The wars of Alexander: an alliterative romance translated chiefly ...

;
278 Alexander's tomb.
A certain Macedonian, named Solentius, asks what they shall do
when Alexander is gone. They all deplore the great calamity, and
think that the great empire will fall to ruins.
Alexander directs his
crown to be sent to the temple of Apollo, gives instructions for the
embalming of his body, directs Ptolemy to erect to his memory a
golden sepulchre in Alexandria, and dies.
After his death, his princes dress the body in imperial state.
is conveyed to Alexandria, and buried in a costly tomb.
He
Alexander was of middle height, with a long neck, bright eyes,
and ruddy cheeks. The days of his life were thirty-two years and
seven months. He began to war at eighteen, and in seven years
subdued all the barbarian nations. He was born on the eighth of
the kalends of January, and died on the fourth of the kalends of
April.
He built twelve cities (which are enumerated).
Alexander's tomb was of gold. It was visited by philosophers,
of whom the first said :
The second said :
" Alexander has made his treasure of gold."
*'
Yesterday all the world was not enough for him
to-day four ells of it suffice him." The third :
" Yesterday he ruled
the people, to-day the people rule him." The fourth: "Yesterday
he could deliver many from death, to-day he could not deliver himself."
The fifth :
" Yesterday he led an army out of the city, to-day
he is led by it to his burial." The sixth :
*'
Yesterday he pressed
the ground, to-day the ground presses on him." The seventh :
" Yesterday all nations feared him, to-day they despise him." The
last :
" Yesterday he had both friends and enemies, to-day all men
are alike to him." ^
'
Compare the Gesta Romanorum, ed. Herrtage (E. E. T. S.), p 516,
no. rixi.