James Baquet Did you know that Alexander the Great once met with the King of China? Well, not really. First written down in Greek sometime before 338 (long after Alexander’s demise), and embroidered through the ages as late as the 16th century in numerous languages, “The Romance of Alexander” purported to be a “true” account of Alexander’s exploits. In fact, it was just a framework on which was hung a number of traditional tales, some of them based on more genuine works. Written in the first person, the account tells how, after traveling through mountains, swamps, and deserts to “Sin,” or China, Alexander met the “King of China.” Using the name of Pithaos, Ambassador of Alexander, he did not “make obeisance” to the king, but informed him of Alexander’s lordship “over all the kings of the world,” giving examples of Alexander’s conquests of Persia, India, and so on. Unimpressed by this arrogance, the King of China invited Pithaos to dine with him that day, and wait for his answer the next. In the morning, approaching the king, Pithaos did reverence him. Perplexed, the king asked why. “Yesterday,” Pithaos replied, “I embodied the person of King Alexander. Today I am merely his representative.” The king had some clothes made for Alexander (being assured that he and Pithaos were the same size), then gave his reply, addressed to Alexander: “I have heard your message, and of your fortune, bravery and glory. But I do not think that your victories are caused by your good fortune, but rather by the bad fortune of your enemies. Do not trust in luck. And do not attack us, because we have never surrendered. We do not fear you, but will appease you in case our own fortune deserts us. If your own luck turns against you, your name and power will perish. Fortune never settles in one place; instead, men make plans and seize countries, but in the end everything is taken from us by death. All we have left is a plot of land the size of this cloak.” With those wise words, he handed Pithaos the cloak, and jewels and silks, saying, “Take these to Alexander.” And Alexander, accepting the gifts, returned to his troops and continued his journey — a little wiser. Vocabulary: Which word above means: 1. death 2. pass away, come to an end 3. supposed, alleged 4. respectful gesture, like a bow 5. represented, personified 6. adventures, achievements 7. pacify, soothe 8. added to, elaborated 9. confused 10. story, like a novel | 