As for me, I lie upon the forest leaves,
and having nothing which requires guarding, close my eyes in tranquil
slumber; whereas had I anything to guard, that would banish sleep.
The earth supplies me with everything, even as a mother her child
with milk. I go wherever I please, and there are no cares with
which I am forced to cumber myself.
"Should Alexander cut off my head, he cannot also destroy my soul.
My head alone, then silent, will remain, leaving the body like
a torn garment upon the earth, whence also it was taken. I then,
becoming Spirit, shall ascend to my God, who enclosed us all in
flesh and left us upon earth to prove whether, when here below,
we shall live obedient to His ordinances and who also will require
of us all, when we depart hence to His presence, an account of our
life, since He is Judge of all proud wrongdoing; for the groans of
the oppressed become the punishment of the oppressor.
"Let Alexander then terrify with these threats those who wish for
wealth and who dread death, for against us these weapons are both
alike powerless; the Brahmins neither love gold nor fear death. Go
then and tell Alexander this: Dandamis has no need of aught that is
yours, and therefore will not go to you, and if you want anything
from Dandamis, come you to him."
With close attention Alexander received through Onesikritos the
message from the yogi, and "felt a stronger desire than ever to
see Dandamis who, though old and naked, was the only antagonist
in whom he, the conqueror of many nations, had met more than his
match.
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