XII. But Bessus had been seized with a strong impulse to kill Darius at once; fearing, however, that he could not find favour with Alexander unless he should deliver the king alive, putting off his wicked design to the following night, he began to give thanks because Darius had wisely and cautiously avoided the plot of a treacherous man, who already had an eye to the riches of Alexander; that he would have offered his king’s life as a gift to the enemy. And it was not surprising, he said, that a man hired for a fee made everything a matter of traffic; that being without wife or child, without a home, banished from the whole world, he was a treacherous enemy who like a lot is tossed round the sale-room at the nod of bidders.
Then, as Bessus asserted his innocence and called upon his country’s gods as witnesses to his loyalty, Darius assumed an expression of assent, although he had no doubt that the report of the Greeks was true; but the situation had reached such a pass that it was as dangerous not to believe his subjects as to be deceived. Those were 30,000 in number whose untrustworthiness and inclination to crime were feared, Patron had only 4000; if he should trust his safety to the latter, distrusting the loyalty of his countrymen, he saw that he was offering an excuse for treason. Therefore he preferred to be injured undeservedly rather than with justification. Nevertheless, he replied to Bessus, when he denied any treacherous design, that Alexander’s justice was not less clear to him than his valour. That those deceived themselves who looked for a reward for treachery from him; that no one would be a severer chastiser and avenger of violated loyalty.
And now night was approaching, when the Persians after their usual custom laid aside their arms and hastened to bring supplies from the nearest village. But the Bactriani, as Bessus had commanded, remained under arms. Meanwhile Darius ordered Artabazus to be summoned, and when what Patron had reported had been revealed, Artabazus had no doubt that the king ought to cross over to the Greeks’ camp; that the Persians also, when the danger was made known, would follow him. But Darius, unable to escape his destiny and no longer receptive of any wholesome advice, embraced Artabazus, his sole consolation in his present fortune, whom he was about to see for that last time, and, bathed in his own tears and those of his friend, when Artabazus clung to him, ordered that he be pulled away; then, veiling his head, in order not to see Artabazus going away amid lamentations, as if from his funeral pyre, he threw himself prone upon the ground. Then indeed the men accustomed to form his body-guard, who ought to have protected the king’s safety even at the peril of their lives, slipped away, thinking that they would be no match for those who had secretly armed themselves, and whom they believed to be already approaching. Hence there was a vast solitude in the tent except for a few eunuchs who stood around the king because they [10] had no place to which to withdraw. But Darius, dismissing all witnesses, for a long time turned over in his mind one plan after another.
And now, detesting the loneliness which shortly before he had sought as a solace, he ordered Bubaces to be called. Fixing his eyes upon him, the king said: “Go, and look out for your own safety, having shown to the end, as was your duty, fidelity to your king; I shall await here the decree of my destiny. You wonder perhaps that I do not put an end to my life; I prefer to die by another’s crime rather than by my own.” After these words the eunuch filled with his wailing not only the tent but even the whole camp. Then others burst in and, rending their clothes, began to lament the king with mournful and barbaric outcry. The Persians, when the clamour reached their ears, stunned with fear, did not dare either to arm themselves, for fear of falling in with the Bactriani, or to remain quiet, lest they should seem impiously to desert their king.
Varied and discordant shouting without a leader and at no one’s order was heard throughout the whole camp. To Bessus and Nabarzanes their men reported that the king had killed himself — the wailing had misled them — and so they rode to the spot at full speed, followed by those whom they had chosen to perpetrate their crime; and when they entered the tent, because the eunuchs made known to them that the king still lived they ordered him to be seized and bound. That king who shortly before had ridden in a chariot and had been revered with divine authority as well as his royal honours, through the influence of no foreign power, but the prisoner of his own slaves, was placed in a sorry cart covered all over with hides. The king’s money and equipment, as if by the laws of war, was rifled; and laden with booty, acquired by the worst of crimes, the traitors hastened to flee.
