Saturday, September 26, 2009

THE THREE WISHES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT

There is very instructive incident involving the life of Alexander, the
great Greek king. Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning
home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed.

With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests,
his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence.
He now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last
adieu.

But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit him
to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror lay prostrate and
pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last.

He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon, I
have three wishes, please carry them out without fail." With tears flowing
down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last
wishes.

"My first desire is that," said Alexander, "My physicians alone must carry
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 strewn
with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my
treasury."

The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest 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 king's strange wishes.
But no one dare bring the question to their lips.

Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart.
"O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us
why do you make such strange 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 powerless 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 sheer 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 death conquer him and breathed his last.

- Author Unknown-

* Thanks to my dear friend Angela who sent me this story via email.

8 comments:

Walt said...

That was a good story, Angela is a real sweetheart. Paula, I found a girl who is a lot like you, and I'm doing my best hook her up with my super nice nephew who is 29. It is about time he got a good woman, and oh boy, do I know how to pick them.

Belladonna, strychnine and aconite: three of the most poisonous plants in the world. One of these deadly alkaloid toxins was used to murder Alexander the Great.


The only known poisons to produce the symptoms from which Alexander is recorded to have suffered are alkaloid vegetable toxins. Coming from plants, shrubs and trees, these nitrogen-bearing chemicals especially affect the nervous system, causing shaking limbs and muscle pains in the back or neck before the victim experiences severe agony and seizures. Most of the alkaloid poisons cause stomach pain, and many produce seizures, delirium and hallucinations; all of which are described in Alexander’s case. However, the list of poisons that could have killed Alexander can be shortened considerably because many of the alkaloid toxic plants also produce severe vomiting and intense headaches that are not reported. With the help of the Los Angeles County Regional Poison Centre at the University of Southern California, Graham eventually narrowed down the poisons to just one: strychnine, which comes from the fruit of the Nux Vomica tree.


Click > HERE to compare the historical accounts of Alexander’s death with the symptoms of strychnine poisoning.

Unknown said...

Dear Walt

You are right, dear pal. I cannot imagine life without Angela.

Thanks so much for your info and for sharing so much with us. I appreciate the effort behind this move...

Who is your new found friend? Do introduce us. I always regard you as a sage who links people with the same philosophy in life :-)...

Take care and God bless you...

Good to know that we are both playing matchmaker haha!!

Cheers

Walt said...

Ode to the Lovelorn

Oft have I loved thee.
Oft have I cared.
Let it be for men to see,
Tis love be not reared.
Oh, no! it is the stubborn stain,
that is loathe to leave.
Unless shall it retain,
another love to believe.
Empathy! be mine only faith.
Like the sun to every sentient being,
brings light on all to bathe.
To those all seeing…
Chant thy silent vespers,
into the gentle good night.

posted by Utopianangel

I've never had a niece; I would be one proud uncle!

Unknown said...

Dear Walt,

I am sure with your wisdom, experience and character, not only would you be a good uncle, you would and most probably are a good brother, son, friend, neighbour etc.

Take care and have a great weekend.

Walt said...

As you can see Khendum Gyabak is no ordinary girl. presently she is in Texas doing her postgraduate studies.
My nephew has had a lot of girlfriends, but I doubt he has ever found true love, and I feel sure those farm girls were not as high powered as you, or Khendum. Once as a young man, I could have dated a very attractive doctor, but I underrated myself and lost my nerve. I've been invited to Texas, and I'm going to make sure Zachary is there to drive me, even if I have to stick a gun to his head. Oh my, I have nothing to wear, my best suit is 10 years old!

Unknown said...

I am so excited for you and the two lovebirds to be. I have good vibes about this. Don't worry about the suit until it's their wedding day cos for the moment, her eyes have to be on your nephew!!! LOL!! Drive safe and please share!!!

mamasita said...

Boohooo boohooo..so sad..

What a lesson for all of us too!

Unknown said...

Dear Datin

I know....*sob sob* We are both drama queens and react in similar fashion to such tales, my dear...

Take care and have a lovely weekend.

Salam