'Let him go!' Yet you would not be persuaded to grant me a hearing, nor would you turn your face toward me." The King said: "Why did you find no means to set him free?" During the night, however, Alexander was taken to the house of Antilochus; they took him, placed him in a cave, and provided him with every comfort. But the rumor spread throughout the entire land: "Alexander is dead." Everyone who heard this stood frozen like stone at what had come to pass. Afterward, however, Menander had a dream of this nature; he beheld a vision in this manner: He saw a lion, bound with iron chains, cast down into a pit. Behold, a man spoke to him: "Menander, why do you not descend to that lion, seeing that his purple robe has fallen down? [Rise now and grasp the] neck-opening (?) of the purple!" And immediately he rose and spoke [in distress] to Selpharios and Diatrophe, saying: "Are you asleep?"
Verso.
They replied: "What is the matter, O foremost Philosopher?" Weeping, he spoke thus: "The dream I have seen shall be fulfilled upon the enemies of Alexander. [I saw] a vision—of those who hate him—intrude upon my sleep, and I was struck rigid as stone with grief." Menander said to them: "The lion I saw is the King." And they continued in this discourse until morning. Behold, a messenger arrived before Selpharios, Menander, and Diatrophe, crying out and weeping as he spoke: "Who could hear these words I have heard and remain silent? It is terrible to speak them; it is a disgrace to utter them." Menander said: "What is this news, my son? I have already learned what has befallen King Alexander." The messenger said to them: "Men worthy of death have raised their hands against my master, the King, in Gedrosia, and have slain him." Menander tore at his purple robes and rent them; Selpharios and Diatrophe likewise tore their garments. They cried out aloud, and the very earth seemed to tremble at their outcry. Diatrophe said: "I shall go and bring back tidings concerning my master." He took with him a chiliarch and three soldiers; they traveled to Gedrosia, heard the full account, learned [everything], and returned to their army, [reporting it to Menan]der [and recounting it amidst tears], saying:
Fragment 5.
Recto.
But when evening had fallen, Alexander donned a soldier's garb and went out, making his way toward the armies. Selpharios, however, commanded in his decree that no man should drink wine or wear fine raiment during the forty days of mourning for King Alexander. Alexander approached and beheld Agricolaos—the King of the Persians—stretched out upon his couch, speaking thus to his men: "Arise, you men of stout heart; eat and drink, for a yoke has fallen from your shoulders—namely, Alexander, whom they have slain. What lies within your hearts? I will not suffer you to remain in this manner—slaves to Macedon and Egypt." Then spoke Agricolaos (read: Alexander): "Nay, it shall not be that you go this day without eating and drinking, O good man of steadfast heart." He then rose and went among the men of Macedon, saying to them: "Why do you not eat and drink? For he who slew you in battle is dead. Behold, he has been slain, and yet you do not rejoice!" They answered him: "You have lost your wits!" As they spoke these words, they began to cast stones at him. Alexander remained there in his disguise until midnight; then he entered the house of Antilochus and mounted Chiron.
Verso.
He arrived at the place where Menander lay, for his eyes were heavy with sleep. He spoke to Menander, Selpharios, and Diatrophe: "You are my strength." Menander spoke: "It is your voice that I have heard." Diatrophe replied: "Father, what is the matter? It is but a figment of my imagination that I heard." But when they fell silent, he repeated it, saying: "I am Alexander, who was slain by the inhabitants of Gedrosia; Antilochus restored me to life. Chiron, tell them what befell me." When morning dawned, he took his seat upon the throne of his dominion. Alexander immediately dispatched a herald to make a proclamation, who announced: "King Alexander has returned!" And instantly, the multitudes gathered; Agricolaus himself came forward and declared: "We have beheld your face, and we live!" But King Alexander said to him: "You have merely awakened from the drunken stupor of last night—when you exclaimed: 'The yoke of Alexander has been cast off from us! Eat and drink!'" The King immediately gave the order to have him beheaded with the sword. The King declared: "Receive now vinegar in place of the wine you drank until you were intoxicated." Then King Alexander commanded: "Bring the Commander of the Cavalry before me." They led him forth...
