Alexander Revisited:
The Final Cut

Gaugamela, Persia 331 B.C – 45 years earlier

Alexander:
In the crack of the Persian line, we’ll go for the head.

Antigonus:
Kill Darius?

Alexander:
The gods had brought him to us, at last.
If I die, it’s one Macedonian. But the Persians, they cannot move without Darius’ command.
Here, right here, we cut the throat of the Persian army.

Parmenion:
This is madness. You’ll never get within 100 paces of him. Have you seen the sheer size of his force, Alexander?

Alexander:
Not if you hold them on the left, my brave Parmenion. With your son, Philotas, for just one, two hours tomorrow. And you, unbreakable Antigonus, the center Phalanx. Perdicass, Leonnatus, Nearchus, Polyperchon. If you pin them on the walls of your sarissas, here in the center, their calvary will follow me out to the right.
And when bold Cassander breaks, stretching their left, a hole will open. Then I and my cavalry –our revered Cleitus, Ptolemy, and Hephaistion will strike through the gap and deal a deathblow to Darius’ head.

Parmenion:
Since when, by the light of Apollo, has cavalry been used to break infantry line?

Alexander:
What wasit we did in Chaeronea, Parmenion?

Parmenion:
Alexander, even with luck, timing, the gods, there’re at least five to our one; which means in truth we must rout the tomorrow, destroy their army completely.
Or we’ll be picked apart by bandit tribes on the long journey home.

Antigonus:
Right.

Alexander:
You speak of home and retreat, but do you understand, Parmenion? Babylon is my new home.

Cassander:
Alexander, if we must fight, do so with stealth. Use your numbers well. We should attack tonight when they least expect us.

Alexander:
I didn’t cross Asia to steal this victory, Cassander.

Cassander:
No, you are too honourable for that. No doubt influenced from sleeping with Tales of Troy under your pillow. But your father was no lover of Homer’s.

Parmenion:
The lands west of the Euphrates, Alexander, the hand of his daughter in marriage. Since when has a Greek been given such honors?

Alexander:
These are not honors, Parmenion, they’re bribes which the Greeks have accepted too long.
Do you forget that the man who murdered my father lies across the valley floor?

Parmenion:
Come, Alexander, we’re still not sure if it was Persian gold behind the assassination. But that is no matter!  Your father taught you never to surrender your reason to your passion.
Now I urge you, with all my experience, regroup. Fall back to the coast, raise a larger force.

Alexander:
I would, if I were Parmenion. But I am Alexander.
And no more than Earth has two suns will Asia bears two kings. These are my terms.
And if Darius isn’t a coward who hides behind his men, then he’ll come to me tomorrow. And when he bows down to Greece, Alexander will be merciful.

Black Cleitus:
By Ares’ chains, he has got balls, men. I mean, give the man his due, Parmenion.
And, lads, feast tonight, for tomorrow we will dine in Hades.

Crateros:
I’ve seen one before, it was still alive.

Hephaistion:
To whom do you pray?

Alexander:
Phobos.

Hephaistion:
Fear?

Alexander:
A bad omen. More so for Darius. I’ve come to believe the fear of death drives all men, Hephaistion. And this we didn’t learn as schoolboys. It is the cause of all our misfortunes.
So, mighty Crateros.

Crateros:
Your Majesty.

Alexander: Are you ready for tomorrow?

Crateros:
It’s been too long coming, if you ask me. The men are skittish as colts and the damn bulls won’t shut their snouts.

Alexander:
Good. Fear makes man fight better. Post your sentries alertly, but rest them well.

Crateros:
Don’t worry, general. I’m known to sleep with my eyes open as a baby arse.

Young soldier:
Only because someone might steal his loot, sire. Well, someone owes Crateros for his cheapness. He buys neither gloves nor blankets to warm himself.

Soldier:
He’s right.

Alexander:
Who needs gloves when you come from grace? Who needs clothes when you can fight naked?
After tomorrow, even the thrifty among you shall be kings.

Soldier:
The gods are with us, Your Majesty.

Soldier:
We’ll stain the ground in Persian’s blood.

Crateros (to the young soldier):
You’re on the first row tomorrow, boy.

Hephaistion:
I’ve always believe, Alexander, but this seems so much bigger than us.

Alexander:
Did Patroclus doubt Achilles when they stood side by side at the seat of Troy?

Hephaistion:
Patroclus died first.

Alexander:
If you do… If you were to fall, Hephaistion, even if Macedonia were to lose a king, I will avenge you. And follow you down to the house of death. Hephaistion: I would do the same.

Alexander:
On the eve of battle, it’s hardest to be alone.

Hephaistion:
Then perhaps… Perhaps this is farewell, then… My Alexander.

Alexander:
Fear not, Hephaistion. We are at the beginning.

Aristander:
Blood makes the world rise. Blood makes the rain fall. Blood makes the earth grow. And in blood, all men are born and die. Blood is the food of the gods below.