Artabazus with those under his command and with the Greek soldiers made for Parthienê, thinking anything safer than a retinue of traitors. The Persians, who had been loaded with promises by Bessus, joined themselves with the Bactriani, especially because there was no one else to follow, having over-taken their army two days later. Nevertheless, that some honour might be paid to the king, they bound Darius in fetters of gold, for Fortune constantly devised new mockeries for the luckless king. Also, lest haply he could be recognized by his regal apparel, they had covered the cart with dirty hides, and unknown persons drove the beasts; in order that he could not be pointed out to any who questioned them on the way, guards followed at a distance.
XIII. Alexander, when he heard that Darius had moved from Ecbatana, abandoning the journey he was seeking to make into Media, quickly proceeded to follow after the fleeing king. He came to Tabae — it is a town in the farthest part of Paraetacene — ; there deserters reported that Darius in headlong flight was on his way to Bactra. Then he had more definite news from Bagistanes, a Babylonian, who declared that Darius was not yet a prisoner, but that he was in danger either of death or of fetters. Alexander, having called together his generals, said: “A very great task is left us, but the labour will be very short. Darius is not far away, deserted by his own troops or overwhelmed; on that body of his depends our victory, and so great a prize is the reward of speed.” All alike shout that they are ready to follow; let him spare neither toil nor danger. Therefore Alexander hurriedly leads on his army, rather as if racing than as marching, not resting even by night to relax the day’s toil. And in this way he advanced for 500 stadia, and had arrived at the village in which Bessus had seized Darius. There Melon, Darius’ interpreter, was captured; being ailing in body, he had been unable to keep up with the army, and when caught by Alexander’s swiftness he pretended to be a deserter. From him Alexander learned what had been done. But rest was necessary for his wearied men; therefore to 6000 elite horsemen he added 300 of the troops called dimachae. These carried heavier armour on their backs, but rode on horses; when the occasion and the situation demanded, they fought on foot.
While Alexander was thus occupied, Orsines and Mithracenes came to him; since they detested the treason of Bessus, they had deserted and now reported that the Persians were 500 stadia distant, that they [10] would show him a shorter route. The king was gratified by the coming of the deserters. Accordingly, at the beginning of evening under their guidance he set out with a light-armed troop of horsemen on the road which they had pointed out, having ordered the phalanx to follow with all possible speed. He himself, advancing in order of battle, so regulated his speed that the foremost should not become separated from the hindermost. He had gone on for 300 stadia, when Brochubelus, son of Mazaeus, formerly satrap of Syria, met him; he also was a deserter and reported that Bessus was not more than 200 stadia distant, and that his army, being greedy for plunder, was marching in confusion and disorder. That they seemed to be about to make for Hyrcania; if Alexander should hasten to follow them while straggling, he would surprise them. Darius, he said, was still alive. Alexander was a man of swift action at other times also, and now the deserter had inspired him with eagerness to overtake the king; and so, plying the spurs, they went on at top speed.
And already the noise of the enemy as they marched was plainly heard, but a cloud of dust had hidden them from sight. Therefore Alexander checked his advance for a while, waiting for the dust to settle. And now they had been seen by the barbarians and had caught sight of their retreati
ng army, for which they would by no means have been a match if Bessus had had as much spirit for fighting as he had had for treason. For the barbarians were superior both in number and in strength; and besides their fresh soldiers would have entered battle with wearied men. But the name of Alexander and his fame, of especially great import in war, so terrified them that they turned to flight. Bessus indeed and the other accomplices in his crime, coming up to the cart in which Darius was, began to urge the king to mount a horse and rescue himself from the enemy by flight. Darius declared that the avenging gods were at hand, and imploring Alexander’s protection, said that he had no desire to accompany traitors. Then truly, inflamed also by wrath, they hurled javelins at the king and left him pierced through by many wounds. They also maimed the beasts, to prevent them from being able to go farther, and killed the two slaves who accompanied the king.
