Darius III to Alexander the Great 汉译

From the capital of the kings of the world: As long as the sun shines on the head of Iskander the robber, etc., etc., let him know that the King of Heaven has bestowed on me the dominion of the earth, and that the Almighty has granted to me the surface of the four quarters. Providence has also eminently distinguished me with glory, exaltation, majesty, and with multitudes of devoted champions and confederates.

A report has reached us that you have gathered to yourself numbers of thieves and reprobates, the multitude of whom has so elated your imagination that you propose through their co-operation to procure the crown and throne, lay waste our kingdom, and destroy our land and people.

Such crude resolves are perfectly consistent with the infatuation of the men of Room. It now behooves you, on reading the contents of this epistle, to return instantly from the place to which you have advanced. As to this criminal movement which has proceeded form you, be under no alarm from our majesty and correction, as you are not yet ranked among the number of those who merit our vengeance and punishment. Behold! I send you a coffer full of gold, and an assload of sesame, to give you by these two objects an idea of the extent of my wealth and powers. I also send you a scourge and a ball: the latter, that you may amuse yourself with a diversion suitable to your age; the former, to serve for your chastisement.