Alexander:
Come, Bucephalus. Today, we ride to our destiny.

Phalanx leader:
Company, regroup! Regroup!
Phalanx, turn right! Phalanx, attention!

Alexander:
Neoptolemus. I remember you the day you took siege tower at Tyre. You were a giant. And today, how will you fight?
Dexippos, by Athena. How far was it you threw your man wrestling at the last Olympic Games? Will you match it with your spear?
And Timander, son of Menander, a great soldier to my father. I still mourn your brother, Addaios, who died so bravely at Halicarnassus. What an honoured family you descent from, Timander. You fight for them today.
You’ve all honoured your country and your ancestors. And now we come to this most distant place in Asia, where across from us, Darius has at last gathered a vast army.
But ask yourselves, who is this great king who pays assassins in gold coins to murder my father, our king, in a most despicable and cowardly manner? Who is this great king, Darius, who enslaves his own men to fight? Who is this king but a king of air? These men do not fight for their homes. They fight because this king tells them they must. And when they fight, they will melt away like the air because they know no loyalty to a king of slaves.
But we are not here today as slaves. We are here today, as Macedonian freemen!
And though outnumbered, I say to you who know the price of tyranny, who’ve carried the Persian yoke (for) too long, you have a strength born of your hearts and all their arms, theirs numbers, their chariots and all their fine horses will mean nothing in the hands of slaves.
Some of you, perhaps myself, will not live to see the sun set over these mountains today. For I will be in the very thick of battle with you. But remember this: The greatest honor a man can ever achieve is to live with great courage and to die with his countrymen in battle for his home.
I say to you what every warrior has known since the beginning of time: Conquer your fear, and I promise you, you will conquer death.
And someday I vow to you, your sons and your grandsons will look into your eyes. And when they ask you why you fought so bravely at Gaugamela, you will answer with all the strength of your great, great hearts: I was here this day at Gaugamela for the freedom… and glory of Greece!
Zeus be with us!
Cassander, four colums, go!

Darius:
Where does he go?

Bessus:
I don’t know, Your Majesty.

Darius:
Envelope him, Bessus.

Alexander:
Hephaistion, go!

Macedonian center:
Phalanx leader:
Phalanx!

Darius:
He makes a mistake, Pharnakes.

Pharnakes:
Yes, Great King.

Macedonian left:
Infantry leader:
Be brave, men. Steady on the left, lads! Bend if you must, but never break. And keep watching the cavalry on the left!

Macedonian right:
Alexander:
Pick up the pace!

Antigonus:
Prepare to repel chariots!

Soldier:
Forward!

Alexander:
Cassander!

Cassander:
Forward, men! Soldier: Forward!

Alexander:
Left turn! Soldier: Infantry, clear! Out now!

Crateros:
Hold your positions! Hold your positions!

Macedonian left:
Philotas:
Father! We must fall back to the gully, Father!

Parmenion:
No, hold! Where is he? We’re far too thin! Get word to Alexander! Move!

Soldier:
Yes, sir.

Macedonian right:
Alexander:
Come, Macedonians! Ride! Ride! Drive for the hole!

Soldiers:
Drive for the hole! Drive for the hole!

Macedonian center:

Darius:
Prince Merdicus, bring these men up.

Macedonian left:
Parmenion:
Back and to the left! Back and to the left!

Soldier:
General!

Soldier:
Get to your home! And go home fast.

Parmenion:
I cannot see! Philotas! Philotas!

Philotas:
Father.

Parmenion:
Go. Tell Alexander yourself. And if he won’t listen, then survive me and avenge this betrayal!

Macedonian center:
Black Cleitus:
Pay attention, lad! Your father still watches over you!

Alexander:
Darius!
(to Hephaistion) Find your horses.
Darius!

Darius:
Go! Go!

Alexander:
We can reach those mountains by sunset, go all night and catch Darius at dawn. Provision the horses!

Philotas:
Alexander! Alexander, my father’s lost. They’ve overrun the flank! They’re into the baggage train.

Hephaistion:
Parmenion’s crumbling.

Ptolemy:
Alexander, if you chase him, you risk losing your army here.

Alexander:
And if we capture him, we gain an empire.
 “You can run to the end of the earth, you coward! But you’ll never run far enough!”
To Parmenion!

Hermolaus:
You bleed free, My Lord. May I tend to your wound?

Alexander:
No, Hermolaus, not now. There’s far worse than me. Go to them. Help them.
(To soldier) How was this done, soldier?

Glaukos:
Spear. But I got two of the buggers. Your Majesty.

Alexander:
You’re very brave. What shall I call you?

Glaukos:
Glaukos, my king.

Alexander:
Glaukos. And where’s your home?

Glaukos: Illyria.

Alexander:
Let your body go loose. Think of home now. And be brave again. Glaukos …and you will live on in glory.

Physician:
Alexander.

