TALES OF THE GREEKS
chariot that it was covered with a broad wooden platform, on which tables could be placed; and here Alexander and his friends, crowned with flowers, sat eating and drinking (especially drinking). Many other chariots came in the train of the king's, some being adorned with purple hangings, others with branches of trees. The soldiers tripped along to the sound of flutes and clarionets. They sang loud songs; and often they stayed to dip their cups in open tubs of wine which the king had provided.
And so they danced, and so they drank, and so they sang. But Alexander had a different feeling in his heart when, on coming back to Persia, he arrived at the grave of the famous King Cyrus. On a slab of stone over the tomb were cut these words, which the King of Macedon read: "O man, whoever you are, and no matter where you come from, I who lie here am Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire. Do not envy me the little earth that covers my body."
A long time did Alexander stand still, after reading these words; for they made him think how soon the great power of kings may vanish away.
Alexander had a dear friend named Hephæstion (Hef-eest-yon) who fell sick of a fever. The doctor bade the sick man keep from rich food. But, while the medical man was away enjoying a play
126
