Alexander the Great to Darius III (2) 汉译

Darius:

Darius (by whose name you are called), if history tell true, long ago laid waste all the Greek cities on the coast of the Hellespont; all the Ionian colonies on that side. Neither was he content with this, but passing the sea with a vast army, made a second invasion; but being overcome in sea fight, himself retreated; yet let his general Mardonius, who in his absence should spoil all Greece, lay waste the fruitful fields, and raze the flourishing cities.

To this let me add the death of my father Philip, whose murderers you basely corrupted and suborned with the promise of a great sum of money.

Thus unjustly do you begin a war, and thus cowardly carry it on, by your endeavors to murder those basely whom you are afraid to encounter in the field; witness the one thousand talents you offered to any that should be my murderer, even when you were leading to any against me. The war therefore which at present I am engaged in, is in conquering a great part of your empire, have manifested the justice of my cause. I have conquered you in the field; and though I am not bound by honor or gratitude, to grant you any request, yet I promise faithfully, if you come to me in the way your condition requires, I will set at liberty your wife and children, even without ransom. As a conqueror you have had experience; you shall see I know as well how to deal honorable with those I conquer. But if you doubt of your safety here I will promise that you shall have an escort to bring you and wait on you back. In the meantime whenever you shall have occasion to write Alexander, remember you write to him not only as a king, but also your king.