Pella, Macedonia – 20 years earlier

Olympias:
If you hesitate, she will strike. Yes.
They (the snakes) are like people. You can love them for years. Feed them, nurture them, but still, they can turn on you.  Don’t hurt her. Good. Now…
He calls me a barbarian. He makes a mockery of Dionysus every night.

Olympias:
Women are the only ones who know Dionysus.


Olympias:
My little Achilles.
Stay, Alexander. Down, down. (To Philip) What is it that you want?!

Philip:
Six months. Did you miss me?

Olympias:
No. Not here!

Philip:
Proud bitch, I’m still your king.

Olympias:
King of what? Shepherders? I am of Achilles’ royal blood.

Philip:
The blood of Herakles runs in my veins.

Olympias:
You are nothing but a drunken whore.

Philip:
Shut your mouth. You 10-titted bitch from Hades! Which god could I curse to have ever laid eyes on you!

Olympias:
You think people respect you? You think they don’t know about your bastards?

Philip:
Damn your sorceress soul! You keep him here like one of your snakes! I told you not! I told you not! You’ll obey me.

Olympias:
I will not.

Philip:
You’ll obey me, or I’ll kill you with my own hands.

Young Alexander:
Let her go! No! Stop! Papa!

Philip:
Obey me!

Chambermaid:
Your Majesty! No!

Olympias:
In the name of the gods. He will never be yours! Never! In my womb I carried my avenger!

7 years later

Leonidas:
You don’t need much to fight. When you’re in the front ranks of a battle, facing some Northern barbarian tribe, courage won’t be in the soles of your feet, Perdicass. Or in the thickness of your tunic, Philotas. Or in the lining of your stomach, Nearchus. It’s in the heart of a man.
You don’t need to eat every day or until you’re full, Ptolemy. You don’t need to lie in bed in a morning when you can have some good bean soup, Cassander, after a forced night march.
Come on, Alexander, where’s your hunger to twist Hephaistion’s head off? Is he stronger than you? Then beat him another way.
Come on. Who will respect you as a king? You think because of your father?
The first rule of war is to do what you ask your men to do. No more, no less.
Good, Hephaistion. That’s it. Well, done. Good wrestling, Hephaistion. That’s what I want. Come, come, come. You did well, but you lost. Now, both of you, congratulate the other. Go on.

Young Hephaistion:
Would you want me to let you win, Alexander?

Young Alexander:
You’re right. But I promise you I will beat you one day, Hephaistion.


Aristotle:
Although an inferior race, the Persians control at least four-fifths of the known world.
From Ethiopia and Egypt in the south to Caucasus and the two inland seas in the north.

Aristotle:
They rule, and we sit around like frogs.

Young Nearchus:
Master?

Aristotle:
Yes?

Young
Nearchus: Master, master?

Aristotle:
Out with it. Out with it.

Young Nearchus:
Why are the Persians so cruel?

Aristotle:
Oh, come, on, Nearchus. That is not the subject for today, Nearchus. But…
…It is true that the Oriental races are known for their barbarity and their slavish devotion to their senses. Which are so dull, they castrate young boys such as yourselves, for their sexual pleasure. Yes, excess in all things is the undoing of men. That is why we Greeks are superior. We practise control of our senses. Moderation, we hope.

Young Cassander:
Then what of Achilles of Troy, master? Was he not excessive?

Aristotle:
Achilles simply lacks restraint. He dominates others so completely that even when he withdraws from battle, crazed with grief over his dead lover, Patroclus, he seriously endangers his own army. He is a deeply selfish man.

Young Cassander:
Then would you say the love between Achilles and Patroclus is a corrupting one?

Aristotle:
When men lie together in lust, it is a surrender to the passions and does nothing for the excellence in us. Nor does any other excess, Cassander, jealousy among them. But when men lie together, and knowledge and virtue are passed between them, that is pure and excellent. When they compete to bring out the good, the best in each other, this is the love between men that can build a city-state and lift us from our frog pond.

Young Perdicass:
But can a man love a woman equally, master?

Aristotle:
A woman? Of course not. A woman is a slave to her passion, Hephaistion. Oh, naturally there are exceptions, and we must honor them. Such as Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. But never forget, she is sprung not from the loins of Zeus, but from his mind.
Now, you think on all this, my young frogs, for in you resides the future of Greek civilization. To strive for honor is the highest purpose of all. To rule over our baser emotions. To follow reason, the divine part in each of you. Yes …To love excellence, is truly to love the gods.
Now, would you stop distracting me? Back to geography, things that we know. Is it possible that the source of Egypt’s mighty River Nile could rise in these distant mountains of the outer earth?
If so, an experienced navigator could find his way here, by this river east, down into the great plains of India, out into the eastern ocean at the end of the world and by this route up the Nile, back to Egypt, into the Middle Sea and home to Greece.
Now if only these frogs could look outward and act on their favored position at the center, Greece could rule the world.

