Plutarch on Alexander in Tarsus

There were many stories invented about Alexander's behavior on certain occasions; these anecdotes were all intended to show the greatness of the man. In section 19 his Life of Alexander, the Greek author Plutarch of Chaeronea has added the following story, which may be true. The scene is laid in Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia, and Darius is approaching from Babylonia.

The translation was made by Mr. Evelyn and belongs to the Dryden series.

Alexander in Tarsus

[19.1] Darius' confidence increased the more, because Alexander spent so much time in Cilicia, which he imputed to his cowardice.

[19.2] But it was sickness that detained him there, which some say he contracted from his fatigues, others from bathing in the river Cydnus, whose waters were exceedingly cold.

[19.3] However it happened, none of his physicians would venture to give him any remedies, they thought his case so desperate, and were so afraid of the suspicions and ill-will of the Macedonians if they should fail in the cure;

[19.4] till Philip, the Acarnanian, seeing how critical his case was, but relying on his own well-known friendship for him, resolved to try the last efforts of his art, and rather hazard his own credit and life than suffer him to perish for want of physic, which he confidently administered to him, encouraging him to take it boldly, if he desired a speedy recovery, in order to prosecute the war.

[19.5] At this very time, Parmenion wrote to Alexander from the camp, bidding him have a care of Philip, as one who was bribed by Darius to kill him, with great sums of money, and a promise of his daughter in marriage. When he had perused the letter, he put it under his pillow, without showing it so much as to any of his most intimate friends,

[19.6] and when Philip came in with the potion, he took it with great cheerfulness and assurance, giving him meantime the letter to read.

[19.7] This was a spectacle well worth being present at, to see Alexander take the draught and Philip read the letter at the same time, and then turn and look upon one another, but with different sentiments; for Alexander's looks were cheerful and open, to show his kindness to and confidence in his physician,

[19.8] while the other was full of surprise and alarm at the accusation, appealing to the gods to witness his innocence, sometimes lifting up his hands to heaven, and then throwing himself down by the bedside, and beseeching Alexander to lay aside all fear, and follow his directions without apprehension.

[19.9] For the medicine at first worked so strongly as to drive, so to say, the vital forces into the interior; he lost his speech, and falling into a swoon, had scarce any sense or pulse left.

[19.10] However in no long time, by Philip's means, his health and strength returned, and he showed himself in public to the Macedonians, who were in continual fear and dejection until they saw him abroad again.