Having committed this crime, in order to spread in different directions the traces of their flight, Nabarzanes made for Hyrcania, Bessus for Bactra, accompanied by a few horsemen. The barbarians, bereft of their leaders, were scattered in whatever direction hope or fear led each man; only 500 horse were massed together, uncertain as yet whether it would be better to resist or to flee. Alexander, informed of the consternation of the enemy, sent Nicanor on with a part of the cavalry to prevent their flight and himself followed with the rest. Nearly 3000 who resisted were slain, the rest of the troop were driven along like so many cattle, uninjured, since the king gave orders that none should be killed. There was no one among the prisoners who could give information about the cart carrying Darius; each wagon, as they took it, was searched, but yet no trace of the king’s flight appeared. Barely 3000 of the horsemen kept up with Alexander in his haste. But into the hands of those who were following more slowly whole companies of the fugitives fell. Almost incredible to relate, the prisoners were more numerous than men who captured them; to such a degree had Fortune deprived the panic-stricken barbarians of all sense, that they were unable to comprehend properly either the small number of their foes or their own great multitude.
Meanwhile the beasts which drew the cart in which Darius was, since no one guided them, had left the military road and after straying for four stadia had stopped in a valley, worn out by the heat and at the same time by their wounds. Not far off there was a spring; to this, pointed out by those who knew the country, Polystratus, a Macedonian, worn out by thirst, came and, while he was drinking water out of his helmet, he caught sight of the javelins planted in [25] the bodies of the dying beasts. And as he wondered that they had been stabbed, rather than carried off, he heard the groan of a man near death. Therefore, as is the way of human nature, being desirous of seeing what was hidden in that cart, he drew aside the hides with which it had been covered and found Darius, run through by many wounds. For his regal attire and ike golden fetters with which he had been bound by the traitors left no room for doubt. Darius, who was not unacquainted with the Greek language, gave thanks to the gods, who after so many misfortunes had yet vouchsafed him this much solace, that he should not pour out his last breath in complete solitude.
Therefore,” said he, “whoever of mortals you are, by the common lot of mankind, from which you are reminded by the sight before your eyes that not even the greatest kings are exempt, I beg and beseech you to take this message to Alexander; that none of those misfortunes, by far the most grievous, which I have suffered, not even this outcome of incredible disaster, has fallen upon me so much to my regret as this, that after your great services to me and mine I was forced to live in enmity with a most merciful victor, and now to die without thanking him. But — if with the gods the last wishes of the wretched have any power, and if any divinity listens to prayers poured out with the very breath of life — may Alexander, safe and unharmed, and raised far above the lot of my fortune and the envy of the gods, on the throne of Cyrus complete a glorious life, and mindful of his own virtue, may he allow my mother and my children to have that place in his regard which they have deserved because of their loyalty and their respect. But may a speedy death overtake the murderers, which Alexander will inflict upon them, if not from pity for an unhappy enemy, at least from hatred of their crimes, and for fear that, if these go unpunished, they may break out to the destruction also of other kings and even to his own.”
After these words, being tormented by thirst and being refreshed with water brought him by Polystratus, Darius said: “So, then, this final calamity was fated to be added also to such great misfortunes, that I cannot requite one who has well deserved it; but Alexander will requite you, the gods Alexander.” Then he stretched out his right hand and ordered it to be transferred to Alexander as a pledge of the king’s faith, and grasping the hand of Polystratus he gave up the ghost. Whether Alexander arrived while Darius was still breathing is uncertain; this much is sure, that on learning of the wretched end of a most powerful king, he shed many tears, and at once taking off his cloak, he covered the body, and ordered it to be taken with great honour to his family, in order to be embalmed after the fashion of the Persian kings, and placed among the tombs of his predecessors. The treachery of the men at whose hands Darius suffered a most cruel death in return for the greatest favours, although in its own nature horrifying and execrable, was marked with greater infamy for future generations by the wonderful faithfulness of a dog, which alone was with Darius when he was deserted by all his friends, and fawned upon him when he was dying as it had when he was alive.
Such was the end of life allotted to that king whom shortly before men thought to be insulted unless they addressed him as king of kings and kinsman of the gods; and once more it was proved by a striking example, that no one is more exposed to Fortune’s changes than one who, having been honoured by very many of her favours, has bowed his neck wholly under her yoke.