Young Alexander:
Why is it, master, in myth, these lands you speak of are known?
India, where Herakles and Dionysus travelled. All these men who went east, Thesues, Jason, Achilles, were victorious. From generation to generation, their stories have been passed on.
Why? Unless there was truth to them.

Aristotle:
Tales of Amazons? Minotaurs, Gorgons, Icarus flying into the sun? No, Alexander.
Only common people believe these tales, as they believe most anything. We are here precisely to educate ourselves against such foolish passions.

Young Alexander:
But if we are superior to the Persians, as you say, why do we not rule them?
It is –it has always been our Greek’s dream to go east. My father long wants it.

Aristotle:
The East has a way of swallowing men and their dreams.

Young Alexander:
But still, to think it’s these myths that lead us forward to the greatest glory. Why is it wrong to act on them?

Aristotle:
I can only warn you, not teach you: Beware of what you dream for, the gods have a way of punishing such pride.

Philip:
Is that the best you can do, Cleitus? Back to the phalanx with you, I’ll ride him myself.

Black Cleitus:
No one will ride that beast, Your Majesty. Not with your leg. He’s been beaten far too often.

Horse seller:
My noble king, he’s a high-spirited animal, yes. High-spirited and worthy of Philip of Macedon. For three and a half talents, I couldn’t possibly make a profit of him, but for you --

Philip:
Why would I need such a beast? I already have a wife.

Olympias:
(To Alexander) Do I seem so old?

Horse sellers:
Stay down, stay down. Hold him!

Philip:
A broken neck comes free. He’s too nervous for battle. Sell him for meat.

Young Alexander:
Buy him for me, father. I’ll ride him.

Philip:
And if you don’t?

Young Alexander:
I’ll pay for him myself.

Philip:
With what, your singing voice?

Young Alexander:
I’ll pay you!

Philip:
I tell you, that horse can’t be ridden, lad. His mind is broken.

Young Alexander:
He can be ridden. By me.

Philip:
If you can rule that horse, I’ll make him yours. (To the horse seller)…at half the price.

Black Cleitus:
That horse will kill him, Philip. He’ll break the boy in two.

Philip:
Will he? Perhaps she’ll make a musician out of him yet.

Young Alexander:
(To Bucephalus) You don’t like your shadow, do you? It’s like a dark spirit coming up to get you. Do you see? That’s us. It’s just a trick of Apollo’s. He’s the god of the sun.
But I’ll show you how to outwit him (Apollo), you and me together.

Parmenion:
The boy doesn’t have the craft, Philip. He could hurt himself.

Philip:
He’ll have to figure that out for himself. It’s time.

Attalus:
Good idea. Indeed there are times, Philip, when I wonder if he is your blood.

Parmenion:
I only worry that --

Philip:
What was that, Attalus?

Attalus:
Nothing. I was just noticing how the people like seeing you and Eurydice together.

Philip:
(To Alexander) You go, boy!
You ride that horse and by Zeus I say, you can rule the world.

Young Alexander:
Bucephalus. That’s what I’ll call you. Strong and stubborn. Bucephalus and Alexander. Come now, let’s ride together.

Philip:
He got some titans in him, yet. Attalus! Cleitus! For Zeus’ sake, he beats you, man!

Young Alexander:
Now, Bucephalus, show them.

Philip:
My son. My son!

Caves at Pella, Macedonia

Philip:
You remember Prometheus, who stole the secret of fire and gave it to man. It made Zeus so angry he chained Prometheus to a rock in the great Caucasus and each day, his eagle pecked out the poor man’s liver. Each night, it grew back again so that it could be eaten the next day. Miserable fate.
Oedipus, tore out his eyes when he found out he’d murdered his father and married his mother. Knowledge that came too late.
Jason, he went east and brought back the Golden Fleece, and married a barbarian wife, Medea. Later, when he left her for a younger wife, Medea slaughtered their two children in vengeance.

Young Alexander:
My mother would never hurt me.

Philip:
It’s never easy to escape our mothers, Alexander. All your life, beware of women. They’re far more dangerous than men.
I’m sure you remember Achilles from Tales of Troy.

Young Alexander:
He’s my favorite.

Philip:
Why?

Young Alexander:
Because he loved Patroclus and avenged his death. Because he lived without fear, and slew Hector.

Philip:
Some say he was a hotheaded fool who fought for himself and not the Greeks.

Young Alexander:
But he was a hero, the greatest at Troy.

Philip:
And his fate?

Young Alexander:
That he must die young but with great glory.

Philip:
Did he have a choice?

Young Alexander:
Oh, yes. He could have a long life, but there would be no glory.

Philip:
You dream of glory, Alexander. Your mother encourages you.
There’s no glory without suffering… And this, she will not allow. She makes you weak.
The gods have never made it easy for man. Look, Herakles. Even after he accomplished his 12 labors, he was punished with madness, slaughtered his three children. Poor Herakles. Great Herakles. All greatness comes from loss.
Even you, the gods will one day judge harshly.

Young Alexander:
When I’m king like you, father?

