arrian the campaigns of alexander the great

“All the authorities, however, agree as to the following facts:-that until the third day after Hephaestion’s death, Alexander neither tasted food nor paid any attention to his personal appearance, but lay on the ground either bewailing or silently mourning that he also ordered a funeral pyre to be prepared for him in Babylon at the expense of 10,000 talents some say at a still greater cost that a decree was published throughout all the barbarian territory for the observance of a public mourning. None the less, he concluded an alliance of friendship with them and sent them home, merely remarking under his breath that the Celts thought too much of themselves.”

Alexander asked the Celtic envoys what they were most afraid of in this world, hoping that the power of his own name had got as far as their country, or even further, and that they would answer, 'You, my lord.' However, he was disappointed for the Celts, who lived a long way off in country not easy to penetrate, and could see that Alexander's expedition was directed elsewhere, replied that their worst fear was that the sky might fall on their heads. All professed a desire for Alexander's friendship, and mutual pledges were given and received. The Celts from the Adriatic Sea also sent representatives - men of haughty demeanour and tall in proportion. “At this point Alexander was visited by envoys from Syrmus, the King of the Triballians, and from the various other independent tribes along the Danube.

Arrian the campaigns of alexander the great