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323 BC.
7 June 323 BC
Palace of Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon
Chorus- Woe be to the Gods for this miserable strife!
Alexander lies murdered- cursed fever took his life.
The guards are unrelentless, and wont allow us see,
Blocked they have the entranceways and admit us not to he.
Oh sorrowful day for our entire empire vast;
And so be known to all that Alexanders days have passed.
Honourable Gods who look on us from mighty Heaven high;
Hear our words and answer us- did you allow him die?
We loved him so, we fought with him for many drawn out years
And now instead of drawing blood rather we shed tears.
Curse this immortal wound laid within my breast!
Sheathed in my scabbard my dying heart may rest;
Pierced withall and bleeding long for this grievous death
And still denied we were to to hear his final breath...
Alas, enough for mourning! Action must be taken!
Spread the news to our people who now we must awaken.
Admittance we must gain and see his body dead
If a guard shall try and stop us he is surely offering his head.
Go now! Wake the army! Make aware to all
That Alexanders body lays dead within these walls.
Messengers run off to alert the army. two soldiers appear
determined to gain access to the palace.
Guard- Halt! None shall pass. The king is resting hither.
Soldier 1- Indeed resting for all eternity is he not?
Guard- What do you imply, man?
You know not what you speak.
Soldier 1- Quite the contrary, I know well what I say.
I say what I mean and I say to you that you best move away.
Guard- A threat I see; my friend you are a fool.
Perhaps you are intent on committing a crime?
Treason is a sin for which you will certainly die.
Soldier 2- The good sir speaks of treason like he is wholly
guiltless.
But what is treason when the empire has no king to rule it?
Get out of our way and let us through if you have none to hide.
Guard- I have strict orders to allow no one admittance.
Alexander is......not well.......and......he needs his sleep.
Soldier 1-So eloquently put! But patronise me not
For humour is an unaccustomed emotion
When grief and rage usurp.
Soldier 2- Let me put it plainly- you don't seem to understand.
If you don't let us in, the entire army will storm the palace.
Let us see Alexander and no harm will befall you.
But bar us more and I insist that treason is your crime
And I would suffer to see a loyal guard hang before his time.
Guard- I am no traitor, sir
But admittance to this chamber
I surely cannot give.
Soldier 2- Then you are a liar and a villain.
Soldiers raise their swords.
let us pass- I have no desire for blood
Of fellow countrymen, but test me not
Least you bare the brunt of my rage!
The soldiers rush the guard and hurry into Alexanders chamber.
Soldier 1- There he lies! Oh honourable king
Of Macedonia and the world!
I am humbled at your bedside
And pray safely depart your soul.
Soldier 2- My lord! My gracious lord!
What hath thou done to deserve
A full untimely death
Alexander wakes from his slumber and moves his arm.
Great Zeus! our king lives!
Soldier 1- Oh, forgive our rash intrusion
We were of the impression you were slain
The whole army is unnerved believing you are dead.
Alexander- I am not dead yet, soldier.
Report to your comrades with haste
I live and shall be well soon.
Let despair live not in their hearts.
Soldier 2- I shall go, my king of Asia
Fear not that your troops are loyal
And upon hearing of your state
Shall be overjoyed no doubt.
Exit soldier 2. Soldier 1 rises and prepares to leave also.
Alexander- Wait! You, soldier. Tell me thy name.
Soldier 1- My name, why my name is Amphitryon.
Alexander- The name of Herakles mortal father?
Why, you beer a courageous name indeed.
How came it that you serve under me?
Surely you are not Macedonian
Soldier 1- No i am not of Macedonian lineage,
And I can claim no royal parenting.
However, I am a loyal and obedient follower
And will be until my death in battle.
I came to serve in this great army
Many years ago now. I am from Greece,
Sparta to be precise. Disgusted I was
When we refused to join the League.
So angry was I, that I determined to join you
And your famed army in Asia.
Many months I travelled,
And through many strange lands,
Until finally I met up with your army
By the river Granicus.
Chance had bestowed on me
The immediate opportunity
To prove my loyalty and courage in battle.
Alexander- You fought with us at the Granicus?
Soldier 1- I did
Alexander- Do tell me your stories,
I should be grateful to hear them.
Soldier 1- My lord, I believe you are weakened
And surely need your rest
Alexander- So you will refuse my final request to you?
Soldier 1- No, my king, if it please you,
I shall begin my long and weary tale.
Alexander- It does please me. Do continue.
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