Philip:
Don’t rush the day, boy. You risk all.
My father threw me into battle before I even knew how to fight.
When I kill my first man, he said: Now you know. I hate him then, but I understand why now.
A king isn’t born, Alexander. He’s made, by steel and by suffering. A king must know how to hurt those he loves. It’s lonely. Ask Herakles. Ask any of them. Fate is cruel. No man or woman can be too powerful or too beautiful without disaster befalling.
They laugh when you rise too high and crush everything you’ve built with a whim.
What glory they give, in the end, they take away. They make us slaves.
Truth is in our hearts, and none will tell you this but your father. Men hate the gods.
The only reason we worship any them is because we fear worse.

Young Alexander:
What’s  worse?

Philip:
The Titans. If they were ever to be set free, it would be a darkness such as we have never seen before.

Young Alexander:
Could they ever come back? Can Zeus imprison the Titans forever under Mount Olympus?

Philip:
It’s said that when Zeus burned them to dust with his lightning bolt, they took the Titan’s ashes and, in cold revenge mixed it with those of mortal men.

Young Alexander:
Why?

Philip:
Who knows these things? One day, things will change. Men will change. But first, the gods must change. But all this you’ll forget, Alexander. That’s why we call them myths. We can’t bear to remember them.

Young Alexander:
I’ll remember. And some day, I’ll be on walls like this.

Babylon, Persia 331 B.C. – 13 years later.

Phalanx leader:
Phalanx!


The crowd:
Sikander! Sikander!

Cassander:
Aristotle may have called them barbarians, but he never saw Babylon.
We have enough gold here to support three generations of Macedonian armies.

Alexander:
And Macedonia would soon corrupt, Cassander. “Wealth in great quantities brings the crows.”

Antigonus: Not for the man who fought, I trust.

Alexander:
We’ll pay them well, Antigonus, but not as mercenaries for future services.

Nearchus:
Now you sound like Philip.

Hephaistion:
Philip never saw Babylon.

Ptolemy:
No, he didn’t, Hephaistion.

The boys:
Hello! Hello!

Parmenion:
Alexander, I know you think me a stiff old sod, but whatever our differences, know this day your father would be very proud of you.

Alexander:
Thank you, Parmenion.
I ask you to forgive me, my own anger, my pride. They, too, blind me.

Cassander:
A magnificent mainland work from the last century. The golden age, Alexander. Worth much to Athens and to our alliances.

Alexander:
Take back what is ours but spare what belongs to the Persians.

Ptolemy:
Yes, we’re the richest men to walk the earth, my friends.

Black Cleitus:
Not if you keep giving it all away.

Ptolemy:
The grandsons of goat herders, we now rule 2 million square miles. But, none of you fear that this great fortune may drive us all to destruction.

Alexander:
You overvalue us. For as long as Darius breathes, he is the legitimate king of Asia. And I, but the king of air.

Philotas:
But he has no power, Alexander. He’s lost in the mountains with no army.

Alexander:
As long as he’s lost, Philotas, he can be believed in. Only when he’s found will it be decided.

Parmenion:
It seems that you’ve already made up your mind, Alexander.

Alexander:
We must finish what we failed to do at Gaugamela, Parmenion. We must hunt Darius down.

Parmenion: That was not your father’s mission.

Alexander:
And I am not my father.
Come on, have you so quickly forgotten? Fortune favors the bold!

Leonnatus:
No wonder Darius fled when he had this to come back to.

Nearchus:
One for every night of the year.

Leonnatus:
How will I go back to Lysimache after this?

Nearchus:
I advise you not to touch, Lennatus. Here, I’ll take care of it for you.

Alexander:
Aristotle was perhaps prescient.
Do these images fool us with their beauty and degrade our souls?

Eunuch:
Bagoas, great king. Darius’ boy.

Alexander:
Bagoas?

Eunuch:
Nicely gilded, Your Majesty. Most successful. He was certainly one of the great king’s favorites. How old? Is great well with the years. What are you, Bagoas? Eighteen, 19?

Alexander:
Where does he come from?

Bagoas:
The north, sire. From the hills near Susa.

Alexander:
You speak our language. Good. I’d like to learn yours.

Bagoas:
Is learnable, my lord.

Alexander:
So tell me, Bagoas, do my eyes betray me or do you wish to be set free to go back to your homeland?

Bagoas:
All my family’s long dead, great king. With your permission, I will stay on.

Alexander:
Very well, then, Bagoas. Ptolemy! Administer this. And that’s the same of every person in the harem, woman and eunuch. Whoever wishes to be sent home to their families, let them.

The crowd:
What? You hear that, boys? He sets us free!

Persian Chamberlain:
(To Stateira) Great King, Alexander.
(To Alexander) The princess of the thousand roses, the eldest daughter of the formerly Great King Darius, Stateira.

Stateira:
Noble Alexander, I came to beg for the lives of my sisters, my mother, my grandmother...