CONTENTS OF BOOK VI
While Alexander was winning victories in Asia there were disturbances in Greece and Macedonia. Agis, king of Lacedaemon, urges the Greeks to throw off the Macedonian yoke while the Persians still had power to resist. With money from Pharnabazus and Autophradates he hired mercenaries, and taking advantage of Antipater’s absence in Thrace, won over to his side nearly the whole Peloponnesus and raised an army of 20,000 foot and 2000 horse. Antipater settled the war in Thrace on the best conditions he could and from the friendly and allied cities of Greece raised 40,000 troops, He sent messengers to Alexander informing him of the revolt and the king sent him money and ships. The beginning of the war was favourable to the Lacedaemonians. The final battle was hotly contested, but after Antipater constantly sent fresh troops to the aid of his hard-pressed men, the Lacedaemonians began to give ground. Thereupon Agis with the royal cohort, his bravest men, rushed into the thick of the fight.
A description of the battle. Agis fights valiantly, but is slain. The Greek army is defeated and the revolt collapses. Antipater, knowing Alexander’s spirit, did not venture to act as arbiter, but left that to a council of the Greeks. The Lacedaemonians through envoys gain pardon from Alexander (i).
Alexander, invincible in war, is overcome by leisure and pleasure. His adoption of foreign habits gave offence to his own countrymen and led to conspiracies and mutinies. He favours those of his prisoners who are of high birth. A rumour arises that the king thinks of returning to Macedonia (ii).
Alexander reviews what he has accomplished, tells his men what remains to be done and urges them to bring the war to a triumphant conclusion (iii).
The soldiers are aroused by his eloquence and bid him lead them wherever he will. He takes advantage of their enthusiasm and marches through Parthienê to Hyrcania. A description of the Stiboetes river. Nabarzanes in a letter asks for pardon, which is granted. A description of the Caspian Sea (iv).
Alexander receives Artabazus with great courtesy, spares the Greeks who had aided Darius, defeats the Mardi, and entertains a queen of the Amazons (v).
The Macedonians are offended by Alexander’s habits. To prevent a mutiny he plans to make wa
r upon Bessus. He must first put down a revolt of Satibarzanes, whom he had made satrap of the Arii. He drives the barbarians from the mountains, takes Artacana, and marches against the Drangae (vi).
Dymnus reveals a conspiracy against Alexander to Nicomachus, who through his brother Cebalinus reports it to Alexander. Dymnus kills himself (vii).
Philotas, son of Parmenion, is charged by Alexander’s friends with forming the conspiracy. He is arrested and taken to the king’s quarters (viii).
Alexander addresses the soldiers about the conspiracy. Some of the leaders make charges against Philotas. When the accused is asked whether he wishes to make his defence in the Macedonian language or in Greek, he prefers to reply in Greek (ix).
Philotas denies the charges (x).
Bolon rouses the soldiers against Philotas. A confession is forced from him by torture, and he is stoned to death with the other conspirators (xi).
BOOK VI
While this was happening in Asia, not in Greece either nor in Macedonia was there complete quiet. There was ruling among the Lacedaemonians Agis, son of Archidamus, who, while bearing aid to the Tarentines, was slain on the same dap that Philip defeated the Athenians at Choeronea. Agis, a rival of Alexander in valour, was spurring on his citizens not to allow Greece to be longer oppressed by slavery to the Macedonians; unless they took precaution betimes, the same yoke would pass to them. They ought therefore to bestir themselves while the Persians still had some strength for resistance; when they were crushed, the Lacedaemonians, faced by an immense power, would in vain be mindful of their ancestral freedom. When their minds had been thus aroused, the Lacedaemonians sought for an opportunity of beginning war. Accordingly, encouraged by Memnon’s successful result, they began to join in his plans, and after he was taken off in the beginning of a prosperous career by an untimely death, they did not act with any less vigour.
Delphi Complete Works of Quintus Curtius Rufus Page 21