Alexander The Great's Last Words?

I can't help feeling cynical with public statements which had turned out to be untrue again and again; certain mainstream newspapers which put words into Pakatan leaders' mouths because they thought the adverse effects were worth the efforts, not realizing the long term loss of credibility; the ploy by certain websites like Fanbox which made use of people's e-address books to send messages as though sent by them; and other spams and scams which we are unable to keep track of.

When I read the following story, I cannot help thinking during the time of Alexander The Great, was it possible or plausible that someone could have noted his last words and passed on the legendary story to this day? As I have known, even if we were to say something to someone sitting separately (not within hearing distance) with 9 others, and asked to relate the story from one person to another, the last story could have been distorted until it seemed even funny. I am bothered by the details, given that the king was dying (just like what we used to see in films)...

ALEXANDER THE GREAT'S LAST WORDS

" Ice melts when heated "
"Eyes melt when hated"

Alexander (Macedonia, Greece) 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 out 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 dared bring the question to their lips.

Alexander's favorite general kissed his hands 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.

Lessons to learn from last 3 wishes of King Alexander...

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 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. . . .

LESSONS TO LEARN
Remember, your good health is in your own hands, look after it.
Wealth is only meaningful if you can enjoy while you are still alive and kicking.
What you do for yourself dies with you but what you do for others, lives on.
It is called "Legacy."

(The 'Lessons to learn' appears to be a message from the person who compiled the story)
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