Alexander:
You are not wrong, Princess Stateira. He, too, is Alexander.

Stateira:
Please. I plead for my family’s lives. Sell me as slave but….

Alexander:
Look, now, in my eyes, Princess. And tell me, how would you wish to be treated?

Stateira:
As I am, a princess.

Alexander:
Then so be it. You and your family shall be treated as my family. You shall live in this palace as long as you choose. Have you any other requests for me, my noble princess?

Stateira:
No. Everything I wish, I have requested.

Alexander:
You truly are a princess.

Alexander:
It’s high ransom she charges for nine months lodging in the womb. Hephaistion: Bring her, Alexander. It will bring her such joy.

Alexander:
Joy? When I’m the cracked mirror of her dream? Stay with me tonight, Hephaistion. I’ll take my own bath. (To Bagoas) Thank you, Bagoas.

Hephaistion:
What bother you?

Alexander:
I see in her everything I fear. Yet I have no idea what it is, this fear. She was always so sure I was born of Zeus. Why, Hephaistioin?

Hephaistion:
I think there are things beyond our imagining. Like the lightning, tales of strange conceptions. I don’t doubt it.  Alexander: What is being told me? What destiny do we--? Do I have?

Hephaistion:
Well, if I’m Patroclus, I die first. Then you, Achilles. The generals are upset. They question your obsession with Darius. They say it was never meant for you to be king of Asia.

Alexander: Naturally.
They want only to return to their homes, rich with gold. But I’ve seen the future, Hephaistion. I’ve seen it now a thousand times on a thousand faces. These people want --need change. Aristotle was wrong about them.

Hephaistion:
How so?

Alexander:
Look at those we’ve conquered. They leave their dead unburied. They smashed their enemies’ skulls and drink them as dust. They mate in public. What can they think or can sing or write if none can read? But as Alexander’s army, they can go where they never thought possible. They can soldier or work in the cities. The Alexandrias, from Egypt to the outer ocean. We could connect these lands, Hephaistion …and the people.

Hephaistion:
Some say that these Alexandrias have become extensions of Alexander himself. They draw people into the cities to make slaves of them.

Alexander:
But we freed them, Hephaistion, from Persia where everyone lived as slaves. To free the people of the world, such would be beyond the glory of Achilles, beyond Herakles, a feat to rival Prometheus who was always a friend to man.

Hephaistion:
Remember the fate of these heroes. They suffered greatly.

Alexander:
Oh, we all suffer. Your father, mine. They all came to the end of their time. And in the end, when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done.

Hephaistion:
You once said, The fear of death drives all men. Are there no other forces? Is there not love in your life… Alexander? What would you do if you ever reach the end of the world? Alexander: I’d turn back and conquer its opposite.

Hephaistion:
I wonder sometimes if it’s not your mother you run from. So many years, so many miles between you. What is it you fear?

Alexander:
Who knows these things? When I was a child, my mother thought me divine. My father, weak. Which am I Hephaistion? Weak or divine? All I know is, I trust only you in this world. I’ve missed you. I need you. It is you I love, Hephaistion. No other.

Hephaistion:
You’re everything I care for. And by the sweet breath of Aphrodite, I’m so jealous of losing you to this world you want.

Alexander:
You’ll never lose me, Hephaistion. I’ll be with you always. Till the end.

Balkh, Bactria

Alexander:
Through our union, Greek and barbarian may be reconciled in peace.

Alexander:
On this glorious occasion, I toast this great army that has given so much. And in honor of them, those of you who set out with us seven long years ago, I pronounce all your debs paid forthwith from the royal treasury. 

The soldiers:
Praise Alexander!

Alexander:
And in honor of my bride -my beautiful bride, we recognize the many women who’ve shared the long hard road with us. And grant them dowries befitting a proper marriage.

Black Cleitus:
What about our boys?

Alexander:
And lastly, lastly, the gods demand no less of us that your children be given a proper Greek education and military training under our protection so as to be the new soldiers of our kingdom in Asia.



Parmenion:
Your father must be turning in his grave, Alexander. After all this time, a hill chief’s daughter? You call this tribal wedding legitimate?

Alexander: Do you forget my father took a barbarian as his queen?

Parmenion:
Yes, but few would call it a profoundly happy marriage.

Philotas:
But what’s the point, Alexander? She’s your captive. Just take her as your concubine.

Alexander:
Cos I want a son. Damn you, Philotas.

Philotas:
Then half you nobles have sisters who’d make fine Macedonian mothers.

Alexander:
To take an Asian as my queen, not a captive, is a sign of deep respect for our subject. It will bring us together, unify us. Which is not to say I won’t take a Macedonian.

Philotas: As a second wife? You insult Macedonia.

Antigonus:
Never will our people accept this girl’s son as king. They’ll be angry enough to find out their husbands all have second wives in Barbaria.

Alexander:
Then they’ll learn! By Athena’s justice, this girl has spirit. She’ll breed a brave son.