Fragment 6
Recto
…they will go out …
… hear the name of …
Jeremiah … your welfare …
the king; you will do this (?)—[when one]
brings you my letter, then do …
and let him go, so that he may go out [with]
all his people. I greet …
the general, I greet Jeremiah and Drakontios, I greet Sergios and Phileas. My son, who will place your mouth upon my mouth and your eyes upon my eyes, my hands upon your [hair]? The birds of the sky, when they fly out, fill their beaks with the fruits of the field and bring them to the beaks of their young; but the little birds rejoice at the presence of their parents because they gather food for them, and they raise their little wings; and the little birds display gentleness. You yourself, Phileas, my own son, remember the hour when I went out …
Verso
… period of time …
… in a dream he saw
[he saw] the downfall of my lord, Alexander …
… it rested a short while—Alexander the king; remember …
… my rule for you, I fought …
… Okeanos and brought him down …
… the bravery of the Persians …
… they were mighty and defeated me. I …
“Selpharios, I have written with my own hand: When you have grown to manhood, look upon this, recognize it, read it, and recite it with weeping and lamentation. I have penned the document of my testament in ink, amidst the tears of my eyes. My drinking places have become a desolate waste, and my places of refreshment have turned into a desert! I bid you farewell—each and every one of my brothers. Fare you well, my beloved ones, and remember me!" When he had finished writing this, he handed the paper to Alexander. Alexander, however, wept and averted his eyes so that Selpharios would not see him. Then Alexander spoke.
Fragment 7.
Recto.
He was struck with wonder [at the splendor (?) of the garden], from which the four [rivers] issued forth—namely: [Pison], Gihon, the Tigris, and the Euphrates. They drank from them, however, and rejoiced, for that spring of water was sweet. Thereupon they beheld a great darkness and spoke thus: "We cannot enter." Then Menander spoke: "Let us bring forth nursing mares and mount them—let them leave their foals outside, while we press forward into the darkness." And they were struck with wonder, for it was exceedingly dark, so that the men could not recognize one another. Alexander spoke: "Come with me—you, Menander, along with Selpharios and Diatrophê!" They mounted four nursing mares; their foals, however, remained in the light, yet each could hear the voice of the others. They pressed into the darkness. Then they heard a voice speaking thus: "Alexander, Menander, Selpharios, and Diatrophê! Be content that you have reached this far." Alexander replied: "I shall not be content until I find what I seek." He pressed forward a little further and halted
Verso.
[with the horses]. The voice spoke to him [a second time], saying: "Be content, O Alexander!" Alexander, however, would not stop. He looked down beneath the horses' hooves and beheld luminous objects. Alexander spoke thus: "Let us take these luminous objects, for they are precious stones." Selpharios, however, reached out his hand and took four; Menander took three; Diatrophê took two; but Alexander himself stretched out his left hand and filled it, and took three with his right. And at that very hour, his left hand became like his right; and whenever he went to war—from that hour onward—he fought with both hands. Alexander, meanwhile, perceived a strong fragrance. Then a voice struck Alexander’s ears for the third time, saying: "Be content, O Alexander! For when a horse hastens too much to run, it stumbles and falls." And the voice spoke further: "Ask for whatever you desire!" Alexander replied: "Grant me dominion over the whole earth, and let my enemies submit themselves to me." The voice answered him: "Because you did not ask for a long life, but rather for dominion over the whole earth—behold, you have indeed beheld the entire earth with your own eyes and have become its master; yet when the morning once again sheds its light, then..."
Fragment 8.
Unfortunately, this fragment is so poorly preserved that a translation of it is not possible; furthermore, for a transcription, I was obliged to rely solely on Bouriant’s edition, as I was unable even to ascertain the whereabouts of the original fragment. Bouriant and Maspero were able to establish only that the text concerns Alexander’s stay among the Brahmans in India, and that it also makes mention of a certain Kalynos. [...]
Fragment 9.
Recto.
He appeased Olympias’s attack and her bitterness against Antipater by sending Craterus to Macedonia and Thessaly. When Antipater perceived Alexander’s resentment—for he had heard of it through those who had been discharged from military service—Antipater resolved upon Alexander’s assassination, lest he himself fall into great torment; for he had heard and knew what Alexander intended against him on account of his arrogance and his deeds. Alexander sent for the troop of archers—a very large contingent stationed in Babylon. Among them, however, was a son of Antipater named Iollas, who attended upon Alexander. Antipater, for his part, prepared a deadly poison—a substance whose potency no vessel of bronze or clay could withstand, but which caused any such vessel to shatter instantly. And when he had prepared it, he placed it in an iron vessel, gave it to his son Cassander, and dispatched him...
Verso.
...to Alexander; yet, in a private conversation, he was to speak with Iollas, his brother, regarding the administration of the poisonous draught to Alexander. When Cassander arrived in Babylon, however, he found Alexander in the midst of offering sacrifices and receiving those who had come to see him. He spoke with Julios, his brother—for the latter was Alexander’s chief cupbearer. Now, it had happened but a few days earlier that Alexander had struck the servant Julios on the head with a staff while he was seated, on account of a reprimand arising from an act of negligence; consequently, the young man became enraged and grew fully resolved to commit the heinous deed. And he took with him Mesios the Thessalian—a friend of Alexander and one of his judges—whom Alexander had mistreated on account of alleged partiality. And they conspired together to administer the poisonous draught to Alexander.
36. Concerning those who administered the deadly draught.
“He who casts his gaze upon a table that is not his own—his span of life is no true life.”
