Ἀλεξάνδρου ἀνάβασις 6.15.6
Ἀλεξάνδρου ἀνάβασις 6.15.6
- Language
- Ancient Greek
6.15.6
καὶ γίγνεται αὐτῷ ὁ πλοῦς κατὰ τὸν ποταμὸν ἐς τοσόνδε ἐσπουδασμένος ὥστε ἔφθη ἐπὶ τοῖς ὁρίοις γενέσθαι τῆς Μουσικανοῦ χώρας, πρὶν πυθέσθαι Μουσικανὸν ὅτι ὥρμηται ὡς ἐπʼ αὐτὸν Ἀλέξανδρος. οὕτω δὴ ἐκπλαγεὶς κατὰ τάχος ἀπήντα Ἀλεξάνδρῳ, δῶρά τε τὰ πλείστου ἄξια παρʼ Ἰνδοῖς κομίζων καὶ τοὺς ἐλέφαντας ξύμπαντας ἄγων καὶ τὸ ἔθνος τε καὶ αὑτὸν ἐνδιδοὺς καὶ ὁμολογῶν ἀδικεῖν, ὅπερ μέγιστον παρʼ Ἀλεξάνδρῳ ἦν ἐς τὸ τυχεῖν ὧν τις δέοιτο.
Krateros he again despatched with the army [through the country of the Arachotians and Drangians]; while he sailed down himself to the realm of Mousikanos, which was reported to be the most opulent in India, because that sovereign had neither come to surrender himself and his country, nor sent envoys to seek his friendship. He had not even sent presents to show the respect due to a mighty king, nor had he asked any favour from Alexander. But the king sailed down the river so rapidly that he reached the borders of the country of Mousikanos before that chief had even heard that Alexander had started to invade him. Mousikanos, dismayed by his sudden arrival, hastened to meet him, taking the choicest presents India could offer and all his elephants with him. He offered to surrender both his nation and himself, and acknowledged his error, which was the most effective way of obtaining what one wanted from Alexander. Alexander therefore granted Mousikanos a full pardon on account of his submission and repentance, expressed admiration of his capital and his realm, and confirmed him in his sovereignty. Krateros was then ordered to fortify the citadel which protected the capital, and the work was executed while Alexander was still on the spot. A garrison was placed in the fortress, which he thought suitable for keeping the surrounding tribes in subjection.
Translations (2)
- The Invasion of India by Alexander the Great (Arrian) — John Watson McCrindle 1896, English
- Arrian's Anabasis of Alexander and Indica — Edward James Chinnock 1893, English