Polyperchon:
Alexander! This is about the honor of our kingdom.

Parmenion:
Exactly. What can be won, Alexander? We’re in Asia to punish them for their crimes. We’ve achieved that. Seven years from home, now we drift from one far region to another, chasing nomads and bandits when Macedonia bleeds its manpower. For what? To build roads in Asia? To give these people cities?

Black Cleitus:
And now make an army of them?

Alexander:
To found cities and expand our reach is not to drift, Parmenion.

Parmenion:
What benefit to Macedon?

Alexander:
It’s far richer than before!

Parmenion:
Look what you give them.

Nearchus:
With respect, Parmenion, had you fought better at Gaugamela when your flank was crumbling we would’ve had Darius--

Philotas:
How dare you, Nearchus?!

Nearchus:
General Nearchus, to you, boy.

Philotas:
Alexander spread our flank too thin! There was nothing my father, or any of you, could’ve done!

Parmenion:
Philotas! (To Alexander) Alexander, I’ve known you since you were born. I supported you at your father’s death. At the very least, for Zeus’ sake, and in respect to the council that chose you king, give us a Macedonian heir. A Macedonian heir.

Alexander:
You’ve been heard clearly.

Parmenion: But—

Alexander:
Parmenion! After the wedding, take two brigades back to Babylon, where I look to you and Antipater in Greece, to maintain our empire and supply this expedition. I’ll winter in the north with my army at Marakand.

Parmenion:
I pray to Apollo you’ll soon realize how far you’ve turned from your father’s path.

Alexander:
I damn you, Parmenion, by the gods and your Apollo. What was in my father’s guts wasn’t overripe in reason like yours!

Parmenion:
He never lusted for war, Alexander, or enjoyed it so. He consulted his peers in council, among equals, the Macedonian way. He didn’t make decisions based on his personal desires.

Alexander:
I’ve taken us further than my father ever dreamed. Old man… we’re in new worlds.

Cassander:
Alexander, be reasonable! Were they ever meant to be our equals? Share our rewards? You remember what Aristotle said. An Asian? What would a vow mean to a race that’s never kept their word to a Greek? Alexander: Aristotle be damned!

Others:
Alexander!

Alexander:
By Zeus and all the gods, what makes you so much better than them, Cassander? Better than you really are. In you and those like you is this.

Hephaistion:
Alexander.

Alexander:
What disturbs me the most is not your lack of respect for my judgement. It’s your contempt for a world far older than ours.

Black Cleitus:
Five to any man who bothers to kill me.

Hephaistion:
Have another drink, Cleitus.

Black Cleitus:
Shouldn’t you be bowing to the king?

Nearchus:
Cleitus.

Oxyartes:
Alexander, you look weak when you not accept these honors.

Alexander:
I understand, my dear father, but it’s against Greek ways.

Oxyartes:
Then Greek ways are weak.

Persian Chamberlain:
I still think she got the better of him in this bargain.

Oxyartes:
My daughter, Roxane, she shall make you good wife. She shall kill for you. Raw skunk, ruler of heaven… and earth. In honor of this great alliance, I, Oxyartes, offer you these great gifts. Some tribe leader: I would like to honor a toast to you from my people.

Cup bearer:
Good morning, sire.

Oxyartes:
We shall fight for you, Alexander. It shall be bloody.

Alexander:
Who’s the bear?

Ptolemy:
Parmenion. He’s been in complete control of your supply lines.

Alexander:
His pessimism is infectious. But he’ll stay loyal, as long as his son remains with us.

Persian Chamberlain:
Her eyes tell me she cares for you, Alexander. Perhaps too much. In the ways of my country, those who love too much, lose everything. And those who love with irony, last.

Hephaistion:
I found it in Egypt. The man who sold it said it came from a time when man worshipped sun and stars. I’ll always think of you as the sun, Alexander. And I pray your dream will shine on all men. I wish you a son. 

Alexander:
You’re a great man.

Hephaistion:
Many will love you, Alexander, but none so pure and deep.

Roxane:
You loves him?

Alexander:
He is Hephaistion. (To Bagoas) Thank you, Bagoas.

Roxane:
Your boy?

Alexander:
There are many different ways to love, Roxane. Come.

Roxane:
No. No, no!

Alexander:
You have no fear. It’s fitting. “A man searches for a woman at the Earth’s top… and finds her.”

Alexander:
The myth becomes real.

Roxane:
Great man, Sikander. You I kill now.

Alexander:
Do it. End it. I would do the-- I would do the same. I’ll die a fool for this love.


Olympias:
Who is this woman you call your queen, Alexander? A hill girl? You with your breeding. Already she makes enemies with her strong, clumsy nature. Do not confuse us. I was never a barbarian as Philip said. We are of Achilles’ royal blood. Zeus is your father. Oh, I understand, she brings you some happiness, but how can she help you? You must know that she does not speak in your name, which is yours and yours alone. Preserve it, secret it and hear me when I tell you, act. And act soon. After seven years, people wonder: Who is this King Alexander? I have given you ample proof. Antipater daily undermines your authority. Return to Babylon and strengthen your center. Or come home to Macedonia and reorganize. But do not chase your dream further east. Your life and mine depend on it. Remember, my only thoughts are of you. As you, too, must face your glorious destiny. Think kindly of your mother. Provide for me. Protect me from your enemies when you are gone. And remember always, it is I who love you more than any.


Alexander:
If only you were not a pale reflection of my mother’s heart.

Macedonia - 10 Years Earliear.

Olympias:
Pregnant so soon, the little whore. He will marry her in the spring, during Dionysus’ Festival. And when her first son is born, her sweet uncle Attalus will convince Philip to name the boy his successor, with himself as regent. And you, you will be sent on some impossible mission against some monstrous Northern tribe to be mutilated in one more meaningless battle over cattle. And I, no longer queen, will be put to death with your sister and the remaining members of our family.

Alexander:
I wish sometimes you could see the light, Mother. The truth is, he’s taken nothing from you that you’ve not been long without.

Olympias:
The only way is to strike. Announce your marriage to a Macedonian now. Beget a child of pureblood. He would be one of them, not mine. And he would have no choice but to make you a king. There is still Kynnane. Eurydice was perfect. If your father, that pig, had not ravaged her first!

Alexander:
Speak nothing more of my father. Do you hear me? Say nothing.

Olympias:
You’re right. Forgive me. A mother loves too much. Who shall I sing to sleep at night anymore? I wish-- I wish we could spend more time together. Like we used to, when you were the sweetest boy.

Alexander:
There’s never been time, Mother. Since I was a child, I’ve been groomed to be ever the best.

Olympias:
My poor child, you’re like Achilles, cursed by your greatness. Yes, take my strength.
You must never confuse your feelings with your duties, Alexander. A king must make public gestures for the common people. I know, but you will be 19 this summer, and already the girls are saying you don’t like them, you like Hephaistion more. I understand. It’s natural for a young man. But if you go to Asia without leaving a successor, you risk all.

Alexander:
Hephastion loves me, as I am. Not who.

Olympias:
Loves. Love? In the name of Dionysus... Understand how Philip thinks, for your own sake. Your life hangs in balance. I know these things, Alexander. You are nothing to him. His spies are inside your closest circle, to ensure that you don’t plot against him. And still, you sleep. You will not live out this year, unless you act! 

Alexander:
Stop! I’m his only worthy son. You crazed woman. He’d never hurt me. Even if Eurydice had a son, he’d be 20 before he’d let him rule.

Olympias:
Yes, and you would be 40. Old, and wise, like Parmenion. And Philip’s young son would be 20. Like you now, but raised by him, his blood. He will never give you the throne now, Alexander. Never.

Alexander:
What would you have me do?

Olympias:
Whatever is necessary.

Alexander:
Where have you lost your mind? It’d be civil war, clan against clan, chaos.

Olympias:
Yes. And you would win. Because the young ones love you like a god.

Alexander:
I forbid you to ever talk to me like that! Such a man would be forever chased by the Furies.

Olympias:
What have you to fear from the Furies for killing an impostor to the throne, before he murders you and your mother? Why won’t you ever believe me? Philip did not want you. You had a condition of the breathing. And he wanted to leave you in mountains for the birds to pecked at your eyes. What you don’t know, my poor child. 

Alexander:
Lanice knows nothing of this.

Olympias:
Lanice. I was there. Lanice was not. No, Alexander. Zeus is your father. I laid with him that night in the wind as sure as any mortal man. Never had I been made love to as I was then.

Alexander:
Enough. Half the mothers in Greece shared such a fantasy. I warn you, Mother. Make no mistake. You will treat this girl as nothing more important that his other wives. You will behave as we always have. As the first. I wonder, did you ever love him?

Olympias:
What? I never stopped.

Sogdia, Northeast Persia - 10 Years Later.

Alexander: What is it, Orestes?

Orestes:
I beg your forgiveness, my king. I cannot be part of this.

Alexander:
Who did this? Tell me. Say it!

Orestes: Hermolaus.

Hermolaus:
Death to all tyrants.


Philotas:
I didn’t do this!

Alexander:
I’ve known you and loved you as long as I know. Never will you find a man as devoted as I.

Philotas:
Alexander. 


Philotas:
Remember me for who I am.

Alexander:
I do remember you, Philotas, but not as you remember yourself. And it appears to me and others here from the testimony given by your mistress that the true weather of your soul is ambition.

Philotas:
No.


Soldier:
Remove him.

Perdicass:
The men will follow their king.

Antigonus:
Alexander won’t be there.


Alexander:
Then go, Antigonus, and Cleitus. And go quickly.

Parmenion:
If we issue the gold bullion in the name of Alexander then we meet a resistance. Cleitus. Antigonus.

Antigonus:
Parmenion.